EVENTS

 

Mercer Elementary PTO's events add exciting experiences to school days and show appreciation to the faculty. Many of the events hosted by the PTO are also fundraisers that enable behind-the-scenes support of our school such as scholarships, media purchases, and facilities improvements beyond the scope of the annual budget. Your help is essential to pull off the wide range of events below.

 

 

Ongoing activities

 

SKATE NIGHTS

There are several skate nights just for Mercer's families at Beechmont Rollarena throughout the year. Students and their families are welcome.

 

LANDSCAPING

Plants, trees and shrubs around the front entrance and playgrounds are periodically cleaned out and replanted with fresh greenery. PTO volunteers bring tools and source supplies to complete small gardening projects.

 

ROOM PARENTS AND 6TH GRADE ACTIVITIES LEADERS

Each grade participates in their own series of special events throughout the year. The 6th grade year is especially busy with activities to mark their final year at Mercer. Room parents assist in organizing and staffing each class or grade's events.

 

MERCER MEALS

When your family dines in or takes out from local area restaurants on select dates, a portion of the sales is donated to our PTO by the restaurant. PTO volunteers arrange dates and details with local restaurants. 

 

STAFF APPRECIATION

Parent volunteers express our sincere thanks to Mercer teachers, administration, and staff hosting surprise "Treat Trolleys", stocking the lounge, organizing appreciation week in March, and providing meals during conferences.

 

9UNITED LIAISON

9United is a local service organization that partners with Forest Hills schools on several events throughout the year: Chalk the Walk to welcome students in August, Coin Wars in November, and Shop & Share in December. The PTO volunteer works closely with Mercer's guidance counselor and representatives from 9United. 

 

SPIRIT WEAR

A volunteer works with local vendors to design, order, and coordinate the delivery of Mercer's spirit wear items, including shirts, sweats, and socks. 

 

MUSICAL THEATER

Mercer students put on a musical production produced by Performing Arts, Inc. There are two productions based on grade level (1st-3rd and 4th-6th). Auditions, practices and productions are held after school hours at a local auditorium. PTO volunteers coordinate ticket sales, manage attendees of performances, and staff the snack booth.

 

BOOK FAIR 

During a week in the fall and in the spring semesters, students can purchase books, school supplies, and small toys during Media time, online or during breaks. A portion of the sales supports the PTO. PTO volunteers staff/monitor the book fair and assist with transactions.

 

PARENT NIGHTS

An opportunity for parents to socialize without kids and get to know the Mercer community. These events are held offsite in the evenings. PTO volunteers manage event planning, ticketing, and day-of coordination.

 

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

PTO volunteers coordinate with the PTO's Executive Board and Mercer's administration to promote schoolwide and grade-level activities across the PTO's website, principal's message, PTO newsletter, and social media.

  

 

Fall semester events

 

BACK 2 SCHOOL BASH - AUGUST

Before the first day of school, the Mercer community gathers to kick off the year with games, food, and booths -- and a chance to meet teachers and drop off school supplies. PTO volunteers coordinate vendors and arrange set-up, manage spirit wear and PTO stands, welcome new students, and assist teachers as needed.   

ALL ABOUT M.E. - AUGUST

Students answer questions about themselves and attach a picture to a small poster. The sheets are hung in the school halls so that students can learn more about each other. A PTO volunteer coordinates poster distribution, collection, and display. 

 

MERCER ROCKS THE STANDS - SEPTEMBER

Mercer students are invited to arrive early to a Turpin High School football game and tailgate with food and games just for them. Mercer students take to the field during the game's opening ceremonies and can stay for the game to cheer on the Spartans. PTO volunteers manage the pre-game activities and assist 6th graders in selling concessions. 

 

MOVE 4 MERCER WALK-A-THON FUNDRAISER - OCTOBER

This event is the PTO's largest fundraiser. Students request sponsorships for the walk-a-thon that takes place during the school day. In addition to laps around the Turpin High School track, students can participate in field games, enjoy music, and socialize with classmates and teachers. PTO volunteers manage game stations, monitor laps, and assist teachers in coordinating classroom movements around the field.

 

ENRICHING KIDZ - OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

Students participate in a series of classes that teach babysitting, staying home alone, pottery, study skills, and more. PTO volunteers coordinate with Enriching Kidz staff to select classes and schedule dates. 

 

 

Spring semester events

 

SKI CLUB - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 

Over a series of weeks in winter, 5th and 6th grade students have the opportunity to travel together for afternoon/evening ski, snowboarding, and tubing classes at Perfect North. Information becomes available late in the fall semester. 

 

 

  

GIRLS VIP NIGHT AND BOYS VIP NIGHT - JANUARY AND FEBRUARY

Mercer students are invited to bring their special person to enjoy a fun evening of activities. PTO volunteers work with vendors to set up the events and serve as chaperones and hosts.

 

RUNNING CLUB - MARCH

The PTO volunteer coordinates practice dates and works with teacher/coach to facilitate interest in the club. Other parent volunteers monitor and coach kids while they walk or run.

 

 

SCHOOL SUPPLIES - APRIL AND MAY

A PTO volunteer works with Mercer's administration and school supplies vendor to organize and order grade-level supply lists and arrange fulfillment. 

 

MERCER MANIA - MAY

A celebration for Mercer's families to recognize the end of the school year. Families are welcome at this community building and celebration event. PTO volunteers play a variety of roles in organizing and staffing the event.