WESTFIELD-Highland Elementary School’s PTO is reaching out to the community in the hopes of recruiting volunteers this spring during two events that are popular with its schoolchildren.
A carnival – combined with a book fair – is planned March 10 from 6 to 8 p.m., so volunteers are needed from 5 to 9 p.m., and a pasta dinner is slated April 28 during the same timeframe, according to Melanie McNamara, Highland PTO’s treasurer. Both events take place at the school on Western Avenue.
“We are looking for about 10 volunteers for each event,” said McNamara.
PTO members, comprised of parents, faculty and staff, conduct fundraisers during the school year to help fund field trips, enrichment programs, extras for the classrooms, and to help defray other classroom costs.
During the carnival, volunteers will help setup, clean up and oversee games and raffles. Games will include glow in the dark bowling and a football ring toss, and a photo booth area will also be featured.
“Volunteers will explain how games work, setup teams as needed, ensure all kids get a turn, and help kids pick out props they want to use for their picture,” said McNamara.
McNamara noted that during the book fair, volunteers will help children pick out books they may want to purchase.
During the pasta dinner, volunteers will be asked to serve food and clear tables.
Area residents who wish to volunteer their time must be CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) checked with the state and the process requires completing a form with the school’s receptionist at the front desk.
McNamara said that once a volunteer is CORI approved, she can be contacted via email to sign up for an event at [email protected]. In addition, volunteers may contact any Highland PTO member to sign up for an event, send an email to the Highland School PTO at [email protected], leave a message at the front desk, or send a message through the school’s Facebook page.
“Volunteers will be helping the children in our school to have fun, free activities that they can participate in and help raise funds for such needed supplies, assemblies and activities that some of our students might otherwise not be able to participate in,” said McNamara.
