PTO Home Yantacaw Home BOE Township of Nutley
	•PTO Events •Backpack Notices •Meeting Schedule &  Minutes •Executive Board &  Committees •Fundraisers •School Calendar •Contact Us •Links			PTO Events 2008/2009 Some of you may not be familiar with the various events sponsored by the PTO each year. The following is a list of those events and the dates they are scheduled. BooHoo Breakfast and Tearytime Tea: September 3, 2008 Contact: Francesca Roselli 973 661 3028, fproselli@optonline.net The PTO sets up a table for the kindergarten parents sending their tykes off to school for the first time. Snacks, juice, coffee and tissues for the AM classes; snacks, juice, iced tea and tissues for the PM set. Included of course is support and reassurance and an opportunity to socialize with the other new Yantacaw parents and some of the more "experienced", too. Volunteers: Two parents of 2nd graders or older since set up is before the students enter school and stays till clean up at 9:00 depending on participation. The afternoon gets set up at 12:20 and clean up is 1:00 also depending on participation. Any available PTO members are invited to stop by for a few minutes to meet and greet the new parents. Welcome Back Dance- September 26, 2008 Contact: Colleen Nolan 973 661 1333, mrptnolan@aol.com This event is provides a social setting for the students to socialize with their classmates a what is basically a party! We have DJ Roselli with the popular tunes of the grammar school set and organized musical games. The grades are grouped into time slots to avoid overcrowding: Kindergarten 6-6:45, 1st & 2nd 6:45-7:45, 3rd & 4th 7:45-8:45, 5th & 6th 8:45-10pm. Please be aware (especially for the younger children) that between the kids and the music the gym can be loud. Class parents are asked to bring in a treat. Drinks are provided by the PTO. Volunteers: Chaparones - moms and dads are welcome to help chaperone or restock the snack table. If you can come in for an hour or two or three it would be wonderful. Please contact Colleen at the info above and she will note who can come when. Picture Day- October 3, 2008 Contact: Kristina Fulton 973 667 7546, krisjeff@verizon.net Each class is brought down to the auditorium for their individual and class picture. Volunteers: Pictures are taken throughout the day. Volunteers are needed to help keep the children moving in, out or just waiting for their turn. Contact Kris with your availability. Pumpkin Patch- October 17, 2008 Contact:Cathy Sabia 973 661 0505, cathysabia@optonline.net The PTO purchases about 600 pumpkins and creates an actual patch of pumpkins (weather permitting) on the south playground (in front of the trailers). The AM kindergartens have a special Patch set up in Mrs. Adubato's classroom. In the afternoon, all other classes are brought to the Patch outside and each student picks their pumpkin and takes it home afterschool. Last year was our first "Hallway Patch" due to a rainy day. Class parents send in treats like brownies, cookies, munchkins, pretzels - but no candy! Drinks provided by the PTO. Volunteers: A half hour to unload the truck the night before or morning of (check with the contact on delivery arrangements). Helpers needed to put out the pumpkins and set up the snack tables at 12:15. People are needed to assist in pumpkin selection and snack replenishment. If you have 30 minutes, 45 minutes, an hour or two between 12:30 and 3pm let the contact person know. If you find yourself available last minute, stop over and see if you can pitch in for a bit. A photographer is also needed to take a Pumpkin Patch picture of each class with their pumpkins on the haybales. Tricky Tray: October 23, 2009 Contact: Sharon Conte 973 661 3612, sharonac@optonline.net Let's begin with: What is a Tricky Tray? Well, there are no trays involved. The short version is: Tickets are sold to a dinner at the Venetian which includes a cocktail hour with appetizers and a cash bar during which the attendees buy tickets for chances to win donated prizes and baskets filled with various "prizes". We also have grand prizes, a super grand prize, a 50/50 and a Last Chance table where candies are sold with wrappers informing the buyer that they won a prize (large, small or booby) or need to "Try Again". Volunteers: Many, many volunteers needed. Buyers, basket fillers and wrappers, favor and centerpiece makers, marketers, envelope stuffers, ticket sellers, basket carriers, program designers…many, many things. Please contact Sharon with the above info. Tell her as soon as possible when you are available and she will direct you where the help is needed. Something to think about: Chairpersons needed for next year….Contact Sharon Wrapping Paper Sale: Contact: Julie Allegra 973 667 0622, jules0804@verizon.net A very popular fundraiser kept on by demand and success rate. Catalogs are distributed through the backpacks with instructions. Volunteers: Helpers needed when the shipment arrives to receive and sort the delivery. One or two people needed to distribute the orders as parents come to pick up. The above contact will know the times and hours needed. Halloween Parade: October 31, 2008 Class moms arrange a holiday party with the teacher. Donations can be requested from the class families whether in the form of snacks or drinks or funds fur supplies. A notice will be sent home from the principal with the parade details. Holiday Boutique- December 5, 2008 Contact: Amy Williamson 973 661 0404, jtingle@optonline.net A "mini mall" is set up in the gym with a large assortment of merchandise priced from $.25 to $10.00. Each class is brought down to do their own holiday shopping. Each gift can be wrapped and labeled while you wait. Each family will be notified by a flyer in the backpacks so you can send your child in with their own shopping list and the money they can spend. This is not a fundraiser at all, the PTO breaks even from this event. There will be no lunch program offered on this Friday. Volunteers: Helpers needed for set up on Thursday the 4th and Friday the 5th. Many helpers needed to assist in gift selection, money calculations, wrapping and labeling, restocking tables and cashiers. Check with the contact for times. Again, if you can spend 30 minutes, an hour, a few hours or the whole day we'll take it! If you find that last minute you're available, stop by and see if we need a hand. Extra shopping bags can be dropped off either day. Holiday Pizza Party - December 23, 2008 This is the last day before the holiday break and is a single sessions or half day. The PTO provides a pizza lunch in each classroom. The pizzas are delivered to a central location. Class parents and other volunteers pick up their pizzas and serve them to the class. Class parents arrange the drinks and any other snacks. Please confirm any arrangements with your teacher. Volunteers: Check with your class moms to see if they need help. Class moms: if you don't hear from anyone and need help, please cal the contact above. The Library Grand Opening: TBA Contact: Laura Fontanals, 973 320 8941, fonts@optonline.net As you know our library is getting a total remodel thanks to Jennifer Holden and the Library Make Over Contest. Since we are still in process, we'd like to postpone the official grand opening till we know everything is installed and decorated and works! We are shooting for the return from the holiday break. We are planning snacks for the students as they visit with their class and an evening ribbon cutting for the adults. Volunteers: Helpers will be needed to provide, control and restock snacks throughout the day and people for the evening reception. Book Fair- March 3rd tru 6th, 2009 Contact: Michele Salernitano, 973 667 9258, msalernitano@verizon.net A mini book store is set up on the first floor with a variety of books from Scholastic. There are sections for each reading level. Volunteers are on hand for assistance with selection and "financial management". Students are brought down with their class at an assigned time to shop or just browse. The PTO provides each student with a $5.00 books-only certificate. Additional money can be sent in with your child to supplement their shopping spree. Parents can shop during Book Fair Family Night on Wednesday, March 3. A flyer will go home with the details. Volunteers: Helpers needed to set up on Monday, March 2. Wednesday during the school day and at night and Thursday during school helpers are needed for student assistance and restocking. Any time you can give between 8:30 to 3pm is welcome especially on Thursday. Please contact Michelle with your availability. Curiosity Shop- March 5th thru 26th - Thursdays and Fridays Contact: Mary McClean 973 320 2180, itsmarymcc@aol.com Volunteers teach a variety of courses for one hour afterschool to groups of up to 12 students grouped 1 thru 3 or 4 thru 6. Each volunteer teacher has at least one assistant. Examples of classes offered in the past: candy making, origami, crafts, art is you, Harry Potter, sewing, science, and gardening. Parents are encouraged to teach their favorite hobby or recruit a family member to share their specialty. Each course is 4 one hour classes 3:30 to 4:30 on either Thursdays or Fridays. Classes fill up fast. Children of teachers and assistants can register first. Junior Olympics- May 16, 2009 Contact: Colleen Nolan 973 661 1333, mrptnolan@aol.com This is a town wide event held at Tangorra Field (The Nutley High School Oval on Franklin Avenue). All 4th, 5th and 6th graders from all five elementary schools walk to the center of town. Select 5th and 6th grade students participate in a variety of "Olympic Track and Field" events to win medals while their classmates cheer them on. The PTO provides each student with a commemorative T-shirt. Forms will be sent home requesting sizes. The students return to school for a PTO sponsored pizza party in their classroom. Volunteers: Class parents must attend or arrange to have another parent take their place because the teachers are NOT present for this lunch period. Volunteers are needed for back up. Please contact the person above. Annual Family Picnic- June 6, 2009 Contact: Francesca Roselli and Laura Fontanals Tickets will be sold for a fun family picnic on the lower field behind the teacher's parking lot. It will be a catered barbeque with a DJ playing songs and running games. Tickets are discounted if purchased early but also available on site. Bring your own table and chairs. Staff Appreciation Day- June 8, 2009 Contact: Cathy Sabia 973 661 0505, cathysabia@optonline.net As a token of thanks to all the Yantacaw staff members, the PTO treats everyone to a catered lunch. Volunteers: needed for set up and clean up and also donations of desserts. Please contact Cathy to find out how much, where and when. Plant Sale- June 8, 2009 Contact: Tracey McGrath 973 235 0413, mcgrathclan@msn.com A selection of flowering plants, herbs and vegetables is for sale in the gym. Each class is brought down at a designated time to shop for some springtime plants. A notice will go home to notify interested parents to send their child in with money and a bag or open top box. There will be no lunch program that day. Volunteers: We need help unloading the plants and setting up the gym on Thursday, June 7 as well as helpers anytime between 8:30 to 3pm on the 8th. Extra paper bags can be dropped off in the gym on either day. Oh, and we get the extra desserts from the staff appreciation luncheon! Talent Show: TBA Contact: Jillaine Gingerelli 973 667 0102, jag3g1b@optonline.net A schoolwide project for any individual or group that would like to present their talents on the junior high school stage. No tryouts or contests are involved. There is a mandatory look-see to review costumes and determine the allotment of time and one dress rehearsal. Volunteers: Many chaperones are needed!! Also variety of helpers from promotions to lighting, scheduling and backstage organization. Contact Jillaine with your abilities and availability. Field Day: TBA Contact: Amy Williamson 973 661 0404, jtingle@optonline.net Mrs. Dow and her athletic staff organize this all day event (half day). Each grade rotates through different events taking place all over the school grounds. The PTO provides hot dogs, popcorn, drinks and ice cream. Volunteers: Helpers needed throughout the day to set up, serve and clean up the refreshments. Sixth Grade Awards Assembly: TBA Contact: Gina Marino 973 6613144, ginamarino@optonline.net The PTO presents awards of plaques or pins and certificates to select sixth graders. There are Good Citizenship certificates and pins, the Thomas O'Rourke Memorial Award for character and citizenship, the Maria Perna Award to a patrol for community service and the Walker Award for respect, social involvement and tolerance. The Walker Foundation presents their award to a sixth grader and the Yantacaw School Scholarship is awarded to a high school senior from Yantacaw earned through an essay contest about what Yantacaw means to them. Kindergarten and 6th Grade Promotions - June Contact: Colleen Moraski 973 667 3741, macandcheese@optonline.net The PTO provides snacks and drinks in the gym immediately following each ceremony. Volunteers: Contact Colleen or Kerry to help with shopping, set up, refills and/or clean up. It usually requires an hour to 90 minutes in total for each. Usually from 9am set up to 10:30am cleanup. Events throughout the year - Assemblies Contact: Theresa Halligan, 973 661 3431, theresa.halligan@ubs.com Assemblies are fun but educational productions sponsored by the PTO to add a bit of excitement to our students every few months. They may include science shows, skits on drug use prevention or demonstrations of healthy eating. October 24th we have "Science Around the House" presented by Dirtmeister! The students will be brought to the auditorium by their teachers during the school day. Volunteers: This is generally handled by one or two people for scheduling, arranging funding and getting the appropriate approvals. This year it is Theresa. If anyone had suggestions on assemblies or knows someone who puts on this type of show, please send the information to the PTO mailbox. Birthday Books: Monthly Contact: Lillian Dahl 973 662 1176, lkgdahl@hotmail.com The PTO provides a Scholastic book for each student during the month of their birthday. Summer babies are done in June. Students are called down to choose from a table of books grouped by grade level with the assistance of a PTO representative. Volunteers: This is basically a two person operation with a time commitment of about an hour a month from September to June. The PTO Calendar: Monthly Contact: Yvette Wallace - 973 661 4214, ycwallace@optonline.net In the second floor hallway there is a bulletin board displaying a calendar for the month. It gets decorated monthly in a theme reflecting that month or time of year. Volunteers: One person can do the whole year or a few people can divide the months and take a few each. We have decorations used in past years or the designer can design their own. If you have any questions or are interesting in helping with any of these events, please us. Please note:The above is subject to change and will be updated as necessary.