The PTO organizes a wide variety of events, fundraisers, and programs throughout the year. Volunteering is always optional—but these opportunities are a great way to meet other families and make a meaningful impact at Aldrich.
Below you'll find our events and committees, along with the chairs and co-chairs for the 2025–2026 school year.
We are so grateful to these volunteers for generously giving their time and energy to support our school community—thank you!
In addition to events, your PTO contributions support:
Grade-Level Teacher Grants – funding for classroom supplies and enhancements
Specials Class Grants – funding for Art, PE, Music, Spanish, and Media Center
Principal Discretionary Fund – supporting school-wide needs at the principal’s discretion
Adopt-a-School Program – we sponsor a luncheon and show support for a nearby Millard school that doesn’t currently have an active parent group
Classroom Parties Fund -- funding for the Halloween & Valentine's Day parties
😎 Kindergarten Roundup & New Family Meetups (Summer)
Chairs: Jacquelyn Alexander & Caroline Larsen
Host our Kindergarten Roundup and summer playdates for incoming families. Act as a welcoming point of contact.
🎰 Carnival (Fall) - More info here
Chairs: Rachel Richards & Amanda Hall
Volunteers plan, find sponsors, set up, run games, and clean up. Shifts allow parents to volunteer and enjoy the night.
🌐 International Festival (Fall)
Chairs: Manu Biswere & Laurie Epstein
Celebrate Aldrich’s cultural diversity through food, music, and hands-on activities.
🎽 Color Run (Spring)
Chairs: Sam Jack, Donniebess Weaver & Rajani Kotha
A vibrant and fun outdoor fundraiser featuring student laps, color spray stations, and music!
🏳️ Olympic Day (Late Spring)
Chairs: Sara Casler & Whitney Higgins
A full-day, school-wide outdoor celebration. Volunteers help with setup, games, refreshments, and cleanup in AM or PM shifts.
👋 Fifth Grade Farewell (Late Spring)
Chairs: Sam Jack, Mary Blaney, Laurie Epstein & Emily Knezevich
Celebrate our graduating fifth graders with a special event, typically at Mahoney State Park.
👣 Walking Club (Daily, Sept–May) - More info here
Chair: Abigail Kutler
Did you know? Morning movement helps students arrive in the classroom more focused and ready to learn. Join students before school for a couple laps around the school building! Volunteers greet and supervise students as they walk—it's a great, low-key way to support our school day.
🎒 Classroom Liaison Coordinators & Classroom Liaisons
Coordinators: Amanda Hall (3-5th) & Tiana Smith (K-2nd)
Classroom Liaisons recruit and coordinate room parent volunteers at each grade level to help foster a strong sense of community and appreciation within the school. In addition to partnering with each teacher individually, these liaisons, guided by the coordinators, help support key classroom and staff appreciation activities throughout the year, including:
Classroom parties (Halloween & Valentine’s Day)
Holiday and end-of-year teacher gifts
Grade-level staff luncheons (catered, three times per year)
🍽️ Conference Hospitality (Fall & Spring)
Chair: Jaci Stuifbergen
Provide meals and snacks for staff during parent-teacher conference nights.
🙏 Staff Appreciation Week (Spring)
Chairs: Leora Werner & Shelley Atwell
A week of daily gifts, surprises, and meals to thank Aldrich staff.
🏫 Adopt-a-School Luncheon
Organized by: PTO Board & Staff Appreciation Team
We sponsor a special luncheon and share encouragement with a neighboring Millard school that doesn't currently have an active parent group—helping support and uplift the broader community.
☀️ Outdoor Decorations
Chair: Tiana Smith
Help refresh and update seasonal outdoor décor about seven times per year. Kid helpers welcome!
🍴 Restaurant Fundraising Nights (Monthly)
Chair: Sara Johnson
Coordinate monthly dine-out nights to build community and raise funds.
Educational & Creative Enrichment
🏃Girls on the Run (Aug-Nov)
Chair: Sara Casler
A 12-week program for 3rd–5th grade girls, with twice-weekly practices focused on confidence, friendship, and self-talk through running. The season ends with a 5K run in Lincoln.
📕 Book Fairs (Fall & Spring)
Chairs: Mrs. Svacina & Jacquelyn Alexander
Held during conference week, our book fairs raise funds for the library and classrooms. Volunteers help with setup, sales, and teardown.
🖼️ Art to Remember (Fall)
Chair: Angela Jensen-Blackford
Turn student artwork into keepsakes—perfect for holiday gift-giving! Volunteers help organize orders and coordinate the program each fall.
🧑🤝🧑 Kindness Club (Fall or Spring semester, depending on grade level)
Chairs: Krysti Eggert, Amanda Hall & Holly Gupta
An after-school club for Kindergarten through 3rd grade that meets biweekly to promote kindness through projects and activities.
🖌️ Creative Arts Night
Chairs: Shelley Atwell & Kate Halperin
Work with the art teacher to showcase student work in our spring art show.
📖 Visiting Authors & Special Programs
Supported through PTO funds
Coordinate with staff to bring enriching guest speakers and experiences to Aldrich.
Behind-the-Scenes & Year-Round Roles
🛒 Box Tops, Casey's & Baker's - More info here
Chair: Dallas Jursevic
Promote and manage ongoing fundraising through everyday purchases.
📚 Library (Media Center) Volunteers
Chair: Shelley Atwell
Help re-shelve books in the Media Center.
🍎 Lunchroom Volunteers (Daily)
Chair: Shelley Atwell
Support students during lunch by helping with food, wiping tables, and cleanup.
🎓 Scholarship Committee
Chair: Lisa Curtis
Meet in January/February to help select the winner of the PTO-funded student scholarship.
🖥️ Website, PTO Registration & Online Directory
Chair: Sara Johnson
Maintain the PTO website and secure online directory.
📘 Yearbook
Chairs: Lindsay Jonas & Nikki Anderson
Take and collect photos, help with layout and design using simple software, and distribute in May.
Ready to get involved?
We will share a Volunteer Interest form around Sept 1 to gather a list of people who want to learn more. Most items also have Sign-Up Genius links for specific shifts. Keep an eye on the Friday newsletter for more information!