At Harriet Rowley Elementary School, in the Mount Vernon School District, the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) had a dream to create a sense of community and fun. In recent years, the PTO has lacked funding, leaving a gap in student and family engagement. Nicole, a recently hired Communities In Schools of Whatcom-Skagit (CISWS) Site Coordinator, saw this need and envisioned a school dance that would raise funds and bring families together.
Nicole assessed what Harriet Rowley needed most and proposed the idea of hosting a school dance. With a modest budget of $200, Nicole and her team—including CISWS’s Admin and Operations Specialist, Tavia, the school psychologist, and the head secretary—set out to make this dream a reality. Their goal was to attract at least 20 families and raise more than their initial budget to keep the momentum going into the next year.
In just three weeks, the team rallied resources from local businesses. CISWS funded raffle items, including an electric scooter and a bike. Pepsi donated snacks and water, a local DJ volunteered, and a professional photographer, who was also a parent, offered discounted portraits for families. These contributions made the night even more memorable.
On the day of the dance, the school’s gymnasium was transformed with twinkling lights and the sound of laughter. To their delight, around 100 families arrived, their faces lit up with excitement. Parents and children from the Highlands neighborhood came together in masses, barely able to contain the excitement of the children as they walked to the gymnasium doors.
The outpouring of support was overwhelming. The event raised $898 for the PTO, far surpassing expectations. For Nicole, this success was deeply personal. It was a testament to the power of community and the impact of hope and hard work. One of the most heartwarming moments for Nicole was seeing the long line of families waiting at the door, children barely able to contain their excitement. The sight of parents and kids, hand in hand, coming together to celebrate was incredibly moving. The photographer captured portraits of families and youth, allowing families to cherish them forever.
This dance was more than just an event; it was a bridge that connected the school and the community in a way that hadn’t been seen in years. It showed that families and students were eager to connect and have fun together. The presence of three dedicated staff members highlighted the event’s significance and laid the groundwork for even greater involvement in the future.
For Nicole, the main takeaway was clear: parents and children are hungry for the joy and connection that school activities can bring. The dance not only inspired the staff but also illuminated the community’s desire for more events like this. It underscored the importance of creating spaces where families can come together, reinforcing the school’s role as a hub of community and connection. The success of the dance at Harriet Rowley Elementary School is a reminder of the power of community engagement and the magic that happens when people come together with love, hope, and a shared vision.
Nicole is WONDERFUL! Of all of the CIS folks that I’ve worked with, she is the strongest team player I’ve known. She works so well with parents and students, and she brought so much to our team. I didn’t have a good impression before she joined our team.
The glow dance was above and beyond. Nicole did an excellent job organizing and executing an event for the PTO.
Harriet Rowley Elementary School Staff Member