Welcome to Crooked River PODS

Crooked River PODS is a parent organization created to provide support and resources to families and staff of Crooked River Elementary. Our mission is to foster an environment that encourages interaction between family and school, serve as a source of support to our students and staff, and engage the community at large to improve our children’s education.

We offer a variety of activities and resources to our members, from teacher appreciation and fundraising events to parent workshops and educational materials. We are committed to building a strong and thriving community of parents who are dedicated to the success of their children.

WHO CAN JOIN PODS?

PODS membership is open to parents, guardians, teachers, staff members, grandparents, and friends.

HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER?

You can sign up for PODS by filling out a contact form linked on our website or in person at the school. We currently do not charge for membership as gaining volunteers to help start our new organization is our primary focus. Volunteering is not mandatory but is welcomed if available.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP?

First, it gives you a voice! Your membership entitles you to vote at all meetings on PODS business. You may also desire to volunteer to help with our many events throughout the year. Volunteering is encouraged but NOT required. One of the best ways to know what’s happening in your child’s school is by joining PODS. You will also be demonstrating to your child the importance you place on education.

WHAT PROGRAMS DOES PODS FUND AND SUPPORT?

Organizing and Funding the PBIS Cart
Raising Funds for Campus Improvements
Organizing Family Events on campus
Organizing volunteers at the school
Organizing Birthday and Holiday Grams
Assisting with Field Day parent volunteers
Staff Appreciation throughout the year
Raising Funds for fun events for students and staff
Assisting teachers with assigned tasks

And more!

HOW DOES PODS SPONSOR SO MANY PROJECTS?

Fundraisers and donations. The Pumpkin Patch Stroll and our Coin War were our biggest fundraisers last year, but we are hoping to raise more funds through the additional options we have created for this year. Your support of these events is vital to our success!

WHEN AND WHERE ARE THE PODS MEETINGS?

PODS meets the first Monday of every month, aside from school holidays, at 9 a.m. We meet in the Parents' Resource Room on the right side of the stage, past the Media Center.

Everyone is welcome and invited to join us. It is a great opportunity to hear what the PTO is doing and share ideas with us.

WHY SHOULD I COME TO PODS MEETINGS?

Your Child’s Education. The number one reason to attend PODS meetings is to benefit your child. In doing so, you also help our school. PODS is a great opportunity to become involved in your child’s education at CRES.

To get connected. There is no better way to get involved in what is happening, or is going to happen, at CRES. PODS gives you a front-row seat in creating events and opportunities that can help benefit the school.

To stay informed. By getting involved at CRES, you will be part of the team helping to make positive changes.

Tap into a network. Come and share ideas, concerns, and experiences with other parents and educators in the community. PODS meetings are an opportunity to meet other parents and teachers, build rapport, and be informed.

Be a role model. By becoming active in PODS, you will be demonstrating to your child the importance you place on education. Studies show children do better in school when parents are involved.

Speak Up. PODS offers a forum for exchanging ideas, as well as making suggestions.

HOW CAN I MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT CRES?

Joining PODS is a great way for you to support your child and ensure he or she receives the best education possible.

There are many things that you can do to help. Perhaps what works best is to show your support through making a financial contribution. Maybe you can dedicate several hours to volunteering at a special event or fundraiser. Or, your contribution can be as simple as staying informed by attending PODS meetings. The amount of time you spend participating in PODS activities is at your discretion. Please consider helping in any way that fits your schedule! Any of our PODS Board Members will gladly help you find the perfect place on our team. Even if the school year is underway, it is never too late to get involved. Crooked River students need you!

HOW CAN I HELP SUPPORT CRES THROUGH FUNDRAISING?

There are several easy ways to help.

Make a donation.
Support our Cookbook, Candy Cane Wrap Workshop, and Coin War Fundraisers. These are our largest fundraisers of the year, so we need your support!
Scanning grocery receipts for Box Tops
Purchasing items from our Amazon wish list to help stock our PBIS cart
Be a PODS Business Sponsor
Participate in Spirit Night with our various Sponsors such as Papa John's and Chickfila.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE MONEY RAISED BY PODS?

Given that we are still in our infancy as an organization, our budget is small, as is our board. We strive to complete as many projects on our administration's wish list as possible, while still focusing on fostering an educationally enriched environment for the students. While fundraising is not our primary goal, it is still an important aspect of the operation. Before each project is published, the Board agrees unanimously on the project's budget, and fundraisers are notated to help the community know where the funds are going. PODS was extremely proud to host a wonderful week of Teacher Appreciation meals last school year, motivational goodie bags with snacks for all students taking the standardized testing in May, and multiple PBIS cart runs. We truly cannot wait to see what we can accomplish this upcoming school year!

Don’t see what you were looking for?
Feel free to contact us at:

Email: crookedriverpods@gmail.com