MCS Halloween Spooktacular is BACK!

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Don’t Miss Out on the Annual Halloween Spooktacular at Monsignor Clarke School

Saturday, October 15th

5:00 to 8:30 pm

Register Your Car for a Trunk or Treat!!

Cars in place by 4:45pm please!

Trunk O’ Treating 5:00pm to 6:00pm

Prizes will be awarded to the top three Trunks and Best Teacher Trunk!

 

Register Your Family to Attend!

Paying at the door is an option but we’d still appreciate your registration for planning purposes.

$5 each or $20 max per family (this includes adults too) Thank you!

In the past we have requested donations for this event.  This year, we’re trying something new and ditching the donation.  Your ticket price will still cover all the great refreshments, candy and snacks we have offered in the past!

WE NEED YOU!

Volunteers like you make the wonderful events at MCS a huge success! Check out the link below to find out how you can help.

Parents!! Register to Volunteer!!

 

Do you LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Halloween?!  Does the idea of creating a Haunted Hallway sound appealing to you?  We’re in desperate need of one (or more) creative volunteers to run the Haunted Hallway this year.  The volunteer(s) will be in charge of a simple script for middle school student volunteer actors to perform during the Haunted Hallway and will oversee set up of the hallway using the MCS PTO’s vast collection of Halloween supplies. (Relatives and MCS Alum are welcome)  If interested, please reach out to Julie Johnson.

 

Have a Middle School Student that is looking for service hours?

Click the link below to sign up to help with the event and get service hours – win win!

Middle School Students Register to Volunteer!

 

We need Middle School students to help set up and act in the haunted hallway! Service hours are given for their contribution to the event!

Haunted Walkway Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm (with 30 min break provided)

 

Book Fair

There will be a book fair at the Halloween Spooktacular as well!

We are looking for volunteers to help with this too (see the parent volunteer link)

 

 

 

Don’t worry about dinner!

Kingston Pizza will be on site selling pizza by the slice (cheese and pepperoni) until they run out!

Saugy Dogs will be slinging traditional and specialty dogs throughout the event!

Our very own Flatts will be cooking up and selling hamburgers for the event!

Thank you for your time; it takes a village….

…maybe even a spooky one!

Monsignor Clarke School | Parent Teacher Organization

Please enjoy our Halloween Spooktacular FAQ page which aims to answer questions you may have about the event.

…And as always, you’re welcome to contact the PTO at any time with questions or concerns.

pto@monsignorclarkeschool.org

Announcing PTO September / October Events

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MCS is off to a busy start… please join us!

We need your help!! There are many ways to help!!

Email the PTO or Julie Johnson to express your interest!

 

September & October PTO Events!

Thursday, September 8th

7pm to 8pm

Join the Zoom

 First PTO Meeting of the Year!

Join us as we review upcoming fundraising and social events and how you can be involved or influence. Due to recent changes in PTO availability, the first meeting will be held via Zoom only.  We hope to offer in-person monthly meetings by January!

Can’t make it?  Email the PTO or Julie Johnson with comments or ideas

Tuesday, September 13th

7pm to 8pm

Join the Zoom

Halloween Spooktacular PLANNING (part 1)

Join us as we plan this fantastic social event!

We need your help!! Can’t make it?

Email the PTO or Julie Johnson with comments or ideas

We are in desperate need of someone who LOVES Halloween and would like to take on the Haunted Hallway using the PTO’s extensive collection of Halloween décor!
Thursday, September 15th

Back to School Night

Look for the PTO table at our upcoming Back to School Night. It’s a great chance to find out more about what we do and how you can get involved (as much or as little as you like)! PTO events are a great way to meet other families and have tons of fun.

…Who doesn’t want more social events after the few pandemic years we’ve endured?

tentative  

Saturday, October 1st

Funny4Funds Comedy Show

Save the date for this parents-only event which promises to be a great night of comedy, drinks and fundraising (via admission ticket and 50/50 raffle). It’s a fantastic way to kick off the 2022-2023 school year!

Look for more info coming soon, including flyers at Back to School Night.

Wednesday, October 5th

8pm to 9pm

Join the Zoom

Halloween Spooktacular PLANNING (part 2)

Couldn’t make the first planning meeting?  Join us for the second meeting as we continue to plan this fantastic social event!

Tuesday, October 11th

7pm to 8pm

Join the Zoom

October PTO Meeting!

Join us as we review upcoming fundraising and social events and how you can be involved or influence. The PTO meeting will be held via Zoom.

Can’t make it?

Email the PTO or Julie Johnson with comments or ideas

Saturday, October 15th

5:00pm to 8:30pm

 Halloween Spooktacular

Join us for Trunk O’Treating, dancing, games and treats! And don’t forget the epic haunted hallway!!

Register by Thursday, October 13th

Sign Up Your Family Today!

Truck O’Treating (6pm – 7pm)

Decorate your trunk and win family prize packs for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place!!

Register by Wednesday, October 12th

Register Your Trunk

Not Sure What to Expect?

Visit our FAQ page (updated often) to get even more info on this fun family event!

FAQ Page

Parent Volunteers… we need you!!

We promise not to tie you up for the entire evening as we want you to enjoy your time as well!

Register by Wednesday, October 12th

Volunteer Now!

Middle School Students… we need you, too!!

Looking for community service hours? Please sign up to volunteer for the event!

Register by Wednesday, October 12th

Volunteer Now!

Saturday, October 22nd

6:30p to 9pm

 Night Corn Maze @ Clark Farms – Middle School Only!

What’s more fun than a corn maze during the day? A corn maze at night!!! Join your friends as you navigate the Clark Farms corn maze with just the moonlight (and your flashlight). Hayrides run until dusk, then a campfire starts and snacks can be purchased until 8:30pm. 

Parents! 

We need chaperones too – please use the link below to sign up to chaperone the event. Chaperones are asked to make sure MCS students abide by the posted Clark Farms rules.

Register by Wednesday, October 19th

Register Now!

Sunday, October 23rd

11am to 2pm

 Family Day at Clark Farms

Open to all ages. Admission includes access to the corn maze, hay rides, corn cannons, petting zoo, mountain slide, pedal powered go-karts and much more.

Register by Wednesday, October 19th

Register Now!
Sunday, December 4th Christmas Festival!

Would you like to help plan or volunteer for this (massive) holiday event?

Email the PTO or Michelle Main to express your interest!

 

PTO Meeting Minutes 11-09-21

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Meeting Minutes

Dr Lisi:  “Thank you to all for your words of encouragement and support over the last couple of weeks. It’s been a challenging time, and we are limited as to what we can comment on so thank you for your patience. We did all we can, and our main goal is to provide a safe and productive environment. Thank you.”

President’s Update (John Ball)

“The PTO Board is excited to bring back as many fun social activities as possible after the past year and a half of limited activities. We want to value tradition while we look forward to exploring new ideas. As we work towards new changes, we ask everyone to be patient and work together.”
PTO POLL QUESTIONS
1st Poll question: Is the PTO sending too many emails/requests from the parents so far this school year?
  • Yes, I like a sense of community, but it’s been too much this year and its only November 33%
  • No, I feel you are striking the right balance: 67%
2nd Poll question: What would you like to see for upcoming Family events?
  • Family- Ice skating at URI or Narragansett 61%
  • Family- NE Revolution playoff game (Thanksgiving weekend) 11%
  • Family- URI basketball game (Feb/March) 50%
  • Family- Adventure land 44%
  • Family- B Bruins Game 22%
3rd Poll Question: What would you like to see for upcoming Parent Night Out Events?
  • Shepherd’s Run- Wine and Cheese night 67%
  • All South County Cinemas 28%
  • Live music at Whalers or Shaidzon brewing 78%
  • Sip n’ Paint with Create a Color 22%

Communication/Engagement Coordinator Update: (Nicole):

  • School Directories being printed this week and will be sent home
  • We didn’t make any of the minimum order requirements for spirit wear and therefore couldn’t place the orders
  • Holiday breakfast for teachers- Tentative- Friday, December 15th

Social Chair Update (Julie):

  • Mother/Daughter Pottery luncheon: Nov 20th, 2022 (Sat) $15 pp includes ornament/lunch (Cowabunga) Able to upgrade pottery onsite.
  • Father/Son Nerf night: Jan 20, 2022 (Thurs) $15pp includes 2 hr private nerf/party room and Phil’s pizza
  • Father/Daughter Dance: March 4th (tentative) (Fri) – $60/couple includes dinner, photo booth, dancing theme, looking to have kids vote on theme
  • Mother/Son Bowling night: TBD, looking to include glow/ rock n’ bowling and dinner

Fundraising Chair Update (Lisa):

  • Finished Mrs. Field’s fundraiser: set a modest goal of $5k in sales. We exceeded the goal, $7k +. Don’t have exact $ amount yet, but we raised about $2500 in funds for the school. Will arrive to school 2nd week in December. Comes frozen. Need volunteers to help organize for pick up or to send home with students. Please contact Lisa if you are able to volunteer.
  • Giveback night: Wednesday, 11/10- 10% of total sales for the night will be donated to MCS.
  • 12 days of Christmas raffle. Start selling tickets the end of this week. More to come on what prizes will be. Daily raffles. 12 chances to win. $20/ticket. Goal of selling 250 tickets. Will be able to share link with people to purchase tickets.
  • 2022 planning: Golf tournament (Date TBD)
  • Other ideas: Jogathon, 5k, would like input from the rest of the PTO!

Room Parent Update (Amanda):

  • Sent email to Room parents yesterday to thank them for their support for book fair and spooktacular.
  • Suggested start to coordinate room gifts for teachers (not mandatory). Venmo or cash app is easiest.
  • Sent reminder about Giveback night @ The Flatts and Christmas raffle

THANK YOU!

PTO Meeting Minutes 10-14-21

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Sara Marshall: Welcome, Introductions to Board members

  • PTO President: John Ball
  • PTO Fundraising Chair: Lisa Stanelun
  • PTO Social Chair: Julie Wilson
  • PTO Communications/Parent Engagement: Nicole Paliotti
  • Room Parent Coordinator: Amanda Desantis

President update (John): Thanks for attending, really good engagement so far this year. Funny4Funds, ice cream social were both a success. Thank you to Halloween spooktacular committee for event this weekend.

Social chair update (Julie):

  • PTO mission: “Build a sense of community among our families, teachers and staff. Through volunteering and developing opportunities for funding, we strive to address school needs and support enrichment activities in order to provide the best educational experience for our children.”
  • 1st Poll question –  Are PTO meetings in person or via Zoom preferred? 50/50 response – “find a way to offer both” or “continue offering via ZOOM”
  • Funny4Funds: Successful parent nights’ event @ The Rathskeller, raised $2600.
    • PRO: it was a great event; the bar was wonderful to have
    • CON: a weekend is preferred; it was cold
    • Feedback from Chris Finlay: It was awesome, it was cold, but nothing we could do about that. Great to attend a “normal” event again.
  • Upcoming Events:
    • Halloween Spooktacular- Saturday (Oct 16th) 5:30-8:30- (Estimating 220 attendees right now)
    • Clark Farm Middle School night- Saturday (Oct 23rd) 5-9pm (30+ attendees)
    • TBD- Parent/Student night out (aiming for Nov)
  • PTO poll: Should we continue tradition of four events- mother/daughter, father/son, mother/son, father daughter OR move towards two events- two “girls night out” and two “boys night outs”?
    • 63%- keep tradition 38% – move towards two events
    • Michelle Main offered to chair father/daughter dance- Thank you Michelle!
  • Possible Christmas Nativity Drive through? (aim for early December)
    • Engaging music/theatre teachers and parent volunteers to pull together drive thru event. Possible stations set up with actors who could tell the story of Christmas. Specific drive thru times.
    • PTO poll: Are there volunteers who would like to chair/volunteer to help pull this OUTDOOR event together?
    • 0 volunteers for chair
    • 14% willing to help on a committee, 64% would attend this event, 21 % – Are you crazy? This seems like a huge undertaking

Fundraising Chair UPDATE (Julie for Lisa):

  • Looking to fund our “friend-raising” community social events as well as striving to make several improvements to the campus.
  • Paid for bibles for 7th grade bible mass and new 7th and 8th grade students- COMPLETE!
  • Basketball hoop for the elem playground – have raised funding but need help sourcing and installing hoops
  • Bathroom updates- refresh- new floors, stall doors, touchless faucets, and new décor.
  • Upcoming fundraisers:
    • Mrs Fields Fundraiser- Oct 14th thru Oct 27th, delivery in the 2nd week of Dec .
      • All done online, when items arrive group, need volunteers to help coordinate pick up times and sorting
      • Michelle Main volunteered to help- Thanks Michelle!
    • Give back night- Nov 10th @ the Flatts Restaurant – 10% of all sales will be donated to MCS PTO
    • Christmas Calendar: in the works! More info coming soon
    • School Store Info went out today- this runs all year
    • Anyone interested in being part of the fundraising committee in general, please contact Lisa. There will be opportunities as we enter into the new year and we are always open to new ideas!

Communications/Parent Engagement Chair UPDATE (Nicole):

  • Working on School directory, received 187 responses. Lots of positive feedback from parents about doing this.
    • Sam Coogan feedback: Look at MySchool App for possible digital platform for school directory
    • Front office is currently working on software updates to have a digital platform for school registration, sign ups, etc….

Other Topics:

  • Field Day Volunteers & Chair Person Needed!
    • Timing in June
    • Melissa Wray will chair- thank you Melissa!
  • Coaches needed for Basketball! (Cassie)
    • Middle school coaches needed
    • Need 3rd and 4th boys
    • 3rd, 4th and 5th girl coaches
    • Younger kids, practice twice a week right after school
    • Middle school- practice 3 times a week
    • Season starts Dec 4th- thru end of March
  • Also still looking for Middle school robotics help

Open Discussion:

  • Sam Coogan: Would like to see long term vision for grounds/building updates. Lighting updates, more like the middle school
  • Turf field in the back: could we include benches in addition to logo? Need some type of netting in the back so balls don’t leave school yard.
  • Cassie Barbato: Anthem Sports in Pawcatuck, CT may be able to help sourcing our basketball hoops and their affiliates could install
  • Kerri Grundy: historically, a jog-a-thon with t-shirt sales has been very successful in raising money for large projects (e.g. turfing and outfitting back fields)
  • Nicole: Would people like to see a school spirit wear store?
    • Squad Locker, Custom Ink, Martha Whittier, 401 Studio- Nicole will research for next meeting

 

PTO Meeting Minutes 09-09-21

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PTO Board Introductions

  • John Ball- President
  • Amanda Desantis- Room Parent Coordinator
  • Julie Johnson- Social Chair
  • Lisa Stanelun-Fundraising chair
  • Nicole Paliotti- Communications/Parent Engagement

Dr Lisi – opening remarks.

1 week in, students are still enrolling. Highest enrollment since 2013. We are off to a great start and looking forward to a great year.

President’s Update (John):

Focus on community, do as many events as possible in person. Please reach out if you want to participate on any subcommittee or help with school projects.

Parent Engagement/Communications Coordinator Update (Nicole):

Funny4Funds event, September 30th @ The Rathskeller. Doors open at 6pm. Show starts @ 7pm. We are looking for sponsorships (thru the website) and raffle prizes. Please send into the office.

Social Chair Update (Julie):

  • Fall/Halloween Spooktacular Outdoor event October 16th, 100% outdoors. Cassie Barbato has volunteered to chair the event. Thank you Cassie!    Ideas: Trunk or treat, scarecrow making, games, donut eating, DJ. All MCS families welcome.
  • Middle School Clarke Farm event: Able to accommodate October 23rd, 5-9pm . Looking for folks to volunteer. Please contact Lisa.
  • Other Events:
    • Christmas Drive thru nativity
    • Holiday raffle calendar

Room Parent Update (Amanda)

Thank you to new room parents, as well as veteran room parents. We are teaming up in some grades. Still working on a few classes. Class lists will be coming out this week.  Amanda and Nicole to work on School Directory once class lists are finalized. Hope to have done in October.

Email: pto@monsignorclarkeschool.org

Fundraising for specific items: Face lift for cafeteria and front bathrooms

Open Discussion:

Michelle Main: Holiday raffle fundraiser- do we want to stay within the school community or go out to local businesses for raffle prizes? Holiday bazaar vendors aren’t on board to make donations. Lisa- we would have to reach out to the community for donations.

Thanks to all for attending!

September PTO Updates

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September 2021 | Issue 1

Upcoming Events

PTO meetings will be hosted in the library or via Zoom the 2nd Thursday of each month @ 7pm.

  • 1st PTO meeting: September 9th @ 7pm
  • Parent’s Night Out: September 30th
  • Fall Festival: Oct 16th (Rain date Oct 17th)

Open Volunteer Positions

We are currently looking for parent volunteers to help with the following projects. Please contact nicpaliotti@gmail.com if you would like to help.

  • Fall festival subcommittee
  • Fall Book Fair
  • Christmas festival subcommittee
  • Paint the cafeteria
  • Give the front foyer bathrooms a “facelift”

2021-2022 PTO Board Members

    • PTO President: John Ball
    • Social Chair: Julie Johnson
    • Fundraising Chair: Lisa Stanelun
  • Communications/Parent Engagement Coordinator: Nicole Paliotti
  • Room Parent Coordinator: Amanda DeSantis

Be sure to Join Us for Parent’s Night Out!

A Funny4Funds event @The Rathskeller September 30th

It’s been awhile since we have been able to host a Parent’s night out. Come meet up with other MCS parents for a good cause. Tickets are $25 and there will be a cash bar and the al carte Burger bar will be open down back @ The Rathskeller. Event is outside under the tent.

DO YOU HAVE OLD GIFT CARDS AT HOME? WE ARE CURRENTLY COLLECTING RAFFLE PRIZES FOR THE EVENT. PLEASE SEND IN UNUSED GIFT CARDS ATTN: FUNNY4FUNDS OR DROP IN THE MAIN OFFICE

Welcome Back from the MCS PTO!

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Welcome New & Returning MCS Families!

MCS has been fortunate to have a strong parent and teacher network dedicated to building a sense of community as well as providing volunteers and funds to meet school needs and support enrichment activities. Over the years, the PTO has helped fund the science lab, playground equipment, retreat space, smart boards, tablets, and ChromeBooks. These efforts directly impact our education and school environment.

Last year was unusual, with little opportunity to host in person events, and students and families suffering from Zoom fatigue. A main goal of the PTO this year is to rebuild and reinforce the sense of community for which MCS is known. To relaunch and re energize the PTO, we are asking for your support and involvement more than ever, and are seeking volunteers to fill open board positions. We look forward to getting to know you and we welcome your ideas and suggestions.

PTO Board Open Positions

Social Chair: Responsible for organizing and establishing committees for PTO social events to get the school community together, including oversight or management of parent/child events. 

Fundraising Chair: Works closely with the Social Chair and is primarily responsible for the school’s small fundraisers and oversees the chairs of the large events. 

Room Parent Coordinator: Responsible for communicating all important information to Room Parents and following up. Takes board meeting notes and disseminates them to Room Parents. Assists in social/fundraising activities as needed. 

Communications & Engagement Ambassador: Responsible for helping to build PTO involvement outreach to families, including the PTO newsletter, website, and bulletin board. Ideally would have the flexibility to be at school during times where they could engage with families face to face. (ex: pick-up line, school events) Needs to be outgoing and energetic.

If you are interested in serving in one of these roles, or have further questions, please send an email to the PTO or contact Sara Marshall.

Have an idea for the PTO?

The PTO would love to have your ideas and opinions. Historically, the PTO has coordinated several large events during the year, including the Halloween Spooktacular, Christmas Festival, and Golf Tournament, as well as smaller fundraising events. We would love to hear from you about things you have seen that work! We encourage you to provide suggestions for additional fundraisers or social events.

Information for PTO Meetings & Events

First PTO Meeting will be Thursday, September 2 at 7pm. For the 2021/2022 school year, we will have general PTO meetings every other month to discuss our larger initiatives, and will work in subcommittees to plan specific events.  We are also asking for event involvement by class by (a) asking class parents (or their alternate) to attend all general meetings to represent the views of class; and (b) ‘sponsoring’ specific events by assisting in the planning and/or providing volunteers for the event.

New Family Ice Cream Social – Sunday, August 29th, 2021 from 6:00 – 7:30 pm @ MCS Playground. Hosted by MCS Admissions & Parent Ambassador Team

How can you support the PTO?

The PTO is a team effort!  Our success depends on active participation by parents, guardians, and other family members, as well as our dedicated teachers and staff. Studies have shown that students who have involved parents do better academically. We have opportunities to match the amount of time you can give. Just a few hours of your time will help us reach our goals.

Share Your Opinions & Expertise

Get involved! Attend general PTO meetings to learn about upcoming events and become part of the decision making process. Our first meeting will be held on Thursday, September 2 at 7pm.  We will offer a Zoom option to increase participation and involvement. More information will be sent a week before this meeting.