When Reunion Elementary School opened its doors to students in 2017, Stacy Fallik, a parent at the school, knew she wanted to be involved in making the school a welcoming and collaborative place for her community.

Since she knew David Felten, the principal at Reunion Elementary School, from his time at Second Creek Elementary, they both worked together to begin a new Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO). Fallik was the inaugural president of the group — and still is today.

“We really started our PTO group from the ground up,” said Fallik. “During my time as president, I’ve been able to put in place the critical pieces needed to set up future PTO members for success.”

The PTO group at Reunion Elementary plans all of the school’s events and it partners with non-profit organizations for community outreach.

One partnership is with Food for Thought, a non-profit that strives to eliminate weekend hunger by servicing 72 schools in the Denver area. One Friday every month, Reunion students can donate $1 to the group in exchange for wearing a hat for the day.

The Reunion PTO keeps the fun going throughout the year by sponsoring two other events — the Yeti Fun Run and the Yeti Golf Tournament.

The Yeti Fun Run is an event for students from all grade levels who pay a small fee to run with their teachers on six different tracks. Each class chooses a song a live DJ plays while the kids and teachers run wearing their designated class colors. On average, the Fun Run raises $50,000 or more. When $30,000 or more is raised, Principal Felten camps out overnight on the roof. For every additional $5,000 raised, another staff member joins him on the roof. Students love the event and go out to visit their principal on the roof, often bringing him goodies so he can have an enjoyable night under the stars.

The Yeti Golf Tournament tees off at the Buffalo Run Golf Course each year. Adults pay an entry fee to play golf for the day and they can buy raffle tickets for the chance to win a variety of gift baskets donated by local businesses who sponsor the event. On average, the Tournament raises about $15,000.

Fallik finds a meaningful purpose in organizing the events to give back to her school.

“One hundred percent of these funds raised go to our school in a variety of ways. Most of the time, the money goes into our classrooms,” Fallik said. “This means the money mainly goes towards technology, flexible seating, or teacher wish lists. Every now and then, we have a big goal. For example, right now we’re saving for an electronic marquee.”
Not only is Fallik president of the PTO group at Reunion Elementary, she’s also a substitute teacher for the school.

She chooses to be so involved because she genuinely loves kids.

“I love substituting and collaborating with our PTO board members and staff. Reunion Elementary School welcomes and truly cares about each individual family and their needs. I have the utmost confidence that students are receiving a high quality education.”

Fallik plans to turn over the presidency to another PTO board member after her youngest child moves on from Reunion Elementary, but she will still continue to substitute at the school.

The Reunion PTO has established its value in supporting families and staff. She’s sure that hallmark will continue for years to come.

“I believe in 27J Schools because they keep students’ best interest at heart.”