COMMITTEE DESCRIPTIONS

Last year the CPES PTA made these programs and activities possible (please click on program for more detailed information.)

Enrichment

Fund Raising

Building, Caring & Staff Support

How do we do it?
The PTA conducts various fundraising programs throughout the school year such as: giftwrap, Silent Auction, Hallowingo, Dining for Dollars, Campbell’s Soup Labels, Box Tops for Education, Escrip and Giant and Safeway Bonus Bucks as well as Membership dues, local business donations and donations from individuals.

Please join us!  We need each and every parent in order to staff and fund these very important programs.  Many of our positions do not require a large time commitment and can be done from home!  To get involved, please contact Jennifer Min (703.255.3181) jmmin123@gmail.com or Donna Bobalek (703.698.6919) djbobalek@msn.com The PTA meets every second Tuesday of the month at 7pm - Please come!

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Afterschool Science Program
This year, the PTA has brought in the Mad Science afterschool program for grades K-6.  Mad Science is one of the world's leading providers of science enrichment for children.  CPES students have fun while learning about science with this unique hands-on curriculum.

Afterschool Sports
Each year, the PTA offers various afterschool sport programs for all grade levels such as Basketball, In-Line Skating and Skateboarding as well as a Multi-Sport program. Sign-ups for these programs are distributed through the Friday folders as different points in the school year.

Backpack Program
Through community donations and serious budget shopping done by PTA volunteers, many needy students each year are provided with backpacks filled with school supplies to give them a great start to their school year.

Character Education Program
In order to encourage development of the whole student, the PTA works with the school administration to encourage teachers and staff to give out “Gotcha Cards” to students exhibiting positive traits such as responsibility, politeness, dedication and respect. Names of students who receive cards are entered into a drawing each week.

Chess Club
This very popular afterschool program was first offered to students in 2006-2007. Kindergarten through sixth grade students met once a week to develop and improve their chess playing skills.

Courtyard Improvement
Thanks to many parent and community supporters, last year CPES’s courtyard was paved with engraved bricks. This serene courtyard gives our students an opportunity to socialize and learn in an outdoor setting.

Cultural Enrichment
The PTA works to provide students with assemblies and/or events during the school day that promote cultural awareness and complement the core curriculum. In the past this has included visits from: musicians, scientists, dancers and characters from historical periods.

D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education)
The PTA procures funds to provide all students participating in the DARE program with a commemorative t-shirt and end of program celebration.

Emergency Lunch Fund
When students run out of lunch money or forget their lunch- the Emergency Lunch Fund is there to provide them with a nutritious meal so they do not have to go hungry. PTA funds this program and purchases lunch supplies throughout the school year.

Field Day
Field Day in late Spring is a much anticipated day of games and outdoor physical recreation. Parent volunteers help run the games, provide water and make snow cones as a special treat for students. PTA helps fund this exciting day.

Field Trips
PTA funds are used to supplement school money to provide more field trip opportunities to all grade levels. Teachers in each grade select field trips that will enhance and reinforce what the students are studying in the curriculum.

Giving Tree
The Giving Tree program organizes holiday gift donations for CPES families in need. Specific needs such as winter coats, shoes and clothing as well as toys are written on apples which families can pick off the Giving Tree. Once the gifts are brought in, PTA members and CPES students wrap these gifts and they are given to families in need to open during the holidays.

GRACE Arts
This program is staffed and run entirely by PTA parents. It was designed by the Reston Conservatory to supplement and support student’s art experience in school. The program is based on a monthly in-class presentation of art historical subjects, followed by a coordinated art project. PTA Volunteers attend a training, are given a packet of information regarding the art subject for the month and the project is demonstrated. For more information visit the Grace Arts website at http://restonarts.org/Education/artintheschools.htm

Grounds Improvement
A few times each year, PTA volunteers organize a day for CPES families to join together to weed, mulch and plant new flowers and plants bought with PTA funds.

Hallowingo
This is a fun filled evening event for school families held in late October where kids of all ages play Bingo and win wonderful prizes. A costume contest is held- where everyone wins as well as a 50/50 raffle for adults and pizza, drinks and baked goods on sale for all!

Homework Club
Teachers volunteer their time to help students with homework after school. The PTA funds snacks and school supplies needed for the Homework Club.

Hospitality Committee
The Hospitality Committee provides recognitions of appreciation to school staff and plans appreciation events such as the annual Teacher’s Luncheon, Support Staff recognitions and treats to CPES staff for teacher workdays.

Ice Cream Social
In June last year, families enjoyed an hour of entertainment, then spent time together eating ice cream and socializing. This event is a CPES tradition as it is a fun way to celebrate the end of the school year with one another.

International Night
This event is an educational and festive evening where CPES families share a potluck meal and celebrate our many cultural heritages. There are hands-on activities, cultural displays and even performances by different cultural groups, making the evening a fun time to share and learn together. This event occurs every other year, alternating with our Science Fair.

Parent Education
With the help of the School Counselor, PTA volunteers arrange various parent education lectures on topics that are pertinent to CPES parents. Lectures focus on student education and community-wide issues such as safety, parenting and child advocacy. In addition, volunteers obtain educational materials which they make available to parents through the School Counselor and the Parent Library located at the entrance to the school.

Reflections Arts Program
PTA Volunteers bring this national PTA recognition and achievement arts program to CPES students. The program encourages students to create and submit works in literature, music, visual arts and photography, then celebrates these works with an awards ceremony where every student gets an award for participation.

Safety Patrol Equipment/ Training
The PTA provides funds for training the Safety Patrols and purchases safety patrol equipment, such as rain ponchos and guard belts.

Science Fair
Science Fair is a night when students display Science projects they have made for the event as part of a class assignment or independently. Science Demonstrations are also conducted by parent volunteers. The Science Fair is generally in late March and is held every other year.

Sixth Grade Celebration
The PTA supplements a parent sponsored graduation lunch or other event for the 6th grade students to celebrate the completion of elementary school.

Spiritwear
PTA volunteers coordinate the schoolwide sale of CPES logowear to promote school spirit.

Spring Clothing Drive
In the Spring, CPES families are asked to donate new and gently used clothing and books for children and adults which is then given out to other CPES families in need.

Staff Development
Each year, the PTA is able to provide funds to teachers and other staff members to attend conferences and other professional development opportunities.

Strategy Lab
Last year was our first year offering Strategy Lab, a program conducted monthly in the classrooms by the GT Specialist and parent volunteers that encourages students to develop their problem solving skills through strategic gameplaying. The PTA provides the funds necessary to buy games and other supplies needed for this program.

Student Directory
Each year, the PTA publishes a directory of CPES families, free of charge. The directory includes family listings (student name, parent name, address, phone and email), class lists, faculty list, staff list and PTA Board/Committee Chairs list.

Teacher Appreciation
PTA Volunteers work hard planning events to take place throughout Teacher Appreciation Week to show our CPES teachers how much they mean to us. In the past, we have made posters and banners signed by students, organized themed gifts and a luncheon for CPES staff.

Winter Coat Drive
In the fall, CPES families are asked to bring in new or gently used coats and other winter clothing items to be given out to CPES families in need. Refreshments are also provided to the families when they come in to receive the clothing.

Yearbook
PTA Volunteers are busy all school year taking pictures to record events and activities for the Yearbook, then work to compile these pictures along with class pictures to publish a Yearbook that can preserve many fond memories of the year.