Cougar Ridge Elementary PTSA
Bellevue, WA
 

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Download the "How we Serve" flyer (.doc) above. 


If you would like more information about a program or committee, please contact the committee chairperson, found on the PTSA Organization Chart.

Program Descriptions:

Art Fair Math Club
Assemblies Membership
Awards Monthly Birthdays
Book Fair Newcomers
Caring Through Sharing Newsletter
Classroom Support Coordinator Opening Day Packets
Community Advisory Site Council Parent Education
Connections Reflections
Corporate Rebates School Beautification
Database Administrator Science Fair
Destination Imagination Skating Parties
Emergency Prep / Phone Tree Special Services Liaison
Fall Fundraiser / Gift Wrap Spiritwear
Fall Social Event Spring Fundraiser
Fall Staff Luncheon Spring Open House
Festival of Cultures Staff Appreciation Week
 Financial Review  Student Banking
 Gift-a-Book  Student Council
Grant Writing Student Directory 
Hospitality Volunteer Coordinator
Issaquah Schools Foundation Webmaster
 Legislation  Yearbook
  Yearbook Sales
 

Art Fair
Description: The committee chairperson is responsible for organizing Spring Open House/Art Fair in collaboration with the Spring Open House chairperson. Volunteers are needed to assist with the Art Fair in the areas of display and student recognition. Chairperson and volunteers also collaborate with the principal and/or staff for special projects on an as-needed basis.
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Assemblies
Description: The PTSA financially sponsors several assemblies throughout the school year. The PTSA Assemblies chairperson works with school staff to present assemblies that enrich the curriculum. Occasionally, volunteers are needed to assist with assemblies during the school day. Time involvement varies but usually consists of a morning or afternoon shift.
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Awards
Description: The awards committee generates and oversees awards and recognition for Cougar Ridge and members of its community. The committee works with the PTSA Executive Committee on applications for state PTA awards. The committee coordinates with the PTSA Executive Committee to recognize the efforts of committee chairs.
The committee is also responsible for the Golden Acorn and Outstanding Educator awards. The awards committee coordinates and oversees nomination, selection, and presentation of the Golden Acorn and Outstanding Educator Awards of the Washington State PTA. Presentation of these awards occurs at school and Issaquah PTSA Council ceremonies.
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Book Fair
The Book Fair is an annual event, occurring in October.  Cougar Ridge works in partnership with Scholastic Book Club.  Please contact a Book Fair Chairperson for additional information. 
Description: Profits (books & funds) from the PTSA sponsored Book Fair help enrich Cougar Ridge learning each year. The chairperson acts as liaison between the PTSA and the book company, schedules volunteers, arranges deposits with PTSA Treasurer, orders supplies and arranges publicity for the fair. Approximately 20-30 volunteers are needed to help with publicity, set up displays, cashier, and take down displays.
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Caring Through Sharing
In the 2008-2009 holiday season, 12 families had a brighter holiday thanks to the generosity of the Cougar Ridge community.
Description: This program provides food, clothing, and gifts at the holidays to needy families in our district while demonstrating to Cougar Ridge students the importance of charitable support and their greater community. The committee chairperson organizes and distributes item lists and requests to Cougar Ridge families. Volunteers are needed to assist with the planning and creation of the Caring Through Sharing display, organizing, and delivering donations to appropriate locations.
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Classroom Support Coordinator
Room parent trainings are held in the fall.
Description: The Classroom Support Coordinator works closely with teachers, specialists, and room parents to support specialist and classroom activities. Provides each teacher a list of suggested volunteer positions which can be filled on or before curriculum night. Provides training for volunteer room parents to explain Cougar Ridge and Issaquah School District policy and procedures for classroom parties, field trips, using the staff work room, and specialist support.
Classroom Volunteers
Many volunteer opportunities are offered to parents, usually on curriculum night. Each teacher will have his/her own classroom volunteer needs to fill and most jobs begin in October. They may include: book orders, clerical work, computer room assistance, field trip coordinator, mathematics, parties, photographs/videos, reading, resource, special projects, treats, word processing, and writing. Sign up with your classroom teacher or check Classroom Volunteer on the Volunteer Interest Form.
Room Parents
Usually limited to one or two volunteers. The Room Parent attends training on volunteer policies and procedures, and trains other class volunteers. He/She coordinates volunteers for the classroom, acts as liaison to PTSA, and prepares and distributes a Monthly Class Calendar. Room parents must be willing to make and receive phone calls to and from class volunteers. Contact your classroom teacher to volunteer.
Art Studio Assistant
Scheduled through each class room parent, volunteers are needed to accompany and assist each classroom during its scheduled art class time. No experience necessary. Notify teacher and/or room parent.
Library Volunteer Scheduler
Works closely with the Cougar Ridge Library Specialist to identify volunteer needs for the library and schedules available volunteers. Parent volunteers are scheduled weekly in approximately one hour time blocks to assist with materials selection, location and check out. Volunteers assist with returns and maintain inventory in proper order. Ideally, each classroom will provide at least one library volunteer to accompany that class during its scheduled library time. Library volunteers have the opportunity to check out books of their own choice.
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Community Advisory Site Council (CASC)
Description: The CASC is composed of parent, staff, and community representatives who work as a team to enhance the learning environment at Cougar Ridge. The CASC representative from the PTSA serves as a liaison and voting member of the CASC. He/she reports on PTSA activities during monthly CASC meetings and reports information from CASC back to the PTSA during monthly PTSA Board of Directors' meetings.
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Connections
Description: This committee provides a card or acknowledgment of concern from the PTSA to any person who is ill or has experienced a major mishap.
Ongoing appreciation for the Cougar Ridge staff is expressed by periodically providing treats and signs in the staff room. This committee also recognizes the staff during American Education Week.
This committee provides recognition gifts to the Issaquah School District School Board during School Board Appreciation Month to acknowledge their efforts.
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Corporate Rebates
The PTSA has rebate programs with several retailers. Click here to find out how to earn money for the PTSA while doing your shopping!
Description: This committee's chairperson is responsible for encouraging participation by Cougar Ridge students, families and friends in the Corporate Rebate programs supported by the PTSA. He/She also oversees submission and collection of required forms. The chairperson, along with the Vice President of Ways and Means, annually evaluates and selects corporations with which to form rebate relationships. Volunteers are needed to help facilitate the program throughout the year.
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Database Administrator
Description: The database administrator (DBA) maintains an information database of families and students at Cougar Ridge. The DBA also creates lists and labels as needed for various PTSA committees.
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Destination Imagination
In 2008, five Cougar Ridge teams participated in the Seattle/Metro Regional tournament in March. Our school had an outstanding showing at this tournament, with two teams placing second and one placing third in their challenges! A fourth team had the top score in its "Instant Challenge" part of the competition. Our primary team, whose level was not judged, presented a very clever skit.  One of our teams, "The DI Joes", was invited to participate in the State tournament on April 1st and performed very well.
Description: Destination Imagination (DI) is a regional program designed to help children develop self-confidence and learn to think creatively by solving problems in a team setting. The committee chairperson is responsible for promoting and organizing a parent information night in the Fall to encourage participation. Groups are organized by grade level and individual student schedules. Meeting times are flexible and determined by the volunteer coach for each group. The committee will plan and facilitate a practice competition event as well as one or more practice performances prior to the regional DI competition held in the Spring. 1-2 volunteer coaches are needed to lead each group, no experience needed. Coaches encourage students to stay on task while they develop their own solution. Training and support is provided throughout the year.
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Emergency Preparedness/Phone Tree
Classroom phone callers have been equipped with phone lists in case the emergency phone tree needs to be activated.
Description: The Emergency Preparedness Committee Chairperson has the responsibility of working with Cougar Ridge principal and staff representative to inventory and update all emergency supplies and procedures. Included in the procedures is the updating of the Emergency Phone Tree and the Weather Phone Tree. These are used to notify participating families of weather/disaster related school closures and/or scheduling changes. Chairperson coordinates with the Issaquah School District Emergency Preparedness Committee that meets during the school year. Volunteers are needed to check and replenish supplies. 3-4 volunteers are needed for each classroom for Emergency and Weather Phone Tree calling.
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Fall fundraiser/Gift Wrap Sales
Description: Gift Wrap Sales have been a very successful Cougar Ridge PTSA fundraiser. The chairperson is responsible for acting as liaison between the PTSA and the gift wrap vendor and for keeping associated sales records for ordering. Volunteers are needed in September to organize and distribute the sales packets to students and in October to organize and distribute gift wrap when it arrives.
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Fall Social Event

Fall Ice Cream Social
Description:  Cougar Ridge welcomes new and returning families immediately following "Meet the Teacher" with a social event at school.  Families enjoy visiting with other Cougar Ridge families with ice cream, beverages, games and other fun activities.
Volunteers are needed to sell tickets, set-up, distribute food, and clean-up.

"Spooky Spaghetti" Dinner
Description:  The evening features a spaghetti dinner prepared and served by Cougar Ridge dads.  Children enjoy dressing in family friendly costumes and participating in a costume parade.  Volunteers are needed to sell tickets, set-up, distribute food, and clean-up.

 
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Fall Staff Luncheon
Description: This committee organizes and hosts a luncheon for the staff prior to the opening of school. Volunteers are needed to organize, prepare food, set-up, serve, and clean-up.
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Festival of Cultures
Description: The Festival of Cultures occurs in alternate years and is next planned for the 2010-2011 school year.  The evening event features Country Booths (run by CR families) including arts and crafts, food samples, etc.  Students are encouraged to learn a fact at each booth to get their “passport” stamped. Performances included songs, dances, music, and a traditional dress parade.  Volunteers are needed to work on the planning committee, to create/sponsor country displays, plan arts and crafts projects, and bring performances/work with students on performances.
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Financial Review
The PTSA's fiscal year is from July 1 through June 30. The audit of the current year's financial records takes place in July.
Description: The PTSA financial records are audited once or twice per year by this independent committee in accordance with Washington State PTA Guidelines. Three to five volunteers are needed once during the winter (if mid-year audit is performed) and in mid-July for 3-5 hours. A financial background is helpful.
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Gift-a-Book
A flyer will go home with students during his/her birthday month, but contributions of books or money can be made for any occasion. Download a Gift-a-Book flyer here.
Description: The Gift-A-Book program was developed to help supply and support the Cougar Ridge library inventory. Books donated to the library through this popular PTSA program are specially dedicated by attaching bookplates commemorating occasions such as birthdays, volunteer service, friendship, events or special achievements. Book donations are featured on the Gift-A-Book display located outside the library. The chairperson is responsible for distributing birthday letters to students, promoting Gift-a-Book during the Book Fair, processing books, writing thank you notes, contributing Gift-A-Book updates for The Weekly and PTSA Connections Newsletter, and planning, installing and maintaining a Gift-a-Book display.
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Grant Writing
Issaquah Schools Foundation grants have been awarded for the current school year.
Description: Cougar Ridge teachers can work with this PTSA member to have their grant writing ideas written out and submitted on their behalf.
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Hospitality
Description: The committee chairperson is responsible for securing and providing refreshments for PTSA meetings. He/She coordinates with volunteers to provide baked goods for various PTSA sponsored events throughout the year. He/She coordinates luncheon for the staff at Echo Glen during Staff Appreciation Week. The chairperson also works with hostess and PTSA secretary on end of year BOD Lucheon.
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Issaquah Schools Foundation (ISF) Liaison
Description: The Issaquah Schools Foundation is a private nonprofit organization that was formed in 1987 by a group of interested parents, teachers, business leaders and administrators to raise funds for Issaquah School District educational goals that would not otherwise be funded by regular school funding. The funds are generated yearly through varying fund raisers. Funds are distributed through specific grant requests that are consistent with the districts goals in education and technology. The Cougar Ridge ISF Liaison is responsible for promoting ISF events and securing volunteers as needed.
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Legislation
For current legislation information, go to our Legislation link.
Description:  The Cougar Ridge PTSA Legislation chairperson keeps our membership informed on legislative action and news by maintaining a legislative presence to advocate laws that are in the best interest of our children. The Washington State PTA is a grassroots organization that focuses its legislative efforts on issues chosen by PTA members through Legislation representatives who meet locally, regionally and at a state assembly each year.
Periodically, as certain legislation approaches a vote, the PTA/PTSA will encourage communication to legislators by phone, letter or e-mail by its members. As advocates for our children, parents are encouraged to communicate their opinion to their legislators on issues that impact education in Washington State.
 
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Math Club
Description: We are currently looking for a parent or team of parents to run Math Club. The volunteers would be involved in redesigning Math Club. Many aspects of the program remain flexible including grades served, time of meeting, and focus (competition preparation, hands-on games, or both).  The club would seek to strengthen kids' mathematical intuition and problem solving skills in a fun and engaging setting.  If desired, participants may be encouraged to compete in competitions.  If you are interested in volunteering please contact the VP, Programs.
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Membership
Membership forms are distributed to all families in Opening Day Packets.  We encourage every family to join.  Cougar Ridge has proudly met our goal of 100% membership, annually, for over a decade.  Find the PTSA Membership Form here or in the school office.  Your support funds Cougar Ridge PTSA programs like Science Fair, Art Fair, school newsletters, Gift-a-Book, and Student Council to name a few.  Thanks to all who have joined so far!   
Description: Membership in the Cougar Ridge PTSA is available to all parents and community members that support the objective of advocacy for the welfare of children and youth in home, school and community. The Cougar Ridge Student Directory is provided with each membership (one per family). The membership chairperson is responsible for collecting and recording all PTSA membership fees and distributing membership cards and student directories accordingly. The membership chairperson keeps an updated and accurate membership list for the PTSA and the Washington PTA organization.
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Monthly Birthdays
Description: Believing that birthdays are very special times but wanting to maximize classroom instruction time, it is Cougar Ridges policy to celebrate only with our monthly birthday program. A day is chosen each month (dates are above; also check The Weekly and The Outlook) to honor children whose birthdays occur within that month. Summer birthdays are celebrated during the childs half birthday month. A special birthday table is set up in the lunchroom and birthday children are treated to cupcakes provided by volunteers. Volunteers are needed to bake 12-18 cupcakes and to set up and decorate the table. Please indicate under Comments on the Volunteer Interest Form which month(s) you are interested in volunteering.
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Newcomers
The PTSA and the Newcomers Committee extends a warm welcome to all the new families who join the Cougar Ridge community.   Please contact Peggy Minehan, Newcomers Committee chairperson, with any questions you have.
Description: Designed to welcome new families to the Cougar Ridge community, this committee provides valuable information about our school and greater community. Volunteers are needed to establish a social network for new families by visiting newcomers and attending monthly gatherings of welcome.
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Newsletter - Connections from Cougar Ridge
 To view all the year's issues, go to the Newsletter section of the website.
Description: The PTSA Newsletter, Connections, is published periodically to provide information for the Cougar Ridge communit and includes in-depth articles on Cougar Ridge programs and activities, PTSA, education and community news, and  messages from the Principal and PTSA President. The Newsletter Editor establishes deadlines and content and does some editing.  Articles are submitted by PTSA committee members.  Once published, each edition is copied and distributed and placed on the Cougar Ridge website.  General distribution also falls under the job description.  The Newsletter Editor must have publishing experience.
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Opening Day Packets
To help assemble next fall's Opening Day Packets, complete a Volunteer Interest Form and return it to the school office.
Description: The Opening Day Packets chairperson is responsible for coordinating and assembling Opening Day Packets prior to the beginning of the school year. Opening Day Packets are given to each student on either "Meet Your Teacher" day or the first day of school. Opening Day Packets contain information and forms from the district, the school, and the PTSA. The chairperson begins coordinating packets when the school opens in August and obtains student labels fromt the Database Administrator right before the packets are assembled. Many volunteers are needed in late August and on the Tuesday before school starts to collate, stuff, and distribute the Opening Day Packets.
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Parent Education
Many Parent Education classes and seminars are offered throughout the year. A current listing can always be found on the district website.
Description: The Parent Education committee identifies, organizes and assists with parent education programs throughout the year, with a variable time commitment depending on the chosen programs. The committee also maintains (commitment of 15-30 minutes per week) the parent education resource library, located in the main hallway, for the benefit and use of Cougar Ridge parents.
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Reflections
More information will be available soon.
Description: The Washington State PTA, in partnership with the National PTA, sponsors an arts education contest known as the Reflections Program, with a different theme each year. Students use their creativity to express themselves through original works of art. Categories include literature, musical composition, photography, visual arts, dance/choreography and film/video. Entries are judged at the local (Cougar Ridge), Council (Issaquah School District), Washington State PTA, and National PTA levels. Volunteers are needed to work with the local chairperson to promote Reflections at Cougar Ridge, distribute information and entries to students, identify local judges, display entries and organize a Reflections recognition reception at Cougar Ridge for participants. Time commitment varies. The current theme and complete information can be found at Washington State PTA.
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School Beautification
Description: This committee is responsible for keeping the school grounds attractive through weed and litter control, flower and/or bulb planting, and maintenance of shrubs and bark. Chairperson may solicit work party help through parents, scouting organizations, student council and classrooms. Volunteers are needed and welcome at any time. Consider adopting a small area of the school grounds for ongoing care through the school year!
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Science Fair/Kits
News:  Calling all young scientists! It's time for the Cougar Ridge Elementary annual science fair! All students are encouraged to participate by working on a science project at home and displaying it proudly at the fair. All entrants will receive a special Certificate of Scientific Achievement. Those who wish to explain their project to others at the fair also may earn an Oral Presentation ribbon! Find guidelines and check the website for more details

Description:  A science and technology fair is held each year and all students are invited to participate by entering a science project. Volunteers are needed to publicize the event, record entries, set-up tables and distribute awards. A time commitment of several hours prior to and/or the day of the fair is needed.
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Skating Parties
Description: Students and families are welcome to participate in Cougar Ridge Night at Skate King in Bellevue. Two skating parties per year are held - typically in Fall and Spring, and usually are from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Children may not be dropped off - an adult must stay at Skate King with the child. These events are for Cougar Ridge students and their parents only.
Skate King is located at 2301 - 140th Avenue NE; Bellevue.
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Special Services Liaison
Many classes, seminars, and resources are available to parents and families. View the most recent issue of the newsletter for the latest news.
Description: This committee represents families with children for whom special educational adaptations are necessary to ensure a successful educational experience. This includes children with learning disabilities and children with an Individual Education Plan. The chairperson works with Issaquah School District Special Needs staff and other community representatives as needed.
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Spiritwear
Cougar Ridge orders may be place at www.fieldhouse.com/cougarridge all year long. 
Description:  Cougar Ridge spiritwear is sold throughout the year.  Please contact the chairperson if you have any questions or comments regarding our school's spiritwear.  
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Spring Fundraiser/Social
Description: Every two years, Cougar Ridge PTSA holds an auction to raise funds. This fundraiser, along with gift wrap sales, provides the bulk of the PTSAs income and enables PTSA to fund its many programs. The Cougar Ridge community has enthusiastically supported PTSA auctions in the past. Many volunteer opportunities with varying time commitments are available for the auction.
In years where no auction is held, a spring social event takes place.
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Spring Open House
Description: This event is held in the spring and highlights the learning efforts of Cougar Ridge students. Volunteers are needed to generate ideas, organize, and assist during the event. Time commitment varies during the several weeks prior to and the day of the open house.
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Staff Appreciation Week
Description: This special and fun filled week is devoted to honoring our multi-talented staff at Cougar Ridge. A committee of volunteers is needed to generate ideas for the week that involve students and parents, as well as implementing the activities. Time commitment can vary and areas of need include decorations, luncheon planning, gift making, and supply shopping. This is a terrific opportunity to thank our amazing school staff!
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Student Banking
Student banking is for the entire school population.
Description: The Student Banking Program allowed students to make deposits at school each Friday, ended in June, 2009.  Parents interested in researching and/or restarting a student banking program are invited to contact the VP of Programs. 
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Student Council
Student Council Membership Form. 
Description:
All students in fourth and fifth grade are eligible to serve on the Cougar Ridge Student Council. Members participate in monthly meetings before school to hear interesting guest speakers and develop leadership skills. The Student Council organizes school spirit days and Humanitarian activities such as food and clothing drives for Cougar Ridge and the community. Parent volunteers are needed to provide help and guidance for various Student Council activities.
Student Council generally meets on the third or fourth Tuesday of the month.
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Student Directory
Student directories are distributed to all PTSA members in the fall.  Additional copies of the student directory are typically available. If you would like a copy, please complete a PTSA membership application and return it to the Cougar Ridge office. Current PTSA members can purchase an additional copy of the student directory for five dollars.
Description: Each year a student directory is printed and distributed to all PTSA members (one per family). Committee members assist with editing, proofreading, printing and distribution.
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Volunteer Coordinator
Description: The chairperson is responsible for recruiting and scheduling volunteers for events that come up throughout the year. Some of these events are scheduled in advance while others can come up on short notice, such as special receptions, patrol training/assistance, and specialists requests. Volunteers can sign up for particular events and/or be on call for all miscellaneous needs as available. If you would like to be informed of all volunteer calls by phone or e-mail, please check the AS NEEDED Basis on the Volunteer Interest Form and you will be contacted.
Special Events include:
Field Day - PE Specialist, 837-7273
In association with the Cougar Ridge physical education program, Field Day is a fitness event with numerous activity stations set-up on the playground. The Special Events Coordinator works closely with physical education specialist to solicit and organize numerous volunteers to assist and supervise in the field, order recognition items, and arrange refreshments. Two separate Field Day shifts are run in the morning and afternoon (by grade level) to accommodate all students. Approximately 100 volunteers are needed for 2-3 hours of fun and excitement so that kids can circulate through all the stations.
School Photos
Volunteers work with staff and photographers on the day of individual photos and class photos.
Turn Off the TV Week
The coordinator is responsible for promoting an organized effort to encourage students to choose alternatives to watching television during leisure time. Completes and distributes certificates of success to participating students.
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Webmaster
Description: The Webmaster maintains the Cougar Ridge PTSA website to contain current information. The web pages contain the published information of the PTSA, including newsletters, budget, meeting minutes and information about PTSA sponsored events.
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Yearbook
The yearbook is distributed in June.
Description: This committee produces an annual Cougar Ridge yearbook available for purchase by students and staff, and delivered in June. The yearbook features every class, specialist, and school group. It highlights other activities that occur during the school year. The committee chairperson is the liaison between PTSA and the yearbook publishing company, works with and trains layout volunteers and photographers, ensures photos are taken at all school events, and ensures completion of each yearbook page. Volunteers are needed to photograph various school-wide and grade-level activities throughout the year. Volunteers also are needed for page layout in February to early April.
Each class is requested to secure a Class Photographer. This volunteer is responsible to take pictures of his/her assigned class events and candid pictures from the beginning of school through March. Class photographers do not need to attend committee meetings/workshops.
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Yearbook Sales
Description: The Yearbook Sales chairperson is responsible for the advertising, sales, and distribution of the school yearbook. Volunteers are needed to assist with getting sales envelopes ready for pre-sales. The chairperson records sales of the yearbooks and communicates sales information to Yearbook chairperson. Additional time is spent in the last two weeks of school sorting and distributing the yearbooks. Chairperson also sells any extra yearbooks ordered. 3-4 volunteers are needed to help with distribution and year-end sales.
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