PTO Community

Get Involved. Stay Connected. Make a Difference.

The Samuelson Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a group of parents, caregivers, teachers, and staff working together to support our school through community-building, events, and fundraising. Whether you have five minutes or five hours, there's a place for you here!

What is the PTO & Why It Matters

Volunteers helping make Samuelson even better—one event, fundraiser, and act of service at a time.

$7,500
Raised Last Year
5+
Active Volunteers
16
Events Organized
100%
Community Support

Organize family-friendly events

From Family Fun Night to skate nights, we bring families together

Support teachers and classrooms

Providing classroom supplies, staff appreciation, and hands-on support

Fundraise for supplies and programs

Every dollar supports activities that enrich students’ lives

Build a welcoming school community

Creating connections that last beyond the school years

"Last year, we raised $7,500 and used those funds to support our school in fun and meaningful ways — including a new laminator, bounce house rental for Water Day, Skateland skates, teacher appreciation events, staff and student treats on fun days, conference lunches, and gifts for retiring teachers." — Samuelson PTO

Together, we're making a real difference in our children's education.

🌟 Special Opportunity
We Need a PTO Treasurer!

Our PTO can’t function without a Treasurer, and right now, we don’t have one. This essential role helps us track spending, manage our budget, and ensure every dollar raised goes where it’s needed most. If you’re organized, comfortable with basic spreadsheets, and want a meaningful way to support the school, we’d love to have you on the team. You won’t be alone; our previous Treasurer will provide training and support to help you feel confident every step of the way. No finance background needed—just a willingness to help and keep us on track!

Learn More

2025–2026 Calendar of Events

Mark your calendars for these exciting community events and opportunities to connect

AUG
22

Meet the Teacher Night

Kick off the school year by meeting your child’s teacher, exploring the classroom, and learning what’s ahead. It’s a great chance to ask questions, connect with staff, and ease into the year together.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Samuelson Elementary School
AUG
24

Chalk the Walk: Welcome Back, Husky Pups!

The night before school starts, come help us cover the sidewalks with color and encouragement! We’ll have plenty of chalk and popsicles, just bring your family, friends, and Husky Pup pride. Decorate the sidewalks around Samuelson with encouraging messages and colorful drawings to welcome our students back. Think phrases like “You’ve got this!” “Welcome Back!” or “Husky Pup Strong!” It’s simple, free, and fun for all ages, and it’s a great way to kick off the school year together as a community. Everyone’s invited!
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Front of Samuelson Elementary School
SEP
09

PTO Kick-Off Meeting – Welcome & Fall Planning

This meeting will serve as a welcome and orientation for families, including an overview of PTO goals and open roles. We'll finalize plans for the Walk-a-Thon and Fall Skateland Night, discuss popsicle support for Field Day, and begin recruitment for new PTO volunteers—especially for the open Treasurer position.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
School library
OCT
10

Field Day

Field Day is a fun-filled tradition where students spend the day outside playing games, cheering on classmates, and enjoying the sunshine. The PTO supports this event by providing popsicles or other treats to help kids cool off and celebrate with a smile!
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Samuelson Elementary
OCT
12

Fall Skateland Night

Join us for a fun night out at Skate North in Des Moines! Students from Samuelson team up with two other north-side elementary schools for an evening of skating, music, and community. Thanks to generous support from Charles Gabus Ford and the PTO, skate rental is fully covered for all Samuelson students. Food and concessions will be available for purchase at the rink. It’s a great way to connect with friends and kick off the school year with some fun on wheels!
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Skate North in Des Moines
OCT
15

Walk-a-Thon Fundraiser

Our biggest fundraiser of the year! Students collect donations from family and friends, then celebrate their efforts by walking laps during a fun school-day event. The more they raise, the more prizes they earn! All proceeds go directly toward supporting school programs, events, and classroom needs. It's a great way to promote school spirit, wellness, and community support.
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Samuelson Elementary
MAR
06

Family Fun Night

Family Fun Night is a favorite Samuelson tradition! Families enjoy an evening of classroom games, a crowd-favorite cake walk, and pizza available for purchase. We may even bring back the always-popular “Pie in the Face!" Volunteers help make this night possible —and this is a great way to get involved.
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Samuelson Elementary
APR
04

Spring Skateland Night

Join us for a fun night out at Skate North in Des Moines! Students from Samuelson team up with two other north-side elementary schools for an evening of skating, music, and community. Thanks to generous support from Charles Gabus Ford and the PTO, skate rental is fully covered for all Samuelson students. Food and concessions will be available for purchase at the rink. It’s a great way to connect with friends and kick off the school year with some fun on wheels!
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Skateland North
MAY
04

Teacher Appreciation Week

Help us celebrate our amazing teachers and staff! Throughout the week, we’ll show our gratitude with homemade treats, small gifts, and heartfelt thanks. Whether you love to bake, craft, or simply say thank you, there are lots of ways to get involved and make our staff feel appreciated.
May 4 - May 8, 2026
Teachers' Lounge
MAY
15

Spring Fling

Water Day is one of the most anticipated days of the year! Students enjoy outdoor water games, splashing fun, and a bounce house to celebrate the end of the school year. The PTO funds the bounce house rental and helps make this exciting day safe, refreshing, and full of joy.
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Samuelson Elementary
JUN
06

5th Grade Party

To celebrate the end of elementary school, 5th graders enjoy a special send-off just for them! This fun event is organized by staff and supported by the PTO, which may help provide food (like pizza) and supplies. It's a great way to honor our graduating students and make lasting memories before they head off to middle school.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Samuelson Elementary

How You Can Get Involved

Options for every schedule and every way you want to contribute

Join the PTO

Become an official member and help shape our community

Time commitment: Monthly meetings
Join Now

Be Our Treasurer

Help track spending and keep the budget on track

Time commitment: 4–5 hours a month
Learn More

Volunteer at Events

Help at festivals, fundraisers, and school activities

Time commitment: A few hours per event
See Opportunities

Help from Home

Make calls, create materials, or organize supplies

Time commitment: Your own schedule
Learn More

Donate Items or Funds

Support our mission with monetary or material donations

Time commitment: One-time or recurring
Donate

Share Ideas & Feedback

Help us improve with your suggestions and insights

Time commitment: Whenever inspiration strikes
Contact Us
💬
"I thought I didn't have time for PTO, but even helping once made me feel more connected to our school community. Now I can't imagine not being involved!"
— JodI R., Parent of a 4th Grader and Kindergartener
ÍÍ

PTO Meeting Information

Come when you can! We're casual, welcoming, and always happy to see new faces.

Family-Friendly Meetings

Kids welcome - bring the whole family!
Casual atmosphere - come as you are
Can't stay the whole time? Join when you can!
Add All Meetings to Calendar

Welcome & Fall Planning

September 9, 2025
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
School Library

Fall Event Recap & Winter Prep

October 14, 2025
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
School Library

Mid-Fall Check-In & Planning Ahead

November 11, 2025
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
School Library

Mid-Year Budget & Spring Outlook

December 9, 2025
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
School Library

Spring Events Kickoff

January 13, 2026
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
School library

Volunteer Coordination & Final Prep

February 10, 2026
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
School library

Event Recaps & Spring Planning

March 10, 2026
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
School library

Year-End Planning & Board Transition

April 14, 2026
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
School library

Celebration & Wrap-Up

May 12, 2026
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
School library

Can't Make It to Meetings?

No problem! We send meeting summaries to all members and there are many other ways to stay connected and contribute.

Help Make a Difference at Samuelson

There’s no one right way to get involved. Whether you can pitch in once, help from home, or take on a key role like Treasurer, we’d love to hear from you! Fill out this quick form and we’ll follow up soon.

What interests you? (select all that apply)

Questions? Contact Us

Email
samuelsonpto@gmail.com
Phone
(515) 988-6648
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