The Parents Representative Organization (PRO) forms the heart of parent volunteer opportunities at CDS. All parents are members of this organization and are highly encouraged to become involved in one of the numerous activities available to them. Whether one prefers to volunteer on a regular basis or just occasionally, there is a place for you to become involved at the school. Volunteering your time and talent is a wonderful way to support the school, meet other parents, and feel connected to this warm and supportive community.
PRO Meetings
All PRO meetings are open to the entire school community and all parents are encouraged to attend and participate. The meetings are held each month on a Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm in the multi-purpose room beginning with a social time followed by the business meeting where PRO committees inform parents of their upcoming activities and events. We encourage parents to consider becoming an active member of one or more of the following committees.
Auction
This biennial fundraiser is an entire school effort and many volunteers are needed to help make it a success. The event includes an on-line auction during the month of February followed by a special gala dinner and auction in March of 2013 at the Ritz-Carlton in Tysons Corner.
Book Fair
This fun annual event held in November lets children and parents choose and purchase books that they wish to donate to the school library as well as ones they would like to add to their home collections. Activities include an evening event for parents, a literature dress-up event for the children, and a “milk and cookies “pajama event.
Community Outreach
This committee reinforces the value of volunteerism with children. Parents work with the children on a number of community outreach events such as play dough making for children in need and collections for local charities such as Mother's Day baskets for shelter residents.
Environmental Committee
This committee helps develop and maintain some of the gardens on the property. They also oversee fundraisers twice a year where Merrifield Garden Centers give CDS a percentage of receipts submitted by families for the school’s gardening and landscaping needs.
Fathers’ Committee
All fathers are members of this committee and highly encouraged to take part in its activities. It is an excellent way for fathers to be involved, get to know teachers and staff, meet other fathers and CDS families and to contribute to the life of the school through helping with school projects.
Gift Wrap
This committee offers online sales opportunities for families to purchase quality gift wrap and gift items with a percentage of the sales going to the school.
Hospitality
The hospitality committee plans and oversees such school events as the New Parents’ Reception, the very popular holiday party, and the End of Year Celebration held at the school in June.
PRO Buzz
Every three weeks parents receive electronically the PRO Buzz, a newsletter filled with information about up-coming events and PRO information. Parent editors gather the information and put together the newsletter for distribution.
PRO Players
An exciting and different component of parent volunteerism at CDS is the school’s PRO players. This enthusiastic group of parents produces theatrical productions including plays and puppet shows for the children several times a year.
Spring Fair
An annual tradition, the Spring Fair held on the first Saturday each May transforms the school grounds into an old-fashioned country fair with games, crafts, and food. Fun for the entire family, this fair is highly anticipated each year.
Teacher Appreciation
The Teacher Appreciation Committee orchestrates bi-monthly luncheons for the entire faculty and staff in appreciation of their work. These themed lunches are a highlight of the month for everyone and greatly appreciated by all school personnel.
