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Steamboat Springs — Nancy Mucklow said the Steamboat Springs High School's Parent Information Committee's first meeting of the year heralded the group's biggest budget and highest attendance in recent memory.

More than 30 mothers showed up for the first meeting of the year Wednesday as Mucklow, the chairman of the committee, announced the group has a budget of more than $6,000.

"This is the wealthiest we've been in my history," said Mucklow, who has been on the committee for five years.

The budget is still full from fundraising completed last year, she said. The group uses the money to entertain requests for funding from teachers in the high school for special projects.

Mucklow also said the number of attendees was the highest she remembered, though many parents attend only the first meeting of the year.

Mucklow spent most of the meeting telling parents about volunteer opportunities and encouraging participation in upcoming fundraisers and events, such as providing food for teachers during parent-teacher conferences.

"We have a lot of culinary talent that's bursting to be shared," she said. "Don't be afraid to volunteer."

The group also was introduced to new teachers at the high school and given information about tests and upcoming events by Principal Kevin Taulman.

Although school started only last week, the group also began plans for the After Prom party, which provides an alcohol-free atmosphere for students after prom.

When some parents mentioned that it seemed early to be discussing After Prom, Taulman said, "It's just around the corner."

The After Prom party is the largest event the committee organizes. Members regularly solicit donations from local businesses for the all-night festivities.

Taulman said he hopes to use his presentations at the monthly, hourlong meetings to announce upcoming events and allow parents to ask questions.

By the end of Wednesday's meeting, nearly all of the volunteer sign-up sheets were filled with names.

The group meets on the first Wednesday of every month at the high school. The next PIC meeting is Oct. 1.