Below is a listing and brief description of the PTO committees for the 2021-2022 school year. If you would like further information regarding a committee prior to signing up, feel free to contact the committee chairperson (if listed) or the PTO. Your ideas, time and talents are greatly needed and appreciated (no matter how large or small)!
***Committee chairpersons, with the help of their committee volunteers, are responsible for the organization of all aspects of their respective committee. The chairperson is responsible for contacting volunteers and for setting necessary meeting times. Chairpersons are asked to either attend monthly PTO meetings or send activity updates to the PTO president prior to meetings.***
Movie Nights: Coordinates, advertises and runs two movie nights during the school year.
Chairperson: David Falke
Gator Walk-a-thon: Plan the year’s major fundraiser, including the organization and gathering of pledge forms, specifics of the walk, and the dinner and dance two weeks prior to the walk.
Chairperson: Erika Rooney
Fifth Grade Farewell: Organize a year-end celebration for graduating Abbott 5th graders. Planning is done by 5th grade parents, but 4th grade parents generally host the evening of the event.
Chairpersons: Needs a coordinator!!
Yearbook: Selects layouts, collects photos, and assembles information regarding students/school activities on yearbook pages. Orders taken fall/winter; books distributed in May. No experience necessary.
Chairperson: Jackie Ryba
Cash Rewards/Incentive Programs: Coordinates the collection, sorting and mailing of Box Tops, Labels for Education, HyVee & Bakers Rewards. TAGG App and Amazon Smile. Organizes contests to motivate students to collect the above.
Chairpersons: Robin Matthes
Social/Welcome Committee: Plans social events for Abbott families and staff. In the past, such events have included an ice cream social following back to schoo night and the Snowflake Breakfast in December. Also, greet new parents to Grace Abbott via email or personal letter; invite parets to get involved in their child’s education via the PTO.
Chairpersons: Molly Warren & Marcy Saniuk
Personalized Brick Pavers: Parents/Families can pay $50 to have your name inscribed on a brick with your name on it at Abbott.
Chairperson: Sarah Ruttle
Buzz Book: Types and publishes the “Buzz Book”, an all-school directory.
Chairperson: Kim Parker
Fun Nights: Coordinates materials and hosts an activity for families of each grade level. Volunteers do not host for their own child’s grade level. There are (4) fun nights per school year, each lasting (1) hour.
Chairperson: Needs a coordinator!!
Original Works Art Fundraiser: Original Works is an art-based fundraising program, the proceeds of which pay for the crossing guard on 156th Street. Volunteers will collect and send in student artwork as well as pass out products upon completion by Original Works. This program takes place in the spring.
Chairperson: Debbie Smith
Classroom Parties: (formerly known as “Room Parent”): Plans and runs the Halloween and Valentine’s Day parties in your child’s classroom. One chairperson and several volunteers are needed for each classroom. The chairperson may also plan teacher gifts.
Chairperson: CHAIRPERSONS NEEDED for each classroom! If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact the Classroom Parties Volunteer Coordinator.
Classroom Parties Volunteer Coordinator: Coordinates volunteers for classroom parties. Sends reminder emails for parties and teacher gifts.
Chairperson: Kristy Gotschall
Hospitality: Provides meals and small tokens of appreciation at conference times and throughout Teacher Appreciation Week. Recognize all support staff on their specific recognition days with snacks/small tokens of appreciation. Events will be organized by the chairperson, however MANY volunteers are needed to provide necessary food and other items for meals.
Chairpersons: Marta Thomas & Sarah Ruttle
Volunteer Recruitment & Recognition Committee: Speak at PTO sponsored activities to recruit, advertise, and welcome new families. The committee will also welcome new families.
Chairperson: Jocelyn Nickerson
Educational Grant Program/Scholarships: The Grant Program is designed to offer teachers/staff access to funding for curriculum-based materials, programs, activities & supplies to enhance education. In the fall, volunteers will advertise the program and assist the Board in selecting grants to be funded. In the spring, the PTO grants Scholarship funds to graduating seniors who have applied. Volunteers will review applications and select winning candidates.
Chairperson: Elena Nato
School Carnival: Plans the year’s school carnival including the organization of food, games, activities and volunteers. Chairperson: Kristy Gotschall
Chairperson: Dawn Pielstick