PARENT LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
BES Subcommittees Info
Meaningful Participation That Fits Your Life
At Brisbane Elementary, our PTO thrives when parents can contribute their talents, passion, and perspectives without having to take on an overwhelming time commitment. For the 2026–2027 school year, we are organizing our efforts into focused subcommittees and project teams.
Each committee has clear goals, flexible meeting cadences, and discrete project scopes. Whether you have an hour a month or want to lead a campus initiative, there is a rewarding way for you to stay involved.
If you would like to learn more or get involved with any of these committees, please send us an email at bes@thebestpto.org.
Lap-a-Thon Planning Team
2 Event Co-Leads (Filled), 8–10 Event Volunteers
The Lap-a-Thon Planning Team organizes BES's marquee fall fitness fundraiser, promoting healthy school pride, active movement, and community spirit around this year's superhero theme. Volunteers coordinate bulk student T-shirt orders, course setup, lap tracking, hydration stations, and student incentive distribution. The time commitment is concentrated in September and October, with the bulk of volunteer support needed on-site during race day.
International Feast Committee
2 Event Co-Leads (Filled), 6-8 Event Volunteers
The International Feast Committee coordinates our beloved multicultural school dinner, celebrating the rich diversity and global heritage of BES families through shared food and cultural connection. Volunteers coordinate family potluck sign-ups, organize MPR dining and serving stations, set up cultural displays, and oversee event hospitality and cleanup. The time commitment is project-based and concentrated in the two to three weeks leading up to the feast date (slotted for November 19, 2026).
Local Restaurant Community Days
1 Lead Coordinator (Filled)
The Local Restaurant Community Days coordinator plans and organizes casual dining-out partnership events with neighborhood restaurants throughout the school year (such as Lucky House in January and Melissa's in May). The coordinator connects with local business owners to secure event dates, collaborates with PTO communications to promote dining days via flyers and digital reminders, and handles follow-up donations. The time commitment is light and flexible, requiring about 1 to 2 hours of remote coordination per participating restaurant date.
BES Yearbook Committee
2 Editors (Filled), 1-2 Coordinators
The Yearbook Committee designs and publishes the annual BES memory book capturing school memories, student milestones, and campus traditions across every classroom, provided free to all enrolled children through PTO funding. Volunteers collect candid photos from classroom projects, field trips, spirit assemblies, and community events, design digital page layouts, verify student rosters, and coordinate printer deadlines. The time commitment is steady from November through April, with peak layout design work occurring in late winter and early spring.
After-School Club Advisory Committee
2–3 Parent Leaders
The After-School Club Advisory Committee leads the collaborative evaluation and future programming of after-school enrichment at BES (including Art, Robotics/Lego, Chess, JAM Club, and Garden Club), balancing educational excellence with long-term financial sustainability. Leaders serve as parent liaisons to Principal Higgins and district administration, design short surveys to gather community feedback and interests, and research sustainable club models and provider partnerships for upcoming school years to transition away from stopgap subsidies. The time commitment involves 3 to 4 working group meetings across the school year alongside periodic administrative check-ins.
Teacher Appreciation Committee
2 Committee Co-Leads (Filled), 4-6 Event Volunteers for Select Events
The Teacher Appreciation Committee celebrates and supports BES teachers, specialists, and support staff throughout the school year. Members organize and host the Winter Holiday Luncheon in December and Teacher Appreciation Week in May, help keep the staff lounge stocked with snacks and coffee, and coordinate thoughtful recognition gifts and seasonal gestures. The time commitment is project-based, centered around the two seasonal luncheons and appreciation milestones.
Campus Beautification Lead & Team
1 Project Lead
The Campus Beautification team partners with Principal Higgins and facilities staff to maintain, refresh, and enhance welcoming indoor and outdoor spaces across campus. Volunteers help coordinate the installation and upkeep of the new exterior community bulletin board, support student garden planter bed evaluations and upgrades, and organize occasional campus planting and clean-up days. The time commitment is hands-on and project-based, consisting of occasional afternoon or weekend work sessions.
Movie Nights
2 Event Co-Leads, 4–6 Event Volunteers
The Movie Nights team hosts our popular, free family movie nights (Fall Movie Night on November 13 and Spring Movie Night on April 23) that bring students, families, and staff together for fun evenings outside the classroom. Volunteers coordinate movie licensing, coordinate food donations, operate popcorn/concession tables, and host welcome stations. The time commitment is event-driven, typically requiring 2 to 3 hours of advance preparation and 2 to 3 hours on-site during event evenings.
Spirit Store & Creative Lead
1–2 Creative Contributors / Graphic Designers
The Spirit Store & Creative team elevates school spirit and visual identity through branded BES apparel, event banners, and digital graphics. Contributors design online merchandise, directional signage, and flyers for major school activities (like the Lap-a-Thon, International Feast, etc). The time commitment is flexible, project-oriented, and can be completed largely remotely.
Ready to Get Involved?
Joining a subcommittee does not require long board commitments. We welcome planners, doers, coordinators, and one-hour shift volunteers alike.
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Questions or Ready to Plug In? Send us an email at bes@thebestpto.org to let us know which committee interests you!
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Stay Updated: Subscribe to our PTO updates at thebestpto.org/signup or drop by our monthly morning meeting or upcoming evening President Office Hours.
