PTO Council Positions 2021-2022
President- Leslie Ratan
Vice President- Tania Thawley
Treasurer- Disha Venkatesan
Secretary- Kate Shooter
Vice President- Tania Thawley
Treasurer- Disha Venkatesan
Secretary- Kate Shooter
PTO Committee Roles 2021-2022
Bingo Night
Chair- Rueijen Fan
Kids look forward to Bingo Night all winter! We have loads of donated prizes, a stuffed animal store, and food for purchase. Volunteers organize this event, which is usually held on a Friday evening in February. All equipment for the game is stored at school, your role would be planning and hosting/ running the event for the night. 5th grade usually sells meals and snacks to raise money. Planning begins a couple months prior to the event.
Chair- Rueijen Fan
Kids look forward to Bingo Night all winter! We have loads of donated prizes, a stuffed animal store, and food for purchase. Volunteers organize this event, which is usually held on a Friday evening in February. All equipment for the game is stored at school, your role would be planning and hosting/ running the event for the night. 5th grade usually sells meals and snacks to raise money. Planning begins a couple months prior to the event.
Book Fair
Chair- Mary Rutherford
Scholastic sets up a great selection of books and items for purchase in the Murray library the week before Thanksgiving. Stock up on birthday and holiday gifts with new favorites. Proceeds help support the Murray library. Chairperson and approximately 10 committee members organize and run the book fair, held the week before Thanksgiving. Some volunteers are needed to set up for the fair from 1:15-4:00 during one school day. Others are needed to work a 90- minute evening shift.
Chair- Mary Rutherford
Scholastic sets up a great selection of books and items for purchase in the Murray library the week before Thanksgiving. Stock up on birthday and holiday gifts with new favorites. Proceeds help support the Murray library. Chairperson and approximately 10 committee members organize and run the book fair, held the week before Thanksgiving. Some volunteers are needed to set up for the fair from 1:15-4:00 during one school day. Others are needed to work a 90- minute evening shift.
Murray Nature Trail
Chair- Jennifer Iyengar
Murray has a nature trail behind the school where lots of hands-on learning takes place! Volunteers are needed to maintain the trail (i.e. remove fallen trees, trim back vines, rebuild steps). Many hands make light work.
Chair- Jennifer Iyengar
Murray has a nature trail behind the school where lots of hands-on learning takes place! Volunteers are needed to maintain the trail (i.e. remove fallen trees, trim back vines, rebuild steps). Many hands make light work.
Box Tops
Christy Cormons
This program is an important source of funds for our PTO. Each quarter, the class that collects the most product Box Tops wins the Box Tops Champs trophy. The program has changed quite a bit with the advent of the Box Tops app replacing the need to clip Box Tops and send them into school. This position primarily involves instruction in and encouraging use of the Box Tops app and tallying quarterly totals to send for reimbursement.
Christy Cormons
This program is an important source of funds for our PTO. Each quarter, the class that collects the most product Box Tops wins the Box Tops Champs trophy. The program has changed quite a bit with the advent of the Box Tops app replacing the need to clip Box Tops and send them into school. This position primarily involves instruction in and encouraging use of the Box Tops app and tallying quarterly totals to send for reimbursement.
Cash Back Programs/Restaurant Nights
Christy Cormons/Erin Tracey
Our school and PTO can earn considerable funds through a wide array of rewards programs including local stores and online shopping sites. Link your accounts to start benefiting the school with your regular shopping!
Christy Cormons/Erin Tracey
Our school and PTO can earn considerable funds through a wide array of rewards programs including local stores and online shopping sites. Link your accounts to start benefiting the school with your regular shopping!
Communications/Murray Matters
Ann Marie Park
Responsible to collecting, consolidating events and key messages from the PTO and school out to the Community through the weekly email, Murray Matters.
Ann Marie Park
Responsible to collecting, consolidating events and key messages from the PTO and school out to the Community through the weekly email, Murray Matters.
Cultural Enrichment
Chair- Meg Bryce
Help identify and plan events where different artists visit the school providing the students with opportunities to learn about the performing arts and other cultural enriching areas. There is an existing binder showing prior programs and contacts, to help plan and use the allocated funding. Many opportunities fill up fast, so it does help to book a lot of this stuff over the summer.
Chair- Meg Bryce
Help identify and plan events where different artists visit the school providing the students with opportunities to learn about the performing arts and other cultural enriching areas. There is an existing binder showing prior programs and contacts, to help plan and use the allocated funding. Many opportunities fill up fast, so it does help to book a lot of this stuff over the summer.
Field Day
Chair- Erica Hansen, need parent co-chair
A Murray Mustang’s favorite way to celebrate the approaching summer. Kids participate in all kinds of fun outdoor games and sports guaranteed to wear them out. Volunteers work with our PE teacher (Ms. Tillar-Hughes) to create this themed day. Time commitment varies. Leaders and helpers are needed for this fun-filled event.
Chair- Erica Hansen, need parent co-chair
A Murray Mustang’s favorite way to celebrate the approaching summer. Kids participate in all kinds of fun outdoor games and sports guaranteed to wear them out. Volunteers work with our PE teacher (Ms. Tillar-Hughes) to create this themed day. Time commitment varies. Leaders and helpers are needed for this fun-filled event.
Flick on the Field
Chair- Jordan Giannini
We kick off the school year with an outdoor movie on the field for Murray families. Enjoy a picnic dinner, goodies for sale, and raffle prizes. Volunteers organize this popular event each September. Most of the planning takes place over the summer and early in the school year. Volunteers are also needed to help the day and evening of the event.
Chair- Jordan Giannini
We kick off the school year with an outdoor movie on the field for Murray families. Enjoy a picnic dinner, goodies for sale, and raffle prizes. Volunteers organize this popular event each September. Most of the planning takes place over the summer and early in the school year. Volunteers are also needed to help the day and evening of the event.
Fun Run
Chair- Ashley Lapinski
In-school spirit event in early fall, where students run an untimed non-competitive course. Run is followed by all-school dance party to promote Murry community and spirit. Some jobs are flexible and can be completed on the members’ own time. Many volunteers are needed day of to provide and safe and fun experience for all students. Event was moved from sprint to fall in 2019. Some jobs are flexible and can be completed on the members’ own time. Fun Run is coordinated with Mr. Kathy Tillar-Hughes (PE teacher)
Chair- Ashley Lapinski
In-school spirit event in early fall, where students run an untimed non-competitive course. Run is followed by all-school dance party to promote Murry community and spirit. Some jobs are flexible and can be completed on the members’ own time. Many volunteers are needed day of to provide and safe and fun experience for all students. Event was moved from sprint to fall in 2019. Some jobs are flexible and can be completed on the members’ own time. Fun Run is coordinated with Mr. Kathy Tillar-Hughes (PE teacher)
Helping Hands
Chair-
The Helping Hands program works with VLM and other local organizations in an effort to teach children the importance of volunteerism and helping others.
Chair-
The Helping Hands program works with VLM and other local organizations in an effort to teach children the importance of volunteerism and helping others.
Hospitality/Teacher Appreciation
Chair- Kelly Kaufman
Hospitality & Staff Appreciation provides meals, snacks, and appreciation events for VLM faculty and staff on select teacher workdays and special occasions. Many hands are needed to assist with treats, decorating, hosting, set up, cleanup, crafts, and organizing. Any knowledge of or connections with catering/food business is a plus. Any volunteer hours are appreciated. Time commitment can vary from one to many hours, depending on interest and availability. There is a particular need for volunteers willing to help on an occasional non-school week day to assist with a teacher workday luncheon. Help is sometimes needed to pass out treats before school begins (early morning). Some tasks can be completed at home on the members’ own time. There are opportunities to donate food or supplies. Work on this committee can be extremely rewarding because it shows our appreciation and support for our school’s outstanding teachers and staff.
Chair- Kelly Kaufman
Hospitality & Staff Appreciation provides meals, snacks, and appreciation events for VLM faculty and staff on select teacher workdays and special occasions. Many hands are needed to assist with treats, decorating, hosting, set up, cleanup, crafts, and organizing. Any knowledge of or connections with catering/food business is a plus. Any volunteer hours are appreciated. Time commitment can vary from one to many hours, depending on interest and availability. There is a particular need for volunteers willing to help on an occasional non-school week day to assist with a teacher workday luncheon. Help is sometimes needed to pass out treats before school begins (early morning). Some tasks can be completed at home on the members’ own time. There are opportunities to donate food or supplies. Work on this committee can be extremely rewarding because it shows our appreciation and support for our school’s outstanding teachers and staff.
Grounds Improvement and Landscaping
Chair-Jennifer Iyengar
Murray’s landscaping and beautiful garden space couldn’t be maintained without the help of our parent volunteers. Green thumbs are not required! While County and school staff handle regular grass cutting, leaf blowing, and basic maintenance, this committee does extra work to beautify our school grounds. This includes periodic weeding and mulching, replacing plants as necessary, maintaining the Nature Trail, and maintaining the fenced garden (if time permits). They also organize a “Day of Caring” in September when community volunteers (through the United Way) visit and help with grounds improvements. Volunteers can commit as little or as much time as they can give at any time they choose.
Chair-Jennifer Iyengar
Murray’s landscaping and beautiful garden space couldn’t be maintained without the help of our parent volunteers. Green thumbs are not required! While County and school staff handle regular grass cutting, leaf blowing, and basic maintenance, this committee does extra work to beautify our school grounds. This includes periodic weeding and mulching, replacing plants as necessary, maintaining the Nature Trail, and maintaining the fenced garden (if time permits). They also organize a “Day of Caring” in September when community volunteers (through the United Way) visit and help with grounds improvements. Volunteers can commit as little or as much time as they can give at any time they choose.
Literary Magazine
Chair-
Murray’s annual literary magazine, The Luminary, distributed in late spring, is a compilation of student drawings, poetry, and prose. The magazine allows kids to express themselves and share their talent with friends and families. Volunteers with basic graphic design, layout, and familiarity with printing process would be helpful, but are not necessary. All of the work can be completed on the volunteer’s own time.
Chair-
Murray’s annual literary magazine, The Luminary, distributed in late spring, is a compilation of student drawings, poetry, and prose. The magazine allows kids to express themselves and share their talent with friends and families. Volunteers with basic graphic design, layout, and familiarity with printing process would be helpful, but are not necessary. All of the work can be completed on the volunteer’s own time.
M3 Enrichment Programs
Chairs-Jennie Chiu, Trish McClain
These after-school enrichment programs are taught by teachers and community members held at school. M3 classes are offered Monday-Friday immediately after school during three six-week sessions throughout the year and range from "Track & Field" to "Tie-Dye", "Legos & Chess" and "Fencing". Chairs are responsible for indentifying programs and teachers, facilitating sign-up and payment collection before sending to the Treasurer. Volunteers are needed from 1 to 5 days per week from 2:15 – 2:40 to check-in and record attendance of M3 students.
Chairs-Jennie Chiu, Trish McClain
These after-school enrichment programs are taught by teachers and community members held at school. M3 classes are offered Monday-Friday immediately after school during three six-week sessions throughout the year and range from "Track & Field" to "Tie-Dye", "Legos & Chess" and "Fencing". Chairs are responsible for indentifying programs and teachers, facilitating sign-up and payment collection before sending to the Treasurer. Volunteers are needed from 1 to 5 days per week from 2:15 – 2:40 to check-in and record attendance of M3 students.
New Family Hospitality
Chair- Abby Kimbrough
The PTO welcomes new families to Murray with phone calls to answer questions and a welcome reception. Timing of when, where and in coordinating of other PTO events is up to the chair.
Chair- Abby Kimbrough
The PTO welcomes new families to Murray with phone calls to answer questions and a welcome reception. Timing of when, where and in coordinating of other PTO events is up to the chair.
Parent Council Representative
Chair- Rueijen Fan
County school meetings are held throughout the year to help ensure we are learning what improvements and challenges the county is facing, but also our oppotunity for Murray's voices to be heard. In years past, several school will band together to fund a county wide event.
Chair- Rueijen Fan
County school meetings are held throughout the year to help ensure we are learning what improvements and challenges the county is facing, but also our oppotunity for Murray's voices to be heard. In years past, several school will band together to fund a county wide event.
Parent Social Committee
Chair-
Otherwise known as "Party Parade" this is a series of social events hosting by Murray families that allows families to connect and building our community. Events range throughout the year from adult cocktail parties, sporting events and family events. Some past events include a women's tennis open, Oktoberfest, wreathmaking, family BBQ and mother/daughter Tea. We are always interested in new hosts and ideas. This is a primary fundraisier for the PTO, but also serves as a great way to meet other families.
Chair-
Otherwise known as "Party Parade" this is a series of social events hosting by Murray families that allows families to connect and building our community. Events range throughout the year from adult cocktail parties, sporting events and family events. Some past events include a women's tennis open, Oktoberfest, wreathmaking, family BBQ and mother/daughter Tea. We are always interested in new hosts and ideas. This is a primary fundraisier for the PTO, but also serves as a great way to meet other families.
School Directory
Chair- Sonnia Kesser
Each year, during school registration and verification, contact information is collected and optional for being included in the School Directory. The chair coordinates this information and any school calendar, PTO events, etc. for publishing through the County printer, then distributed.
Chair- Sonnia Kesser
Each year, during school registration and verification, contact information is collected and optional for being included in the School Directory. The chair coordinates this information and any school calendar, PTO events, etc. for publishing through the County printer, then distributed.
Social Media
Rebecca Gibson/Ann Marie Parks/PTO President
Responsible for managing, collecting, and creating relevant content to share with parents and the VLM community via Facebook. Duties include creating a regular publishing schedule and sharing key messages from the PTO and Murray Matters.
Rebecca Gibson/Ann Marie Parks/PTO President
Responsible for managing, collecting, and creating relevant content to share with parents and the VLM community via Facebook. Duties include creating a regular publishing schedule and sharing key messages from the PTO and Murray Matters.
Talent Show
Chairs-Prasanna Anabathula, Lisa Kline
The Murray Talent show is a school favorite, with 1 night of performances typically in the spring around March on a Friday from 6-8pm Chair helps facilitate sign-ups for performances, 1 round of 'try-outs', 2 rehearsals to hep ensure music, tools, stage items and stage logistics are understood by all performances.
Chairs-Prasanna Anabathula, Lisa Kline
The Murray Talent show is a school favorite, with 1 night of performances typically in the spring around March on a Friday from 6-8pm Chair helps facilitate sign-ups for performances, 1 round of 'try-outs', 2 rehearsals to hep ensure music, tools, stage items and stage logistics are understood by all performances.
Website Development
Rebecca Gibson/Lindley Stakem
Responsible for housing PTO information including PTO events, contact, calendar, meeting minutes, and more. Requires time and basic website knowledge under Weebly, but updates are done as needed and wherever convenient.
Rebecca Gibson/Lindley Stakem
Responsible for housing PTO information including PTO events, contact, calendar, meeting minutes, and more. Requires time and basic website knowledge under Weebly, but updates are done as needed and wherever convenient.
Yearbook
Chair- Jennie Chiu
Typically 5th grade led project. Requires team to gather photos, take photos and find sponsors.
Chair- Jennie Chiu
Typically 5th grade led project. Requires team to gather photos, take photos and find sponsors.
Teacher Representative
Ellen Patterson
Ellen Patterson
