Volunteer Opportunities

Please join us! We need each and every parent in order to staff these very important programs. We are looking for a few noble leaders to fill a few vacant committee chair positions as well as volunteers to serve as committee members. Many of our positions do not require a large time commitment and can be done from home! To get involved, please contact Barbara Thurman at volunteer@westbriarpta.org.

5-K Race • Audit • Bingo Night • Book Fair • Chess Club • Box Tops
ByLaws • Community Services • Cultural Arts • Dinner Out •
Directory • Falcon Bucks • Fall Festival • Family Fun Night • Field Day Coordinator • Grounds and Garden Committee • Grace Arts • Grocery Receipts • Hospitality • International Night • Kindergarten Coordinator • Kindergarten Take-Home Reading Program • Library Coordinator • Mad Science • Membership • Newsletter • Reflections • Room Parent Coordinator • Sally Foster • School Sign • School Supplies Program • Sixth Grade Party Skate Night • Spanish Program • Special Education Representative • Teacher Appreciation Luncheon • Thanksgiving Lunch • Volunteer Coordinator • Webmaster

5K Run/Walk: Trang Sabel, Joanne Lum

Westbriar students teamed up with the President’s Challenge, a program of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports to Get Active and Fit in May for our first 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk. Westbriar students challenged the community to get fit with them. It is a community fitness day with post race prizes, live entertainment, and refreshments to celebrate the community effort. Special thanks to our 2008 community sponsors including SAIC, Commerce Bank, Whole Foods, Commonwealth Builders and more. In addition to our 5K run, we collected donations of old athletic shoes to recycle for playground surfaces. Volunteer Opportunities include: Co – Chairman and various sub committees such as: Marketing & PR Coordinator, Sponsor & Prize Coordinator, Award Coordinator, Race Day Sentry, Volunteer Coordinator, and many volunteers on race day!

Audit Committee: Jan Murtha

The audit committee is comprised of individuals who certify the accuracy of the books and records of the organization and to assure the membership that the association's funds are being managed properly within the regulations set forth by the PTA ByLaws.

Bingo Night: Astrid Atkins

This is a fun evening for school families held in late October where kids of all ages play Bingo dressed in their Halloween costumes. Volunteers are needed for registration, set-up and clean up.

Book Fair: Karen Fowkes, Audrey Hassett

A Fall Book fair is held during school hours and visited by each class. Volunteers are needed prior to the event to set-up and needed during the Fair to help children select books and collect money.

Box Tops: Cara McMahon

Box tops from General Mills cereals and other General Mills products are collected and redeemed at a profit of 10 cents per box top. Help spread the word to look for the special Box Top Education symbol on the General Mills Food products and send them to school with your child in an envelope marked "BOX TOPS - PTA".

Bylaws: Elizabeth Gay

This committee of experienced and knowledgeable PTA members will review the existing bylaws and study proposed changes. Recommendations will be made to the Board for approval and submitted to the general membership.

Chess Club: Grace Kim, Carol Torbett

The Chess Club is an after school program for beginners to advanced players who want to learn the game. Players will play chess, learn new strategies and have fun meeting new friends. The Chess Club is coached by a Chess Master from the U. S. Chess Center. The club is open to players in Second to Sixth grade. The club meets on Tuesdays in the cafeteria from 4:00 – 5:30pm. There are two sessions per year which run for (or about) 15 weeks each. The first session starts in September and the second session starts in February. Registration forms are sent home in the Tuesday folder before each session.

Parent volunteers help run the club. The volunteer options include registration processing, weekly setup, dismissal, and snack coordination. The registration form will include volunteer information. For more information on the chess club, please contact Grace Kim or Carol Torbett at chess.club@westbriarpta.org.

Community Services: Elaine Soya

The Community Service Committee provides support for outreach activities that are being conducted at Westbriar. The committee works with Ms. Lonnett, school guidance counselor, to support projects that link service to the curriculum. The goal is to have every child participate in some way each year in a community service project. This year, the emphasis will be on environmental outreach. In addition, the school will do a holiday giving project to support families at Timber Lane Elementary School. The Community Service Coordinator will serve as a liaison between the school and the community to communicate information about the service efforts that are going on during the year.

Cultural Arts: Marcy Davidson

The PTA sponsors several presentations of music, theater, science and history to supplement the education of Westbriar students. The chairman works with the school administration to identify the types of programs, identify artists, make necessary arrangements, and coordinate activities the day of the presentation.

Dinner Out: Phyllis Lauber

This person would organize two to three "family dinner nights" in the community during which a portion of the merchant's sales are donated to Westbriar PTA. Prior locations have been Let's Dish, Dominos Pizza and Foster's Grill.

Directory: Brian and Ellen Feeney

Coordinates and implements the printing of the Westbriar School Directory containing Westbriar Family contact information and local merchant advertising.

Falcon Bucks: Robin Nelson

Falcon Bucks is a new program to Westbriar. Gift Cards or Certificates are purchased from Westbriar for use at different merchants nationwide. These certificates are "same as cash" and the school will earns a profit from using the cards. Some merchants include Giant, Superfresh, Kohls, Sears and so much more. Falcon Bucks can be used to pay bills, pay for groceries, gas, gifts etc.

Fall Festival: Allie Jewsbury

A new event to Westbriar in Fall 2007, this event is a welcome back to school event. As new families join our school and old families return, we showcase the wonderful Westbriar community! This fun filled day includes activities, games, and concessions such as: Moonbounce, Obstacle Course, Giant Slide, Cotton Candy, Spin Art, Double Shot, Popcorn, Strike Zone, Pizza by the Slice, and a Marketplace featuring products sold/made by Westbriar parents. It requires lots of parent volunteers to pull it off. Volunteer Opportunities include: Co – Chairman and various sub committees such as: volunteer coordinator, tickets, food coordinator, marketplace vendor coordinator, and marketing& PR coordinator.

Family Fun Night: Mya Lwin

This event is Westbriar's biggest social event of the year and one of the largest fund raising events as well. Typically held in early spring, it is a great tradition that the kids look forward to with much anticipation each year. It requires lots and lots of help to pull off! Volunteer opportunities include: Co-Chair and various sub-committee heads such as: volunteer coordinator, tickets, decorations, dinner, cake walk, dance, used book sale, face painting, auction and raffle. Join in the fun!

Field Day Coordinator: Sherrie Morris

This event takes place each spring and provides the students with a fun opportunity to spend part of their day playing games they have learned over the year. Some of the games are played outside, while others are in various rooms in the school. Working with the wonderful physical education teachers, volunteer opportunities range from coordination of the day's events, recruiting volunteers, to simply running the water table, and directing the children to the next activity station. Physical agility/ability is not necessary for any of these volunteer opportunities.

Grace Arts: Inci Devin, Anne Cook

Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) created an Art in the School program to supplement and support our children’s art experience in the schools. This educational and enrichment program introduces an artist’s or art topic monthly to students. Parent volunteers act as “Art Docents” in the classrooms. With the help of GRACE Arts, these “Art Docents” plan and prepare age appropriate art activities to support the artist or topic. Volunteer Opportunities: Co-Chairman and Art Docent Volunteers: 2 – 4 per classroom.

Grocery Receipts: Laurie Schive

Last school year, Westbriar PTA earned over $1800 when our families shopped at Giant and Safeway grocery stores using their registered club cards. Help us again this year by registering your Giant and Safeway cards. You have to register every year!
Safeway: To enroll for the first time - Go to http://www.escrip.com (Westbriar Group ID 6585839) and follow the steps to sign up. To renew - Go to http://www.escrip.com and click on the YES! button to renew.
Giant: Go to http://www.giantfood.com/our_stores/bonus_bucks/index.htm?opco=GNTL and click on "Designate a School." Westbriar's School ID 02135.

Safeway is running a back-to-school promotion through September 9th. Up to 10percent of your Safeway purchases will be donated to Westbriar. If you are already registered with eScrip, your 10% contribution will be automatically donated to your school. If you are not registered with eScrip, there are 2 ways Westbriar can earn:

• Simply register using the link below. Your eligible purchases will be stored on your card and your school can claim the 10% rebate OR
• Register receipt tapes with redemption codes will start to print on Sept 12 and continue through October 6th. Turn in any one of the receipts and your school can claim the rebate (please do not turn in more than one).

Grounds and Garden Committee: Sherrie Morris

Currently the primary responsibility of the Grounds and Garden Committee is to make sure the grounds look nice, and our children are safe, by removing the fallen leaves each autumn. This group works on beautifying our school grounds by weeding beds and planting flowers. Fairfax County provides lawn and ground services, however Fairfax County does not rake the leaves on the school grounds in the fall. Although we are lucky to have a beautifully wooded lot, the leaves become a danger when they are on the parking lot and sidewalks. It is hoped that the grounds committee will eventually expand to provide additional Westbriar ground improvements. Volunteer opportunities include Parent Coordinator to make sure all of the leaves disappear. Work can be done during the school day or on the weekends.

Hospitality: Stephanie Sedgwick

Our committee provides refreshments for teacher meetings, the welcome back-to-school teacher lunch, the teacher appreciation lunch, kindergarten orientation and other events on an as-needed basis. Volunteers are not required to commit to anything. Your name will go on an email distribution list. As food and beverages are needed, we email a request for volunteers for a specific event. You sign up as desired and then drop off your contribution during school hours or by a specified time. This is a great opportunity for working parents or parents with small children to contribute. We need your food, cookies, scones, sandwiches, etc., not your presence! If you can't cook, we still want you. We welcome contributions of soda, paper goods and prepared foods. For more information click here.

International Night: Audrey Hassett

This event is an educational and festive evening where Westbriar families celebrate our many cultural heritages. There are hands-on activities, cultural displays and even performances by different cultural groups, making the evening a fun time to share and learn together.

Kindergarten Coordinator: Allie Jewsbury

The PTA Kindergarten Coordinator organizes several play dates for rising kindergarteners over the summer. Parents are needed to help the Kindergartners in the cafeteria during lunch for the first few months of school. Rising Kindergarteners Frequently Asked Questions.

Kindergarten Take-Home Reading Program: Terry Quinn

Beginning Thursday, December 4, kindergarteners will begin to bring home books to read to their family members as part of Westbriar’s Kindergarten Take-Home Reading Program. Volunteers are needed to help distribute the books and manage the program. A minimum commitment of one hour a month is required. Please contact Westbriar‘s Reading Teacher, Terry Quinn (Theresa.Quinn@fcps.edu), to sign up to volunteer or ask questions.

Library Coordinator: Sarah DeKramer

This committee staffs the Library checkout desk, re-shelves books, assists students with finding books, and performs other responsibilities in the Media Center as request by the Media Specialist. Volunteers are usually scheduled for 1 hour/ week.

Mad Science: Sarah deKramer

This committee organizes and supervises the Hands-on-Science program, an after-school, tuition-based program.

Membership: Anna Grill

This committee conducts a PTA membership drive at the Open House in August. Volunteers are needed to collect membership forms and dues.

Newsletter: OPEN

This person gathers information about PTA news, events and programs, then writes and formats the newsletter. We will begin posting the Newsletter on the PTA website. This is a great volunteer opportunity for a family and or a few people to share the responsibilities.

Reflections: Anne Cook, Andrea Artley

PTA Volunteers bring this national PTA recognition and achievement arts program to Westbriar students. The program encourages students to create and submit works in literature, music, visual arts and photography, then celebrates these works with an awards ceremony where every student gets an award for participation.

Room Parent Coordinator: Sharon Heinz

The room coordinator helps to assure that parent volunteers are available to assist classroom teachers on special occasions such as parties and special classroom projects.

Sally Foster: Robin Nelson, Sherrie Morris

The Sally Foster Gift Wrap sale is one of the major fundraising activities of the Westbriar PTA. This group coordinates the sale of gift wrap and other gift items in the fall. Many volunteers are needed to distribute the orders.

School Sign: Reanne Dunn

This person is in charge of updating the school sign periodically at the request of the Assistant Principal and PTA President.

School Supplies Program: Marcy Davidson

Responsibilities include: Lining up a school supply company, signing the contract and communicating any changes to the company as necessary. (We've used SchoolKidz last year and this year.) In January, supply lists for the upcoming year need to be reviewed and revised with the vice-prinicipal. K-2 supply forms must be given to the office staff for distribution in the kindergarten orientation folders. Order forms for existing students are distributed through Tuesday folders. Collect and fill out an order form spread sheet for the supply company. In August, boxes need to be sorted and delivered to the classrooms on the morning of Open House.

Sixth Grade Party: Barbara Thurman, Shane Stahl

Organize the end of the year party for 6th grade. The day before graduation is set aside as a party day with sidewalk art, yearbook signing and various field day type activities. This year we are having an outdoor carnival style party at Epiphany after dismissal from 1:40-3:30.

Skate Night: Alison Hammerschmidt

This is a family fun ice skating extravaganza - volunteers are needed to take tickets at the door.

Spanish Program: Jim Smith

The before school Spanish program began in 2005 and is run by All About Languages. Classes are grouped by grade and level and meet once a week for 24 weeks (Oct-May). The goals of the program include: to progress toward acquiring a stronger fluency in language skills, to understand and appreciate different cultures and to increase the students' personal and social opportunities through this knowledge and appreciation. Volunteer opportunities include Parent Coordinator who serves as a liaison between All About Languages and the school.

Special Education Representative: Kelly Miller

The purpose of this role is to provide a liason between the parents and the school for students with special education needs. Responsibilities include providing resources to parents of special education students.

Teacher Appreciation Luncheon: Committee chair is open

Line up a host with a house close to Westbriar. Coordinate food and door prizes. The PTA Board attends.

Thanksgiving Lunch: Barbara Thurman

This group organizes the Parent-Student Cafeteria Thanksgiving Luncheon which traditionally falls on the Thursday before Thanksgiving and kicks off our Book fair. Responsibilities include gathering volunteers to work in the cafeteria and collect money at the door.

Volunteer Coordinator: Barbara Thurman

At the beginning of the school year, the Volunteer Coordinator collects contact information of parents interested in volunteering throughout the year for activities such as book fair, Grace Arts, picture days, and library aids. This information is then given to the Chairs of specific events to aid them in their volunteer scheduling. The volunteer coordinator will also periodically send out emails to the parents asking for volunteers for specific events such as picture days. This is a great volunteer opportunity for someone that can't spend too much time at school, this job can be done totally at home via email if desired.

Webmaster: Venus Miskinyar

The Webmaster is responsible for the design of the website, including graphics and functionality. Developes webpage infrastructure and applications to make the website user friendly and interactive. Monitors the web server and the technical performance of the site. Implements web pages, maintains content, and oversees day-to-day management of the website.

Sign up to receive Virtual Tuesday Folder Communication >>

Feedback on our website >>

Upcoming Events

Tuesday Folders All PTA information and announcements will be sent home in Tuesday Folders and will also be available here. Any major updates will be available on Tuesday mornings. Tuesday Folder - March 9th >>