The Bowen Parent Teacher Organization’s job is to provide a bridge between the school and the parents. We help parents get a glimpse into their children’s’ lives at school and provide opportunities for you to participate in Bowen activities WITH your child.
There are many ways to get involved with the PTO based on your available time and interests…and we have dedicated leaders to help you get started. You can volunteer in any way that works for you – be that a Zoom call to provide some advice or guidance on fundraising or marketing, or standing at a booth at a carnival, handing out prizes.
Please log in to this website to sign up for volunteer opportunities.
Here are descriptions of some of the volunteer opportunities. You can also check out the the Programs section of our website and contact chair@bowenpto.org with any questions.
Whether you have 5 minutes or 5 hours to give, your time is much appreciated.
- Classroom Support
- Lead or Contribute to PTO Events
- Fundraising and Social Opportunities
- PTO Operations
- Communications
Classroom Support
Room parenting for your child’s classroom to support the teacher’s needs as well as build community amongst families.
Lead or Contribute to PTO Events
Back to School Picnic: The Back to School Picnic is the first community event of the year and very popular among all families. The committee will organize entertainment/activities and food.
Halloween Party: Organize the Halloween Party with the materials and plans from last year as your guide. Create flyers for the event to be distributed to families. Organize volunteers to collect contributions, run the food table, help decorate, set up and clean up.
International Celebration: This annual Bowen potluck celebrates Bowen’s diversity and international community! Usually families bring a dish reflective of their heritage and wear something representative as well. It is a night to enjoy performances of traditional dance, music, gymnastics, martial arts, fashion and more. You would help to get families signed up to participate, make sure the gym is set up, and organize the amazing presentations from kids in our community.
Spring Fling: This event celebrates Bowen and the changing of the seasons with food, games and prizes. Volunteers traditionally help set up before the event, clean up afterwards, create the layout of the event and promote the event to families and to classes that each have their own fun station.
Incoming Kindergarten Meet up: A hello to new kindergarten families for the upcoming school year. Volunteers help get the word out and with getting food or supplies.
Science Day: One of our most popular activities! Students can sign up to present on a topic of their choice and learn about others’ projects and relevant community initiatives.
Fundraising and Social
Bowen Moves: An annual event, children walk outside on Bowen Upper Field for physical activities organized by our PE teachers. During the two weeks before the event, children raise funds from family, friends and neighbors in support. Volunteers are responsible for organizing donors, matching the money raised (or part thereof), distributing envelopes for money collection and communicating to families before and after the event.
Art/Reading Appreciation Event: An annual event, traditionally a Book Fair, where kids usually get the chance to look for books with their classes during the school day. Help kids select and purchase books, or help with set-up, clean-up or food sales.
Spring Raffle: This is our biggest fundraising event of the year! Volunteers solicit donations, create flyers, organize tickets and give out prizes.
Mystery Dinner: The mystery dinner is an event where Bowen parents join with “mystery” other Bowen parents for food and drinks.
PTO Operations
PTO Executive Committee: Join the Bowen PTO leadership as one of three Co-Chairs, Secretary, Treasurer or executive committee member and work with our Principal, teachers, and parents to create a robust school community here at Bowen. Help set the PTO budget. Represent Bowen on the newton-wide PTO Council. Provide leadership for the various PTO committees, events, and activities.
Room Parent Coordinators: As room parent coordinator, oversee the class room parents, answer questions and help disseminate information from the executive board.
Staff Appreciation: Help organize events to show our teachers and staff how much we appreciate them. This includes lunches on district-wide half days and other gestures to show we care.
Safe Routes to School Rep: Work with the Executive Board and the Principal to improve compliance in the Blue Zone and with all school safety measures.
Website Admin: Maintain bowenpto.org. Help with technical issues. Input on design is welcome. Knowledge of WordPress a plus.
Technology Committee: Did you know the PTO’s in Newton are a major source of technology? Join the technology committee and help Bowen reach the Newton Public School standard for elementary school
Communications
Online Communications: This group works closely with the PTO co-chairs on our email newsletter, website, and social media. Parents responsible for this program ensure communications are distributed in a timely manner. This position is great for working parents as everything can be done at flexible times.
Directory: The school directory is the go-to source for contact information for all Bowen families. Responsibilities include: assembling the printed directory in the beginning of the year, maintaining the online directory and soliciting advertisements for both.