During their 12 years as Saint Agnes parents, Jim and Betsy Riley have given countless hours in volunteer activities. Jim has coordinated CYO sports, and Betsy has lent her talents to the annual fundraising auction and being a room parent. They and their three children count the other Saint Agnes families among their closest friends. Jim and Betsy agree that “Saint Agnes offered our children an excellent educational experience and provided our family a wonderful and close-knit community”.
PTO and Parent Activities
Saint Agnes offers many opportunities for parents to be involved in their child’s education. The active Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) counts over 90% of parents and teachers as members.
PTO Officers (2010-11)
President: Caroline Galdabini
Vice-President: Jennifer Hong
Secretary: Anne Marie Kilgallon
Treasurer: Brian Coll
The PTO provides:
- a channel of communication between parents and the school administration
- educational opportunities for students, parents, and faculty
- social events for students and their families
- school-related activities to benefit students and faculty
- fundraising opportunitites
Communication. The PTO has four meetings each year attended by the pastor, principal, assistant principal, and parents. The PTO assists the school in communicating to parents via regular email and emergency telephone procedures.
Educational opportunities. Saint Agnes and the PTO are committed to providing educational opportunities for students, parents, and faculty. The PTO funds Enrichment Programs for students and professional development for teachers as well as supplies and educational aids for classrooms. The PTO has hosted recent speakers on the topics of safety on the internet and bullying.
Social events. The PTO hosts several social events throughout the year, including back-to-school cocktail parties, a father-daughter dance, and a fitness event such as a Fun Run or dad’s basketball game. New families are welcomed by a host family along with social events prior to the school year.
Fundraising. The primary PTO fundraising event is the annual school auction — not only is this night a fabulous fundraiser, but also a terrific community-builder. Capacity crowds attend, raising thousands of dollars to support activities at school. The PTO also raises money through an annual golf tournament, 5K fun run, and box tops and grocery rewards programs.
Activities and projects. Recent PTO-sponsored projects include building a new playground for use by the entire Saint Agnes Parish community, purchasing computers and other technology resources for the school, and funding Enrichment activities.
Volunteers. Parent volunteers are welcome both during and after school. Parents assist during the school day in the classroom, in the library, and in the lunchroom. After school, parents organize Enrichment programs and monthly Virtue service projects, coach sports teams, and lead Cub Scout or Brownie troops.
Family support. The PTO provides support to families in times of need, including the birth of a new baby, illness, or other time of crisis. The school community provides meals, runs errands, and helps however is needed.