Programs & Volunteer Opportunities
Oakton PTA sponsors a variety of programs and events for students and families. Additional adult helpers are always welcome. And if you are new to Oakton, there will be someone to show you the ropes and make sure you enjoy your volunteer experience! To help with any of the programs or events below, please email oaktonptapresident@gmail.com or any of the contacts listed.
Chess Club
Oakton has one of District 65's oldest Chess Clubs. Open to children in grades K-5 and free to all, Chess Club meets Wednesday mornings at 8 am. Beginners (including parent beginners) are always welcome. Instruction is provided by Coach Chris, a retired professional chess player. For more information,contact oaktonchessclub@gmail.com
Story Store
Story Store is Oakton's free bookstore for students. It is open on Fridays between 10:30 am - 1:30 pm. Students come during their recess period and are always excited to get new books. Volunteers are needed to help set up the store and assist students in finding books on topics they like. For more information, contact Robert Greenbaum at ragreenbaum@hotmail.com.
Student Garden
In collaboration with Oakton's teaching staff, the PTA brings all students into the Oakton Student Garden several times each year for planting, tasting and other activities. The garden grows a wide variety of fruits and vegetables for our community. There are many ways you can help, no experience needed. Contact camillejowalker@gmail.com for more information.
Fall Fest
Each fall, the Oakton PTA hosts a free, outdoor Fall Fest with music and dancing on the main playground, a food truck, and a magical garden in the kindergarten courtyard with crafts, photo booth, snacks, games and more. Costumes are welcome, too!
Teacher Grants
Educators apply for these grants, which are then evaluated by the PTA using an equity-based matrix. We award as many as we can. Funded initiatives include flexible seating, materials to help our reading interventionists, fidgets to help students concentrate and a saxophone for the band program!
Kindergarten Welcome Events
Oakton PTA works with our school principal to plan winter information sessions that help parents learn more about Oakton's 3 educational programs. As the weather warms, we host play dates for incoming kindergarteners, as well as an ice cream social right before the first day of school.
Oakton in Motion
For this school-wide fundraiser, all Oakton students participated by dancing, running, and sweating during the school day for a collective total of 11,400 minutes! Family and friends contributed to encourage the kids, who earned school-wide prizes as fundraising goals were reached.
Cougar Bugle
The PTA's weekly email newsletter is the best way to keep up with what is happening week to week. Sign up here and see past issues. If you have questions or information you want included in the Bugle or would like to help with this weekly publication, email CougarBugle@gmail.com.
Fifth Grade Graduation
Oakton PTA works with our fifth grade teachers to celebrate each graduating student. Every fifth grader receives a gift bag from the PTA. The PTA also provides a backdrop for families to take photos with their graduates.
Bike the Ridge
The Oakton PTA provides art supplies at Bike the Ridge for kids (and grown ups) to decorate their bikes and helmets for their ride on the car-free street.
Spiritwear
Every year, the PTA provides each kindergartener with an Oakton t-shirt as a gift to welcome them to our cougar family. The PTA also sells Oakton t-shirts at PTA events and hosts an annual online spiritwear store for other kinds of Cougarwear, including hoodies and hats.
Community Picnics
We ring in and ring out the school year with community picnics on the main school playground. These low key events give parents and caregivers a chance to connect while the kids eat pizza and play.
Why should I volunteer?
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Your voice is important in ensuring that our PTA represents all students and families.
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Your child feels a sense of pride to know that their caregiver is engaged in making the school community strong.
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You get to meet and work with wonderful people!
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You stay updated and informed on what is going on at our school.
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You can more effectively suggest improvements for our school.
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Everyone has different strengths, talents, values, experiences and perspectives. Everyone has something unique to offer our school and our children!