Calling all Cultures!

Back by popular demand, the Culture Committee is organizing an Around the World Night on Thursday, May 1 from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. during Screen Free Week. 

Don't miss your chance to have your culture represented! Make a poster, bring a flag, do a skit or dance, show off traditional clothing, food, etc.

The deadline to sign up is April 23. If you're interested in highlighting your heritage, fill out the Google form below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSebts5QpzukBWZRzXSmy30aPZAfoYhhNHfwMLbqaa88jlaMvQ/viewform?usp=header

Alright TV fanatics - get ready to tune in for Carpenter PTO's Trivia Night: Binge-Worthy Edition!

This year, we're flipping the channel to your favorite TV shows for a night of epic trivia showdowns! Join us on Friday, April 25 at Prospect Park. The opening credits roll at 6:30 pm for registration and setting up your ultimate TV-themed headquarters. The trivia pilot episode kicks off at 7 pm sharp. Don't be a couch potato – come dressed as your favorite small-screen characters!

Carpenter PTO Trivia Night: Your Must-See TV Event!

• Test your knowledge of all things, including TV! From classic sitcoms to history. From science to reality TV sensation. May the best team win!
• Assemble your dream team of 10 fellow TV buffs and snag a table for $250. Your Team Captain should register your crew and then send the lineup (names of everyone at your table) to Kristyn Ellsworth at kpuzen@yahoo.com.
• Flying solo or short a few cast members? No problem - still tune in! Individual tickets are $25, and we'll team you up with other awesome Carpenter families. Got a favorite co-star or two you want to team up with? Let us know at registration and we'll make it happen. We'll announce team assignments with plenty of commercial breaks (aka time) to strategize.
• No need for rabbit ears! Submit your answers using your trusty mobile device – it's the modern way to play!
• This special episode is exclusively for current Carpenter families.

Get your creative juices flowing and transform your table into an iconic TV set! Dress up as your favorite characters and deck out your table with a theme that would make any showrunner proud.

BYO snacks and drinks! Fuel your brainpower with your own delicious treats and beverages – it's the perfect way to enjoy a night of trivia.

The team with the most binge-worthy knowledge (and costumes) will take home the ultimate bragging rights. Space is limited, so don't change the channel – sign up today!

PTO NEEDS YOU for the 2025-26 School year of events! 

The only way the party can happen is if we have amazing grownups like you who step up and make them happen.

We still need committee members for the following events for next year:

*Fall Back to School/Spring End of Year Events

*G.E.M Girls Spring Running Club

*Halloween Party/Trunk-or-Treat/Haunted Hallway

*Screen Free Week 

*Culture Committee 

*Pacers weekly running club

*Snowball Dance

*Teacher Appreciation Committee

*Volleyball

All of the above mentioned committees have at least one volunteer so far but many hands make light work!  The more, the merrier, right? 

Do you know you want to sign up RIGHT NOW?  Volunteer signups are open here: 

https://carpenterptoparkridge.membershiptoolkit.com/volunteer/145969

The GEM (formerly Girls on the Run) students are hosting a lemonade stand every Friday through May 2 to help raise money for their chosen philanthropy: Alex's Lemonade Stand.

You can find them afterschool near Carpenter's South Playground by the kindergarten windows. Funds raised will support the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for childhood cancer research. Stop by and help give hope to kids fighting this disease! 

More information here: Carpenter Pink Puff Girls Run Lemonade Stand 

Screen Free Week schedule of events listed above.

We can't wait to see you at all of the fun events the committee has planned!  

Ever want to volunteer for Pizza Duty but Thursday just isn't your day? Have we got a Volunteer spot for YOU! Volunteer for Green Committee Compost/Recycle monitor duty and help make Carpenter a little greener.

Come and see your kids at lunch AND help make a difference! 

D64 schools have compost and recycling bins at lunch time as part of their commitment to sustainability. 

We are looking for 1-2 volunteers at lunch to make sure kids are properly sorting their food waste. There is a composting bin for any food waste and paper/cardboard. 

Recycling is for certain plastics, cardboard, empty milk and water bottles. 

Trash is for any other waste not applicable to the compost or recycling bin. Signs are posted to remind children what goes in what bin. Here's a video to show you how it works:

https://drive.google.com/.../1DOBEib8v9QaXRxFqdM0.../view...

Help is needed every day during lunch and signup SPOTS ARE STILL OPEN! Sign up to volunteer here.

11:30-12:35 Monday Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 

11:05-12:10 on Wednesdays

The key is to encourage the students to use the correct bins. If in doubt, throw it out, and realize the kids are learning too. 

Questions? Please reach out to Kelly Mearis at 773-744-9152 or Kelly.kozak919@gmail.com. 

Thank you!

Save the date: join us on Thursday, May 15 for the official groundbreaking ceremony for the playground projects! More information to come. 

Get a sneak peek at the new inclusive South Playground with this "flyover" video. 

*Please contact the specific location for registration inquiries.*

FOR PARK RIDGE CAMP June 9 through June 13, FIND DETAILS HERE.
 
FOR EDGEBROOK (CHICAGO) CAMP June 23 through June 27, FIND DETAILS HERE.

For more information about Chess-Ed, including chess camps and other school programs WWW.CHESS-ED.COM.

The next season of peer groups will begin in September 2025 after the new school year starts. Please complete this form to register your child(ren) and/or to be added to our communications list. This free program meets every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Park Ridge Community Church.

Rainbows offers a safe and supportive space for students in 1st–8th grade who are experiencing grief due to the loss of a loved one or a changing family dynamic (such as divorce, deployment, or separation). Trained facilitators guide children in sharing their feelings and learning healthy ways to cope and communicate.

If you have general questions or are interested in volunteering as a facilitator, please email rainbows64@att.net. Follow us on Facebook for updates and resources: https://www.facebook.com/share/19Wzb4Cjzo/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

    How do I contact the PTO?

The board invites you to reach out at any time with questions or ideas. 

We can be found at the following emails: 

Jeanne & Julia carpenterptopres@gmail.com

Erin & Kara carpenterptovicepres@gmail.com

Ben & Anne carpenterptotreasurer@gmail.com

Megan carpentersecretarypto@gmail.com