Central Elementary PTO

2010/2011 School Year

Dear Central Parents,

Welcome to the 2010/2011 school year at Central Elementary!  While it is hard to believe that Summer is over, we are excited to begin what is sure to be a rich and rewarding school year. There are a wide variety of ways you can get involved, stay informed and participate in the many activities we have planned throughout the school year.  As we are your PTO, we want to hear from you so please attend a meeting, send an e-mail or stop one of us at drop-off to tell us your thoughts and ideas.  As we continue to build our community, we wish to include a diverse range of ideas.

Get connected and stay informed!
There are two major ways you receive information, both of which are paperless.  The first is through E-Backpack sent from Dr. Limperis every Wednesday.  E-Backpack announcements include school-related information and important dates.  To receive weekly E-Backpack e-mails, you must subscribe by going to www.district96.org/central, where there is a sign up option located on the right column.   To find out about what is happening with the PTO, go to www.centralptonews.org and subscribe to the weekly announcements.  You also may receive e-mails from your child’s Room Parent, but keep in mind that all communication will be via electronic mail.  You can always check out both of these websites to see past announcements, but these are the main ways to stay informed as we are committed to eliminating the paperwork sent home in backpacks.

Get Involved!
There are so many ways you can get involved at Central and we encourage you to do so.  We have an incredibly rich and varied school environment and would love you to be part of the mix.  Consider volunteering in the Library, participating in our Cultural Arts program, donating something for the classroom, attending a PTO meeting, volunteering for the Book Fair or Family Fun Night…the options are endless.   PTO meetings are held the 2nd Friday of each month with a few exceptions such as evening meetings.  You can find a complete list of meeting dates in the District Calendar which can be found on the District 96 website.  You also can purchase a copy from the PTO and we can assure you, it comes in handy.  Research shows that children of parents who volunteer, grow up to volunteer themselves so it’s a great way to teach your children the value of giving back to the community and to be part of the amazing Central School community.  As a parent of a Central child, you are automatically part of the PTO; there are no membership dues and every voice is heard equally.  Our first PTO meeting is on Friday, September 10 @ 9 am in the Library.

What are we doing?
The PTO has several initiatives this year but our primary focus is on our Cultural Arts and Artist in Residence programs.  Both of these programs allow the PTO to enhance our children’s public school experience.  In these challenging economic times, we believe it is our main charter to fully fund programs which will benefit every child at Central.  This year we are very excited to partner with Dr. Limperis and the Central Staff to bring an amazing story teller to Central who will work in concert with the teaching staff to dovetail storytelling curriculum with Central goals and objectives.  We are very excited to have been able to secure this storyteller and were able to take advantage of significant savings by partnering with Hollywood school to split the costs.  The Cultural Arts program will receive a big facelift and we will begin a restoration process to protect this significant investment.  Stay tuned for details later in the school year.  We also have many family activities and events planned and are greatly looking forward to our very popular (and profitable) Book Fair.  We are proud of the past accomplishments of our past PTO Boards and are thrilled at the completion of the playground project in front of Central.  This is an example of your hard earned PTO dollars at work.

As we embark on another year, we wish to be very mindful of our fiscal responsibility and ask that you consider donating through one or more of our fundraisers or volunteer your time.  We offer several ways for you to donate, volunteer and/or participate, and thank you for your involvement.  Attached you will find a list of our fundraisers and their timelines.  We are looking forward to a great year!  Please feel free to contact us with any questions or comments.

Central PTO Co-Presidents
Jeannine Glavas (Pres-jeann@centralptonews.org) and Samantha Durst (Pres-sam@centralptonews.org)

Back by popular demand:

Give now to the school fundraiser that uses your money, but not your time.

100% goes to Central! 100% is tax deductible!

We’ve eliminated the burden of intensive fund raising throughout the school year by streamlining fundraising activities to just a few. Now, the majority of the funds raised for valuable PTO events and activities will come from the Central 100% Fund — a “just write a check” option that is simple, quick and benefits your children … 100%!

This one-time, tax-deductible donation supports PTO without asking you or your children to buy or sell products. And unlike other fundraisers, there’s no middleman to take part of the profits!

Giving to the Central 100% Fund is optional, but parents are encouraged to contribute a suggested amount of at least $100 per family. Any amount, however, will be greatly appreciated and well utilized. Making your contribution now gets one more thing off your plate!

Ask your employer about making a matched donation!
Please make checks payable to Central PTO and return to school office by 9/05/10.

For more information, contact Stephanie O’Brien at obriens@centralptonews.org.

THANKS!

To contribute please download the 100% fund form – click here – Central 100% Form

Central Elementary PTO

Fundraising and You!

You have probably noticed the big and beautiful changes in the landscaping in front of Central School!  Your PTO dollars have helped make this project possible.   Whether you are a new parent or a veteran, you know that throughout the school year, the PTO conducts several fundraisers to fund various programs at Central aimed at enhancing the excellent academic experience our children enjoy. While participation is always optional, we do encourage you to get involved in these activities, as it is a wonderful way to get to know your community, play a part in its success and be part of your child’s journey. Historically we have tried to keep fundraisers to a minimum, but at this time find we need to be more creative in generating the necessary funds to keep our PTO sponsored programs vibrant and stimulating. Here are some ways you can help and contribute!

100% Fund – A suggested one time donation of $100.00 is fully tax deductible and 100% goes towards the PTO.
Innisbrook Gift Wrap and Gifts – Children sell premium gift wrap and gifts to family, friends and neighbors.
Original Art Works – Children create beautiful one of a kind pieces of art that are made into a variety of items such as note cards and shopping bags.
Riverside Foods Scrip – Order Riverside Foods gift cards and 5% goes to the PTO.  Support a local business while doing your regular shopping.
Great Lakes Scrip – Order gift cards through the Great Lakes Scrip program with cards available from over 700 retailers.  Up to 14% goes to the PTO.  Great for big purchases such as electronics, holiday gifts, remodeling materials, and back to school items.
Target – By simply registering your Target Card or Target Visa online, designating Central as the beneficiary school, up to 1% of your purchases goes back to Central.  Through the “Target Take Charge of Education” program, Central, to date, has received over $10,000.
Pavers – Be a part of Central’s history by purchasing a personalized brick that will become part of the permanent landscape.
Auction – Attend the first Central Auction and raffle.  Have a chance to bid on amazing art produced by our children and purchase once in a lifetime experiences all donated by the Central School and Riverside community.  Stay tuned for more details and visit us on Facebook at Central Elementary Auction 2010/2011.

Through these fundraisers, the PTO is able to fund incredible programs such as:
Cultural Arts in the Classroom, Field Trips for every grade, Science in a Can, Ecology Club/ Environmental Concerns, Artist in Residence, Flying Carpet/Great Books, Halloween Play, Family Fun Night, Talent Show, Ice Skating Party, 5th Grade Games and Picnic, Little Symphony, Hike/Bike to School Activities, Turn Off TV Week, Roadrunner Yearbooks, Historical Perspectives, Read to Succeed and last but not least our 5th grade D.A.R.E program.

And many more!  We are looking forward to another amazing year and we can’t do it without you.   So sign up if you can and enjoy helping your school and meeting other parents.

Central PTO Team 2010/2011

Thank you to all of the families who contributed to our

Box Tops, Campbells and Tyson label collections.

This year we earned over $600 and accumulated over 9000 points for gym equipment to be chosen by Mrs. Dost

Please continue to save labels over the summer!

Thanks for helping make the program a success!

Samantha Durst’s REAL e-mail address is:  Sam Durst.  If you would like to e-mail her and order Riverside Gift Certificates please use this e-mail.  The deadline is extended to Monday 5/17.

Buy Riverside Foods Gift Cards and earn 5% for Central PTO.

Order your gift cards to Riverside Foods by Friday (5/12) and receive them on Monday (5/17).

Gifts Cards must be ordered in $25.00 increments.

E-mail your order to Samantha Durst.

You will receive a confirmation of your order, arrangements for payment pick-up will be made and the gift cards will be delivered to you by Monday evening.

Thanks for your support of the Parent Teacher Organization

Central School PTO

Letter from Incoming Co-Presidents

2010-2011

Greetings Central Parents,

As another wonderful school year is coming to a close, we already are making our plans for what promises to be an exciting 2010-2011 year at Central! This past year, we have gone paperless. Consequently, the 2010-2011 PTO forms, which traditionally you have received in your child’s backpack, are now attached and available on the Central School PTO website (www.centralptonews.org)* as follows:

Committee Information & Volunteer Sign-up sheet – lists and describes each of our PTO committees;

Room Parent Volunteer Sign-up sheet – describes how you can help in your child’s classroom (Print out and return completed Committee and Room Parent forms to the PTO mailbox by Wednesday, May 12);

Student Directory & District 96 Calendar Order Form – (Print out and return completed form with payment to the PTO mailbox, by Wednesday, May 12);

Central 100% Fund Information & Contribution form – an optional way in which to donate directly to the PTO (If you choose the Fund, we would appreciate the completed form with your donation by Friday, May 28, 2010);

Auction flyer (caution 3.4 MB download) – provides information regarding our first auction, set for Friday, November 5, 2010 at PJ Klems (Mark your calendars!); and

Fundraising programs flyer – lists and describes other Fundraisers sponsored by the PTO, including brand new ones such as Riverside Foods and Great Lakes Scrip.

Central is more than just our school; it is a community. While we are fortunate that Central has a phenomenal team of teachers and staff, the excellent education that our children receive is bolstered by our efforts as parents. Countless studies show that children perform better in the classroom when parents actively participate in the school. Our PTO provides many opportunities to get involved, whether as a Room Parent or Committee Volunteer, or through participation at our events. Even if your time is limited, there is a place for you in Central’s PTO!

Last, but very important, are our Fundraisers. New next year is our Auction, which will be held on Friday, November 5, 2010, at PJ Klems. We are partnering with Central’s teachers and staff to make this event a night to remember. The money we raise from our Auction and other Fundraisers allows us to sponsor many programs including Artist-in Residence, Book Fair, Cultural Arts, Ecology Club, Flying Carpet Club, Science-in-a Can, Family Fun Nights, Ice Cream Social, and much, much more.

It will be our pleasure to serve next year as your PTO Co-Presidents. We are looking forward to a successful and fun 2010-2011 school year. In the meantime, browse through the above forms, and have a wonderful summer!

Warmly,

Samantha Durst (Pres-sam@centralptonews.org)
Jeannine Glavas (Pres-jeann@centralptonews.org)
Incoming Co-Presidents, Central PTO, 2010-2011

*If you would like to receive automatic e-mails (“feedblitz”) from the PTO, the PTO website has a sign up option located on the bottom right column. In addition, you can access District 96 information, important dates, and a link to your child’s classroom page on the District 96 website at www.district96.org. 4/19/10jc

Buy Riverside Foods Gift Cards and earn 5% for Central PTO.

Order your gift cards to Riverside Foods by Friday (4/23) and receive them on Monday (4/26).

Gifts Cards must be ordered in $25.00 increments.

E-mail your order to Samantha Durst.

You will receive a confirmation of your order, arrangements for payment pick-up will be made and the gift cards will be delivered to you by Monday evening.

Thanks for your support of the Parent Teacher Organization

Buy Riverside Foods Gift Cards and earn 5% for Central PTO.

Order your gift cards to Riverside Foods by Friday (4/9) and receive them on Monday (4/12).

Gifts Cards must be ordered in $25.00 increments.

E-mail your order to Samantha Durst. You will receive a confirmation of your order, arrangements for payment pick-up will be made and the gift cards will be delivered to you by Monday evening.

Thanks for your support of the Parent Teacher Organization

The Train Is Leaving So Get On Board!

Make your mark on Central School history… order an engraved brick now!

The deadline is Wednesday, May 5^th.

Don’t miss out!

Bricks will be installed over the summer and ready for your viewing at the beginning of the next school year.

Each brick is $100.00.  Please contact Cathy Daun for further information.

Central School Paver Sale
Brick Order Form

Your name________________
I want to order (   ) brick(s) at $100 per brick (4×8)

Contributions are tax deductible!

Address__________________
Phone____________________

Three types of inscriptions are available:

John Smith In Memory of The Smith Family
John Smith

Engrave my brick(s) with the following inscription(s). There is a limit
of 13 characters per line (including spaces) on three lines.

_________________ ________________ ____________

_________________ ________________ ____________

_________________ ________________ ____________

I have enclosed $ _______ for __________ brick(s). Make checks payable to Central PTO.

Return forms and payments to Central School by labeling envelope Brick Pavers.

Thanks for supporting your PTO