What began as a small, close-knit circle of parents determined to offset budget cuts has evolved into an impactful and community-centered organization supporting core values of the Hayden Valley School District. 

Years after its formation, the Hayden Valley Parent Teacher Organization continues to bridge gaps between district needs and educational opportunities. Powered by a handful of committed women and a community that shows up when it matters most, they ensure that the needs of students and teachers are being met. 

“We felt very strongly about supporting the school, especially the special classes,” said longtime PTO member Alicia Doolin, referring to the school district’s decision to make cuts to elementary art programming several years ago. “We decided we needed to raise money in one large event and that’s how we came up with the idea for the Spring Soirée.”

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The Soirée has since become the PTO’s primary fundraiser and has evolved into a much-anticipated annual community tradition. Over the last three years, it has raised over $100,000 for the Hayden Valley School District through sponsorships, donations and a lot of hard work. 

The organization’s current leadership team consists of Ashley Sweetser, Ashlee Nowak, Doolin and Nancy Martin.

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A grassroots legacy

Doolin, a Hayden graduate who returned in 2010 to raise her family in the district, has been with the PTO for eight years. She also serves on the district’s board.

“My most recent role in the organization is helping with the development of a secondary PTO,” she said. “That branch of the PTO now has funds from last year’s Spring Soirée and is distributing them to the secondary teachers and students, which has been really cool.”

Martin, a mother of two Hayden Elementary students, echoed the importance of being present for both children and community. 

“I joined the PTO five years ago when my daughters were in kindergarten,” she said. “I do it for my children. If a teacher wants to go on a special field trip, I want to make sure that they have the funds to support that vision as well.”

Over the last two years, she and the leadership team have transitioned the PTO’s focus from elementary to district-wide.

Field trips, flexible seating, reading tools, health and wellness incentives for staff and a full-scale renovation of the elementary school makerspace are several ways the PTO has turned ideas into reality. 

“It was kind of an eyesore,” said elementary teacher Lysa Long of the space before the transformation. “It wasn’t functional and now it’s a cornerstone for the elementary school.”

From idea to impact

As the PTO’s vision grew, so did its inclusive nature and outreach efforts. The organization moved from monthly to quarterly meetings, allowing for wider participation among parents with busy schedules or longer commutes. 

“We really try to fit it to everybody’s schedule,” Martin said. “It’s important that they are able show up and be involved in their children’s future.”

Still, the leadership and “heavy lifting” often rests with a core group of women who coordinate events, manage proposals and build community relationships.

“It’s an evolving core group as people join and figure out what they want to do and how they want to help,” Doolin said.

Even without official roles, fathers and male community members provide support to the group in key ways. 

“They are not members that attend the meetings, but they are on the scaffolding as the PTO members tell them exactly where to hang the tulle,” joked Doolin.

Spring Soirée — a celebration with cause

The Spring Soirée, which has been held at The Haven Community Center for the last two years, has grown from a makeshift gala into a full-scale event with live music, catering and support from businesses and individuals throughout the Yampa Valley.

“Our budget for the event is based on sponsorships,” said Martin. “We don’t spend any of the PTO’s money on the Spring Soirée. We only spend what we get in sponsorships, which has allowed us to have a larger event with more exciting items.”

The evening includes a live silent auction in addition to a live band, cash bar and tapas, with childcare provided by the school’s FFA chapter. All proceeds raised will provide much needed support to Hayden Valley School District teachers and students.

Beyond the fundraising

While the soirée is the organization’s marquee event, most of the PTO’s work happens in the background, whether it’s supporting trips to Denver or handing out free books during literacy week.

The passion of the group’s leadership, and their dedication to the cause of education, is clear. And for many of those who support and drive the PTO, the rewards are deeply personal. 

“The sky’s the limit,” said Martin about the future of the organization’s work with the district. “Every kid learns differently, so it’s nice when we can provide resources for them.”

For teachers like Long, the support shown at the soirée, and the funding the PTO provides, is about more than resources.

“What I really want the community to know is how grateful and humbled teachers are by this event. Seeing how well attended it is, as well as how willing people are to donate, makes us feel so valued and supported,” she said. “One reason why teaching in Hayden is uniquely rewarding is because of the immense support and caring involvement of parents and families. This event really showcases the generous spirit of the valley and how much they value education and educators above and beyond their tax dollars.”

Looking to the future

As Hayden continues to grow, so does the PTO’s vision. 

With evolving administrative support from the district and an eye toward expanding secondary participation, the organization remains rooted in its mission to support students, empower teachers and enrich the school community.

“I do think that the school allocates resources to students and teachers well. We do have generous classroom budgets,” said Long. “However, these funds really allow for teachers’ passion projects and engaging resources that are not possible with school funds only. We are able to ask the PTO for special items that teachers in other places are funding out of their own pockets.”

Behind it all are women like Doolin, Martin and Sweetser, working tirelessly to make the school a better place.

“I think the whole team gets to feel a huge sense of accomplishment,” Doolin said. “We’ve pulled something off in our little community that makes a big impact on our district.”

This year’s Hayden Valley PTO Spring Soirée will be from 6-11 p.m. April 25 at The Haven, 300 S. Shelton St. Those interested in purchasing tickets or donating can email haydenvalleyelementarypto@gmail.com.

The author of this article, John Camponeschi, is an educator in the Hayden Valley School District.