• Activities and Volunteer Opportunities with the PTO
    The PTO and its members support many wonderful programs and activities for our students, teachers, and families, funded by PTO membership fees and the proceeds from various fundraising events. Below is a sampling of those activities, all at Winkelman unless otherwise indicated. All proceeds benefit the District 31 PTO, thus benefitting all District 31 students.

    Please visit this page frequently for opportunity updates! Sign-up links will be added as they are made available.

    Art enrichment – Artwork by well-known artists presented in classrooms by volunteers during the school year. For more information, please contact Michelle Moore, michellemoore0207@gmail.com.

    Art to Remember – A sale of keepsake products produced from students' artwork. For more information, please contact Harini Rao, harini.rao.k@gmail.com.

    Art fair – Enjoy K-5 student artwork at the Wildcat Gallery and participate in hands-on art activities at the Wildcat Art Studio.  Pre-order your student's beautifully framed artwork that will be displayed in the Wildcat Gallery or purchase on site.  For more information, please contact Michelle Moore, michellemoore0207@gmail.com.  

    Band hospitality – Baked goods for Winkelman and Field band concerts provided by volunteers who also help plan the band awards banquet. For more information.

    Bingo night – A fun family event of dinner and bingo, including great prizes; held in January. 

    Book fair – An opportunity to build your child’s library while supporting the District’s school libraries. We run two book fairs - one in the fall which will allow for online orders all year to benefit D31, and another small one in the spring to get your summer reading stack together. For more information, please contact Amber Meigs, ambermeigs@hotmail.com or Margo Schwartz-Newton, spider68@gmail.com   

    Catalog fundraisers – Each year there is the opportunity to order your favorite products or foods, such as Yankee Candles or Lou Malnati’s, while supporting the PTO. 

    Family nights – Fun family events, including a winter ball and a family sports night. 

    Happy birthday signs - Express an extra-special happy birthday to your student with lawn signs showing your school spirit.  
      
    Holiday store – An opportunity for your student to do some shopping to surprise family and friends at the holidays. 

    Hospitality at Field and Winkelman – Organize and host special events, including providing food for teachers during conferences. 

    Parents night out – Meet and mingle with other D31 families at this adult-only evening.  

    Restaurant fundraisers - Order from your favorite eateries to enjoy delicious local fare and support the PTO.

    Room parents – Parents help organize class parties, act as liaison between the PTO and their classrooms, plan special events like the Farewell to 5th graduation celebration, and help teachers as needed. For more information, please contact Margo Schwartz-Newton, spider68@gmail.com

    School supply kits – Online sale of school supplies for the upcoming school year, convenient for families while supporting the PTO. For more information, please contact Meredith Estes, meredithestes@gmail.com, or Erica Sokolowski, ericaesokolowski@gmail.com

    STEM expo – An evening of upper-grade students showing of what they’ve learned conducting various types of science experiments in the after-school science club. 

    Spirit wear – Fun wearables and magnets to show your school spirit. For more information, please contact Megan Kirvakis, megan.kivarkis@gmail.com.

    Taste of District 31 – Family event featuring food and performances from countries celebrating D31’s diverse cultures. 

    Teacher appreciation week – Organize meals, desserts, and projects from the students for the teachers taking such great care with our kids. For more information, please contact Allison Slade Rothstein, allison.s.rothstein@gmail.com

    Undernighters – A chance for students to enjoy a fun evening at the school, complete with pizza and a movie. 

    Winkelman school store – A fun opportunity during Thursday lunch for students to learn money management as they peruse and purchase fun supplies and gifts, many under $1.00. For more information, please contact Dimitra Arvanitis, dimitrarvanitis@hotmail.com

    Winkelman Wildcats newspaper – PTO volunteers work with fourth graders on editing articles to create a school newspaper at least twice a year. For more information, please contact Stacy Mikuzis, stacy@mikuzislaw.com

    Other simple ways to support the PTO:

    Amazon Smile – Shop on Amazon?  Click on the box below to proceed to Amazon so that a percentage of your shopping is donated to Winkelman. www.smile.amazon.com

    Box Tops for Education – Earn money for D31 with products you already buy. Download the Box Tops for Education app then scan your receipts. Click here to download the app or get more information. 

    Cell phone recycling – Recycle your old cell phones by dropping them off at either the Winkelman or the Field school office, and the PTO will get a donation. Simple, easy, and great for the environment.

    Mabel’s Labels – Labeling your child's belongings is easy with Mabel's Labels, and if you order and choose to support District 31 (just start typing “31”), we will receive a donation for each purchase. 

    If you have any questions about PTO membership, if you are uncertain that you joined for the current school year, or have general PTO questions, please email d31pto@gmail.com.