We are writing as President of the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) at Besser Elementary and President of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) at Ella White Elementary in response to the recent suggestion in a Letter to the Editor that Alpena schools should “bring back PTAs.” In fact, parent groups are alive and well across the Alpena district.

Historically, all parent groups at all of the schools serve as a bridge between parents and the school. We organize fundraisers, coordinate volunteer efforts, and host a forum where parents’ voices can be heard. ALL schools have monthly meeting dates where all parents are welcome to attend and to join any committee that matches their interests. Committee involvement gives parents a real way to connect with staff, support students, and meet other families. Our goal is simple: get parents involved, not just in theory, but in meaningful ways. All schools offer a wide range of programs and events to get involved. These initiatives are not passive, they are actively planned and staffed by parent volunteers and in collaboration with the school’s staff.

All schools are also represented in the Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council (SPAC). We meet monthly with Mr. Rabbideau to review current developments at our schools. During this time, we can also collaborate to explore what other parent groups are implementing in their schools. It’s a great time to connect and share ideas.

If the writer of the Letter to the Editor, Joann Pinkerton, is unfamiliar with APS parent groups, we invite her to attend any of our meetings or reach out to learn more. All parent groups are a working, living partnership.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to clarify how parent engagement already thrives in Alpena Public Schools!

Tracie Granata and Kristin Barden

Alpena