The Condit Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) supports many enriching activities that directly benefit each of our kids. Without the time, effort, and financial support from parents and staff, the committees below and the activities they encompass would not exist. Each committee requires parent volunteers, both to chair and assist; some need only 1 volunteer, others require many. The committees typically require a 1-2 year commitment. Please find an activity that interests you and consider where you can give your time and talent to Condit.

 

Art Car (Spring) - Chairs and students are led by Ms. Camero in decorating the Art Car for the Houston Art Car Parade. The Chairs help Ms. Camero secure supplies and volunteers to help decorate and coordinate parade logistics.

Chairs: 2

Commitment: 1 year, with focus 1 month prior to the event

Current Chairs: Steve Chiang

 

Book Fairs (Fall and Spring) - This committee is responsible for working with Scholastic to plan and execute 2 one-week-long Book Fairs (Fall and Spring) for students and families to purchase books and other items. A portion of proceeds goes back to Condit PTO. Chairs are responsible for corresponding with Scholastic, getting volunteers to set up/take down, greet Condit shoppers, be cashiers, and assist students in finding age-appropriate books. In addition to the Book Fair, this committee will plan special activities to help engage families, such as the “Milk & Cookies” event, where teachers take turns reading books to students, or an evening with food trucks, where students and parents can have dinner, socialize and shop.

Chairs: 4 with 2 rolling off each year

Commitment: 2 years, with daily needs for 2 weeks

Current Chairs: Pam Sussman, Rachana Patel, Jean Lee

 

Boosterthon (Spring) - Boosterthon is the PTO’s biggest annual fundraiser. This committee works with Boosterthon staff to negotiate the contract, organize the event, coordinate daily fundraising goals, distribute daily prizes, and secure volunteers.

Chairs: 2 with 1 rolling off each year

Commitment: 2 years, with daily needs for 2 weeks
Current Chairs: Kori Long & Erica Knight

 

Celebration Helpers (Year Round) - This new committee is responsible for helping out around    various holidays throughout the year such as Halloween (collecting, distributing and organizing costumes; collecting candy and donating it), Thanksgiving (ordering and distributing pies to all staff), First and Last Days of school (decor), Admin Birthdays, Principal Day, etc.

Chairs: 3

Commitment: 1 year

Current Chairs: Laurie Pickei, Jordie Roitsch, Melissa Salmeron

 

Chicken Coop (Year Round) - This committee will work with Mrs. Rogers and Mrs. Tomlinson to organize and coordinate any care and supply needs for the on campus chickens and chicken coop.

Chair: 1

Commitment: 1 year

Current Chair: Leigh Queener

 

Condit Spirit Events (Monthly) - This committee plans approximately one event per month at local restaurants or businesses, with a portion of the proceeds going back to Condit PTO. This committee promotes the culture and community at Condit by providing opportunities for families to eat or shop together.

Chairs: 2

Commitment: 1 year

Current Chairs: Erin Skalak, Faith Knudsen

 

Dads’ Club (Year Round) - The Dads’ Club committee organizes Sociables, such as happy   hours, poker parties and volunteer projects for Condit dads. The purpose of this committee is to promote community among the Condit Dads.

Chairs: 2

Commitment: 1 year

Current Chair: Steven Vaughan, Zach Long

 

Directory (Printed and Online) - The Directory committee works with the school to collect all the necessary information, incorporate business ads, complete the layout, and publish the directory.

Chairs: 2 with 1 rolling off each year

Commitment: 2 years (primarily in summer/fall)

Current Chairs: Sami Valentine & Jacky Collins

 

Fall Carnival (Fall) - The Carnival committee plans the activities, ticket sales, basket raffle, food, etc. for this fun weekend activity. Each classroom sponsors a booth at the Carnival and the parents in that class staff it. Room parents from each class also take collections to donate a themed basket for the basket raffle. Preparation for the Fall Carnival begins at the end of the previous school year.

Chairs: 4 with 2 rolling off each year

Commitment: 2 years, with heavy time commitment 1 month prior to event and daily needs 2 weeks prior 

Current Chairs: Jessica Beinart, Yael Rahimi, Lindsey Hudlow, Cindy Yac

 

Field Day/Green & White Days (Spring) - For Field Day, the entire school is divided into two teams— green and white—and classes participate in outdoor races or challenges for some friendly competition. The Field Day committee helps Coach Johnson prepare for the event, orders Field Day shirts, organizes volunteers to help run the events and ensures the kids have a fun and safe experience. 

Chairs: 4 with 2 rolling off each year 

Commitment: 2 years, with focus 1 month prior to event

Current Chairs: Pinar Cepni, Raquel Bruner

 

Fifth Grade Graduation (Year Round) - The Fifth Grade Graduation Committee coordinates a community service project, a bake sale and a year-end activity/field trip. It also designs commemorative t-shirts and plans the graduation ceremony (make programs, organize refreshments and decor) to celebrate the end of elementary school. All 5th grade families have a fee to help cover the costs of graduation events.

Chairs: 3

Commitment: 1 year

Current Chairs: Rachel Auwarter, Dolfin Leung, 5th Grade Room Parent

 

Gala (Spring) - The Gala committee plans a fun evening for parents and teachers that helps raise money through ticket sales and auction items donated to the school. First year committee chairs typically handle auction details and second year chairs typically handle marketing, event decor and ticket sales.

Chairs: 4 with 2 rolling off each year

Commitment: 2 years, with preparation beginning at the end of the previous year

Current Chairs: Tami Lazard, Leslie Sutin, Heather Perry

 

Girls on the Run (Fall or Spring) - Girls on the Run is a 10 week program for 15 Condit Girls in Grades 3rd - 5th that runs mid-February and culminates at the end of April with the GOTR 5k at Rice University. Practices are twice a week for 75 minutes each with a minimum of 2 coaches (Female only) present at every practice. The program puts emphasis on developing competence, confidence, connection, character, caring, and contribution in young girls through lessons that incorporate running and other physical activities. Throughout the course of the ten-week program, girls learn critical life skills including managing emotions, resolving conflict, helping others and making intentional decisions.  https://www.gotrgreaterhouston.org 

Chairs: 3 

Commitment: 10 weeks and coaches must do the 6 hour training program. You do not need to be a runner to coach.

Current Chairs: Sunny Chunchu, Melissa Salmeron

 

Green Generations (Year Round) - This committee is responsible for planting and maintaining our beautiful gardens and caring for our indoor plants. The committee plans gardening events with students after school on Fridays (2 per semester, including Earth Day), sell holiday plants at the Fall and Spring Book Fairs and works with cafeteria staff to organize composting and recycling efforts during lunch.

Chairs: 2 with 1 rolling off each year

Commitment: 2 years

Current Chairs: Anita Wadhwa, Aimee Langley

 

Hospitality (Year Round) - This committee provides refreshments for various events throughout the year such as PTO Meetings, New Parent Orientation, Volunteer Breakfast, Fitness with Friends, Family Movie Night, Breakfast with Friends, plans PTO Holiday Party and more. Chairs purchase and serve the refreshments and get reimbursed by the PTO.

Chairs: 2

Commitment: 1 year

Current Chairs: Jennifer Bhardwaj, Amanda Benson, Kori Long

 

Interior Display (Year Round) - This committee updates the interior displays and bulletin boards to keep the space relevant and interesting. Displays should be refreshed at the beginning of the school year and then again at the beginning of second semester.

Chairs: 2

Commitment: 1 Year

Current Chairs: Jacky Collins, Erin Busch

 

International Fest/IFest (Jan/Feb) - Condit’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, and nowhere is this diversity on display more than at IFest. The IFest committee organizes a fun afternoon/evening event that includes a Parade of Nations (students representing their heritage), cultural entertainment and a variety of food trucks with international foods. Chairs also organize family volunteers to set up display tables showcasing the highlights of their country. The committee is also responsible for organizing volunteers to install and remove flags around the school fence line.

Chairs: 4 with 2 rolling off each year

Commitment: 2 years with heavy 2 month preparation

Current Chairs: Pinar Cepni, Caroline Funk, Ann Garcia, Monica Gri 

 

Kickball Tournament 4th vs. 5th (Spring) - This committee, along with Coach Johnson, organizes parent volunteers to help set-up and run this highly anticipated event on a Friday after school. Chairs also design and print team shirts for all participating kids.

Chairs: 1 fourth grade parent and 1 fifth grade parent

Commitment: 2 years

Current Chairs: Peggy Chang, Brandi Patterson, Jean Lee, Erin Skalak

 

Kinder Summer Socials (Summer) - This committee organizes 3 or 4 socials over the summer for incoming kindergarteners and their families to get to know each other. The last social of the summer is typically a joint Kinder/1st grade social.

Chairs: 2

Commitment: 1 year

Current Chairs: Julie Blumberg, Alli Feinstein, Shuba Grewal, Melanie Spelkin

 

Library Volunteers - Library Volunteering is a weekly 1-hour commitment for the school year. Volunteers help Mrs. Silva by shelving books returned by the students. Mrs. Silva will provide training at start of school year. 1 Chairperson will serve as point of contact with Mrs. Silva and coordinate the weekly schedule, which ideally should be a set schedule. 

Chair: 1 Volunteers: 5 – 10 

Commitment: 1 year, appx 1 hour per week.

Current Chairs: Pinar Cepni

 

Marketing and Design Manager (Year Round) - This is a new position for someone with some light graphic design background. Knowledge of the app Canva is very helpful as well. Chair is responsible for assisting with the creation of Dojo posts and Condit Happening posts for all committees.

Chair: 1

Commitment: 1 year, with work being done on your own time throughout the year

Current Chair: Amira Staller

 

Meet the Teacher (Summer) - This committee coordinates this event the week before school starts. Students and parents meet their teachers, purchase school supplies, sign up for the PTO and enjoy a cold snow- cone while visiting with school friends.

Chairs: 4 with 2 rolling off each year

Commitment: 2 years, with focus 2 weeks before school starts.

Current Chairs: Jessica Hassid, Sharmila Ghanta, Stephanie Raffle, Kelli Selbst

 

Name That Book (K-2) (Year Round) - Name That Book is a district-wide competition focused on acquainting students with classic and contemporary literature through reading comprehension and memorization. The committee is comprised of parent volunteer coaches who work with the students to secure and prepare the team by reading and studying books so they can compete against area schools in reading comprehension. Condit typically has two teams: one for grades Kindergarten-2nd and one for grades 3-5 (older team chaired by Condit librarian Mrs. Silva).

Chairs: 2 with 1 rolling off each year

Commitment: 2 year, with weekly practices required September through March

Current Chairs: Jennifer Bhardwaj & Sumita Gorla

 

Odyssey of the Mind (Year Round) - OOTM student teams work together to solve problems geared toward promoting creativity, teamwork skills, and knowledge. Teams compete against area schools, and if successful, can advance to regional, state, and national competitions. Parent coaches cannot participate in the problem solving, only guide the students forward. One chair is necessary plus a reliable committee member to lead each team. Condit can have one or more teams depending on interest.

Chairs: 2 with 1 rolling off each year

Commitment: 2 years

Current Chairs: Maria Benzon, Sumita Gorla

 

School Spirit Store (Year Round) - In the mornings or afternoons on scheduled school days, the school store is open for students to buy school-related items such as pens, pencils, clothing, cups, hats, etc. The school store also has Pop-Up shops on occasional Fridays. The store is staffed by committee members and a couple 5th grade student helpers. The School Spirit Store handles the printing and purchasing of all new merchandise and field trip shirts for all grades.

Chairs: 2 with 1 rolling off each year

Commitment: 2 years

Current Chairs: Peggy Chang & Jean Lee

 

School Supplies (Year Round)- Prepackaged school supplies for the following school year may be purchased online through the PTO in the Spring or at Meet The Teacher prior to the first day of school. This provides consistency of supplies and convenience for families as they prepare for the next year. Committee members are responsible for distributing these supplies to teachers prior to the first day of school. Throughout the year, this committee also makes sure teachers are stocked with supplies they need.

Chairs: 4 with 2 rolling off each year

Commitment: 2 years with most of the work 2 weeks prior to school starting

Chairs: Paula Hertel, Jean Lee, Jessica Palans

 

Science Box (K-2) (Year Round) - Each month, committee members recruit parent volunteers to present a “science box” topic to every classroom in Kindergarten through 2nd grade. Each box contains a lesson and hands-on examples for better student understanding. Volunteers needed for each grade level. Science boxes are presented approximately 6 times per year to the classes and require only a couple of hours of prep each time. 

Chairs: 2 with 1 rolling off each year

Commitment: 2 years

Current Chairs: Faith Knudsen

 

Science Fair (Spring) - Each spring the Science Fair committee coordinates the judging of the 3rd-5th grade Science Fair projects. Chairs are in charge of securing the many volunteers who are needed to judge the individual and group entries for each grade. All projects are now presented online in PowerPoint format.

Chairs: 2 with 1 rolling off each year

Commitment: 2 years, with heavy times during the couple of weeks surrounding the Science Fair in late Spring 

Current Chairs: Pinar Cepni, Amanda Herrmann

 

Shelter in Place (Fall) - This committee provides basic safety supplies in the classrooms, including water and snacks, for use in the unlikely event of a delay in dismissal or HISD ordered shelter-in-place situation. Details are coordinated with Nurse Hall.

Chair: 1

Commitment: 1 year, with a minimal time commitment

Current Chair: June Nixon

 

Snow Cones (Year Round) - This committee sells snow cones, popcorn or candy after school on most Fridays (weather permitting). The committee helps with setting up, serving and clean up. Chairs also work with the Meet the Teacher Committee to coordinate snow cones at the event.

Chairs: 2

Commitment: 1 year with required availability Fridays from 2:00-4:00 PM

Current Chair: Sheryl Weinstock

 

Sociables (Year Round) - The purpose of this program is to foster an even stronger parent community within Condit through parent hosted parties and events while at the same time raising money for Condit. Events include, but aren’t limited to: Mom’s Night Out, Gingerbread House, Poker Tournament. This is a perfect job for a couple of parents who enjoy planning a fun night out or activity for all to enjoy. Sociables also works with the Dad’s Club for some events.

Chairs: 2

Commitment: 1 year

Current Chairs: Aimee Finch, Ashley Nadon, Julie Taylor, Yael Rahimi

 

Staff Appreciation (Year Round) - Each month, this committee hosts a faculty and staff breakfast, luncheon or treat to show appreciation for the wonderful job they do each day. The committee also maintains the Teachers’ Lounge and makes sure that it is clean and filled with supplies for teachers on a weekly basis. 

Chairs: 2

Commitment: 1 year with monthly availability to serve breakfast, lunch or treat 

Current Chairs: Stephanie Raffle, Julie Blumberg, Erica Bordeaux, Jessica Palans

 

Student Enrichment (Year round) - This committee organizes special speakers or events that benefit kids of all grade levels. This Chair works with the principal to organize approximately 5 events per year. Examples: Chair can coordinate with current events (e.g., a rodeo-related event or Go Texan Day) or cultural performances, plays or magic shows.

Chair: 1

Commitment: 1 year, with minimal time commitment

Current Chair: Rachel Pasternak

 

The Condit Giving Tree (Year Round) - This is the fundraising committee for the Condit PTO and has two primary sources of income: donations from Condit families and advertising or sponsorships from local businesses. The families of current Condit students are asked to donate to the PTO to fund the many PTO-sponsored extracurricular activities. Local businesses are offered advertising opportunities in our directory, newsletter, and other venues in exchange for a donation.

Current Chairs: Family-Susan LeJeune & Business-Caroline Funk (PTO Board positions)

 

University Interscholastic League (UIL) (Year Round) - The University Interscholastic League exists to provide educational extracurricular academic, athletic, and musical contests. UIL provides academic competitions in many areas at the elementary level such as essay writing, debate, and number sense. A committee of reliable parent volunteers is needed to help run each category of competition.

Chairs: 4 with 2 rolling off each year

Commitment 2 years, with a large time commitment lasting the entire year

Current Chairs: Sharmila Ghanta, Jessica Hassid, Jean Lee, Amy Hassan

 

Website Content Manager (Year Round) - Chair maintains and updates information on ConditPTO.org and is knowledgeable in editing and sending Condit Happenings. This position works closely with the VP of Internal Communications, the Marketing & Design Manager, and all committee heads to post the upcoming dates and activities to keep the website current. The Chair manages streaming the meeting online and handling virtual questions.

Chair: 1

Commitment: 1 year

Current Chair: Mandy Palmer

 

Yearbook (Year Round) - Chairs coordinate with Jostens to create scheduling deadlines, manage price promotions, order yearbooks, and review invoices and future contracts. Chairs also manage marketing, sales, and yearbook distribution. Committee members assist with photographing school events, obtaining student and class photos for the image library, managing administrative tasks necessary to complete the yearbook, and designing and laying out the yearbook pages. This is a great job for someone who loves taking pictures and doing light graphic design work.

Chairs: 2-3, with 1 rolling off each year

Commitment: 2 years with work to be done throughout the year

Current Chairs: Dolfin Leung, Rachel Auwarter & Shital Dalwadi