Curriculum Enrichment

ACT (Arts Created Together) The PTO brings a variety of arts programming and cultural enrichment events to Estabrook. Teachers choose these grade-level presentations and performances that are held during the school day and a parent volunteer coordinates the performances. Sept–June

BIG BACKYARD Receive training and lead nature walks in locations both on and off campus tie to in with grade level curriculum.  Sept–June

FAMILY MATH NIGHT Select math problems and facilitate this fun parent-child math event on three winter evenings, two grades per session. Winter

READ ALOUD DAY Coordinate and greet the community volunteers who read to students in their classrooms. Spring

BIG MAP NIGHT  The basketball-court sized maps bring hands- and feet-on geography education and have accompanying activities to teach students place names, physical geography, and cultural geography as well as map reading skills. Help coordinate viewing the map and the activities. Fall/Winter

UNDERSTANDING OUR DIFFERENCES   Assist in the facilitation of a district-wide program to help foster respect, inclusion and acceptance for people of all abilities in elementary schools and the greater community. Program presented to students in Grades 3-5. Sept-June

Green Initiatives

GREEN TEAM RECYCLING Volunteers coordinate, manage and teach students to recycle at lunchtime in the cafeteria. Sept–June

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL (SRTS)  Our Safe Routes to School representative partners with an Estabrook staff member and the town to ensure safety for walkers and bikers on their way to school on select Walking Wednesdays. Sept–June

Social & Community Events

BACK TO SCHOOL PLAYGROUND PICNIC & PARTY Our first community event of the year! Bring a picnic dinner from home to enjoy on the fields and re-connect with friends on the playground afterwards. September

TALENT SHOW Help support the opportunity for students to showcase their performance talents for the Estabrook community’s enjoyment. April (every other year)

GAME NIGHT  Help out at this evening for the community to “unplug” and learn some new board games with friends and families. December (not being held in 2022)

HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE   Coordinate annual gift donations to a local shelter for families displaced due to domestic violence. November/December

MAKER NIGHT   Plan an evening for students to use their creativity to invent and explore using a wide variety of supplies provided by the PTO. April/May

MOVIE NIGHT  Help make a “night out at the movies” in the Estabrook cafeteria fun for kids and parents. Winter

END OF YEAR PLAYGROUND PARTY  Celebrate the end of the year on the playground. June

WINTER HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE Coordinate a craft fair in the Estabrook cafeteria. Student entrepreneurs sign up to host stalls of their handmade goods for purchase. December

SCIENCE FAIR  Students share their ideas, research, inventions, and science-focused artwork. We recruit visiting scientists and help to organize student exhibits for Fair Day. February (every other year)

Fundraising

ESTAFEST  Our biggest fundraiser with games, activities, raffle baskets, food and a silent auction. Something for everyone! Serve on one of the many sub-committees to plan the various aspects of the event. March

BOOK FAIR Coordinate and volunteer at this annual book marketplace is supported by the PTO and provides funds for library circulation and programs. November/December

PARENT SOCIAL   Coordinate a night our for parents, complete with auction and raffle items. Spring

RUN of the MILL  Participate in one of the many sub-committees for Estabrook’s annual 5K run, including Sponsorships, Kids’ Fun Run, Post-race Party, Course Logistics, Parking, First Aid and Publicity. May

SPIRITWEAR Organize and distribute orders for school spiritwear (t-shirts, sweatshirts, flannel pants, caps, etc.) Fall

SCHOOL PHOTOS Assist during school picture day. September/October

Fifth Grade Activities

FIFTH GRADE MOVING-UP ACTIVITIES Includes fundraising, managing printing and distribution of t-shirts and yearbooks, planning a year-end BBQ, and coordinating non-5th grade volunteers to help with graduation celebration. Events are in May/June, but planning should start ASAP, especially for the yearbook.

School/Teacher Support

FAMILY FRIENDS This supplemental program for our METCO students allows Lexington-based families to form long-term relationships with Estabrook students who live in Boston. Boston-based students visit with their host families on select Friday afternoons during the school year.  Sept–June

LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS The PTO provides volunteer organization and scheduling for parents to help check in/out and shelve books weekly or every other week, usually to coincide with their child’s library time. Sept–June

ROOM PARENT COORDINATOR Organize room parent volunteers and provide centralized communication for them. Sept–June

ROOM PARENT Room parent volunteers plan and assist with classroom parties, manage classroom budget and teacher gifts, and help coordinate other activities throughout the year. Sept–June

STAFF APPRECIATION (LUNCHEON) Coordinate a luncheon for teachers (a food truck has been used in recent years) to recognize teachers and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week. May

STAFF APPRECIATION (RECOGNITION DAYS)   Plan small gestures of appreciation for select staff on designated recognition days (i.e. School Counselor Day, Administrative Professional Day, Principal Appreciation Day, etc.). Sept-June

STAFF APPRECIATION (EVENTS)   Plan periodic appreciation events for all Estabrook teachers, staff and administrators. Sept-June

Student Clubs

CHESS CLUB Co-supervise a weekly, before-school program for students to learn, practice, and play chess. Sept–June

MATH CLUB   Lead a before-school club to help foster a love of math in students based on the Continental Mathematics League. Separate clubs for 4th and 5th grade students meet weekly. Sept-June