Emerson PTA 2025–2026 Year in Review

As the 2025–2026 school year comes to a close, the Emerson PTA would like to thank our families, staff, students, and community partners for another successful year of supporting Emerson Junior High.

Fundraising Success

Thanks to the generosity of our school community, the Emerson PTA raised roughly $26,300 this year through a variety of fundraising efforts. These funds came from direct donations and PTA memberships, our annual auction, bake sales, SWAG store, Nugget Community Cards, Raise Right, and numerous restaurant partnership events throughout the year.

We are grateful to our “dine-out” partners who helped make fundraising easy and fun for Emerson families, including:

• Dos Coyotes

• Lamppost Pizza 

• Super Owl Brewing

• Panda Express

• Chipotle

• Yolo Berry Yogurt

• Raising Cane's

• Avid Reader

• Volt Coffee, Tea & Tap

• Fluffy's Donuts

Every purchase, donation, membership, and volunteer hour helped strengthen our school community and expand opportunities for Emerson students.

Investing in Classrooms and Learning

One of the Emerson PTA's most meaningful programs is our Teacher Grant Program, which empowers educators to bring innovative ideas and valuable resources directly into their classrooms.

Teacher Grants are awarded to support ongoing classroom instruction, encourage teacher creativity, and enhance student learning. Grants may fund curriculum subscriptions, instructional materials, classroom supplies, equipment, and other tangible resources that create a lasting and positive impact for both students and teachers.

In 2026-2027, the PTA funded nearly $8,000 in teacher grants, supporting projects and resources across a wide range of departments, including:

• Special Education – Headphones to help students focus during study skills, calculators, classroom technology, and flexible seating options such as wobble stools.

• Physical Education – New archery targets to support the 9th-grade PE archery unit.

• World Languages – Classroom subscriptions to engaging language-learning platforms, book sets, and cultural study materials including calligraphy brushes and teapots that help bring language and culture to life.

• Counseling – Professional memberships that support staff development and student wellness initiatives.

• Science – New classroom balances, lab equipment, physics materials, Chromebook chargers, and replacement equipment to support hands-on learning and experimentation.

• English & Performing Arts – Headphones, computer mice, storage solutions, and vocabulary-building resources to enhance accessibility, organization, and literacy development.

• Leadership – A new megaphone, classroom furniture, and supplies that help build school spirit, support student leadership, and strengthen campus culture.

• Agriculture – Hydroponic growing systems that provide students with hands-on learning experiences in modern agricultural practices.

• Math & Library – Graphing and scientific calculators available for classroom use and library checkout, helping ensure students have access to the tools they need to succeed.

• Essential Teacher Supply Starter Boxes – (100’s of Pencils, Post-its, Dry Erase Markers, Glue Sticks)

By funding these projects, the Emerson PTA helps bridge gaps in traditional school funding and provides teachers with the resources they need to create engaging, enriching, and memorable learning experiences for students.

Celebrating Our Incredible Staff

The Emerson PTA Hospitality Committee proudly supports the dedicated teachers and staff who work tirelessly on behalf of our students every day. Throughout the year, we host five hospitality and appreciation events and provid a monthly staff coffee service as a small token of our gratitude for all they do.

Our annual staff appreciation events included:

• Welcome Back Celebration

• Veterans Day Meet & Greet Hospitality Event

• Holiday Coffee & Dessert Gathering

• Teacher Appreciation Week Events

• Year-End Staff Celebration

Our teachers and staff invest countless hours into creating a positive, engaging, and supportive learning environment for Emerson students. The PTA has the privilege of celebrating their hard work, dedication, and commitment throughout the year. We are grateful for everything they do to make Emerson a place where students can learn, grow, and succeed.

By the Numbers

• $26,298.62 raised

• $8,000 in teacher grants awarded

• $5,000 invested in the library

• $3,500 contributed to yearbooks

• 9 dine-out fundraisers

• Countless volunteer hours donated