PTO Spotlight with Lori Popakostas
Q: Tell us about your family.A: We have lived in Brookline for 11 years. Our children Ellie (4th Grade) and Yanni (6th Grade) have attended Driscoll since they were 2 and 3 years old!Q: For many years you edited the Driscoll Blue Sheet. Tell us how you came to do that and your other involvement in the school / PTO.A: I was asked by another PTO member when my son was in Kindergarten. It was a great fit as I was able to work from home and around my schedule. It was also a fantastic way to stay current with school and town events.Q: Do you have any advice for parents interested in becoming involved at Driscoll?A: I highly recommend it as a way to get to know parents and staff at Driscoll. There are so many ways one can volunteer in various capacities that would fit your schedule.Q: Do your kids have a favorite PTO program?A: DASA is a favorite! They have enjoyed classes in Photography, It's Electric, Art, and Yoga.Q: What do you like to do in your free time?A: In addition to traveling, I enjoy cooking, hiking, cycling, and playing tennis
PTO Spotlight with Rena Sokolow
PTO Spotlight with Rena Sokolow:Q: Tell us about your family.A: Ours is a family of East Coasters. John and I grew up in New York, met on a tiny island off the coast of Maine and got married in Boston. Eric, Lucas and Carl were born in Canada and were happy to meet Louis and Grace when they were born in Brookline. We keep busy by rooting for opposing sports teams, working out, playing soccer, singing and taking family vacations that include both active and restful weeks. We celebrate many holidays, bake for them all and eat really well.Q: You created the Driscoll School, and PTO logos. Tell us about that process, and your inspiration for the design.A: I am a graphic designer. At one2tree we design books, posters, invitations, brochures, exhibitions and logos. Creating a logo, a graphic that is unique to a company or organization is not as easy as you might think. The computer is my tool, but ideas fuel my projects. I start by brainstorming and making lists. For this project my list included toddlers, 8th graders, notebooks, pencils, books, teachers, dragons, doors, numbers, primary colors and upper and lower case letters. Pages and pages of ideas were put to the test. In the end the suggestion of binder holes and primary colors with a modern lower case d gave the Driscoll School its unique mark.Q: Do you have any advice for parents interested in becoming involved at Driscoll?A: I am proud to wear my Driscoll T-shirt and not only because I designed it. Being part of the PTO, especially when kids are young is a great way to connect with other families and to teach kids the importance of volunteering.Q: Do your kids have a favorite PTO program?A: The Spring Fair, Arts Equinox and Kids for Kids have been very popular in our house.Q: Fun Fact: What do you like doing in your free time?A: In my free time I love to cycle down Beacon Street, into Newton and beyond
PTO Spotlight: Meg Brackley
PTO Spotlight with former PTO Co-Treasurer, and current Room Parent Meg Brackley. Q: Tell us about your family.A: My family is my husband, Kunal, daughter, Ellora (2-G), and my son Devan (K-Shea). I grew up in Hingham and still have lots of family there and in RI.Q: Tell us how you've been involved at Driscoll.A: I spent two years as a Co-Treasurer with David Souza. I am room parent for KShea and 2-G and this year I was a co-chair on the Book Fair with Amy Grayson and Grace Johnston.Q: What's your favorite PTO program?A: I really enjoy a lot of the great programs- this year I had so much fun working with Amy G, Grace J and Amy Neale on the Book Fair. It is a great way to help the library and meet some of the children, parents and teachers in the Driscoll community.Q: Tell us about your hobbies. OR Tell us about your favorite restaurant.A: Favorite restaurant- so many choices, just went to a great pop-up restaurant in Brookline village that was a lot of fun.
PTO Spotlight: Tracy Rieur
Q & A with Parent Volunteer Tracy Rieur: Q: What is your name, child(ren)'s name/grade?A: Phoebe 5, Olivia 10. Q: What is your day job?A: Massage therapist/Office manager. Q: What specific roles for the PTO did you work on for Driscoll?And for how long?A: Room parent coordinator 5 yrs, various one time activites- book fair, arts equinox, action, spring fair! Q: Why did you feel volunteering for Driscoll was important?A: Becoming involved in your child's school community is really a great thing- you get to know the kids, teachers, administration, and fellow parents. You really become part of this special community! Q: What did you learn from volunteering?A: That no matter the amount of time you can spend- it always is helpful. Q: What was FUN about volunteering?A: Getting to know everyone involved. It is nice to get to know others outside of just back to school night and class room presentation days. Q: Would you encourage others?A: Absolutely! An hour or two if you've got it from time to time is always appreciated and always a great help! Q: What surprised you about volunteering?A: That I always really felt part of this wonderful community, and usually had great fun in the process. Q: What advice might you give someone who is looking to volunteer?A: No Matter the amount of time you have to volunteer- a couple hours a week or month, or a couple hours a year, it is well worth the time to get to know Driscoll and others in the community- and I think you will find that it is fun in the process! Q: Anything else?A: Driscoll really needs your help in anyway, we are always looking for volunteers, no matter how big or small the job.
PTO Spotlight: Shannon Hedrick
PTO Q & A with PTO Volunteer Coordinator Shannon HedrickQ: Tell us about your family.A: I have been married to Guy McPherson for nearly 13 years. We met in music school. I was a singer. He was a composer. He wrote songs for me. The rest is history. Now I teach piano from home and Guy is an attorney.We have two daughters, Penelope (3rd Grade) and Josephine (Kindergarten). Penelope’s heart is with nature. She dreams of living on her own piece of land that is inhabited by more animals than humans. Josephine’s spirit zooms through our house like the wind. She is inspired by people she meets and new experiences. She has the most contagious positive attitude and joie de vie.We also have Syliva, the very tired and disgruntled cat and Cresty the crested gecko.Q: Tell us how you came to serve as PTO Volunteer Coordinator.A: A couple of years ago, I was a Village leader and saw a need for someone to help organize all the opportunities that are available to parents at Driscoll. I was new to the school and was unaware of all the amazing things that happen and how to get involved.I spoke with my fellow Village Leaders and the Principal and eventually was connected to the PTO Executive Board. They helped me to define goals and set priorities.Since then I have worked with the Co-Chairs for all the events to develop written descriptions of our programs and online and paper sign-ups for parents. I connect with each event Chair before their event and coordinate their volunteer efforts. Some activities need a lot of my help and others, need less. Q: Tell us what we should know about the PTO and why volunteering is so important.A: One of Driscoll’s core values is community building. We work together to create an environment for our children that we value and nurture. To me, volunteering shows Penelope and Josephine that we have the power to create the community we want to be a part of. And I like that it’s something that they can relate to because it is their day-to-day life. I feel I can show them that when you care for something, you put in the work and reap the rewards.Over the last few years I have learned that all of our programs – Chinese New Year, Book Fair, Arts Equinox, Science Solstice, the Spring Fair, Teacher Appreciation Breakfast, Early Dismissal Movies, DASA (there are more to name) are all parent run. Without the passion of our stellar parents, these opportunities would not exist for our children. I am proud that our school embraces these diverse activities so that each child has a chance to connect to something extra special over the course of the school year.I feel honored that these occasions have allowed me to work alongside our top-notch teachers. Volunteering has allowed me to be in the classroom and to see how our teachers ignite our children’s curiosity and make Driscoll and safe and positive place to learn. I am so grateful for this. Q: Do you have advice for the next PTO Volunteer Coordinator?A: With all volunteer opportunities at Driscoll including the PTO Volunteer position, I would say…jump in and make it your own! We are our most powerful if use our own individual strengths to benefit our school. You will meet so many wonderful people in the process.
PTO Spotlight
PTO Q & A with outgoing PTO Co-chair Lakia Rutherford:Q: Tell us about your family.A: I have 5 children, Destinee (14 years old) 8-1, Darius (11 years old) 5H, Darin (9 years old) 4W, Danielle (2 years old) and Daniel (1 year old).Q: Tell us how you came to serve as PTO Co-Chair?A: About 6 years ago I was appointed as the METCO liaison for the greater Brookline METCO K-8 Family group, which awarded me a seat on the PTO Board. The Treasurer at that time was looking for a Co-Treasurer, it was to be minimal work, deposit checks and record activity. I figured I could handle it.The following year I moved into the treasurer role, I was then asked if I would be interested in serving as a Co-Chair, which I have done for the past 3 years. I have enjoyed representing the parent body while pushing for programs that support our children and teachers in a manner that promotes mutual respect.Q: Tell us what we should know about the PTO and how it helps Driscoll.A: The Driscoll PTO is a great organization that provides developmental, educational and recreational activities and events for the Driscoll Community as well as the greater Brookline community. Being a part of the Driscoll community you often are unaware that not every school has a Science Solstice or an Arts Equinox yet our PTO year after year works hard to ensure that these traditions live on as a testament to its dedication to ensure that our children receive a well-rounded education.Q: Do you have advice for the next PTO Co-Chair?A: Any person willing to sit on a board with a group of energetic and motivated, well intentioned individuals will need to be prepared to work hard as a team, actively listen and agree to disagree, yet always keep in mind that all of the hard work is for the children.
Driscoll PTO Annual Appeal
Dear Driscoll Families:As a Driscoll family, you are members of the Driscoll PTO. Our Parent Teacher Organization has amazing programs, including Art Equinox, Science Solstice, Driscoll After School Activities (DASA), Book Fair, Spring Fair, and so much more! The PTO also supports teachers as they continually keep instruction up-to-date:
In the last decade, Driscoll has grown from 380 to over 600 students. In addition, there has been new curricula in every grade to ensure students master new learning expectations. We need lots of new materials! The PTO has helped put a book in the hands of each Driscoll reader and researcher, whether the student is studying insects, world explorers, Ancient Egypt, or just learning to read Elephant and Piggie. I love the PTO! Amy Neale, School Librarian
We've been able to acquire two carts of iPads for 1st to 3rd graders. These iPads are constantly in use as integral parts of their daily maths and reading activities. Thanks PTO! Bob Thomas, School Technology Specialist
The PTO spends roughly $100 per child from donations. No contribution is too small (or too big) -- all gifts make a difference. Our goal is for every Driscoll Family to make a donation by December 1, 2015. Please give on-line at driscollpto.org today. Or print out the form linked below and drop if by the office. All contributions to the Driscoll PTO are tax deductible and will be acknowledged with a receipt for tax purposes.Thanks in advance for your generosity.We look forward to an engaging and exciting school year. Sincerely,Sara Stoutland, Lori Day, Lakia RutherfordCo-Presidents, on behalf of the Driscoll PTO Board P.S. Remember to ask your employer about their Gift Matching ProgramDriscoll PTO is a tax-exempt organization under the IRS code section 501c(3), tax ID# 04-3500659Read about why Fundraising is Essential to the PTOAnnual Appeal Form 2015
It takes a village: Volunteer!
Dear Driscoll Families --The school year is off to a great start! Students have settled into their classrooms, met teachers and new friends. Families made introductions or reconnected at last night's Back to School Picnic. Now it is time to look forward to some of the exciting events on the horizon for this year!Each year, Driscoll parents work together, alongside teachers and staff, to create unique experiences that enhance our children's education. From stocking our library with books that ignite imaginations, to day-long science and art activities. Remember Art Equinox? When our students transformed the gymnasium into a jungle. Or Spring Fair? When cotton candy covered all those smiling faces? Let’s make more memories together this year.Driscoll parents make these events happen.Please take a moment to click here http://driscollpto.digitalpto.com/volunteer/ to find volunteer opportunities that are the right fit for you. An event coordinator will be in touch as the date approaches to find a specific role that suits your schedule and interest. It is our hope that every Driscoll family will sign-up to help in both the fall and spring semesters.If you have any questions about a particular opportunity, please feel free to reach out to the person listed as event contact on the form or send me an email at driscollvolunteer@gmail.com.Many thanks in advance for all you do to make Driscoll a magical and inspired place for children to learn and grow. It takes a village.Warm Regards,Shannon Hedrick.Fellow Driscoll Dragon parentDriscoll PTO Volunteer Coordinator
Welcome Back 2015-2016
Dear Driscoll Families: 
Welcome to the 2015-16 School Year!The Driscoll Parent-Teacher Organization is an entirely volunteer organization run by Driscoll parents and teachers. It is where parents can become involved in Driscoll life. The PTO organizes programs and events; builds community among and between parents, teachers, staff and students; and fundraises to support these efforts and other educational programs at Driscoll.We raise about $200,000 a year. We provide funds to teachers for classroom supplies and special projects; to the library for books and materials; and to our own programs that enhance Driscoll’s strong academic curriculum. The last couple of years, the PTO has also furnished the school with 40 iPads and an iPad charging station.As a Driscoll parent, you are a member of the PTO! To make it work for you, give your time—volunteer with a PTO program or event. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people or to learn about your child’s schooling. Donate money—go to our website and make a (tax-deductible) donation.This year, the PTO is rolling out improved electronic communications. Alice Speck has spent the summer moving us into the 21st century. Here it is:
- PTO E-bulletin. You will receive one e-mail on Mondays with the E-Bulletin (similar to Bluesheet) and one brief Thursday e-mail with the “Thursday Update.”
- PTO web-site (http://driscollpto.digitalpto.com): An up-to-date, mobile-friendly site, with an events calendar, new and old e-bulletins; volunteer information, program descriptions, and more!
- Facebook.com/DriscollSchoolPTO page has the latest PTO news. Like us! Follow us!
- Twitter: Follow @DriscollPTO for quick updates and reminders.
For grade-level communications: Be on the lookout for e-mails from the classroom’s Room Parent or Village Leader. They’ll let you know about classroom and grade-level events.We need room parents for 6th, 7th, 8th grade. Contact Lori Day at DriscollRoomParents@gmail.com.Fall programs: We are already preparing for our great programs and events!
- New parent breakfast (9/16 8 a.m.): Learn about the PTO and meet new families!
- Back-to-school picnic (9/16 5-7 p.m.): Connect with old friends and make new ones!
- DASA—Driscoll After-School Activities (9/21 - 12/2): Superb 1 hour, 8 session classes.
- Fall Fling Dance (10/22), 6 p.m.: Just a lot of fun for all!
- Early Release Movies (11/10, 11/18, 12/1, 2/9): Kids see movies; parents get longer day.
- Book Fair (11/16-11/20): Buy your books for the holidays and support the PTO.
- Science Solstice (12/11): A day when the whole school does science!
We are looking forward to a fun and participatory year!All the best,The Driscoll PTOSara Stoutland, Lori Day, Lakia RutherfordCo-Presidents.Not receiving the PTO E-Bulletin on Monday’s? Contact us at driscollPTO@gmail.com
What does the Driscoll PTO do for you?
THE DRISCOLL PTO — WE ARE PARENT & TEACHER STRONG!
All Driscoll parents are members of the PTO. With over 400 of us, parents and teachers, we are able to do wonders to enhance our children’s academic experience and benefit from the positive energy from the social events. Many friendships are fostered at Driscoll, not only between children, but also parents. A great way to meet people is to BE INVOLVED with the PTO.The PTO is your voice and venue to be involved and be heard. The Driscoll PTO aims to foster interest in the life of the school and provide a means for parents to be involved; promote cooperation, communication, and unity of spirit among parents, faculty, staff, and students; and, encourage understanding concerning the School’s objectives and curriculum.Our fundraising efforts combine raising money and having fun. Volunteer any amount of your time and be part of the Driscoll Community’s enthusiasm while being instrumental in enabling the PTO to provide financial support to the school. In the past few years we furnished the technology department with an iPad Charging Station, and over 40 iPads; provided the library with material and books making Driscoll Library a reader’s treasure island; supported teachers’ projects and classroom supplies, plus a lot more.The fundraising efforts also allow us to fund the special PTO events that the children and parents look forward to every year: Science Solstice, Arts Equinox, Fall Fling, Auction Benefit Gala, and Spring Fair.
Thank You!
Dear Driscoll Families--As our children are busy reflecting on their year and getting ready for the next, we want to take a moment to communicate how deeply we appreciate all the hours of volunteer work done by Driscoll parents.
"Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something." - UnknownDuring this year, over 700 volunteer opportunities were filled by Driscoll parents. They rolled up their sleeves and worked with each other and staff to bring an amazing array of activities to our school. Kids found 'joy in thinking' during Art Equinox, Science Solstice, Chinese New Year, Driscoll After School Activities. . . And pure joy, at the Spring Fair. The book fair encouraged a love of reading and supported our library. Masquerade Magic, the annual gala and auction, was our time for an adult-only celebration to raise funds to support our teachers and curriculum, including PTO programs.
"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention." Oscar WildeTo all of you who shelved books in the library; cut out shapes for Arts Equinox; donated items to the auction; or baked your famous french toast for Teacher Appreciation Breakfast -- you were noticed. Each act of volunteerism adds up and helps make our children's school day unique and exciting.
"We often take for granted the things that need the most gratitude." Cynthia OzickWith all these great events, it is easy to to overlook those who help out every day. Room Parents reach out to their teacher and parents to help support the classroom and connect parents to the Driscoll community as a whole. Village Leaders build community within each grade and facilitate communication between the principal and parents. Early Release movie helpers give so many parents another couple of hours of 'kid free" (or least "fewer kids") time. Every week, the Bluesheet editor keeps us up-to-date on happenings around Driscoll and the town. And of course, the chairs of each of our programs and events work diligently over many months. Without all of you, the dragons of Driscoll would not be.
"I can no other answer make, but thanks and thanks." William ShakespeareOn behalf of the PTO Executive Committee and our children: thank you. This year has been exceptional because of all of you.
With gratitude,Lori Day, Co-chairLakia Rutherford, Co-chairSara Stoutland, Co-chairMeg Brackley, TreasurerDavid Souza, TreasurerHeidi Cook, PrincipalThe PTO Executive Committee