2015-2016 Summer Packet Draft

PTO HIGHLIGHTS
SUMMER 2015
Closter Parent-Teacher Organization
PTO
Presidents’
Message
Welcome to the Closter PTO! We hope everyone had a wonderful summer and
is ready for the 2015-2016 school year.
PTO Board Contact Information
PTO Membership Dues, Directory and
E-Communications
Paperless Information and PTO
Supported Events
As co-presidents, and on behalf of the talented and energetic board members
and volunteers, we are thrilled to invite you to join us for the fun-filled year ahead. PTO 2015-2016 Calendar of Events
Our mission is to support and enrich our children’s educational experience and
we hope you will join us as we:
PTO Volunteer Opportunities
Support and Enhance the Educational Experience. Help promote reading by
attending our Fall and Spring book fairs – purchase books for your family and
donate books to each classroom. Also join the Birthday Book Club and sign-up
for one of the amazing After School Enrichment Program (ASEP) classes and
nurture your child’s scientific, artistic, athletic or academic interests.
Birthday Book Club Information
Strengthen Our Community. Attend events like the parents-only Fall Social and
Dinner Dance to have fun with current friends and meet new ones. The stronger
our community and networks are, the stronger our school system will be.
Nourish. Sign-up for our extraordinary lunch program. Choose from an amazing
selection of healthy food provided by local vendors. The convenience and
variety are unparalleled and the choices are sure to appeal to any eater – from
picky to sophisticated.
Just Have Fun! Ever popular events like the Halloween Fair, Spring Fair, Movie
Nights, Trivia Night and the Talent Show are simply a great opportunity to come
together and just have fun! The perfect reward for working hard all year!
PTO Lunch Program Information
Class Parent Information
HES Grade T-Shirts Information
HES Halloween Costume Exchange
SchoolKitz School Supplies Delivery
Information
Key Dates for September
Wed, September 2nd :
- First Day of School
- PTO Coffee Klatch for Kindergarten
parents - 9:00 AM. - HES
Fri, September 4 th:
Finally, please consider joining us as a volunteer – there are plenty of
- 1st Session Lunch Order Deadline
opportunities for all sorts of roles and time commitments. We need people in the
classroom and behind the scenes, from once a year to once a day! Whatever
Mon, September 7th :
School Closed (Labor Day)
skills and talents you have to offer we will be thrilled to welcome you to our
- Class Parent Signup Deadline
organization. Help make a difference in your child’s school experience, meet
new friends and have fun!
th
Please explore our website at www.closterpto.org – you will find the calendar,
contact information and a handy check-list to help you get started signing up for
PTO programs.
Again, welcome and we look forward to a great year!
Kristin Schwartz
Tamara Schwartz
PTO Co-Presidents
Mon, September 14 :
School Closed (Rosh Hashanah)
Tues, September 15th :
-1st Session Lunch Begins
Wednesday, September 23rd :
- School Closed (Yom Kippur)
Back-to-School Nights:
PreK and K – Thurs, Sept. 10 th
7th and 8th grades – Wed, Sept. 16th
1st and 2 nd grades – Thurs, Sept. 17th
3rd and 4th grades – Wed, Sept. 30th
5th and 6th grades – Thurs, Oct. 1st
2015-2016 CLOSTER PTO EXECUTIVE BOARD
Co-President
Co-President
IT/Website Editor
Co-VP of Fundraising
Co-VP of Fundraising
Co-VP of Student Activities
Co-VP of Student Activities
VP of Hillside Lunch
Co-VP of Tenakill Lunch
Co-VP of Tenakill Lunch
Co-VP of Hospitality
Co-VP of Hospitality
Secretary/PR
Co-Treasurer
Co-Treasurer
TtreTreasurer
TreaTTreaTre
asTreaTrTYT
TTrea
Kristin Schwartz
Tamara Schwartz
Lukshmi Puttanniah
Stefani Greenspan
Judy Terner
Jeanette Watters
Angela Ferullo
Kara Yako
Pam Bern
Nancy Reilly
Melissa Morrison
Mikelle Schifter-Hochron
Joann Hildenbrand
MMcNifHildenbrand
Ruchi
Kothari
McNiHiHildenbrand
Jennifer
Wu
closterpto@gmail.com
closterpto@gmail.com
lputtanniah@gmail.com
stefgreenspan@gmail.com
ternerj@verizon.net
jeanetteandtom@hotmail.com
angeladedonato@aol.com
HillsideLunchVP@gmail.com
TenakillLunchVP@gmail.com
TenakillLunchVP@gmail.com
Melissalinde2000@yahoo.com
Mikelle.s@gmail.com
jmcniff@optonline.net
ruchi_kothari@yahoo.com
jenniferyangwu@gmail.com
How the PTO Supports the Closter Public Schools
The Closter Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is a long-established, non-profit organization working in
partnership with the Hillside Elementary School, Tenakill Middle School, and the Closter Board of
Education. The PTO is led by a group of parent volunteers, who rotate bi-annually.
The mission of the PTO is to work closely with parents, teachers, and administrators to provide our
children with the best educational, recreational, and cultural experiences. Throughout the year, the
money we raise through membership dues and various fundraisers goes directly back to the schools to
support these efforts. We are proud to be able to offer many wonderful programs to our children and the
community. Together we can all be part of our childrenʼs school experience!
In recent years, PTO funds have been used for wonderful contributions to the schools such as:
•
•
•
•
New shades for the Hillside playground
New STEM and Lego Robotics programs for Hillside and Tenakill
Complete upgrades to both Hillside News Network (HNN) and Tenakill Broadcast News (TBN)
SmartBoards and microphones for Tenakill Middle School
In addition, the following programs are funded by the PTO on a yearly basis:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Child Assault Prevention (CAP) Program for Hillside - assemblies for children and parents
($1,000)
Grade 8 Teen CAP Program ($1,500)
Grade 6 Anti-Bullying Program ($1,600)
Class Trips - $2,000 per grade ($18,000)
Cultural Arts Events - assemblies for Hillside and Tenakill students ($8,000)
Grade 8 Dinner Dance ($8,000)
Marjorie Zellner Scholarships for graduating seniors of Northern Valley Demarest ($2,000)
Heroes and Cool Kids in partnership with Northern Valley Demarest ($1,000)
School Recess Equipment - provision of indoor recess equipment (ie, board games) for Hillside
and sports equipment for Tenakill ($2,000)
Books for libraries
Gardening and playground equipment
Closter PTO Membership and Directory
A Closter PTO membership offers multiple benefits and supports our schools. We hope you will consider an annual
family membership.
ANNUAL PTO DUES for 2015-2016 are $25 per family,
regardless of the number of children
Membership Benefits
An annual PTO membership comes with many great benefits including:
• Student Activity Events. Attend popular, family-fun events such as Trivia Night, Bingo Night, Movie Night, the
Spelling Bee, Halloween Fair and Spring Fair at no extra charge. (Pre-register for some events on-line)
• Program Eligibility. Membership entitles you to participate (and register on-line) for the very popular After School
Enrichment Program and Lunch Program. Sign your kids up for amazing, fresh lunches as well as fun and
interesting after school classes. Make the school days even better!
• On-line Directory. Members have access to the Closter directory with contact information for many Hillside and
Tenakill families. Access it electronically or print it (it’s a PDF). See Directory Information page in this packet for
more specifics. Essential for birthday party invitations and play dates!
• Access to the Paperless PTO Directory App for smartphones. This app includes the directory, calendar, and event
alerts with many great features and functionality. Membership includes free access to the app for 1 device. Access
for additional devices can be purchased for $5 and the revenue generated is part of our fundraising program. Stay
connected to the PTO community anywhere you go!
Public Meetings
The PTO hosts a few public meetings throughout the year presenting important information such as the annual school
budget and the CAP Program. We also invite guest speakers to present interesting topics concerning our children. These
meetings are open to all parents and refreshments are provided. Check the online calendar for dates and program
information.
Closter PTO is Paperless!
Due to the successful launch of the Paperless PTO (www.closterpto.org), it is now required that all members conduct
Membership Renewals, Directory Entries, Lunch Orders, and many other items online.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE
PAPERLESS PTO ONLINE SYSTEM CAN BE FOUND IN THIS PACKET.
PTO E-Communications
The PTO sends out a monthly electronic newsletter and email announcements filled with details about upcoming events,
important dates, and on occasion, community news that we believe is beneficial to PTO members. By creating an account
on the Paperless PTO system, you will automatically be added to the email blast database.
Directory - Important Guidelines:
The PTO School Directory is available online for viewing by PTO Members who have created an account at
www.closterpto.org.
Inclusion in the directory is not mandatory and you can be excluded by clicking on the ʻEXCLUDE FROM DIRECTORYʼ
button on your Account Information Page.
• The directory will detail the family name and at least one contact phone number.
• Additional information can be included at your discretion (parent’s first name, address, cell phone, e-mail and
teacher/grade).
• ALL entries will be A-Z and listed under your FAMILY NAME. Please use the same family name as was
provided on your childʼs school registration papers.
• CHILDRENʼS first names WILL NOT be included. Only your childʼs teacher and grade will be
listed.
• The PTO is not responsible for content errors. Once you have set up an account, you may update your entry at
any time.
Paperless PTO Instructions for
www.closterpto.org
The Closter PTOʼs fully interactive website (www.closterpto.org) houses everything you need to know about the Closter
PTO, its programs, and upcoming events. There is also a lot of other useful information such as PTO Executive Board
contact details, event flyers and forms, committee chair information and a calendar of events for the 2015-2016 school year.
The website is continually updated throughout the year so we encourage you to bookmark the address www.closterpto.org
on your web browser and remember to check it frequently.
In addition to the above, www.closterpto.org is your go-to place for your PTO Membership Renewal, School Directory
Entry, Lunch Orders, Volunteer Sign-Up, and so much more!
Visit www.closterpto.org to access your account by entering your email address and a unique password to review/ place
orders, make on-line payments, manage your personal information and also use the ʻcontact the Closter PTO Boardʼ
feature under the Executive Board tab.
Instructions for Existing Members
If you have already set up an account, you received an email reminding you of your UNIQUE password.
This email will prompt you to visit www.closterpto.org to update your account (student information,
teacher assignment, etc). This is a great opportunity to edit your directory entry. Once your account is
updated, you can then proceed to place orders, etc.
Instructions for New
Members
Visit www.closterpto.org and click ʻCreate Your Accountʼ and follow the online instructions. Once you
have completed the Registration page, you are automatically added to the Closter PTO database and will be able
to start using the online features mentioned above.
Placing An Order:
• Login to your account.
• Click on the ʻPTO Programsʼ tab and make your selection (Lunch Program, Membership & Directory, Fundraising or
Student Activities).
• Select the items you wish to purchase, scroll to the bottom of the page and select ʻAdd to Shopping Cartʼ.
• Review your Order Summary and then either ʻContinue Shoppingʼ or ʻCheck Outʼ.
Online Payments:
• Review your Order Summary and then either ʻContinue Shoppingʼ or ʻCheck Outʼ.
• At the ʻCheck Outʼ page, enter your bank account or credit card information and select ʻComplete Orderʼ.
• At this point, your order will be processed and you will receive an email containing a copy of your order, confirming that
your order has been placed.
IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO MAKE PAYMENTS ONLINE:
•Update or set-up a new account as indicated above.
•Follow the online instructions to complete your order online.
•At the ʻCheckoutʼ page select ʻClick here for a printable order formʼ to view your order. (This order confirmation
contains a BARCODE unique to that order).
•Print out the Order Confirmation with the Barcode and send this form to school with CASH or a CHECK made
payable to ʻCloster PTOʻ. The envelope should be marked ʻAttention: PTO Treasurerʼ.
•The PTO will process your order by scanning the barcode and depositing the check.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LUNCH ORDER DEADLINE FOR THE 1ST SESSION IS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH. YOUR
LUNCH ORDER CANNOT BE PROCESSED UNTIL YOUR PAYMENT HAS BEEN RECEIVED AND NO EXCEPTIONS
WILL BE MADE.
BOUNCED CHECKS POLICY: Account holders are responsible for the returned check fee of $20. After a
check has bounced, the ONLY form of payment accepted in the future will be cash or money order.
When ordering lunch, payments must be arranged with the Lunch VP and lunch orders will not be
processed until the cash or money order is received.
PTO 2015-2016 Calendar of Events
Date September TBD – stay tuned! nd
2 (Wed) nd
2 (Wed) rd
3 (Thurs) th
4 (Fri) th
7 (Mon) th
7 (Mon) th
10 (Thurs) th
14 (Mon) TBD th
15 (Tues) th
15 (Tues) th
16 (Wed) th
17 (Thurs) th
17 (Thurs) rd
23 (Wed) th
25 (Fri) th
25 (Fri) TBD TBD th
nd
29 -­‐Oct 2 (Tues-­‐Fri) th
30 (Wed) October TBD st
1 (Thurs) th th
5 -­‐6 (Mon-­‐Tues) th
th
8 – 9 (Thurs-­‐Fri) TBD TBD th
12 (Mon) TBD th
th
14 & 15 (Wed-­‐Thurs) th
15 (Thurs) TBD st
21 (Wed) th
25 (Sun) st
31 (Sat) November TBD th
th
5 – 6 (Thurs-­‐Fri) TBD TBD TBD th
20 (Fri) th
25 (Wed) th
th
26 -­‐27 (Thurs-­‐Fri) December nd
2 (Wed) TBD th
4 (Fri) th
7 (Mon) TBD th
11 (Fri) th
11 (Fri) th
18 (Fri) th
st
24 -­‐Jan 1 (Thurs-­‐Fri) TBD Activity ASEP Fall Session Online Registration OPEN First Day of Classes PTO Coffee Klatch Box Tops Collection Begins 1st Session Lunch Orders Due Deadline for Class Parent Volunteer Signup No School – Labor Day Pre-­‐K and Kindergarten Back to School Night No School -­‐ Rosh Hashanah ASEP Fall Session Online Registration CLOSES 1st Session Lunch Begins Kidstuff Coupon Book Sale Begins Grades 7th & 8th Back to School Night HES Class Parent Meeting Grades 1st & 2nd Back to School Night No School – Yom Kippur Last Day for 1st Session Lunch Changes Kidstuff Coupon Book Sale Ends Monday ASEP Classes Begin Tuesday ASEP Classes Begin HES FALL Book Fair Grades 3rd & 4th Back to School Night Fall Social – stay tuned for date! Grades 5 & 6 Back to School Night Halloween Costume Exchange costume drop-­‐off Halloween Costume Exchange pickup/sales Wednesday ASEP Classes Begin PTO Meeting (Anti-­‐Bullying Laws) Half Day-­‐ Columbus Day/ Staff Development HES Art to Remember Begins Family Portrait Night TMS Open School Day Closter's Got Talent-­‐PTO and CIC co-­‐sponsored event HES Open School Day Halloween Fair 2nd Session Lunch Goes On Sale HES Art to Remember Ends School Closed-­‐Teachers Convention Monday ASEP Classes End Tuesday ASEP Classes End Wednesday ASEP Classes End 2nd Session Lunch Orders Due Half Day School Closed-­‐ Thanksgiving Break Half Day-­‐Parent/ Teacher Conferences (daytime) TMS Parent/ Teacher Conferences (evening) 1st Session Lunch Ends 2nd Session Lunch Begins HES Parent/ Teacher Conferences (evening) Movie Night Grades K-­‐2 Movie Night Grades 3-­‐4 Last Day for 2nd Session Lunch Changes School Closed-­‐Holiday Recess ASEP Winter Session Online Registration OPENS Place/Time HES & TMS HES & TMS HES 9:00 a.m. HES & TMS HES & TMS HES & TMS HES & TMS HES 7:00 p.m. HES & TMS HES & TMS HES & TMS HES & TMS TMS 7:00 p.m. HES 2:00 p.m. HES 7:00 p.m. HES & TMS HES & TMS HES & TMS HES & TMS 3:20 p.m. -­‐4:20 p.m. HES & TMS 3:20 p.m. -­‐4:20 p.m. HES HES 7:00 p.m. TBD TMS 7:00 p.m. HES, 8:10-­‐8:40 am & 3:10-­‐3:40 pm HES 8:10-­‐8:40 am & 3:10-­‐3:40 PM HES & TMS 3:20 p.m. -­‐4:20 p.m. 12:40 p.m. dismissal, HES & TMS HES HES TBD TMS 9:45 a.m. & 1:45 p.m. HES 9:45 a.m. & 1:45 p.m. TMS HES & TMS HES HES & TMS HES & TMS 3:20 p.m. -­‐4:20 p.m. HES & TMS 3:20 p.m. -­‐4:20 p.m. HES & TMS 3:20 p.m. -­‐4:20 p.m. HES & TMS 12:40 p.m. dismissal, HES & TMS HES & TMS 12:40 p.m. dismissal, HES & TMS HES & TMS HES & TMS HES HES HES HES & TMS HES & TMS HES & TMS NOTE: Due to unforeseen conflicts, these dates could be subject to change. Please refer to the PTO Highlights newsletter for most up to date monthly event listings. PTO 2015-2016 Calendar of Events, Contd.
Date January st
1 (Fri) TBD th
th
11 -­‐15 (Mon-­‐Fri) th
18 (Mon) nd
22 (Fri) TBD th
28 (Wed) February Activity School Closed-­‐Holiday Recess ASEP Winter Session Online CLOSES TMS Book Fair School Closed-­‐Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Trivia Night Box Top Mid-­‐Year Collection Boys’ Sweetheart Dance Place/Time HES & TMS HES & TMS TMS HES & TMS TMS Auditorium 7:00 p.m. HES & TMS TBD TBD TBD TBD th
5 (Fri) Monday ASEP Classes Begin-­‐TBD Tuesday ASEP Classes Begin-­‐TBD Wednesday ASEP Classes Begin-­‐TBD Spelling Bee HES & TMS 3:20 p.m. -­‐4:20 p.m. HES & TMS 3:20 p.m. -­‐4:20 p.m. HES & TMS 3:20 p.m. -­‐4:20 p.m. TBD 3rd Session Lunch Goes On Sale HES & TMS Girls’ Sweetheart Dance TBD 15 -­‐19 (Mon-­‐Fri) March th
4 (Fri) th
10 (Thurs) th
11 (Fri) th
11 (Fri) th
14 (Mon) th
24 (Thurs) TBD School Closed-­‐ Winter Recess 3rd Session Lunch Orders Due Talent Show Rehearsal Talent Show 2nd Session Lunch Ends 3rd Session Lunch Begins Last Day for 3rd Session Lunch Changes Military Bridge HES & TMS HES & TMS HES HES HES & TMS HES & TMS HES & TMS TBD TBD TBD th
25 (Friday) st
31 (Thurs) April st
1 (Fri) st
1 (Fri) th
th
4 -­‐29 (Mon-­‐Fri) th
th
4 -­‐May 13 (Mon-­‐Fri) th
th
11 -­‐15 (Mon-­‐Fri) th
30 (Sat) May rd
3 (Tues) Monday ASEP Classes End Tuesday ASEP Classes End Wednesday ASEP Classes End School Closed – Good Friday Half Day-­‐Parent/ Teacher Conferences Bingo Night Grades 1-­‐2 Bingo Night Grades 3-­‐4 TMS PARCC Testing HES PARCC Testing School Closed-­‐ Spring Break Bicycle Safety PTO Teacher Appreciation Breakfast (HES) HES & TMS 3:20 p.m. -­‐4:20 p.m. HES & TMS 3:20 p.m. -­‐4:20 p.m. HES & TMS 3:20 p.m. -­‐4:20 p.m. HES & TMS 12:40 p.m. dismissal, HES & TMS HES 5:00 HES 6:30 TMS HES HES & TMS HES HES 8:00 a.m. PTO Teacher Appreciation Breakfast (TMS) PTO Mother’s Day Plant Sale Dinner Dance/Spring Gala Spring Fair – exact date TBD – stay tuned! PTO Volunteer Recruitment Tea-­‐TBD HES Spring Book Fair -­‐ TBD HES NJ-­‐ASK Testing TMS NJ-­‐ASK Testing, *8th Grade Only Box Top Collection Ends School Closed – Memorial Day 6th Grade Dance-­‐ TBD PTO Volunteer Appreciation Tea/Wish List TBD TMS 8:00 a.m. HES TBD TMS TBD HES & TMS HES TMS HES HES & TMS TMS HES 1:30 3rd Session Lunch Ends TMS Graduation HES Moving On Ceremony 4th Grade Clap Out/Last Day of School/Half Day HES & TMS NVD 7:30 p.m. HES 7:00 p.m. 12:40 p.m. dismissal, HES & TMS th
6 (Sat) th
11 (Thurs) th
th
th
4 (Wed) th
6 (Fri) th
13 (Fri) st
th
21 (Sat) or 14 (Sat) TBD th
th
24 -­‐27 (Tues-­‐Fri) th
25 (Wed) th
25 (Wed) *8th Grade Only th
27 (Fri) th
30 (Mon) June TBD TBD th
10 (Fri) th
13 (Mon) *Tentatively TBD * Weather Dependent th
16 (Thurs) tentative NOTE: Due to unforeseen conflicts, these dates could be subject to change. Please refer to the PTO Highlights newsletter for most up to date monthly event listings. Closter PTO - Volunteer Opportunities
Closter PTO Volunteer Opportunities
There is no better investment of time and money than in the life of a child. They are the future. -­‐ Alma Powell Over the years, the Closter PTO has been able to enrich our children’s educational experience through various student activities, special assemblies, and fundraising. Our success is due entirely to our very passionate and dedicated volunteers! Whether by serving as an executive board member, volunteering to serve lunch at Hillside or Tenakill on a weekly basis, helping the teacher as a class parent, or simply giving just an hour or two when you are free to a certain event, every minute you can volunteer directly benefits our children. If you are a seasoned volunteer, we hope you will continue to generously donate your time in the 2015-­‐2016 school year. If you are new to our school system, or simply have not found an opportunity to get involved yet, please consider joining us this coming year. No specific skills or talents are needed – just a strong desire to work with fellow parents, teachers, administrators, and most importantly, our children. A complete list of events that require committees and/or a chairperson (along with a brief summary of each event/program) can be found on our Paperless PTO website – www.closterpto.org -­‐ by clicking on the “Committees” tab. A brief summary of each event/program can be found in the Programs and Events Overview pages in this packet. Log on to Paperless PTO (www.closterpto.org) to submit your name as a volunteer or contact any board member for more information. Note: Due to the nature of the Lunch Program and Class Parent selection please volunteer online: Log into your account, click the 'Volunteer' drop-­‐down tab, select 'Volunteer for Committees', then click the box for the day you wish to volunteer for lunch or ‘Volunteer for Class Parent’ and click 'Submit' on the bottom of the page.
2015-2016 PTO LUNCH PROGRAM
Lunch at both Hillside and Tenakill schools will be three sessions. Each session will be twelve school weeks.
(Session 1) September 15, 2015 - December 4, 2015
(Session 2) December 7, 2015 - March 11, 2016
(Session 3) March 14, 2016 - June 10, 2016
Ordering instructions and links to 1st session menus are available on the Closter PTO website. Follow the links
under More Info à PTO Lunch Program 2015-2016.
Please note the following when participating in the Closter PTO Lunch Program.
●
An annual PTO membership is required to participate in the lunch program.
●
The menus CANNOT be used as order forms. Lunch orders will be taken online only.
●
Please make sure you enter the 2015-2016 grade(s) for your child/children when you place your orders.
●
Deadline for 1st Session Lunch Orders is Friday, September 4th, 2015. Late orders will be subject to a
late fee.
Lunch Policy
All students have two weeks after the start of lunch service to make changes to their lunch menu selection. Changes
for first session lunch must be received by Friday, September 25th, no later than 3:30 p.m. Any difference in price
must be paid by cash or check made payable to the Closter PTO. Refunds will not be given for lesser priced
items. To request changes in your child’s lunch menu selection, contact Kara Yako (HillsideLunchVP@gmail.com)
for Hillside students, and Pam Bern/Nancy Reilly (TenakillLunchVP@gmail.com) for Tenakill students.
Lunch Menu Items and Vendors
The Closter PTO Lunch program offers a wide selection of menu items from over ten vendors throughout the
week. There is at least one vegetarian item for each day. We are also proud to announce that we have added Sips
and Kicks to our vendor list. They provide fruit and vegetable smoothies. We hope your child/children will enjoy
these nutritious and healthy drinks! All our vendors have passed Health Inspections. The complete list of vendors
is available on the PTO Lunch Program webpage. Please take the time to have your child try any of the menu
items he/she might be interested in ordering. This way, there will be no surprises when they select their choices
and will minimize any potential need for changes. You may go to any food vendor for a sample. Just make sure to
call in advance and let the vendors know which items you would like to try, because some of the menu items are
specialty items for our schools. The PTO does not offer refunds so please ‘try before you buy’.
Lunch Volunteers
The PTO Lunch Program is 100% run by volunteers and would not exist without them. Listed on the website is
our 2015-2016 Lunch Coordinators for Hillside and Tenakill schools. Please join their teams and volunteer to
help serve lunch to our kids! A link for signing up is available on the website.
If you have any questions about the PTO Lunch Program, please do not hesitate to contact:
Kara Yako, Lunch VP for Hillside (HillsideLunchVP@gmail.com)
Pam Bern/Nancy Reilly, Lunch co-VPs for Tenakill (TenakillLunchVP@gmail.com)
HILLSIDE BIRTHDAY BOOK CLUB
2015-2016
Would you like to help your child feel extra special on their birthday?
Consider celebrating by joining the PTO Birthday Book Club!
All you have to do is purchase a book in honor of your child’s special day, which will remain in the
Hillside library for years to come!
A Birthday Club sticker will be placed inside the book and the librarian will acknowledge your child’s
birthday and the book donation during their scheduled library time. In addition, your child will have
the first opportunity to borrow that book. Every effort will be made to do this as close as possible to
your child’s actual birthday. August birthdays will be recognized in September and July birthdays in
June.
A list of book series to choose from is on the Closter PTO website at www.closterpto.org. There is a
wide range of books for all ages and reading levels. This year, the Birthday Book Club is also proud to
offer a selection of Scholastic AV2 books, which are media-enhanced print books that are linked to
online content (including audio and visual resources, quizzes, and more). The PTO will then select a
specific title within your series to ensure that a proper variety is maintained, and to minimize
duplication. To become part of the Birthday Book Club, login to your online account at
www.closterpto.org to place your order. Please note that books cannot be reserved until payment has
been received. You may join at any time throughout the year!
We look forward to celebrating your
child’s birthday!
Please contact Melissa Lawin
(Melissa.lawin@gmail.com) with
questions.
2015-2016 Hillside and Tenakill
Class Parent Information
Class parents are an integral part of our schools. The role of the Hillside class parent is to assist
the teacher in organizing class celebrations and occasionally join class trips. The role of the
Tenakill class parent is to collect money and help with the grade Field Day. If you are interested
in serving as a class parent this year, please visit www.closterpto.org, log in to your account, and
click the “Volunteer” tab and then “Volunteer for Class Parent” tab. The deadline for
submission is Monday, September 7th, and you must register via
www.closterpto.org. No late submissions will be accepted.
If selected, Hillside class parents will be notified of their assignment(s) before the Hillside class
parent meeting, being held in the Hillside Small Gym on Thursday, September 17th, 2015. You
will only be notified if you were selected to be a class parent.
If you have questions, please contact the following head class parents:
Hillside School
Joanne Darmanin
joanne.darmanin@yahoo.com
Tenakill School
Deirdre Connell
deconl@aol.com
Thank you for volunteering!
Hillside Grade T-Shirts & Spirit Clothing
We are delighted to be offering you the opportunity to purchase Grade T-Shirts for the upcoming year!
Each grade (K-4) has a unique color and is designed with the Hillside logo on the front left and our PTO
Children’s logo on the back. Wear these t-shirts throughout the year and during school activities, such as
class trips. Adult sizes are also available. Please note that sizes do run small. Each T-shirt is $10.
Colors for each grade:
K - Neon Gold
1st - Neon Green
2nd - Neon Orange
3rd - Neon Yellow
4th - Neon Blue
Available Child Sizes:
XS (4-6)
S (6-8)
M(10-12)
L(14-16)
XL(18-20)
Available Adult Sizes:
Small
Medium
Large
XL
XXL
Please place your order online via the PTO website: http://www.closterpto.org
For inquiries, please contact Dory Youn (dekimyoung@gmail.com) or Michele Wong
(pinkshade@gmail.com).
HALLOWEEN COSTUME EXCHANGE
drop off dates October 5th and 6th
pick up dates October 8th and 9th
Get your trick or treaters ready for Halloween with the annual Costume Exchange!
Bring your old and outgrown costumes to the Hillside School on Monday, October 5th, or
Tuesday, October 6th, either before school (from 8:10-8:40 AM) or after school (from 3:10-3:40
PM). You will receive a ticket for each costume which can then be used towards other costumes
(1 costume = 1 ticket) which will be displayed and available for "purchase" on Thursday, October
8th, and Friday, October 9th, from 8:10-8:40 AM or 3:10-3:40 PM. Don't have any costumes to
exchange but want to shop for new costumes for your goblins and ghouls? Costumes will also be
available for purchase on Friday, October 9th, for $5 each.
Please contact Sue Lerant at frasue36@gmail.com with questions or if you'd like to volunteer to
help with the Costume Exchange.
SchoolKidz School Supply Kits
Did you order SchoolKidz school supply kits for your Hillside or Tenakill students through the Closter
PTO back in June? We’re excited to announce that the school supplies packages will be arriving to
school the week of August 16th. We will be setting up pick up windows for the week of August
24th. Exact dates and times TBD. If you have any questions or you will be away that week, please send
an email to Dory Youn at ClosterPTOschoolsupplies@gmail.com.