Eastlake PTA

The Eastlake PTA is a Parent Teacher Association where parents, teachers, administrators and other concerned adults discuss ways to promote quality education, expand the arts, and encourage community involvement. The PTA is a service organization that provides money for field trips, cultural arts programs, family activities, and equipment for Eastlake's students through fundraising. The PTA is involved in many programs that directly affect the educational experience of Eastlake's children.

As you may know, public schools often fail to get the support they need when budgets are decided. While education budgets shrink, more schools rely on PTA fundraisers to supplement their needs. Eastlake's PTA was able to purchase round tables for first grade classrooms, and kidney shaped tables for every classroom. These tables facilitate differentiated learning. The PTA also is funding 6 cultural arts programs as well as a class field trip for every Eastlake student.

Children love to see their parents involved in school activities and studies have shown that parental involvment increases their successes as well. There are a variety of ways for everyone to be involved and participate in many of our programs no matter what your daily schedule may involve. Consider joining a committee or even becoming a committee chairperson. Not only will your child love to see you in school, you will also make some terrific lasting friendships.

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S CHAIR
updated 9-08

Dear Eastlake Family,

What a wonderful year so far! We are off to a great start and I want to thank everyone who has helped to contribute in our school's success.

The PTA has been very busy getting ready for our first events. Many students and their families are looking forward another wonderful BINGO NIGHT. The BOOK FAIR is just around the corner with many awesome books to offer. The children are making beautiful CARDS for gifts. We have several wonderdul CULTURAL ARTS programs scheduled over the coming weeks. The holidays will soon be upon us and we are looking forward to another successful HOLIDAY ANGEL program as well as our very own gift filled HOLIDAY SHOP. We are so fortunate that so many people contribute to the success of these programs. Without our volunteers, none of these programs would be possible.

We have to continue to set goals to improve and enhance our school and the experience for our children. One of the goals we have come up with is an author or artist in residence program. If you would like to share an idea or have a suggestion, please let me know.

I realize that many of our programs are fundraisers and may seem overwhelming at times, but just know that each and every dollar that the PTA raises will only benefit your child and insure a positive and enriching experience at Eastlake. We work very hard to move this school forward and we are always open to ideas and suggestions to maintain our successes.

This year our PTA will spend approximately $14,000 on activities and programs for our children, our school and our community. Each and every dollar that we earn that exceeds our budget will be allocated to additional programs and school enhancements. In the past we have been able to purchase playground equipment, participate in whole school field trips and the purchase of horseshoe tables and cubbies for classroom instruction. This has only been possible because of your support and involvement. On behalf of the PTA and the Eastlake staff, I would like to thank you for this.

We have a lot to be proud of here at Eastlake due largely inpart by the wonderful involvement of our terrific parents. Thank you for all that you do. None of these things would have been possible without your support and help! I want to make sure that you know that all your efforts are greatly appreciated and that every child at Eastlake benefits because of your hard work.

Think of each smile you see on the face of an Eastlake child as being a personal thank you.

Our PTA members know...... There's nothing more wonderful then making a child smile!

All the best to our Eastlake families.

Yvette Maglio - PTA President.

COMMITTEES
No time to volunteer during the school day?
Check out committees with an *

Book Fair - Students love buying books during the Book Fair. The book fair encourages students and parents to read wonderful books.
*Board of Ed Rep(s) - Attend Board of Ed meetings and report any news at the next PTA meeting. Volunteer with a friend and trade off meeting attendance.
*Box Tops - Box Tops can be found on hundreds of products and are each worth 10 cents. The average household purchases 100 Box Tops products each year and that's worth $10 when clipped and sent to Eastlake School. This committee chair coordinates school contests to encourage participation and then counts and mails the BoxTops to General Mills. Great committee for someone who cannot volunteer during the school day.
Cultural Arts - Get involved choosing the cultural arts programs that Eastlake students will see throughout the year. Great committee for someone who cannot volunteer during the school day.
*Family Fun Night - Coordinate a night of family fun. BINGO is always a hit for young and old alike. You can help choose the prizes the winners receive (everyone goes home a winner!).
Field Day - Volunteer to man a water station or pass out the free ice pops to the student atheletes who have loads of fun at over 15 different game/sport areas.
Tricky Tray - Donations as well as advertisers are needed for our biggest event of the year.
Fundraisers (Fall & Spring) - Catalogs are sent home with students to sell to their friends and family. Wrapping paper and chocolates are some favorites.
*Holiday Angel - Coordinate and collect gifts for children and seniors in the area. These gifts make a difference and certainly bring happiness to all who receive them.
*Holiday Dinner - Pick a place and coordinate a menu for this laughter filled night.
Holiday Shop - Students love to purchase holiday gifts for their family at this kid-friendly shop. Gifts for every budget from 50¢ to $10. The Holiday Shop is displayed over 3 days and the children shop during school hours.
*Hospitality - Coordinate the snacks, drinks and coffee for the monthly PTA meetings.
*Logo Sales - Arrange the sale of Eastlake tshirts, shorts, sweatpants, etc. in the Fall and Spring.
Market Day - Whether you need a great meal in 5 minutes or an elegant dinner you will enjoy buying restaurant quality food from Market Day and picking it up at Eastlake each month. You can support Eastlake by volunteering or just by purchasing this delicious food. You can even make your purchase ONLINE!
*Membership - Coordinate the membership list and collection of dues.
*Monthly Calendars - Create and distribute the monthly calendar that keeps Eastlake families informed.
*Newsletter - Create a PTA newsletter that features updates from all the committee chairpeople.
PEC - Attend all Parent of Exceptional Children meetings and report any news at the next PTA meeting.
PGT - Attend all Parents of the Gifted and Talented meetings and report any news at the next PTA meeting.
*Phone Squad - Coordinate obtaining the phone chain information and callers. You can also volunteer to be one of the callers - just call a list of parent's (6-10) when the school unexpectedly has a delayed opening, early closing or snow day.
Plant Sale - Pots, Flats and Vegetables are all available for purchase. Students love buying a flower or plant for their Mother's Day gift.
Room Parent - Coordinator will organize the snacks and crafts for the 3 in class parties - Halloween, Holiday, and End of Year. Two room parents will be permitted to attend parties to help the students.
*Scholarship - The PTA awards 2 scholarships each year to PHHS students who attended Eastlake. The students write an essay and the top male and female are awarded the scholarship. This committee is responsible for reading the essays and determining the winners.
*School Spirit - Coordinate one Spirit Day each month. Crazy Hair Day, Eastlake Spirit (wear school colors), Pajama Day, or Superbowl Spirit are some past favorites.
*Sunshine - Send a card or small gift on behalf of the PTA to acknowledge special days like Nurses Day, Secretary's Day, hospital stays or a new baby.
Teacher Appreciation - Coordinate a luncheon to show the Eastlake Staff how much we appreciate everything they do. Pick a theme and have people donate a dish.