The Demopolis City Schools Parent Teacher Association is working on several projects to help local students and schools.

At Westside Elementary, the PTA is working on creating a cookbook with recipes from Westside friends and families. The cookbooks cost $20 and can be ordered from any Westside student or teacher, any PTA officer or by emailing westsidecookbook@gmail.com.

If anyone would like to submit a recipe for the cookbook, Betsy Stephens, PTA president, asked that they be emailed to westsidecookbook@gmail.com. Recipes will be accepted through Tuesday, Sept. 23, and orders will be accepted through Friday, Oct. 3.

Student artwork will be featured throughout the cookbook. All funds will directly benefit the school. The cookbooks will be ready before Christmas, according to Stephens.

Students at U.S. Jones started a fundraiser this week selling out of a catalog. Students are selling wrapping paper, kitchen gadgets, candies, tools and more. In addition to this fundraiser, they are also selling cookie dough. Students will receive prizes based on a cumulative prize program, and at 22 items sold, students will receive a Sidewinder Scooter. This fundraiser will last through Monday, Oct. 6.

The PTA will also be holding its fall meeting Monday, Sept. 22 at U.S. Jones in the gym at 6 p.m. There will be school announcements, a brief demonstration of how some grant funds have been used in the U.S. Jones physical education department, and a short program on bullying.

The classroom with the best representation at the meeting Monday will receive a popcorn party. Each grade from kindergarten through fifth grade will have a winner.

The PTA is also looking for new members. Neighbors, friends and grandparents of students are encouraged to join to support the school system.