Upcoming volunteer sign‑ups
Click on an event that fits your family’s schedule. More opportunities will be added throughout the year.
Ways to help
Volunteering is one of the easiest ways to feel more connected to the Bells Mill community, help bring enrichment opportunities to students, and get to know other parents. You can give a little time or a lot; every hour, idea, and helping hand is appreciated.
Looking for committee roles? Browse the committee and project list below.
School Community Events
Large community events that help families gather, celebrate, and feel connected during the school year.
Back to School Picnic
September 2, 2026, 5:30-7:30 PM; rain date September 9Current volunteers: Jenna Cooper, Claire Andrews
Coordinate food vendors, sports, crafts, and event details for the evening welcome-back picnic.
Trunk or Treat
October 24, 2026, 4-6 PMCurrent volunteers: Georgia Karamalikis
Plan the weekend trick-or-treating event with families in the BMES parking lot.
Science Fair & STEM Night
November 15, 2026, 3-5 PMCurrent volunteers: Adam D’Angelo
Coordinate a non-competitive science fair and evening STEM activities with families, staff, and local school groups.
Saturday Morning Book Fair Event - Winter Market
December 5, 2026, 10:30 AM-12:30 PMCoordinate a family event connected to the book fair, including student activities and refreshments.
Bingo Night
January 30, 2027, 5:30-7:30 PMReserve or rent bingo equipment, advertise, order food, purchase prizes, and coordinate staff bingo callers.
Talent Show
Rehearsals March 17-18, 2027, 4:30-5:30 PM; show March 19, 6-8 PMCoordinate the school-wide talent show, including running 2 after-school rehearsals.
International Festival
April 16, 2027, 6-7:30 PMCurrent volunteers: Deb Palisin, Sarah Ghoddousi, Georgia Karamalikis
Recruit volunteers for country tables, food tastings, cultural performances, fashion, crafts, and other global activities.
Geography Bowl
June 1-3, 2027, time TBDCoordinate the end-of-year geography competition for students in grades 3, 4, and 5 during the school day.
Bells Mill Bash
June 3, 2027, 5:30-7:30 PM; rain date June 10Plan the end-of-school-year carnival with inflatables, face painting, food trucks, a DJ, and activities.
Student Affairs
Student-centered programs, liaisons, enrichment, arts, service, and yearbook support.
NAACP Parents' Council
All yearCurrent volunteers: Kenyen Brown
Support the existing Bells Mill representative by helping share information from monthly meetings and updates that support student success.
MCCPTA Gifted & Talented Liaison
All yearCurrent volunteers: Marija Matejic
Works with school and to share information about GT services and resources in the county and coordinate with teachers to ensure needs are met. Follows MCCPTA Gifted and Talented Committee for topics relevant to Bells Mill.
MCCPTA Special Education Liaison
All yearCurrent volunteers: Lauren Fellenbaum
Provide information and support for families and staff, including coordination with teachers and MCCPTA special education topics.
After School Enrichment Program Coordinator
All yearCurrent volunteers: Stella Ma, Kate Kerrane
Serve as liaison to enrichment providers, help select options, promote offerings, and ensure facilities are reserved.
Reflections Art Program Committee
All yearCurrent volunteers: Erin Turner, Gray Turner
Coordinate Bells Mill entries into the National PTA Reflections program and recognize all participants.
Sister School Partnership (South Lakes ES)
All yearDevelop the partnership with South Lake Elementary School, including service, student experiences, and community connection.
Yearbook Design & Sales Committee
Spring 2027Current volunteers: Sapna Banker, Shara Reiter, Deb Palisin
Collect photos from families and staff, coordinate with the school picture vendor, and help design yearbook pages and cover.
Staff Appreciation
Ways families show appreciation for Bells Mill teachers and staff throughout the year.
Current team: Deb Palisin, Lis Patterson, Asmaa Seif-Eldin
Welcome Back Breakfast for Teachers and Staff
August 19, 2026Coordinate the welcome-back breakfast for teachers during August pre-service week.
Holiday Lunch & Cookie Buffet
December 16, 2026Coordinate a holiday lunch for staff and organize the parent-donation cookie buffet.
Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week
May 3-7, 2027Coordinate recognition and appreciation efforts for staff.
End of School Year Treat
June 2027Provide an appreciation gesture, such as ice cream or another treat, at the end of the school year.
Family Engagement
Welcoming and connection-focused programs for new families, grade-level families, and the broader school community.
Kindergarten Summer Playdates
Summer 2027Plan one or more summer playdates for incoming kindergarteners and families.
Breakfast with Bears
October 12, 2026, 8:30-9:05 AM; rain date October 13Current volunteers: Virginia Runko, Anna Wilk
Plan school-wide morning breakfasts on the blacktop for students and parents.
Principal's Teas
Throughout the yearArrange tea and cookies at evening meetings with grade-level parents.
Membership & Fundraising
Fundraisers, member engagement, school spirit, and revenue-generating activities that support PTA programs.
Membership & Donation Drive
Throughout the yearSupport PTA membership and donation outreach so families can join, renew, and contribute.
Book Fair
December 1-8, 2026Current volunteers: Amanda Klueger
Coordinate the Scholastic book sale, including setup, volunteer support, sales, cleanup, and proceeds for school books and supplies.
Read-A-Thon
Begins March 1, 2027Coordinate the reading fundraiser, promote it within the school, and engage teachers to assist.
Restaurant Night Fundraisers
Throughout the yearCoordinate fundraising nights at local restaurants or dessert shops.
Communication
Parent communication channels that help families know what is happening and how to participate.
Room Parent Coordinator
Chair position filledCurrent volunteers: Asmaa Seif-Eldin, Kendra Epstein
Serve as liaison between the PTA and classroom room parents.
Weekly "Bear Post" Email Newsletter
Chair position filled, 2 volunteers needed throughout the yearHelp prepare and send the weekly PTA email newsletter.
Social Media - Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp
Position openHelp share PTA updates through the PTA social media channels.
PTA Administration
Governance and finance support that keeps the PTA organized, compliant, and ready for future years.
Financial Committee
Current volunteers: Claire Andrews, Stella Ma, Katie DeSanto
Assist the PTA board with the next fiscal year budget and the audit of PTA books. Budget work usually happens in spring; audit work happens in summer or early fall.
Bylaw Committee
Update PTA bylaws on the required cycle. The current bylaws update date is Date TBD.
Helpful reminders before you start
- Check the PTA supply closet before purchasing supplies.
- Contact PTA board members early for guidance, history, and support.
- Ask for extra volunteers when the committee needs more hands.
- Make sure vendors understand PTA vendor policies before work begins.
- Keep receipts and submit reimbursement requests through the approved form.
- Send announcement requests with clear details and enough lead time for Bear Post, social media, flyers, and website updates.