Monroe schools foundation seeks business participation for staff orientation

The Monroe Public Schools Foundation invites the business community to participate in two upcoming marketing opportunities designed to welcome new educational staff and introduce them to products and services available in Monroe.

First, the foundation is seeking promotional items to be placed inside "Welcome to the CommunityGÇ¥ gift bags, which will be distributed during the annual new teacher breakfast. Donations from businesses during previous years have encompassed a variety of tchotchke items, including branded pens, cups and tablets. Gift certificates and coupons are also welcome.

The school district is expecting around 70 new staff this year, so each donor would need to be able to supply 70 promotional items.

"This is our way of reaching out to our community to see if they would like to have a chance to introduce themselves and or their business by including a promotional item in the welcome bags for new staff coming into our district to work,GÇ¥ wrote Monroe Public Schools Community Connections Coordinator Sue Skillen in an email.-á

The foundation would need to receive the items no later than Friday, Aug. 26.

Next, the annual Monroe Public Schools Employee Benefit Fair takes place from 2:30-5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, at Monroe High School. The purpose of the fair is to answer any questions new district employees might have about their benefits packages.

"In an effort to reach out to local business that would like the opportunity to talk with district employees attending this event, the Monroe Public Schools Employee Benefits Fair is open to local businesses interested in having a promotional table at the event,GÇ¥ Skillen wrote.

The event is free for businesses. Space is limited, so participation is on a first come, first serve basis. Participating businesses are welcome to bring promotional items to pass out during the event.

"We would greatly appreciate any items donated for staff, they are always are a huge hit with the new staff GÇô very much appreciated,GÇ¥ Skillen wrote.-á -á

For more information about either opportunity, contact Skillen at skillens@monroe.wednet.edu or 360-804-4317.