Audit CommitteeAudit Committee: This committee chair comprises the Audit Committee to review the PTA financial records at the end of the PTA fiscal year (June 30). The audit committee includes the incoming President Elect, the incoming Treasurer and four additional volunteers. The audit occurs in one day, takes approximately 4 hours and happens between July 10-July 20. The specific date, time and location are determined by the Audit Chair and confirmed by the Treasurer. The Treasurer does not participate in the audit but attends to answer any questions that may arise. Chairing the Audit Committee is a two year position.

Arti Bedella

Bike Hike to HighcrestBike Safety Day: This chair coordinates with the Civics and Safety Chair to organize and run the Bike Safety Day program for 2nd & 4th graders, which takes place in April.

Stephanie Rogers
Carol Callahan

Bike SafetyBike Safety Day: This chair coordinates with the Civics and Safety Chair to organize and run the Bike Safety Day program for 2nd & 4th graders, which takes place in April.

Simone Browne

Birthday BooksBirthday Books: Families have the option of donating a book to the Library Media Center in honor of their child’s birthday. The financial donation may be of any amount, and participating children select from a collection of books. For July and August birthdays, forms will be sent home during your child's half-birthday month. The donated book has a nameplate with the child’s name. This committee coordinates with the Library Media Center staff to track birthdays and the books that are donated.

Rebecca Lieber

Book FairBook Fair: These chairs organize and run the Book Fair which occurs at school and is open during scheduled day and evening hours. Volunteers help publicize the event, assist students when their classes visit the Book Fair, set up displays, and act as cashiers.

Kirsten Stadheim
Lisa Hoffman

BoxtopsBox Tops for Education: We collect “Box Tops for Education” coupons to benefit our school as well as a nearby school in need. Clip the coupons and send them to school or deposit them in one of the boxes in the school foyer. This program is managed by the Sharing Committee.

Christiane Shah

Bulletin Board - Main HallMain Hall Bulletin Board: There is a main bulletin board at the front of the school. This chairperson creats the look of the board and coordinates the schedule to decorate it.

Amy Yulish

CafeteriaCafeteria: These co-chairs schedule the lunchroom volunteers each month and coordinate with the lunchroom staff. Volunteers may choose between serving food and helping to keep operations humming. The staff will tell you that, time and time again, they have seen a volunteer turn a child’s blue day into a happy one, just by giving a warm smile. Volunteers commit to one day/ week (11:15am - 1:00pm) for a month at a time or can be on-call as substitutes. A free lunch is offered. Come find out if your child eats dessert first!

Ann Roberts
Maerry Lee

Chess ClubChess Club: Children learn and play chess after school in a fun environment. The Chairs coordinate three 8 week sessions which involve the distribution of registration forms, collection of fees, communication with volunteer parents, and collaboration with the McKenzie Chess Tournament Coordinator. The Tournament Coordinator facilitates tournament registration. Tournament play is optional and open to all McKenzie students.

Amy Fox, Coordinator - Grade K
Yijia Geohas, Coordinator - Grades 1-4
Laurie Goldstein, Tournament Coordinator

Civics & SafetyCivics and Safety: This chairperson creates awareness of the carpool lane rules, safe walking routes to school, and attends a monthly Village-wide meeting. Volunteers also help keep the carpool line running smoothly from about 3:05 to 3:25 PM. They commit to one day/week for a month at a time, or just pitch in when their schedule allows. Traffic safety volunteers model the latest fashions in neon orange vests, get to interact with students, and, in only twenty short minutes, make a vital contribution to the community.

Ken Snedegar

Community Review Committee (CRC)CRC: This consists of parents, teachers, and administrators from District 39. These committee members study the needs and identify areas for improvement in the school system and report back to the PTA. Volunteers learn the inside operations of the school system and work with key individuals. Meetings are monthly in the evening. This is a two-year commitment.

Kristen Sawdey
Frank Panzica

DirectoryDirectory: This is a listing of all the students in McKenzie school, including phone and address information as well as classroom information. The dates of school events and teacher/staff contact information is included as well. The directory may not be used for any activity unrelated to the school. PTA Membership dues ($25) are collected at the beginning for the school year which includes a complimentary Directory. Subsequently copies can be ordered for a small fee. Delivery occurs within the first few months of school. Volunteers for the Directory coordinate with the District to create the directory which is published annually.

Sonja Iribarren

District 39 FoundationDistrict 39 Educational Foundation: This McKenzie representative chair attends monthly (evening) District 39 Educational Foundation meetings. The Foundation issues grants for projects that expand, enrich, and complement educational opportunities for District 39. Volunteers meet members from across the community and advise as to how funds will be spent.

Kim Ratkin

EnrichmentEnrichment Program: The PTA VP of Enrichment coordinates with Enrichment Program Assistants and teachers to schedule curriculum-related field trips and in-school programs. There is one Enrichment Program Assistant per grade to directly coordinate with the teachers, schedule the trips and schedule the buses. Planning for this job is mostly done over the summer and early in the school year. During the school year, Enrichment Program Assistants are overseeing the field trips and programs. These programs are a a main fundraising goal of the PTA.

Jen Truszkowski, Coordinator - Grade K
Jennifer Myers, Coordinator - Grade 1
Ginna Cowan, Coordinator - Grade 2
Pam Fowler, Coordinator - Grade 3
Jeanette Gridley, Coordinator - Grade 4

Green Committee

Rebecca Boyd
Natasha Miller

Family to FamilyFamily-to-Family: This volunteer contacts or sends flowers and cards to McKenzie families, teachers and staff in need.

Stephanie Rogers

Fall FrenzyFall Frenzy: This chair and committee organizes and runs our fall carnival. This evening family event is held in October, a few weeks before Halloween. Volunteers organize and run carnival games, crafts, freeze dancing, and pizza sales. It’s a great time for volunteers to be a big help in a small amount of time. Older responsible siblings are also welcome to assist.

Karen Dekker

Fall LuncheonBack-to-School Luncheon: Co-chairs organize this luncheon for all McKenzie faculty held at school the day before school starts. Bring a dish or come serve. It is a fun chance for volunteers to get to know teachers and have an early sneak peek at school.

Gilda Fox
Meg Joseph

Family Awareness Network (FAN)FAN is a volunteer organization run by parents, for parents. We help parents build confidence in their unique parenting style and help them make connections with their children, other parents, the schools and the community. We do this by sponsoring an array of useful educational programs and workshops, nurturing the development of small, supportive parent networks and serving as a helpful resource on specific parenting issues.

Jill Sutherland

Field DayField Day: This school-wide event for Grades 1-4 is held in June during the school day. The Field Day chair assists the PE staff by organizing volunteers to supervise field events and provide refreshments. Volunteers supervise events, keep scores, and blow whistles loudly. Parents are welcome to be supportive spectators or pitch in and help.

Lew Wint
Kelly Rudnicki

Fine ArtsFine Arts: These co-chairs organize and maintain the Fine Arts Program, which is parent-led and brings curriculum-related art programs into all the classrooms 2-3 times each year. The committee has developed presentations about different artists, along with an art project. Each presentation lasts about an hour. Presentations can be scheduled well ahead of time and there is little advance preparation necessary.

Sara Kurensky
Deb Whalen

First Day CoffeeFirst Day of School Coffee: This chair organizes and runs the First Day of School Coffee during the few hours that students attend class. Parents and younger siblings are invited to the cafeteria and, weather permitting, the area just outside of the cafeteria. Come socialize, enjoy light treats, and sign-up to help at school.

Genny Wert

Fourth Grade Farewell PartyFourth Grade Farewell: This chair organizes the Fourth Grade Farewell party with a committee of 4th-grade parents. The party is held in June during the school day. Committee members develop the theme, decorations, activities, and menu for the party, and organize the Fourth Grade Gift to the school. Volunteers can also help out on party day.

Ellie Johnson
Deanna Goldman

Gardens-Outdoor ClassroomLandscaping: These chairs maintain the gardens on the school grounds, including the Butterfly Garden and the Prairie Garden. They also organize the “Mulching McKenzie” event that happens every October.

Kirsten Stadheim
Lara Waechtler

Graphics

Shari Gottlieb

Grocery DollarsGrocery Dollars: This committee manages the Grocery Dollar Program fundraising program. Additional volunteers deliver Grocery Dollars each month. Grocery Dollars is an easy way to support the PTA. The PTA sells gift certificates for Jewel, Dominick’s, Whole Foods, Treasure Island and People’s Market. A percentage of every dollar goes to the PTA. Grocery Dollars may be obtained on a subscription basis or individually, and can be paid for by check or credit card. They are delivered monthly to your home or can be picked up at school on designated days.

Tip Walker, Subscriptions
Jennifer Lind, Delivery
Lara Cleary Crnich, Packaging
Ruchi Joshi, Script Ordering
Lew Wint, Credit Cards

HospitalityHospitality: This committee provides light refreshments for PTA meetings.

Maria Fowkes

Ice Cream SocialIce Cream Social: This team of volunteers organizes and runs an outdoor family event held on a September Sunday afternoon. Volunteers work in short shifts to serve ice cream and run games/crafts, at this school-wide event. Easy and fun!

Kristen DeNicolo
Rachel Arend

Jr. Great BooksJunior Great Books: This chair organizes and manages this extracurricular program, including finding parent volunteer leaders, collecting fees, and scheduling classes. These literary classes are held weekly during the lunch hour for 10 weeks and occur January through March. Volunteers receive a brief training session before the program starts.

Danae Melnick
Margo Chambers

LadyPaloozaLadypalooza: For a fun-filled evening for women in September, be sure to come to Ladypalooza for friends, shopping, dinner and much more! A great opportunity to connect with old and new friends!

Tonya Martin
Michele Irvin

Last Day CoffeeLast Day of School Coffee: This chair organizes and runs this event in the cafeteria on the last day of school. School only lasts about an hour. Drop by the cafeteria for coffee and conversation.

Kristen Lipsey

Let’s Go McKenzie Guide

Shari Gottlieb, Print

LibraryLibrary Media Center Volunteers: This chairperson coordinates a team of volunteers who re-shelve books and help with displays and special projects in the Library Media Center. Volunteers also get to peek in on students attending their weekly sessions in the Library Media Center. Come see some of the great books being published these days. Hours are very flexible. You may even come very early in the morning.

Rob Merrilees

Lost & FoundLost and Found: These co-chairs manage the Lost & Found items. Periodically they will organize a Lost & Found last chance to search for your lost items; unclaimed items are then donated to charity.

Jennifer Lind

McClubsMcClubs: The program offers a variety of quality, before and after-school clubs during two sessions per year, Oct/Nov and Feb/March. Examples of previous McClubs include Art, Mad Science, Yoga, and Sports. This committee manages all of the scheduling, registration and tuition tasks for McClubs. Volunteers help the Committee evaluate new programs, coordinate instructors, and organize enrollment.

Saloni Desharnais

McKenzie Women's Social

Cathleen Sheridan
Monica Thompson

McKenzie Monitor

Mindy Rittner, Editor

MerchandisingMerchandising: This chair manages the sales of school spirit wear and logo magnets. McKenzie sweatshirts and t-shirts in the fall every other year. Perfect for McKenzie spirit days! Or display the white and blue McKenzie cheetah magnet on your car!

Maria Bock

Movie NightMovie Fun Night: This chair organizes and runs this kid-only evening event two or three times during the school year. Additional volunteers run the movie, or help chaperone on the night of the event.

Kristen Danielsen
Elizabeth Ward

New Staff LiaisonNew Staff Liaison: This position is held by the previous year’s PTA President and creates a Welcome Packet for new staff explaining the role of the PTA at McKenzie School. After the first month of school, the liaison is to contact the new staff to answer any questions. The New Staff liaison is available to answer questions throughout the school year.

Kimbra Burnside

NominatingNominating Committee: This chair organizes the Nominating Committee, which meets in February to identify candidates for the PTA Executive Board. This Chair also collaborates closely with the PTA President-Elect and the school Principal and presents the slate to the PTA Membership at the March PTA meeting. The PTA membership votes the candidates into office at the April PTA meeting. The new board takes office as of the May PTA meeting. Some term commitments are for two years. The Nominating Committee may also assist (as needed) in filling certain general PTA committee positions. The nominating committee meets two or three times in February, and within the group, grades K-4 are represented.

Lisa Hoffman

Open Gym NightOpen Gym Night: During the winter on selected evenings, the gym is opened up to McKenzie families for some indoor fun!

Elizabeth Ward

Parent Leaning Network (PLN)PLN: This committee plans programs throughout the year on various topics such as 21st Century Learning, Child Development, and Parenting. The mission of the Parent Learning Network is to offer opportunities for thinking and discussion about pertinent topics in education and child development.

Julie Johnson

PTA Meetings

Eleanor Lipinski

PTA Membership

Sonja Iribarren

PTA Bulletin BoardsPTA Bulletin Boards: There is a PTA bulletin board located on the left wall as you enter the school, by the Kindergarten entrance, and by the small Gym. Look here for information on upcoming PTA events or sign up to volunteer.

Lisa Hoffman
Julie Johnson

PTA Website

Julie Geyer
Shari Gottlieb

Publicity & AdvertisingPublicity: The Publicity Chairperson provides school information and photos to the Wilmette Life and WCTV Channel 6.

Erin Lyons

School PicturesSchool Pictures: This chair organizes and runs Picture Day, by working with a professional photographer, assisting the children in the auditorium, and processing the picture orders. These pictures are available for purchase and are included in the school yearbook. Volunteers bring the classes into the auditorium for the pictures. The photographer usually gives them a discount on their orders.

Genny Wert
Wendy Witzel

School SuppliesSchool Supplies: This chair works with the teachers and a local stationery store to coordinate school supply lists, process the orders, and deliver boxes of pre-ordered, pre-packaged school supplies to school on Packet Stuffing Day. Volunteers help distribute the packages to the classrooms. The PTA provides this service as a convenience to parents.

Amy Wolfe

Sharing CommitteeSharing Committee: This committee focuses on a nearby school community in need and arranges for McKenzie families to purchase holiday gifts for the children of this school. Families sign up in late November to purchase the gifts which are wrapped and brought to our school. Volunteers caravan to deliver them in December. The program provides a wonderful opportunity for our children to learn the importance of doing good works. The Sharing Committee also organizes a Blanket Drive and manages the “Box tops for Education” coupons -some of which benefit McKenzie as well as a nearby school in need.

Susan Fortier

Spring LuncheonSpring Luncheon: These co-chairs organize the annual PTA Spring Luncheon to honor our teachers. The buffet-style luncheon is held the last day of Teacher Appreciation Week in May. A McKenzie parent hosts the event, and volunteers help set up, serve, and clean up. Volunteers bring salads, sandwiches or desserts. The staff and teachers always come, so it’s a great chance to visit and have lunch with them in a relaxed setting. Teacher & Staff.

Monica Thompson
Heidi Mayer

Variety ShowVariety Show: The Variety Show has a Producer, Director, and many volunteers (parents, teachers, and staff) to write, produce, and perform an original show each year. Rehearsals begin in January and the show is in March. No drama experience, or even a modicum of talent, is required. Volunteers get to know lots of other folks (and are considered by their kids to be stars). The show needs writers, actors, singers, dancers, set designers, musicians, lighting, ticket and t-shirt sellers, ushers, concession sellers, typists, seamstresses and tailors, painters, graphic designers, people who can operate a copy machine or a telephone, and even those who can’t. This annual fundraiser is one of the year’s true highlights and one of the school’s biggest traditions since 1980. There are six performances in late Winter. Tickets usually sell out. It’s fun for all!

John Klise, Producer
Wendy Parris, Director

WelcomingWelcoming Committee: The Welcoming Committee assists with New Family & Kindergarten Orientations. This Committee also facilitates a mentoring program for families that are new to the school. In addition, the Welcoming Committee maintains a list of volunteers to lead school tours to prospective new families and annually updates the “Let’s Go McKenzie” guide in collaboration with the PTA President.

Cara Gaziano

YearbookYearbook: Three chairpersons (Editor, Art Co-Directors and Business) share the responsibilities of publishing and distributing the yearbook. Yearbooks are ordered in the fall and delivered near the end of the year. The team photographs school events throughout the year, processes orders, and works with the publisher. Volunteers have the satisfaction of knowing they are producing treasured mementos. Everyone may submit suggested photographs for the yearbook via backpack express to the PTA mailbox.

Sara Kurensky, Editor
Sharon Panzica, Deputy Editor
Wendy Fessler, Art Director
Lisa Keipert, Orders