Read-a-thon (Oct)

The goal of Read-a-thon is to promote reading and provide incentives to the students for logging minutes, as well as encourage them to gather pledges. The Read-a-thon committee chair would be responsible for coordinating Marengo's annual Read-a-thon fundraiser, which usually occurs in the beginning of October. Funds raised from this event go to the general PTA budget to support PTA programming throughout the school year.

Read-a-thon usually takes place during the first three weeks of October, but the timing and length can be changed depending on the committee chair.

Responsibilities include:

  • Coordinate with teachers to distribute and promote reading logs for the children.
  • Coordinate with room parents (and/or volunteers) to tally minutes read on a weekly basis and track this in a consolidated spreadsheet.
  • Create marketing materials and emails to be distributed via PTA's communication channels (e.g., Lion Loop, social media, room parents, etc.) and seek proper approval from PTA leadership and school principal.
  • Seek out fun and motivating prizes for the kids to meet fundraising goals and participation. This could include popsicle parties for classes that meet a certain level of participation by a particular date and prizes for top readers in each grade level.

Spirit Wear (Summer/Fall)

The Spirit Wear Chair (or co-chairs) heads the Spirit Wear (t-shirts, sweatshirts, bags, etc.) sales and distribution, working closely with the Spirit Wear Designer and Website Coordinator to set up the design for printing, ordering and distribution. Ideally, there would be two people working on this together.  Responsibilities include:

  • Work with Spirit Wear Designer and PTA leadership to finalize design and prepare for printing.
  • Work with the Website Coordinator to set up the order system.
  • Keep track of orders, process refunds or exchanges.
  • Coordinate with the screen printer (types, sizes, colors).
  • Distribute or arrange for pick ups of Spirit Wear orders.
  • Keep track of inventory.
  • Restock the self-service Spirit Wear corner in the front office.
  • Work with other Committee Chairs to coordinate the sale of Spirit Wear at other Marengo events (Pumpkin Patch, Book Fair, etc.).
  • Create marketing materials and emails to be distributed via PTA's communication channels (e.g., Lion Loop, social media, room parents, etc.) and seek proper approval from PTA leadership and school principal, if necessary.

Parent Party (Fall)

The Parent Party Chair would lead a team of parents to make this magical night a success. A committee of at least 4 core volunteers is recommended to run this event. The Parent Party usually takes place in the Fall on a Saturday evening, but the date might vary depending on the venue and committee chair. Responsibilities include:

  • Secure a venue at a local home or other local space (usually donated by a Marengo family).
  • Coordinate with vendors: caterers (local Marengo family), rental companies, DJ, etc.
  • Manage ticketing system and track ticket sales (usually done with EventCreate).
  • Solicit items for the silent auction, set up items with silent auction house (e.g. BetterWorld), coordinating the distribution of items to auction winners. Usually one committee member manages the silent auction.
  • Recruit and lead a group of parents to help support you in these responsibilities (PTA Volunteer Coordinator can provide support)
  • Create marketing materials and emails to be distributed via PTA's communication channels (e.g., Lion Loop, social media, room parents, etc.) and seek proper approval from PTA leadership and school principal, if necessary.

Lunar New Year (Feb)

The LNY Chair leads the planning for this event by working with the city, school, and other community groups.  Marengo’s annual Lunar New Year Festival showcases our Dual Immersion classrooms while sharing the cultural heritage of the Lunar New Year. The event is open to the community and has become a beloved event where families can gather, enjoy cultural entertainment, food, and games.  The LNY Festival usually takes place in February on a Sunday, at Orange Grove Park. A committee of 6-7 people is recommended for this event.

Responsibilities include:

  • Coordinate with the city to secure the date and location, handle any paperwork, and market the event (e.g., banner across Fair Oaks).

The following responsibilities are usually split among committee members:

  • Work with a caterer to offer pre-ordered lunch boxes (Phoenix has been doing this for the past three years).
  • Solicit event sponsorships from local businesses.
  • Collaborate with community organizations, such as the YMCA and SPCC, to offer activities and prizes at designated booths.
  • Work with the DI Room Parents to coordinate booth games and prizes for each of their class booths
  • Select and schedule entertainment (e.g., lion dance, musical acts, dancing, martial arts, DJ, etc.)
  • Work with rental company for day-of supplies (booth, table, and chair rentals), determine the layout for the day of the event, and coordinate volunteers on the day of the event
  • Create marketing materials and emails to be distributed via PTA's communication channels (e.g., Lion Loop, social media, room parents, etc.) and seek proper approval from PTA leadership and school principal, if necessary.

Talent Show (Spring)

The Talent Show Chair holds auditions and produces and directs two performances while fostering a supportive environment that encourages participation by any and all Marengo students wanting to share their gifts.  As a part of the student Talent Show production, the Talent Show Chair helps to coordinate an all-school field trip to view the performances.  This role requires partnering with local schools, managing volunteers, communicating with parents, directing students, and adherence to a strict timeline. It is recommended that this popular event have 2 or 3 co-chairs.  The Talent Show usually takes place during the Spring, but the dates may be flexible depending on venue availability and committee chair(s). Responsibilities include:

  • Hold auditions to recruit performers and encourage a variety of acts
  • Secure a venue (usually the Middle School or High School) for the event
  • Coordinate with venue staff to ensure optimal lighting, sound, etc.
  • Create a set list and help students perform within allotted time frames
  • Recruit and manage volunteers to support the shows and related events (practices, auditions)
  • Communicate with teachers, administrators to coordinate field trip fo the students to watch the show
  • Create marketing materials and emails to be distributed via PTA's communication channels (e.g., Lion Loop, social media, room parents, etc.) and seek proper approval from PTA leadership and school principal.

Safety Valet (Ongoing)

The Safety Valet Chair leads the effort to keep this Marengo privilege going by coordinating this amazing team of volunteers.  These parents keep our drivers and children safe as they are dropped off at school in the morning. This group of volunteers is so important and fun that parents who don’t don't even have kids at Marengo any more still come to volunteer!  Responsibilities include:

  • Set up and put away cones and lane markers every morning
  • Manage a SignUp Genius to coordinate schedules of volunteers

Art Happenings (Ongoing)

The Art Happenings Chair coordinates 4-5 lunchtime art experiences throughout the school year for 1st - 5th grade students. Art activities should be easily accessible and appropriate for the wide age range. Responsibilities include:

  • Plan the art projects and securing supplies.
  • Gain approvals from the school for space, content, and facility needs.
  • Recruit and lead a group of parents to help support you in these responsibilities (PTA Volunteer Coordinator can provide support).
  • Create marketing materials and emails to be distributed via PTA's communication channels (e.g., Lion Loop, social media, room parents, etc.) and seek proper approval from PTA. leadership and school principal.