Get Involved
We Need You!
Calling all parents, guardians, grandparents of GFE students, and our local community!
At our school we firmly believe that the involvement of families is the cornerstone of a thriving educational community. Volunteering isn't just about lending a helping hand; it's about creating magical moments, forging meaningful connections, and making a tangible difference in the lives of our students, teachers, and staff. So, come on board and let's make every moment at school an extraordinary one!
Note: Before volunteering at the school, be sure you sign the GFE Volunteer Agreement Form. You can ask the front desk for a printed copy.
Another Note: Ask your employer if you can get reimbursed for volunteer hours, or they may have a program that pays the organization for your volunteer time.
Ways to get Involved
This Month's Volunteer Opportunities - December 2024
Looking to volunteer? Here's a quick list of this month's volunteer opportunities:
Watch D.O.G.S are looking for male role models. December sign ups are coming. Reach out to Mrs. Reinhardt for info.
Dec 2nd-19th - Tree Ornaments. Students invited to bring an ornament (homemade/store-bought) for our school tree. Ornaments stay with the tree, and are brought out each year.
Dec 5th from 5p-8p - Chick-Fil-A Dinner Fundraiser - Spread the word!
Dec 2nd - 9th - Winter Showcase Planning - we need to turn the school into a Winter Wonderland - help decorate!
ALL PARENTS/STUDENTS (Dec 2nd - Dec 9th) - MAKE WHITE PAPER SNOWFLAKES AT HOME, BRING THEM TO SCHOOL AND PUT IN THE DROP OFF BOX - WE'RE USING THEM TO DECORATE FOR WINTER WONDERLAND.
Dec 20th - Teacher Lunch - we need sides/desserts - sign up genius coming soon!
All Parents/Community Members - we need help hunting down donations to give away as prizes - we give prizes all year long!
All Parents/Community Members - Put on your thinking caps - we need Library Fundraising Ideas - we're expanding our Library - we need ideas to raise funds to buy lots of books.
Text Amanda Mizell (575) 621-0807 for volunteering details. Don't call, I'll miss it :)
Bookfair Helpers - In-Person - at School - Fall/Spring
Get ready for the Scholastic Book Fair—our favorite time of year! This exciting event comes twice a year, and brings a fantastic selection of books for all ages. We’re looking for volunteers to help make it a success by assisting with book sales. Whether you can lend a hand for a few hours or the whole day, your support makes a big difference! Sign up and help us inspire a love for reading.
Fall Book Fair is Oct 28th - Nov 1st - Volunteer Here and/or add money to your child's account.
Spring Book Fair info coming soon!
Box Tops (Yes it's still a thing!) - Virtual - at Home
The Box Tops for Education program is a fantastic way for our school to earn extra funds for important resources and activities, AND in this digital age, participating has become even easier with the Box Tops app.
After downloading the app, you simply scan your store receipts within 14 days of purchase, and the app automatically identifies any eligible products, crediting the school with the earnings.
We would like to encourage everyone to download the Box Tops app, select Gladden Farms Elementary as your school, and start scanning your receipts today. Together, we can help provide the best possible learning environment for our students.
Classroom Helpers - In-Person - at School - Set Schedule Recommended
Our dedicated teachers are the heart of our school, and they could use your support to create extraordinary learning experiences for our students. Consider volunteering to assist teachers in the classroom - whether it's helping with breakout groups, reading with students, assisting with art projects, or coordinating class parties, your involvement can have a profound impact on student success and teacher morale. Contact your teacher to coordinate.
Committees - In-Person - at Home - at School
Did you know that GFE used to have committees? COVID had a hand in the structure of our PTO, but we're happy to be bringing them back and looking forward to having more volunteer opportunities available. There are currently 5 committees for the 2024-2025 school year.
Halloween Dance, Fun Run, Girls Choice Event, Boy's Choice Event, and our Spring Fling/Carnival. During the month of July we put a call for volunteers and committee assignments.
If you missed it, please reach out to a PTO Board member to inquire about room on committees, responsibilities, time commitments, and other volunteer opportunities during each of our events. Events run much smoother when we have volunteers on the day of!
Give Backs on Purchases - while you shop!
Support Gladden Farms Elementary and Gladden Farms Elementary PTO with your everyday purchases! The following companies generously give back a percentage of your purchase to our school when you mention the school and/or the PTO at checkout. It's a simple way to contribute to our students' success while shopping at your favorite places. Every purchase makes a difference!
American Furniture Warehouse - 2% - 4%
Fry's Reward Program - you might have to be a rewards member, and you select the school at your checkout
Office Depot - 5%
If you know of more, send them our way, we'll add them to the list!
Guest Readers - In-Person - at school - Reading Week in March
Join us in celebrating Reading Week every March by volunteering to be a guest reader in your child's classroom! It's an exciting opportunity to share the joy of reading with our young learners and foster a love for literature. Reach out to your child's teacher to coordinate a date and time that suits both of your schedules. Let's come together to make every Reading Week memorable.
Literature Lab Helpers - In-Person - at School - Set Schedule Recommended
Our school has been embarking on a major initiative to enhance reading and comprehension skills among our students. They have been breaking into Literature Labs (Lit Labs), where students engage in small group reading activities tailored to their reading skill levels. We're on the lookout for enthusiastic volunteers to assist in these sessions. Give the office a call to learn more about volunteering for Lit Labs.
Lunch Helpers - In-Person - at School
Lunch breaks are bustling with activity, and we could use a helping hand! We're seeking volunteers to assist with various tasks during this busy time, including monitoring the lunchroom, assisting younger students with their lunch boxes, and tidying up between grade transitions. Lunches are scheduled from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, and your support during this period would be immensely appreciated. Contact the front office to ask about being a Lunch Helper.
Picture Day Helpers - In-Person - at School
We're looking for picture-perfect team members! We need volunteers to ensure every kid’s hair is perfect, every smile is genuine, and no one has spinach in their teeth. Volunteer sign ups will be posted in our Private Facebook Group (for parents/teachers/staff) and in the school newsletter (Tuesday Bulletin Email). Help capture those priceless school moments!
Fall Picture Day is August 21st - Thank you to our Volunteers, you made this day run smoothly and ahead of schedule.
Spring Picture Day is TBD
Subscribe to the Gladden Farms YouTube Channel (The Bobcat News) - Virtual - at Home
Subscribe to the GFE YouTube Channel – it’s a fun way to stay connected with what's happening at our school. Each day, our Media Club students highlight important announcements and provide insights into our school community.
By watching, you can stay informed about upcoming events and school news but also get a glimpse into the activities and initiatives happening at school every day. We invite you to subscribe to the channel and to join us in celebrating the accomplishments of our students.
Teacher Wish Lists - Virtual - at Home
Take a moment to explore your teacher's wish lists – a simple yet impactful way to support education from the comfort of your own home. Whether it's providing essential classroom supplies or enriching learning materials, your involvement makes a significant difference.
Teacher Wish Lists can be found here
You can share on social and use #clearthelist, a national hashtag used by larger corporations to clear teacher wish lists.
Watch D.O.G.S - In-Person - at School - Flexible Volunteer Schedule
Hey there, awesome dads, grandfathers, uncles, and all male role models! Watch D.O.G.S (Dads of Great Students) is on the lookout for superheroes like you to join our team. Whether you're up for helping out at events or simply lending your positive presence in the building, your involvement makes a world of difference. With flexible volunteering options available any day of the week, it's easy to find a schedule that works for you.
Reach out to Associate Principal Candice Reinhardt at C.N.Reinhardt@maranausd.org to learn more about how you can get involved and make a meaningful impact. Let's show our students the power of positive male role models!
We accept Donations
We invite businesses, organizations, parents, and community members to join us in supporting the success of our students. With your generous donations, we can continue to enrich our school environment, provide valuable resources, and organize exciting events that inspire and engage our students.