The parent teacher association at Western Salisbury Elementary School held a general membership meeting and ice cream social April 21 at the school.

Elections were also held at this meeting, with the members electing Marci Stappung, president; Sebastian van Beek, vice president; Jason Deppner, treasurer and Paul Juhasz, secretary.

There is an opening for an executive vice president and nominations are currently being accepted. The board would like to fill the position at their next board meetings scheduled for either May 7 or June 4. Anyone interested in serving should contact Stappung at marci_stappung@hotmail.com.

Fourth grade students will be asked to submit artwork for the T-shirt design and for the school directory. More information will be given to the students in May.

Plans are in the works for the teacher/staff appreciation lunch scheduled 10:30 a.m. June 5. This year, the lunch will have a Mexican theme. There is still time to contribute to the lunch; all contributions must be to the school by 9 a.m. June 5.

The PTA noted very successful fundraising events this year including Gifts & Things, movie with Santa, Louie's, Barnes & Noble, Display My Art, holiday shop, pie fundraiser, Gertrude Hawk, purse bingo, Menchie's Night and the pig fundraiser.

With these funds, the PTA has paid for field trips for students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade, provided birthday books, a staff appreciation lunch, fall and spring clubs, PTA directory, roller skating party, bracelets, T-shirts and other miscellaneous items.

The PTA also purchased a laminator for the school, which replaced a laminator provided by the PTA approximately eight years ago. When the laminator broke unexpectedly, the PTA stepped in to purchase a replacement. Principal Grace Hartman said how grateful she was for the PTA gift.

Upcoming events include a butterfly release and the Color-a-Thon scheduled May 16. The run will begin 9:30 a.m., registration begins 8:30 a.m. and the after-party will be held 10 a.m. to noon.

PTA Dana Graham is collecting baby photos of fifth grade students for the yearbook.

During the recent PSSA testing, students in kindergarten, first and second grades wrote letters of encouragement to third and fourth grade students.

In addition, the PTA purchased wristbands for the testing students with such inspirational messages as, "Do your best " and "Stay positive."

In her principal's report, Hartman said there will be tile replacement at the school over the summer which could mean limited access to the building for families. Hartman also reported driveway repairs will also be completed during the summer.

Music teacher Betsy Gaston is inviting parents and guardians into music classes 8:55 to 11:55 a.m. May 27 and June 1.

Regarding staffing, Hartman said there is currently an opening in the district for a supervisor of instructional practice.

Hartman also said plans are being made to accommodate full-time kindergarten which will begin in the fall.