PTA Committees and Volunteer Opportunities Please join one today!

Book Fair Committee - This committee oversees the complete efforts in planning, set-up and take-down of a Scholastic Book Fair held in the fall and a used book sale held in the winter.

Box Tops/Initiatives - This committee identifies and promotes new and existing programs that raise money for the school. Programs in which Briarlake is currently participating include Publix and Kroger Commitment Cards, Boxtops for Education, Tyson A+ Rewards, Capri Sun drink packs and collection of used printer cartridges.

Bulletin Board/Calendar - This committee updates the bulletin boards and calendars located in the lobby area.

Building and Grounds Committee - This committee is responsible for sprucing up the interior and exterior of the building and school campus. The development of the campus should enhance opportunities for student participation in outdoor environmental education projects. These events give families an opportunity to work together and build community spirit while enhancing the Briarlake learning environment.

Communications - This committee coordinates ways to provide information to our school community.

Cultural Arts Committee - This committee brings educational shows to the school, working to enhance the exposure of students to multi-cultural experiences and to enrich the arts.

Directory Committee - This committee is responsible for publishing the student directory including collecting and compiling the directory information and updating the directory database. Initial work can be performed during the summer with the remainder of the work being performed during the first few weeks of school.

Emory LaVista Parent Council - The ELPC meets once a month to provide a forum for communication, and promote educational opportunities for the children of our community. All parents are invited to attend. The PTA/school representative attends each meeting. 

Fall Festival Committee - This is our annual fall event. Each committee has an important job. We need ALL Briarlake parents to volunteer for this event!

• Event Coordinators - oversees entire event
• Food - coordinates and plans the food and refreshments
• Games - Coordinates all plans relating to the games including working with club sponsors. Orders large items like inflatable slides, train, etc.
• Crafts - contacts and schedules a variety of crafters
• Publicity/Sponsorships - coordinates all advertising and publicity for event
• Volunteer Coordinator - coordinates all volunteers for the day, also responsible for getting necessary information from all other chairpersons regarding workers.

Field Day Committee - Under the direction of Mr. Cocks, the committee coordinates and executes this fun-filled day of field events, crazy races, and cool activities. In addition to committee participation, a large number of volunteers are needed to help run the activities during Field Day.

5th Grade Celebration/Completion of Elementary Studies Committee - This committee, in conjunction with the faculty, coordinates the events related to the 5th grade celebration. These events typically include a ceremony, a luncheon, and a party. (Each of these is a separate event.) Planning for these events begins in late winter, with input from parents and students desired. In addition to committee responsibilities, a large number of volunteers will be needed for each of these functions.

Fish Tank Committee - This committee maintains the fish tank in the school lobby.

Fun Run Committee - This committee organizes our annual spring run. 5K and 1 mile.

Go Green Team Committee - The Go Green Initiative is a simple, comprehensive program designed to create a culture of environmental responsibility on school campuses across the nation. Founded in 2002, the Go Green Initiative unites parents, students, teachers and school administrators in an effort to make real and lasting changes in their campus communities that will protect children and the environment for years to come. Members are attempting to both physically recycle waste and also educate students about recycling. The team will assist with recycling materials generated in the classrooms, main office, and the cafeteria. The team coordinates collection of recyclable products from the community including used printer ink cartridge, eyeglasses, newspaper, drink packs and cell phones as well as hosting Earth Day events for our school.

Grant Writing Committee - This committee works to find grant money for projects that benefit Briarlake. The work includes identifying grant opportunities, preparing grant applications, tracking grants through the approval process, and overseeing proper use of the funds. Projects we have worked on include: technology, an outdoor classroom and a new play structure.

Healthy Habits/Wellness Committee - This committee aims to enhance the health and well-being of students and families of Briarlake.

Hospitality Committee - This committee oversees events where food is required (except those that fall under the monthly programs). They will also assist Dr. Culbreath & the PTA with special events needing refreshments.

Legislative Committee - This committee lobbies for the rights of our children, attends DeKalb County School Board meetings and legislative sessions; submits requests to speak as appropriate; and keeps the Briarlake Community abreast of issues affecting our children. This committee will also organize volunteers to attend the "Annual Georgia PTA Day."

Marquee Volunteer - Keeps the reader board current with events and messages.

Membership Committee - The Membership Committee organizes the PTA Membership drive which begins on Open House. The committee works at Open House to collect forms and to distribute PTA membership cards and other PTA information. The committee also compiles and maintains the PTA membership list and submits the appropriate paperwork to the State PTA organization.

New Parent Orientation - This group organizes the get-together for new parents to help them transition into Briarlake.

Open House - The PTA Co-Presidents organize the PTA section of Open House day, the Wednesday before school starts. Many volunteers are needed.

Reflections Committee - Reflections is a PTA program for students with an interest in the arts. The program is open to all students. Reflections takes place during the fall semester. Students prepare an entry in visual arts, literature, music or photography. Entries are judged at the local level, with the top winners in each category moving on to the next level(s) of competition (i.e., county, state, and national competitions). The theme for 2011-2012 is "Diversity Means..."

Room Parent Coordinator - Responsibilities include providing the grade level parents with details regarding the two school parties, supplies, Terrific Thursday, craft parents, and classroom readers.

The following positions are needed for each classroom:

• Classroom Grade Level Parent - work with other classroom grade level parents to plan classroom parties, collect class dues, and work with teacher to provide parent volunteers in the classroom when requested
• Classroom Reader Coordinator - maintain a volunteer reader list and schedule readers throughout the year
• Classroom Craft Parent - plan classroom crafts for fundraising at Fall Festival and Art Auction

Safe Routes to School - Initiative to encourage walking to school to promote a healthy student and a healthy environment.

School Pictures Committee - This committee makes school pictures happen. Individual pictures are taken in the fall and spring. Class pictures are taken in the fall. The committee coordinates the photo sessions, provides assistance during the photo sessions, collects the money and distributes the photographs. In addition to committee responsibilities, parent volunteers are needed to assist with the photo sessions.

School Store Committee - Orders supplies and runs the operation of the school store. The school store is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7:30-8:00 a.m. Volunteers are needed to staff the store.

School Tours - The PTA Co-Presidents provide tours of the school to prospective families.

Spring Gala/Art Auction Committee - Our spring dinner and auction will be held in March. Join us to collect donations, plan, decorate, create the catalog or help at the event. This has proven to be an annual tradition for parents, teachers and staff to socialize off-campus in a festive atmosphere. Funds raised help to support PTA and school projects.

Staff Appreciation Committee - This committee acknowledges our wonderful teachers and staff.

Website Committee - This committee updates and maintains the Briarlake website, working with the principal and PTA to include the latest information on the events and activities of Briarlake.

Yearbook Committee - Coordinates yearbook production, sale and distribution.

Now - email our PTA Co-Presidents and let them know the places you can help!