West Madison students work on crafts last school year. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – West Madison Elementary School successfully met its $26,000 fundraising goal, thanks to diligence of students and their families, faculty and administrators.

“For the smallest school in Madison City Schools to raise and meet our goal of $26,000 is awesome,” PTA President Angie Enderton said. “We’re grateful and thankful for everyone involved.”

Each year, West Madison conducts one major fundraiser. “With the help of Boosterthon, our chairperson and the volunteers, as well as staff, faculty, students and their families, we did meet our goal,” Enderton said. “We had some awesome sponsors, too.”

“As PTA President, I could not have done this alone or take any credit for anything,” Enderton said. “Without the team I have and the amazing volunteers, this would not have been possible.”

Enderton acknowledged fundraising chairperson Ben Schwartz and his team of volunteers for “an absolutely amazing job.”

Other PTA officers at West Madison are vice president of volunteers Michele Gay, vice president of programs Suzanne Richards, treasurer Ricki Schwartz and secretary Ashley Peeden.

The PTA as a team — not just a board — votes and agrees on a fundraiser. The PTA sometimes sends out a survey to parents to gather opinions about the type of fundraiser that they prefer.

“Then, we propose the idea to our principal, Dr. Daphne Jah, and she gets the final say. If Dr. Jah doesn’t like the idea, we come up with another idea,” Enderton said.

PTA members determine what measures can help them raise the funds to help their school. “Each year, we focus on what needs to be improved and from there determine how much we need to raise,” Enderton said.

“We have the best principal, Dr. Daphne Jah, and assistant principal, Kathy Miller, ever,” Enderton said. “They sure know how to get the students excited and motivated for our fundraiser and (demonstrate) great spirit.”

Anyone can join PTA, which includes parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and other relatives, she said.