Help Feed Our Community: The Hungry Otter Food Drive
Emerald PTO • November 12, 2025
Our annual Hungry Otter Food Drive runs December 1–5, and this year we’re focusing on helping families right here in our own community. All food collected will go to the Family & Community Resource Center (FCRC) to support Emerald students and families in need.
Students can bring donations to school anytime during the week and place them in the collection bins on campus. You can also bring items to Cocoa & Caring on Thursday, December 4, where we’ll have a clearly marked donation barrel ready to fill!
Every item helps make a difference. The FCRC especially appreciates donations that are kid-friendly, easy to prepare, and shelf stable.
Here are some ideas of what to donate:
- Cereal, instant oatmeal, and granola bars
- Mac & cheese, instant noodles, and pasta with sauce
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Canned soups, fruits, and vegetables
- Canned tuna, chicken, or chili
- Rice, boxed meals, and instant potatoes
- Snack packs, applesauce cups, and fruit cups
- Crackers, trail mix, and breakfast bars
- Shelf-stable milk and juice boxes
Let’s show how much our Emerald Otters care by filling those bins and supporting our own community. Thank you for giving generously and helping our local families this holiday season!
Emerald Chuck E Cheese Fundraiser Night January 28 3-9 pm
Our next PTO meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 13 at 5:30 PM in the Emerald Commons , and all Emerald families are welcome to attend. PTO meetings are a chance to hear what is happening around the school, learn how funds are being used to support students and staff, and share ideas that help strengthen our school community. Whether you are a regular volunteer, brand new to the PTO, or just curious about what we do, you are welcome to join us. There is no long-term commitment required to attend a meeting. Come when you can, listen in, and participate at whatever level feels comfortable. Meeting Details Date: Tuesday, January 13 Time: 5:30 PM Location: Emerald Commons We hope to see you there and appreciate everyone who takes time to stay connected and involved at Emerald Elementary PTO .
Tuesday, January 6 Kindergarten through 2nd Grade: 5:00 to 6:30 PM 3rd through 5th Grade: 6:30 to 8:00 PM Get ready for an evening of hands-on science, curiosity, and discovery. We are bringing the spirit of Oregon Museum of Science and Industry right to our school for a special OMSI Night designed for the whole family. This is not a sit-and-watch kind of event. OMSI Night is all about exploring, experimenting, and figuring things out together. Throughout the school, you will find interactive stations filled with real science equipment and engaging challenges. Some activities will click instantly. Others might stump you at first. That is part of the fun. Kids will get to test ideas, make predictions, and try again when things do not work the first time. Adults might find themselves just as curious and occasionally just as perplexed. It is one of those nights where learning feels playful and shared, not instructional or pressured. Event Times Kindergarten through 2nd Grade: 5:00 to 6:30 PM 3rd through 5th Grade: 6:30 to 8:00 PM If you have children in multiple grade levels, come at the time that works best for your family. You are welcome to choose the window that feels the most comfortable and enjoyable for your crew. What to Expect Hands-on science stations with OMSI-style challenges Activities designed to spark curiosity and conversation Opportunities for kids to explore at their own pace You do not need any science background to enjoy this night. Asking questions, trying things out, and laughing when something surprises you is exactly the point. OMSI Night is about experiencing science as something approachable, creative, and fun. This event is a great chance to spend time together, see classmates outside the classroom, and remind kids that learning can happen anywhere, especially when it feels like play. We hope you will join us for an unforgettable evening of discovery.
Emerald Elementary families can order spirit wear during a short winter break window with fast turnaround. A full showroom with additional styles will reopen after break.
Learn how our Fun Run, Book Fair, and student earned Scholastic Dollars make it possible to give every Emerald Elementary student a book of their own. See how your support brings literacy to life.
Join us for Cocoa and Caring on December 4 at Emerald Elementary. Enjoy cocoa, cookies, story time with teachers, card making for assisted living residents, and Book Fair shopping. Donations and volunteers welcome.
The Emerald Book Fair is almost here! Preview dates, shopping times, and upcoming volunteer info at our Scholastic Book Fair page.
Learn about Emerald PTO’s proposed bylaw updates, including a new inclusivity statement and financial policy changes. Vote at the Dec 2 meeting!
Emerald PTO meeting November 4th 5:30 pm in the commons.
Our 2025 Fun Run was an incredible success, and it’s all thanks to YOU! With your generosity and enthusiasm, we raised just over $16,000 — surpassing our school goal! Donations came in from 26 different states , showing just how far our Emerald community reaches. A huge thank you to Angela Gates for coordinating this year’s event. Her organization, energy, and creativity made the day run smoothly from start to finish. We’re also deeply grateful to all of the volunteers who helped with setup, passing out waters and Otter Pops, cheering, cleanup, and everything in between. We couldn’t do it without you! And of course, thank you to every student, family member, and friend who donated, shared fundraising pages, and came out to cheer on our Otters. Your support helps fund classroom needs, after-school clubs, sports, and special programs that enrich our kids’ school experience. The Fun Run isn’t just about raising money — it’s about school spirit, teamwork, and community. Seeing students run, laugh, and cheer each other on reminds us what Emerald is all about. 💚 Thank you for making this year’s Fun Run our best yet!