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There are many ways to get involved and be a part of the Central School District 51 PTO. Everyone who has a child who attends District 51 schools is welcome to attend PTO meetings, which are usually held the first Thursday of every month in the CIS library. If you are looking for a way to be more involved, consider reaching out to any of our committee chairs. A brief description and contact information for each committee is below.
CPS Activities
CPS Activities
The CPS Activities committee is focused on organizing events such as the Fall and Spring VIP Breakfasts for ECE-4th grade students. Historically, this committee has also organized Grandparents' Day. "Family Movie Night" took place in January.
If you are interested in helping with any of the events listed above, contact either of the following:
Faye Clark: fayeclark87@gmail.com
Casey Pfeifer: cpfeifer@ep309.org
CIS Activities
CIS Activities
This committee is focused on brainstorming and executing fun activities for CIS students. Committee heads meet multiple times a year to plan various events/activities that are held throughout the school year. Recent examples include: Trojan Treats, Trivia Night, and R.O.C.K. (Rewarding Outstanding Central Kids). This committee also historically helps with Field Day and provides items for the CIS playground. If you are interested in helping with any of the events listed above, contact:
Brittany Dorf: bdorf@central51pto.org
Melissa Gilles: mgilles@central51pto.org
Fundraising and REwards
Fundraising and REwards
Fundraising
The PTO typically plans two fundraisers per year. The Trojan Trot committee starts meeting over the summer in the evenings. We plan the fall fundraiser which runs two weeks before the event; the event itself is held on the Friday of Homecoming. We plan the event with the goal to make it as fun for the kids as possible. We are always looking for new members and new ideas!
Jenna Hague:
The spring fundraiser allows students to practice their sales skills. Students have the option to sell pastries to friends and family. Pastries are available for pick-up prior to the Easter holiday. The money raised through both fundraisers is set aside for the next year's budget.
Brielle Meinders:
Rewards
Participating in the following programs helps raise additional funds for the Central District 51 PTO:
Box Tops: Use the app and earn money for our schools by scanning or submitting digital receipts.
Kroger Community Rewards: Earn money for our schools just by shopping at Kroger!
Casey's Cash for Classrooms: Earn and donate points using the Casey's app.
Kim Peterson:
Teacher Appreciation
Teacher Appreciation
The Teacher Appreciation Committee has the wonderful responsibility of showing appreciation for all Central staff members. We help plan a dinner for teachers during fall conferences, provide a holiday treat, and organize the fun events of Teacher Appreciation Week in May. Throughout the year, we try to find a few other ways to show our support. This committee typically meets a few times each semester. Often, the help needed is in the evening hours or later in the day, so this can be a great committee to consider participating in if you are a working parent. Please contact any of the following individuals with questions regarding this committee:
Heather Faga: thfaga@gmail.com
Ashley Getz: ashleymgetz@gmail.com
Room Coordinators & Library Volunteers
Room Coordinators & Library Volunteers
Room Coordinators
Room Coordinators are responsible for coordinating classroom parties and/or treats for Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day in their child’s classroom. This includes assisting the teacher in finding additional classroom volunteers, as needed. Room coordinators might also take the lead on purchasing teacher gifts prior to Christmas and/or Teacher Appreciation Week. Information about how to volunteer as a room coordinator will be sent home the second week of school.
If you have questions, contact:
Megan Nevitt: mnevitt@central51pto.org
Jennifer Noar: jnoar@central51pto.org
Library Volunteers
Library Volunteers assist the librarian with check-in/check-out, shelving books, lesson activities, and even reading stories to the students. We do ask for a minimum shift of 25 minutes. We will schedule according to your availability. No experience necessary, we will train you!
If interested in volunteering, contact:
Katie Mann: kmann@central51.net
AR Prize Patrol
AR Prize Patrol
Accelerated Reader (AR) Prize Patrol is a reading incentive program specific to students in 2nd through 5th grades. Students read and take computer quizzes in the classroom. Teachers keep track of the points students accrue. Each quarter, students have an opportunity to go to the PTO Prize Patrol table to purchase prizes with the points they've earned.
If you are interesting in volunteering or have questions, please contact:
Brittiany Stone: brittiany.stone@gmail.com
Sam Weston: samw@centralpto.org
School Supply Kits
School Supply Kits
This is an option offered for parents to make Back-to-School shopping easier. The committee head is in charge of obtaining services of the school supply company of choice. They communicate with the school principals, teachers, and staff to update grade level supply lists, make changes necessary, and ensure the supplies are cost effective and of good quality. They coordinate the distribution of the supply boxes before the start of the school year, including getting volunteers to help.
To help with distribution or if you have questions, please contact:
Heather Faga: thfaga@gmail.com
Spirit Wear
Spirit Wear
Central Spirit Wear is your one-stop shop for showing your Trojan pride! The store stays open year-round, with a mix of favorite designs along with new styles added throughout the school year to keep things fresh.
Orders are distributed on a biweekly basis or can be shipped to your home, making it easy to order whenever it works for you—no waiting for a special spirit wear sale or worrying about missing a store deadline!
Have an idea, question, or want to volunteer? Please reach out:
Ashley Trapp:
PTO Cares
PTO Cares
The goal of the PTO Cares committee is to support both students and staff who may have unique needs throughout the school year. Historically, allocated funds have been used to purchase school supplies, clothing items, and/or personal hygiene items for students whose families may struggle financially. Funds may also be used to support staff who have who suffered the loss of an immediate family member.
If you have questions, contact:
Brittany Stage: BrittanyStage@yahoo.com
PTO Connect
PTO Connect
PTO Connect is all about helping families feel welcomed, informed, and connected to our school community. Our goal is to make it easier for parents and families to learn about the PTO, find ways to get involved, and feel like they’re part of the Central community—whether they have five minutes to help or want to jump in and volunteer.
Throughout the year, PTO Connect helps welcome new families, shares PTO information at events like conferences, and creates simple ways to keep families connected with what’s happening at school.
Have questions or want to get involved? Whether you’re ready to volunteer or simply want to learn more about what PTO does, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Ashley Trapp:
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