your guide to parent engagement at carson...
TRANSCRIPT
PH 720.424.9090 • CARSON.DPSK12.ORG
2017-18 PTA HANDBOOKYour guide to parent engagement at Carson Elementary
WELCOME TO CARSON ELEMENTARY
Carson’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) is an active and engaged organization that spearheads events and fundraisers in support of our kids, teachers, staff and families throughout each school year.
Our success depends on the participation and contributions of parents and families like you. We hope you will get involved, whether it’s volunteering in a classroom, participating in fundraising events, or even just reaching out to PTA Executive Committee members with questions and ideas.
Together, we can ensure that Carson remains a truly special place, both for our kids, and for classes that follow!
We hope this guide gives you the information and ideas you’ll need to get involved. We’ve included a list of all the fantastic Carson events, so that you can mark your calendar. Please feel free to contact any of us with questions – you will find our contact information at the end of this pamphlet.
Thank you, and go Cougars!
Carson PTA
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRICIPAL
At Carson Elementary, we pride ourselves on the warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment that we have created. Students, staff, and families work together to ensure success for every student.
The collaboration with our incredible PTA is what sets Carson apart from other elementary schools in Denver Public Schools. We value the parent-school relationship and understand that this relationship is essential for student success. We highly encourage parent involvement and have several ways in which one can volunteer!
On behalf of the Carson staff, I would like to thank you all for being so invested in Carson Elementary school, and look forward to our continued partnership to ensure that your children are happy, successful, and challenged throughout their elementary school experience.
Thank you to our PTA for continuing to go above and beyond for our Carson community!
Anne Larkin Principal
PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION EVENTS
The following is a handy list of all the great events hosted by the PTA throughout the course of the school year. Volunteers are needed for most events. We hope you’ll attend! And keep an eye out for school-sponsored events as well.
FAMILY EVENTS – GREAT OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE!
Open House and Picnic (Aug 17)Meet your teachers and classmates and then stay and have a picnic on the playground.
Kinder Playdate (Aug 23)Come to Robinson Park and meet other Kindergarten parents while your kids play with their new friends.
Popsicle Social (Aug 25) Kids get popsicles and extra playground time before the release bell.
Book Exchange (Feb 8-9)Kids bring in their used books and exchange them for “new to them” books.
Carson Disco (Mar 1)Parents and kids have pizza and dance the evening away at this Carson community event.
Field Day (May 18) Kids compete in the shoe kick, balloon toss, tug of war, three legged race and many more.
Fun Run (May 31)Celebrate the last day of school with a school-wide run through the (blocked off) Hilltop streets.
Daughter Dance and Son Soiree (TBD)Details soon!
PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION EVENTS
FUNDRAISING EVENTS – GIVING/VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Auction* (Nov 10) The PTA’s Biggest Fundraiser of the Year Donate to the auction pool, or bid on any of the great items – or both! The Auction is a fantastic party to boot, where the energy and enthusiasm of the Carson community is on full display!
Book Fair (Nov 10-17)Raise money for the Carson library by buying books for your kids.
Carson Meet & Eats (TBD)Join other Carson families for dinner at a local restaurant and help raise funds for the PTA. Details to come in PTA communications.
Dance Night Out (December Date TBD)Drop your kids at Cherry Creek Dance for a couple hours of dancing fun while you enjoy some adult time off.
MAD Dash Art Show (May 11)Raise money for the Gym, Music and Art departments by participating in a run around the school fields, buying your child’s one of a kind piece of art, and hanging out for dinner and fun..
*Ads/Sponsorships - We also have opportunities for you to advertise your business in the school directory and/or sponsor the auction.
PARENT EVENTS – SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENTS
First Day Coffee (Aug 21)Have a cup of coffee on the PTA as you drop your kids off for the first day of school.
Donuts for Dads (Sep 8)Drop off your kids, have a donut and socialize with other Dads.
New Parent Breakfast (Sep 22)Join other new parents for breakfast and conversation after drop off at a Carson family’s home.
FUNDRAISING
‘MATCHED’ FUNDRAISING
Beyond the active fundraising events like the annual auction, there are a variety of ways that the PTA raises money through ongoing support arrangements with various organizations. These are the easiest ways to contribute financially, as they don’t require you do anything more than spend money in places you already do.
Reloadable Grocery CardsKing Soopers or Safeway will give 5% back on all money loaded to cards, completely free. By far the easiest, most impactful, ‘at no cost to you’ way to give back to Carson year-round.
Amazon SmileAmazon will donate 1/2% of purchase price. Can be used year-round and especially fruitful during back-to-school and holiday shopping! Simply go to smile.amazon.com, then select Carson Elementary PTA (use search bar).
Box TopsA fun way to get the whole family involved! Cut box tops off and bring them into Carson’s front office.
School SuppliesHassle free back-to-school shopping! And a % of sales comes back to Carson! Spring each year.
Chinook BookCarson receives $ for every book/app sold. Each book is filled with great coupons to use locally, year-round. Sold in the fall at back-to-school events.
Restaurant/Shopping EventsVarious events throughout the school year. Attend with other Carson families, and the vendor will send a percentage of your purchase/bill back to Carson.
Colorado GivesMark your calendars! On December 5, 2017, go to coloradogives.org, search for Carson, and donate! Community First Foundation and FirstBank created $1 Million Incentive Fund that increases the value of every donation.
FUNDRAISING - HOW IS THE MONEY SPENT?
GENERAL BUDGET
All money raised through the various ‘non-auction’ fundraisers supports:
Staff & Volunteer Appreciation Including 100th day celebration, gifts, staff appreciation, and more.
PTA Operations Including school directory, printing, postage, supplies, insurance, tax prep, meeting childcare/food, and more.
Educational Expenses including character education, landscaping, and more.
PTA Events Including back to school picnic, donuts for dads, Carson Disco, MAD-Dash fun run, and more.
AUCTION BUDGET
All money raised at Carson’s annual action supports:
Experiential Learning for all students
Other School Requests Classroom tables, book club sets, scholastic news, etc.
Maintenance Promethean boards, etc.
Professional Development Teachers, staff
Classroom Mini-Grants Teacher-initiated projects/initiatives
HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN THE PTA
Getting involved in Carson’s PTA is a great way to support our teachers and kids! Here are our top 3 ways to do just that:
Become a PTA Member Help shape the direction of our work. During back to school events PTA will have registration tables so you can sign up to become a voting member for a nominal fee. Not only does it contribute to the general budget, but it’s also required for VOTING on PTA issues. If you miss these opportunities just email us to sign up.
Attend PTA Meetings 6:30 pm on the 2nd Thursday every month in the school library. Everyone is welcome at these meetings and we need your input.
We also provide childcare (and pizza) for your kids.
Volunteer to HelpThe PTA can’t exist without hundreds of volunteer hours throughout the year. Whether you can commit a few hours a week, or a few hours a year, we can fi nd the perfect opportunity for you. We especially need help coordinating and running events.
To Volunteer, Please Contact Our VPs for Volunteers:Lindsey Begland: [email protected] Nally: [email protected]
*We also have a new Sign Up Genius page that hosts all our volunteer sign up information. Visit carson.ptapal.com and click the “Volunteer” button (see below).
HOW TO STAY INFORMED
There are numerous ways to stay up-to-date on PTA activities:
E-BlastsOur PTA President will send you a weekly communication that highlights upcoming events and ways to get involved. Contact PTA at [email protected] if you do not receive these emails by the end of September.
Thursday FoldersWeekly folders that come home with students include a flyer from PTA with important information.
Attend PTA meetings Even if you aren’t a member, you’re welcome to attend to see what’s being discussed.
Download Carson’s AppDownload this free application by searching “Carson Elementary” to receive push notifications and access the school calendar and other important information.
Bookmark Carson’s Websitehttp://carson.dpsk12.org
Read the New Monthly ‘Paw Print’ Newsletter Provides school-wide updates from the Principal, PTA and CSC.
Pick-up/Drop-off on the PlaygroundGreat opportunity to socialize with other parents and hear about what is happening at the school.
ADDITIONAL VOLUNTEER OPPORUNITIES
While fundraising is undeniably important to Carson’s success, it wouldn’t be half the school it is without the day-to-day contributions of parent volunteers. In addition to assisting the PTA, there are numerous opportunities to help within the school directly.
Teach Character Education The parent-led Character Education Program at Carson is integral to Carson’s culture designed to focus on one character trait each month (Respect, Integrity, Courage, Responsibility, Perseverance, Kindness, Acceptance) and are integrated into the learning environment.
Through each month, students who show exemplary character for receive Cougar Bucks and Character links. At the end of the month, two students from each classroom are recognized for their strong character behavior during a class assembly.
To get involved in the Character Education program please contact co-chairs Nancy Shloss at [email protected] or Annie Hatter at [email protected].
Become a Classroom Liaison Relay important class information from the teachers and staff to parents throughout the year. Contact Lindsey Begland or Jamie Nally to learn more (See contact information on Page 6).
Help in the Classroom Depending on your child’s grade there may be opportunities to help with reading/math or for specific classroom events. Parents are also always needed to help chaperone field trips (that are financially supported by PTA). Each class has a Shutterfly page where you can learn more about these opportunities.
HOW TO STAY INFORMED
Stuff Thursday folders Parent volunteers spend 1-2 hours each week at school pulling together all the written communications that are sent home each week. If you have time on Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning we would love your help.
Attend a Collaborative School Committee Meeting (CSC) The CSC is comprised of the Carson principal, assistant principal, teachers, a community member volunteer, as well as parent volunteers. The goal of the CSC is to provide an integrated forum to support school-wide goals, while supporting the school’s mission and vision. The CSC reviews the annual budget and helps provide strategic direction for school. All meetings are open to the community and are a great place to learn about what is happening at Carson.
PH 720.424.9090 • CARSON.DPSK12.ORG
GET IN TOUCH WITH THE PTA!
We look forward to meeting you and your family. Please reach out to any of us if you have questions or want to learn more about PTA.
PTA Executive Team Mara Baer, President [email protected] Kosares, Co-President-Elect [email protected] Kosares, Co-President-Elect [email protected] Nelson, Treasurer [email protected] Sands, Secretary [email protected] Hullinger, VP for Fundraising [email protected] Begland, VP for Volunteers [email protected] Nally, VP for Volunteers [email protected]
Character Education Co-ChairsNancy Shloss [email protected] Annie Hatter [email protected]
Auction CommitteeTamar Arabeli [email protected] Korell [email protected] Begland [email protected] Chay [email protected]