PGO Activities and Events

The following is a list of PGO activities and events, as well as contact information for coordinator(s).
To volunteer or find out more, contact the coordinator(s) or Pam Rietkerk (pam.fortriver@gmail.com).

Room Parents
Room parents plan a class potluck, check in with the teacher monthly to see what is needed (snacks, class/field trip volunteers, supplies, etc.) and update the online teacher wish-lists accordingly. They may also organize an end of year class gift in June. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Contact: Michele Spirko at michele.fortriver@gmail.com.

Student Directory
The student directory is an invaluable resource! Volunteers follow up with local businesses who have previously placed ads, compile student data, and arrange for the directory to be copied and distributed at school. Volunteers are particularly needed to help edit the directory corrections in early September and contact our friendly advertisers. Coordinator: Dror Schmerling (dshmerling@yahoo.com) VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Savings Makes “Cents”
This program encourages savings habits and goal setting. Children can open a bank account with Florence Savings Bank and bank weekly in the cafeteria with help from parent volunteers (or directly at the bank). Only $1.00 is needed to open an account, and any amount can be deposited—and after 10 deposits, the Bank will deposit $1.00 into the account. Coordinator: Nat Larson (nc.larson@gmail.com) Co-Coordinator: VOLUNTEER NEEDED !

Cultural Enrichment Coordinator
This volunteer notifies teachers of local cultural events (UMASS, Shea Theatre, etc), orders tickets that teachers’ request, and completes (easy) paperwork for grant reimbursement. This is a September/early October job. Coordinator: Dorie Goldman (goldman.dorie@gmail.com)

Family Fair  
The Family Fair helps welcome everyone back to school. The 6th graders create and run games, and/or sell food. The 6th grade teachers work the fair into the beginning of the year assignments, and help on the day of the fair (Mr. Wallace is a key contact!). This coordinator arranges for pizza delivery, purchases drinks for sale, requests food from families, and organizes parents at the fair (set up, clean up, helping the kids serve food). One 5th grade parent and one 6th grade parent volunteer are needed. This is a short term, early September job. Coordinators: Lynn Hayes (hay3bay@comcast.net) and Carrie Turkot (cturkot@juno.com).

School Pictures  
The coordinator works to schedule Picture Day and communicates with teachers, families and parent volunteers. Coordinator: Carol Slaughter (CSlaughter143@aol.com).

Book Fair
This is a great opportunity for students to purchase quality books at affordable prices and provides funds for our library. This week-long event takes place in early December. This committee makes arrangements to have the books delivered, staffs the book fair, and handles the final payment to the book companies. This project needs many volunteers! Coordinator: Diane Caraker (dianec711@comcast.net), Co-Coordinator: VOLUNTEER NEEDED!

Fall Festival (the “Halloween Party”)
This event, which is usually held the Friday before Halloween, is a fun-filled evening featuring a costume parade, games and crafts, and food. This committee recruits and coordinates volunteers to help plan and run the events, and work on set up and clean up. Coordinator: Diane Caraker (dianec711@comcast.net)

International Fair
This event is an international potluck/community building event in late May featuring talents of Fort River students.  Coordinator: Rebecca Fricke (fricke@crocker.com)

6th Grade Graduation  
This committee is in charge of making sure this day is special for all the 6th grade children. The coordinator(s) of this event organize the sixth grade parents to decorate the gym and set up all the other events surrounding graduation (slide show, food for the reception, class gift, etc.)
Coordinators: Lisa Oram and Steve Brown (lo@lisaoram.com)

Staff/Teacher Appreciation Luncheon  
This is a great way to say “thank you” to all the people who take care of our kids. This committee finds a restaurant and works with the manager to set a date and menu, sends invitations to all staff asking for menu choices, collects RSVPs and gives meal counts to the restaurant, and keeps in contact with the restaurant to make sure that everything is on track! Coordinator: Catalina Arrubla (carrubla@gmail.com)  and Suzanne Schilling (patsueschilling@comcast.net).