View the sign-up genius page for a list of volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer for 2023-2024
The PTO could not do all of the amazing things it does without the dedicated group of volunteers who are so generous with their time and efforts. Involvement with the PTO committees is a wonderful way to get to know the school, staff, students and other parents. Beyond contributing in a meaningful way, it is fun, and the students benefit from our involvement in their school as well.
There are many different ways to get involved. We encourage you to learn more about the events and activities that the PTO sponsors and volunteer where you can.
Scroll down to check out the committee descriptions and find a role that fits your interests and availability. If you’d like to join a committee, start a committee that is not on the list or need additional information, please contact the co-Presidents. An expression of interest or a query doesn’t mean you’re automatically committed.
Brown PTO Committees
8th Grade Activities Committee: These volunteers organize special “moving-on” events for 8th grade students and their families at the end of the school year.
Back-to-School Night: These volunteers help to make our Parents’ Back-to-School Night run smoothly – setting up, handing out directories, collecting PTO dues, etc.
Book Fair: A celebration of reading, the Book Fair raises money for the PTO, and earns book rewards for Brown teachers. Parent volunteers help with this week-long event in May which transforms the school’s front lobby into a book store.
Brown Music Committee: This committee supports Brown music staff and serves as a point of contact for parents of performers in the various music groups. The committee coordinates chaperones, concession sales, fundraising and post-performance celebrations.
Brown Newsletter List Coordinator: This team edits the Brown Bear Report bi-weekly newsletter and sends email announcements as necessary. Great position if you prefer to work from home. Editorial skills and attention to detail are a plus. Training is available for the Mailchimp platform.
Brown Wear: This team manages the sale and inventory of Brown spirit wear sweatshirts, t-shirts, and flannel pants, both through our online order system and also at a number of pop-up sales in the Brown lobby and at key events throughout the year.
Brown Working Theatre: This committee supports the drama staff at Brown and helps coordinate the annual winter musical. The committee manages communications with parents of performers, coordinates volunteers to help with costumes, make-up, concession sales, fundraising and post-performance celebrations. Training on MailChimp and WordPress is available for communications.
Building Brown: These volunteers coordinate any buildings and grounds improvement or clean-up projects taking place at Brown during the City-wide NewtonServes day (usually April). Can help with other small projects as desired.
Creative Arts & Sciences: This committee previews curriculum-enhancing programs with the assistance of a citywide coordinator, then schedules and finalizes contracts for all CASC programs at Brown with the Assistant Principal. Committee members also communicate with parents and students about each program via the school newsletter and grade-wide email announcements.
Directory/Database Coordinators: These volunteers coordinate and produce the Brown PTO Directory, which provides contact information for students, families, administration, faculty, and the PTO. The directory is compiled over the summer and finalized soon after the start of school in September. In addition, these volunteers keep our Mailchimp mailing lists up-to-date throughout the year. Basic Word and Excel skills are required, and patience, attention to detail, and a sense of humor are invaluable. Training will be provided on MailChimp and MySchoolAnywhere online directory software.
English Language Learner Committee: Join this committee at Brown to welcome and improve communications with ELL families. The PTO ELL Committee will include the ELL Liaison, Cultural Leaders, Buddy Families. More information to come in the fall.
Faculty Foul-Ups: This is a fun, community-building tradition at Brown, where teachers, staff members and students participate in a free-throw shootout to the cheers of their colleagues. Parent volunteers help to coordinate the event and the accompanying Bake Sale. A one-off event, usually held in March.
Families Organizing for Racial Justice: Contact email: contact@forjnewton.com for more information
Giving Project: This new tradition at Brown sees teachers and parent volunteers collaborate in an initiative which allows students, faculty and staff to nominate their favorite non-for-profit organization, and then brings the community together at a potluck dinner to raise funds for five organizations chosen from the nominations. Parent volunteers help with communications and coordinate the potluck dinner, usually in April.
Parents’ Night Out: This committee plans and organizes an annual social evening for Brown parents, usually in the fall.
PTO School Council Reps: The School Council is an elected body of parents, teachers, and community members that advises the principal. The council provides a forum where teachers and parents can discuss matters of concern to the school. It helps formulate the annual School Improvement Plan, reviews Brown’s budget, and discusses any other matters relevant to the educational goals of the school and the educational needs of the children. Its meetings are open and occur regularly during the school year.
School Pictures: These volunteers act as liaison between the school, the PTO, and the photography company. They support the photographers and teachers on School Picture and Retake days.
SPED PAC Liaison: This volunteer represents Brown on the Newton Parent Advisory Council for Special Education. They attend monthly meetings, inform the Brown community about pertinent issues and help foster community among parents of children with special needs.
Teacher Appreciation Events: This team organizes special treats or luncheons during the year to show appreciation to Brown teachers and staff.
Website Managers: These volunteers keep the Brown PTO website up-to-date. Great for volunteers who would like to work from home! Training on WordPress is available.
View a list of Committee Chairs and Program Heads
View the sign-up genius page for a listing of the available volunteer opportunities.