PTC

2012-2013 Officers:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , President
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Vice President
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Secretary
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Treasurer
Lisa McKenney, Staff Liaisons

*Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at 6:00 in the VES Library

Meetings are not mandatory for your involvement in any activity, but if you can make the meetings - even just occasionally, that would help keep everyone informed - and we do have fun at these meetings. If babysitting is an issue, well-behaved children may accompany you - the children usually play quietly together in the library while the adults meet.

The Vernon teachers, parents and community are all part of the PTC/Spirit Club which meets monthly to coordinate fundraising events to raise money for the children of Vernon Elementary School.

What do the PTC funds do for your child and the school?

As school budgets face cuts, the PTC fundraising events help pick up some of the slack. For example, a portion of every field trip is paid for by PTC funds. The cost of these educational and fun events for our kids could become too cost-prohibitive if the PTC was not able to help pay for them.

The PTC also raises funds for books, materials and furniture for children’s classrooms. The PTC/Spirit Club funds the Four Winds program and activities including the ice cream social which takes place at the end of the year. These funds are a little extra help to our school and our children.

What kind of fundraisers does the PTC organize?

Each year the PTC/ Spirit Club organizes several fundraising events - and we're always searching for new ideas to help in our fundraising efforts. Events may include, but are not limited to, catalog fundraisers, basket raffles, Scholastic Book Fairs, Box Tops for Education, Tyson Labels, Price Chopper Points, Hannaford Helps, six roller-skate events and a holiday shop.

You are an important part of making this Club successful. If you are able to donate even just a little of your time to one or more of these events, please contact your child’s teacher, a PTC board member or leave a message in the office.

Room Parents

Every year each classroom/grade has three major parties. They are: Halloween, Christmas and Valentine’s Day. The people responsible for putting these parties together are the “Room Parents”. These volunteers are the ones that make plans such as choosing games/activities and what the children will enjoy for a special snack for the party day. Also, they contact other parents that are willing to help with food and paper goods.

The classroom teacher will indicate times and guidelines, while the rest will be left for the volunteers. The beginning of the school year is when parents are asked to voice their interest in this position.

Other responsibilities of the room parent are to work with the teacher to pass along information that is needed to contact parents in a timely manner.

Opportunities to volunteer

As with all the PTC-sanctioned events, we encourage any one to help out, no matter how little time you may have available -- any help is welcomed! Most events are run by committees of multiple people, so no event becomes too daunting for any one volunteer.

Raffle Baskets: Each class creates a theme gift basket. The students help fill the basket with appropriate items, and the baskets are raffled off. Themes often include a "Girl" and "Boy" basket, themed dinners, chocolates, and much more! Your child's teacher will let you know the theme for their class. The PTC promotes the sale of tickets. Volunteers are needed to help sell ticket at various locations (Outlet Center, Gallery Walk, etc.) and at the booth at the VY Craft Fair. VY Craft Fair: Friday, Nov. 30, and Saturday, Dec. 1. Time Required: 1 -2 hour shifts.

Four Winds Nature Institute: This educational monthly classroom program involves presenting that month's info to a classroom of students, and helping with the subject-related activity. See the "Four Winds" link in the menu listing (left) for a complete description. URGENT NEED; Time Required: 2-3 hours per month.

Book Fairs: There are usually a few book fairs offered throughout the school year. Volunteers are needed to help set up and take down the venue, and to work the register. Some hours are during school hours, and some are after school hours. Time Required: 1-2 hour shifts

• Holiday Book Fair: This book fair is held in conjunction with the VY Craft Fair. Volunteers needed to help set up for the snack bar as well as the book selling jobs listed above. Sorry - Santa is out sick with the flu right now - so we told him to stay in bed and get healthy for Christmas eve. Friday, Nov. 30, and Saturday, Dec. 1. (Friday evening & Saturday); Time Required: 1-2 hour shifts
Home for the Holidays Food Counter During the Craft Fair, sell prepared food from the cafeteria counter Friday night and Saturday during the day. 2012 (Friday evening & Saturday); Time Required: 1-2 hour shifts.

• Spring book fair: This is a Scholastic BOGO Book Fair . Volunteers needed to help set up and take down the books, plus help mind the store. DATE TBD. Time Required: 1-2 hour shifts.

Roller-skate Fridays: The second Friday of most months, the VES gym becomes a roller skating rink! Lots of volunteer opportunities - from baking and selling the goodies, to running the door, to chaperoning the rink, to DJing. Skating is from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.; $3.00 to skate; $.50 for snacks. Helmets are required for all skaters. New this Year: The 5 skates will each be sponsored by the grades. The grades, with the help of the room parent and the PTC, will pick a theme (if they choose) for their month; work the admissions table; provide snacks and snack sellers, and chaperones. The D/Music will be provided by the PTC. Time Required: Variable by job.

2012 Dates & Themes:
October 12 – School Spirit/Sports (VES Wear)
November 16 – Hollywood/Rock Stars
December 14 – sponsored by the Tornadoes
January 11 – Winter Wonderland
February 1– Beach/Swimwear
March 8 – Dr. Seuss

Thanksgiving Dinner: A yummy VES tradition! Help our Food and Beverage department serve a hearty Thanksgiving feast for students and their families. Generally held the Thursday before the Thanksgiving holiday. Volunteers needed to help set up the cafeteria, keep the serving dishes filled, clean up and some cooking. Wednesday, Nov. 14 (afternoon prep from 1-3); Thursday, Nov. 15
(help needed from 10 - 2). Time Required: Variable by job.

Holiday Shop: VES students have a great opportunity to do all their holiday shopping for their families and friends right within the school walls! A special Holiday Shop is set up to accommodate the students to visit and purchase their gifts. Volunteer opportunities include purchasing the items to stock the store, pricing/packaging the merchandise, setting up the store, assisting students with purchases, running the cash register, and then cleaning up what's left for next year. The shop offers items from under $.25 - $5 each. December 10 or 17; Time Required: 1-2 hour shifts

Ice Cream Social: An annual end-of-the-school-year event, the ice cream social is held during school hours. Volunteers would be needed to dish out ice cream to the students, and help with clean up afterwards. June afternoon; Time Required: 1-2 hours.

6th Grade Graduation: An annual June event, this special night offers volunteer opportunities including decorating the cafeteria and serving punch and cake after graduation. June evening; Time Required: Variable by job

6th Grade Wall Hangings: Each year, the 6th grade students create a self-portrait in art class, which is then made into a commemorative fabric wall hanging each 6th grade student gets to keep. Volunteer opportunities include cutting of fabric squares and the sewing of the wall hangings. These measure about 18" wide, so the sewing commitment is minimal. No sewing experience necessary. Even if you can't sew, we can use your help with cutting fabric. Time Required: Variable by job

School Play Refreshments: Upper class students get a chance to try-out for the annual school play. The PTC volunteers are responsible for making popcorn and serving beverages. (If you want to volunteer to help with the play itself, speak to Mrs. Cooper or Mr. Loomis.) April; Friday night & Saturday afternoon;
Time Required: approximately 2 hours.