Bush Elementary School third graders from Mary Neumann-Ceminilli's class recently met Bobby and Buddy, two horses from Crackerjack Farms in Bemus Point. The students, along with all their peers, enjoyed a horse-drawn trolley ride the day before Thanksgiving break courtesy of the Bush Elementary School PTA.
"I didn't know that horses had so many different jobs at farms," said student Simeon Howie. "We also learned a lot about what horses did in Jamestown in the old days. They used to take people around town before there were cars."
Jim Gruber from Crackerjack Farms, which has a unique collection of horse-drawn vehicles including a stagecoach and Victorian carriage, told students that Bobby weighs 1,700 pounds and Buddy weighs 1,900 pounds as just one of the many interesting facts during the trolley ride, just one of many activities and experiences provided by the Bush School PTA. Bush PTA President and Co-Treasurer Valerie Tilburg stresses the importance of parents and grandparents getting involved in their students' education.
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Bush Elementary School students enjoy a horse-drawn trolley ride from Crackerjack Farms courtesy of the Bush PTA.
"If kids see their parents and grandparents volunteering, whether it's through the PTA or not, they get really excited. It shows them you care and builds school pride," said Mrs. Tilburg. "We have a great PTA and volunteers at Bush School. We always need more involvement and it's a great way to learn about your child's school and what is going on."
The Bush School PTA holds many activities each year with PTA volunteers at the helm: Friday Popcorn with Kristie Salvaggio. Scholastic Fall Book Fair with Terry Smith, Late Winter Chocolate Sale and Box Top fundraisers with Delia Crooks, and Collecting Labels for Education with Mrs. Tilburg. The Bush PTA will purchase t-shirts with the school mascot and motto for each child in the school coordinated by Nicole Nickerson. A Movie Night encouraged families to visit the school and they purchased Thanksgiving meals for all staff and students. The PTA also holds an ongoing aluminum tab drive for the WCA Dialysis Unit. Each student in the school receives a book from the PTA through RIF. The PTA also helped fund the new outdoor pavilion for use by students and staff.
"The PTA is successful when volunteers follow through and students, families and faculty participate in an event. We try to keep costs down to just cover our expenses. We are not focused on dollars but values and experiences," said Mrs. Tilburg.
The Bush PTA is a member of the City Council PTA, New York State PTA and National PTA. For more information on joining the Bush PTA, call the main office at 483-4401.