PTG Committees

During the year the GES PTG will ask for volunteers to staff various committees on events (see below). If you can help out on any of these committees please contact a board member. Thank you for all your help and support.

** Please note:  All volunteers must have a CORI check through the School District.  Please visit the central office.  Once completed, the CORI check is valid for 3 years. 

The following are open positions for the 2011-2012 school year.  Please contact the Committee Chair or a board member if you are interested in chairing one of these positions.  Thank you!!


AVID
AVID stands for Accepting, Valuing, and Including Difference.  The program is a PTG funded and parent organized enrichment program meant to increase each student's awareness and understanding of disabilities.  An important goal of the program is to foster respect and acceptance of all people. Each program is run separately and begins in the Winter and concludes in the Spring. If you are interested in more information, please contact chair persons Tricia Sears (Grades 3 & 4) or Jen Vacca (Grade 5). 

Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fairs take place in mid September and May and offers books, learning tools, and fun items such as posters and pencils for sale.  The Book Fair runs for five days during which time all classrooms have a scheduled preview time and purchase time. If you are interested in more information, please contact chair persons Natalie Bracket, Ellen Dowling or Jen Thomas.

Box Tops
Box Tops for Education is a home-based fundraiser for the school that requires children/parents/guardians to clip the Box Tops coupon from the products and return to the school.  Coupons are collected twice a year and redeemed for cash that goes directly to the school.  We run a contest once a year where the classroom in each grade that brings in the most box tops wins an extra recess.  If you are interested in more information, please contact chair person Lisa Rancourt. 

 Class Act
Class Act is an after school program conducted by parents/guardians, usually based on their particular interests or talents.  Examples of Class Act programs include: Book Club, Knitting Club and Lego Club.  Class Act programs usually run for 4 weeks anytime from January through late spring.  If you are interested, please click here to contact a board member.

Cookout
The cookout is a fun family event in celebration of the end of the school year and kick-off to summer.  It includes food, a dunk tank, speed pitch, and raffles. Seatings are at 5pm, 6pm, and 7pm.  New this year will be grade-level raffles with themes of Summer Fun, Sports/Activities, and Summer Reading.  (More info to come on this.)  If you are interested in more information, please contact chair persons Ann & Mike Bartosiewicz or John Dowling. 

Enrichment
The Enrichment Program is really the foundation of the PTG, offering classroom experiences and field trips throughout the year that elaborate and enhance the curriculum.  Some examples include Many Thanksgivings (3rd grade), Immigration Day (4th grade), and Colonial Day (5th grade).  If you are interested in more information, please contact chair persons Michelle Wellard (Grade 3), Sue Polagruto (Grade 4) or Alysia Valoras (Grade 5).

Entertainment Books
This is the PTG’s  2nd largest fundraiser and runs for 2 weeks in October.  These books virtually pay for themselves once a few coupons are used.  There are coupons for movie discounts, buy one get one free at restaurants, activities (i.e.-Southwick’s Zoo, Sturbridge Village), and a variety of services.  Students take orders and the books are sent home via backpacks within a few days.  Mary Sanfacon is the chair person for this committee.  **One more chair person are needed.**  If you are interested, please click here to contact a board member.

Fundraising Committee
This committee discusses current and new  fundraising opportunities.  If you are interested in more information, please contact chair person Lissa Jakusic.

Grant Writer
This person will apply for or write grants to supplement our funds and explore new grant opportunities.  **One chairperson is needed. ** If you are interested, please click here to contact a board member.   

Hospitality
The Hospitality Committee is responsible for providing snacks and beverages during special school events . . . like Back to School Nights, the Pancake Breakfast, Teacher Appreciation Week, etc.  Committee chairs are Amy Gouveia and Nancy Paulauskas. 

Original Works Art
Working with the art teachers, this fundraiser allows your child to create their own masterpiece and have it printed on a variety of items (note cards, pillowcases, mouse pads etc).  Order items with your child's art in March/April and items will usually be in for Mother’s Day.  If you would like more information, please contact the chair Rebekah Mahoney.  

Perreault Nurseries Discount Card
This is an opportunity to purchase a discount card to save at Perreault Nurseries for your spring yard and garden needs. This is a win win for you and the school! Think mulch!!  If you are interested in more information, please contact chair person Lisa Rice.

Room Parents
Room Parents will compile a class list of student and parent names, phone numbers, and email addresses to use to communicate with parents throughout the year.  One of the Room Parents will be the liaison with the Yearbook grade coordinator, and both will be expected to take pictures of class events, etc. for the Yearbook.  A room parent may be asked to organize class celebrations and make phone calls or email parents with important information.  Other responsibilities will vary according to your teacher’s requirements.  Whatever works best for you and your teacher is fine.  Although it is not required, it would be very helpful for you to attend monthly PTG meetings to keep up to date with everything going on at GES. Angie Boris is chair. Contact her by clicking here.
Please CLICK HERE for the Room Parent form!

School Banking
The School Bank is held from 8:05 – 8:45 on Wednesday mornings and works in conjunction with the Grafton Suburban Credit Union.  Volunteers organize and oversee the students who take deposits, use the computer to update student bank accounts, print receipts and count the money.  If you are interested in more information, please contact Nans Gordon, the chair person.

School Store
It is offered on the first Monday of the month, beginning in October.  Students can purchase all kinds of school supplies and school spirit items at a low price.  If you are interested in more information, please chair person Laurie Whitney.

Website
TheGES PTG website provides important information about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and meeting agendas and minutes.  This provides additional access to knowing what’s going on at the school as well as conserving paper.  Kellie Welch is in charge of the website.

Yearbook
The Yearbook has become a GES Tradition and is a big hit with the children.  This is really a fun, creative opportunity.  The chair does the actual formatting of the yearbook and organizes the coordinators.  Grade-level coordinators work with Room Parents in each class – taking pictures of students in classrooms and at school events, and getting them to the chair.  A digital camera with a minimum of 5 megapixels is required to take pictures.  If you are interested in more information, please contact chair persons Christine Brown Keeler (Grade 3),   Melanie Henson (Grade 4) or Jean Avery (grade 5).