PTO Activities and Events
The Longfellow PTO sponsors and runs many activities, events, and educational programming through out the year. See one that you'd like to volunteer for? Fill out our volunteer form to get involved.
Click the blue and white plus next to the Google Calendar logo at the bottom of the calendar above to add it to your google calendar!
FUNDRAISING EVENTS:
Winter Carnival (February)
Chair: OPEN
One of our biggest fundraisers, needing the most participation. This large Saturday family event includes carnival games, raffles and food. Kids love this event!! Planning starts in the Fall with many committees to be a part of, or you can volunteer for day-of needs.
Fun Run (October)
Chairs: OPEN
This 'fun' run takes place at the school during the day. The kids run or walk for 20 minutes around a small track and raise money through pledges from families and friends during the school day. Kids earn prizes as they complete laps. This is our second biggest fundraiser of the year.
Book Fairs (October and January, during conferences)
Chairs: Annette Alvarado
Twice per year during parent-teacher weeks in October and February, we offer Scholastic Books for sale to families and teachers. The school receives free books and a percentage of profits. Many shifts are available to volunteer.
Parent Night Out (February/March)
Chairs: Chris Parente
Carnival is for the kids...this one's for the adults! A fun night out with good drinks and good food. Mingle with Longfellow parents and bid on our fabulous Silent Auction prizes. You don't want to miss this one!
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING:
ALWAYS LEARNING AT LONGFELLOW (ALL)
Chair: Claire Battle
ALL is a program that offers after-school enrichment classes in art, sports, science and many more. Classes last one hour after school ends. Most classes run one day a week, Monday-Thursday. More info can found under the ALL tab of this site.
General ALL questions can be directed to [email protected] or to ALL Chair, Sarah Miller.
Author Visits
Several times per year, authors are brought to Longfellow to present and discuss their work. Over the last year, these visits have been virtual, with the opportunity to purchase a book, sometimes with a signed plate, from Anderson's Bookshop.
Super Summer Math
Parent Chairs: OPEN
Teacher Chair: Ryan Winchell
Keep math fresh in kid's minds throughout the summer! Packets go home at the end of the school that kids can work on through the summer. Bring in the completed pages to the Maze Library in June and July at the designated times. Kids earn prizes for doing math packets and games. Sign up info goes out in late April.
ON-GOING FUNDRAISERS:
Artsonia
Our wonderful Art teachers upload, with the help of parent volunteers, the students art work. Parents can then purchase items (mugs, t-shirts, color frames, etc.) with the art printed on the items.
Box Tops
Chair: OPEN
No more clipping and bringing into school. All you have to do is scan your receipt within 2 weeks of purchase. Participating brands are starting to change their packaging from a traditional Box Tops clip to the new Box Tops label.
If you see the label above, use the new Box Tops app to scan your receipt. Box Tops are still worth 10¢ for Longfellow. The app will find participating products purchased at any store and instantly add cash to our earnings online. That's pretty easy! So easy in fact, you can get grandparents and friends in on the earning too. Anyone can download the app, scan their receipts, and raise money for Longfellow!
Still have physical Box Tops at home? No worries!! Hang on to them we'll be collecting them in the Fall.
Dining for Dollars (monthly)
Chair: OPEN
Local restaurants earmark a portion of the sales on a given night for Longfellow. Just mention Longfellow on the designated night to help give back to the school.
Spirit Wear (2 campaigns a year, Fall and Spring)
Chair: Jenny Stephen
Show your Longfellow Pride! Twice a year you can buy the latest Longfellow spirit wear online. Some shirts are also available at the Winter Carnival and other events.
SCHOOL EVENTS (during the school day):
Career Day (November)
Chair: OPEN
Students learn about different careers from you! Parents volunteer to come in and talk about their profession.
Olympic Day (end of May)
Chair: OPEN
A fun-filled day held at the end of the year for kids to participate in different athletic events. Events take place in the school, on the playground and at Longfellow park.
Opera for the Young (varies year to year)
Chair: Ms. Ablan
The kids are treated to an Opera performance during the day at school. Students are encouraged to dress in costume.
Turkey Trot (November, grades 3-5)
Teacher Chair: Mr. Sorrenson
Parent Chair: OPEN
This short race is held in the Fall at Longfellow park. Each grade (3rd-5th) has a boy and girl winner. There is also a free raffle to win a Turkey for Thanksgiving!
FAMILY NIGHTS at the SCHOOL:
Art Night (March)
Teacher Chair: Ms. Raia
Parent Chair: OPEN
The Art staff plans a creative evening for Longfellow families in the Winter. Kids go from station to station and come home with an array of different art projects.
Global Read Aloud (November)
Chair: OPEN
A national reading program where books are selected and authors connect with the classes.
New Family Welcome Dinner (October)
Chair: OPEN
A welcoming dinner for all new families, is a great way to connect early in the school year. Meet other new families and enjoy one of your first 'after hours' events at the school. Great for kindergarten families!
Science Night/Fair (January)
Teacher Chair: Mr Podlasek
Parent Chair: OPEN
Teachers and parents plan a fun and educational evening where students go to stations to try different science experiments.
Sports Night (May)
Teacher Chair: OPEN
An active evening on the playground with sport-oriented activities, including clinics by Chicago-area sports teams.
CLUBS and ENRICHMENT for STUDENTS:
KUUMBA Kids
Kuumba Kids is an African-American dance group for children of all races and ethnicities. KUUMBA Kids perform at a cultural evening in February or March, called Harambee, and other events. A very popular and fun group!
Boys Let Me Run (3rd-5th grade)- On Hiatus
A 6 week running program for boys, usually offered in our Spring ALL classes.
Sole Sisters Running Club (3rd-5th grade)- On Hiatus
This group of students meet weekly with their coach where they learn life skills through dynamic, interactive running games. Running is used to inspire and motivate girls, encourage lifelong health and fitness, and build confidence through accomplishment.
**On a hiatus, hope to be back next school year**
Longfellow Larks (1st-3rd grade)
Chair: Mrs. Schrems
A choral group for 1st-3rd graders. This group meets during the day at school. They perform a Holiday concert at the school.
Chess Club
Students can learn chess at any level. Classes are offered in our ALL programming. As students advance they also plan in tournaments.
OTHER GREAT EVENTS and CLUBS at LONGFELLOW:
Harambee (February/March)
Kuumba Kids show off all they've learned with a rousing dance performance.
Picnics (September and May)
Chair: OPEN!
There are 2 all school picnics on a Friday evening at the beginning and end of the year. Students love to see their friends and enjoy the food vendors, DJ, and bounce house.
Spelling Bee (March)
Teacher Chair: Mrs. Nelson
Parent Chair: OPEN
3 students from every class in 3rd-5th grades are chosen to compete in our annual Spelling Bee, that takes place one evening in March.
Workshops
Diversity workshops on different topics that are attended by Longfellow and D97 families. Past workshops have included: Women and Girl's Empowerment, Developing Healthy Racial Identities, A Talk with Amanda Lewis and many more.
Green Team
Chair: OPEN
We would like to bring back the Green Team! If you are passionate about getting kids interested in taking care of the environment, we need you.
Fifth Grade Celebration
Chair: OPEN
End-of-year celebration for fifth-grade students with awards ceremony and ice cream social. Parents from the 4th grade help organize ice cream social.
Talent Show (May)
Parent Chair: OPEN
Teacher Chairs: Rory Utter and Lindsey Golemes
A fun-filled evening showcasing all the talent at Longfellow! Teachers and parents help with try-outs and running the event.
Yearbook
Teacher Chair: Ms. Tatro
A visual and tangible reminder of a full year at Longfellow! Sales end in January!
Multicultural Fest (May)
Multicultural Fest is a District 97 event in May that includes a parade and a wide assortment of activities and performances. This committee plans Longfellow's contribution and participation.
Teacher Appreciation Lunches (October and May)
Chairs: Rebecca Andexler and Lindsay Ambrose
A lovely luncheon for teachers in October and May. The October luncheon is typically during conference week and relies on volunteers to bring in a variety of dishes for the teachers to enjoy. The May luncheon is usually a catered event with gifts from parent donations for the teachers with volunteers contributing desserts.
Winter Carnival (February)
Chair: OPEN
One of our biggest fundraisers, needing the most participation. This large Saturday family event includes carnival games, raffles and food. Kids love this event!! Planning starts in the Fall with many committees to be a part of, or you can volunteer for day-of needs.
Fun Run (October)
Chairs: OPEN
This 'fun' run takes place at the school during the day. The kids run or walk for 20 minutes around a small track and raise money through pledges from families and friends during the school day. Kids earn prizes as they complete laps. This is our second biggest fundraiser of the year.
Book Fairs (October and January, during conferences)
Chairs: Annette Alvarado
Twice per year during parent-teacher weeks in October and February, we offer Scholastic Books for sale to families and teachers. The school receives free books and a percentage of profits. Many shifts are available to volunteer.
Parent Night Out (February/March)
Chairs: Chris Parente
Carnival is for the kids...this one's for the adults! A fun night out with good drinks and good food. Mingle with Longfellow parents and bid on our fabulous Silent Auction prizes. You don't want to miss this one!
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING:
ALWAYS LEARNING AT LONGFELLOW (ALL)
Chair: Claire Battle
ALL is a program that offers after-school enrichment classes in art, sports, science and many more. Classes last one hour after school ends. Most classes run one day a week, Monday-Thursday. More info can found under the ALL tab of this site.
General ALL questions can be directed to [email protected] or to ALL Chair, Sarah Miller.
Author Visits
Several times per year, authors are brought to Longfellow to present and discuss their work. Over the last year, these visits have been virtual, with the opportunity to purchase a book, sometimes with a signed plate, from Anderson's Bookshop.
Super Summer Math
Parent Chairs: OPEN
Teacher Chair: Ryan Winchell
Keep math fresh in kid's minds throughout the summer! Packets go home at the end of the school that kids can work on through the summer. Bring in the completed pages to the Maze Library in June and July at the designated times. Kids earn prizes for doing math packets and games. Sign up info goes out in late April.
ON-GOING FUNDRAISERS:
Artsonia
Our wonderful Art teachers upload, with the help of parent volunteers, the students art work. Parents can then purchase items (mugs, t-shirts, color frames, etc.) with the art printed on the items.
Box Tops
Chair: OPEN
No more clipping and bringing into school. All you have to do is scan your receipt within 2 weeks of purchase. Participating brands are starting to change their packaging from a traditional Box Tops clip to the new Box Tops label.
If you see the label above, use the new Box Tops app to scan your receipt. Box Tops are still worth 10¢ for Longfellow. The app will find participating products purchased at any store and instantly add cash to our earnings online. That's pretty easy! So easy in fact, you can get grandparents and friends in on the earning too. Anyone can download the app, scan their receipts, and raise money for Longfellow!
Still have physical Box Tops at home? No worries!! Hang on to them we'll be collecting them in the Fall.
Dining for Dollars (monthly)
Chair: OPEN
Local restaurants earmark a portion of the sales on a given night for Longfellow. Just mention Longfellow on the designated night to help give back to the school.
Spirit Wear (2 campaigns a year, Fall and Spring)
Chair: Jenny Stephen
Show your Longfellow Pride! Twice a year you can buy the latest Longfellow spirit wear online. Some shirts are also available at the Winter Carnival and other events.
SCHOOL EVENTS (during the school day):
Career Day (November)
Chair: OPEN
Students learn about different careers from you! Parents volunteer to come in and talk about their profession.
Olympic Day (end of May)
Chair: OPEN
A fun-filled day held at the end of the year for kids to participate in different athletic events. Events take place in the school, on the playground and at Longfellow park.
Opera for the Young (varies year to year)
Chair: Ms. Ablan
The kids are treated to an Opera performance during the day at school. Students are encouraged to dress in costume.
Turkey Trot (November, grades 3-5)
Teacher Chair: Mr. Sorrenson
Parent Chair: OPEN
This short race is held in the Fall at Longfellow park. Each grade (3rd-5th) has a boy and girl winner. There is also a free raffle to win a Turkey for Thanksgiving!
FAMILY NIGHTS at the SCHOOL:
Art Night (March)
Teacher Chair: Ms. Raia
Parent Chair: OPEN
The Art staff plans a creative evening for Longfellow families in the Winter. Kids go from station to station and come home with an array of different art projects.
Global Read Aloud (November)
Chair: OPEN
A national reading program where books are selected and authors connect with the classes.
New Family Welcome Dinner (October)
Chair: OPEN
A welcoming dinner for all new families, is a great way to connect early in the school year. Meet other new families and enjoy one of your first 'after hours' events at the school. Great for kindergarten families!
Science Night/Fair (January)
Teacher Chair: Mr Podlasek
Parent Chair: OPEN
Teachers and parents plan a fun and educational evening where students go to stations to try different science experiments.
Sports Night (May)
Teacher Chair: OPEN
An active evening on the playground with sport-oriented activities, including clinics by Chicago-area sports teams.
CLUBS and ENRICHMENT for STUDENTS:
KUUMBA Kids
Kuumba Kids is an African-American dance group for children of all races and ethnicities. KUUMBA Kids perform at a cultural evening in February or March, called Harambee, and other events. A very popular and fun group!
Boys Let Me Run (3rd-5th grade)- On Hiatus
A 6 week running program for boys, usually offered in our Spring ALL classes.
Sole Sisters Running Club (3rd-5th grade)- On Hiatus
This group of students meet weekly with their coach where they learn life skills through dynamic, interactive running games. Running is used to inspire and motivate girls, encourage lifelong health and fitness, and build confidence through accomplishment.
**On a hiatus, hope to be back next school year**
Longfellow Larks (1st-3rd grade)
Chair: Mrs. Schrems
A choral group for 1st-3rd graders. This group meets during the day at school. They perform a Holiday concert at the school.
Chess Club
Students can learn chess at any level. Classes are offered in our ALL programming. As students advance they also plan in tournaments.
OTHER GREAT EVENTS and CLUBS at LONGFELLOW:
Harambee (February/March)
Kuumba Kids show off all they've learned with a rousing dance performance.
Picnics (September and May)
Chair: OPEN!
There are 2 all school picnics on a Friday evening at the beginning and end of the year. Students love to see their friends and enjoy the food vendors, DJ, and bounce house.
Spelling Bee (March)
Teacher Chair: Mrs. Nelson
Parent Chair: OPEN
3 students from every class in 3rd-5th grades are chosen to compete in our annual Spelling Bee, that takes place one evening in March.
Workshops
Diversity workshops on different topics that are attended by Longfellow and D97 families. Past workshops have included: Women and Girl's Empowerment, Developing Healthy Racial Identities, A Talk with Amanda Lewis and many more.
Green Team
Chair: OPEN
We would like to bring back the Green Team! If you are passionate about getting kids interested in taking care of the environment, we need you.
Fifth Grade Celebration
Chair: OPEN
End-of-year celebration for fifth-grade students with awards ceremony and ice cream social. Parents from the 4th grade help organize ice cream social.
Talent Show (May)
Parent Chair: OPEN
Teacher Chairs: Rory Utter and Lindsey Golemes
A fun-filled evening showcasing all the talent at Longfellow! Teachers and parents help with try-outs and running the event.
Yearbook
Teacher Chair: Ms. Tatro
A visual and tangible reminder of a full year at Longfellow! Sales end in January!
Multicultural Fest (May)
Multicultural Fest is a District 97 event in May that includes a parade and a wide assortment of activities and performances. This committee plans Longfellow's contribution and participation.
Teacher Appreciation Lunches (October and May)
Chairs: Rebecca Andexler and Lindsay Ambrose
A lovely luncheon for teachers in October and May. The October luncheon is typically during conference week and relies on volunteers to bring in a variety of dishes for the teachers to enjoy. The May luncheon is usually a catered event with gifts from parent donations for the teachers with volunteers contributing desserts.