Here Comes Winter Break!
Last reminder for teachers gifts and end of year activities
Dear Central Families and Friends,
On behalf of Central’s PTO, thank you for helping make the first part of the ’25–’26 school year such a success! In just a few short months, the Central community - including dozens of volunteers, room parents, teachers, and staff - has come together to create meaningful events our students will always remember, such as Family Fun Night, Abby Regan’s author visit (with her pup, Oatmeal!), reading about Ralph’s motorcycle adventures during OBOS, and Science Fair.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported the PTO in so many ways. Thank you for your donations to the No Hassle Fundraiser, purchasing Central gear, joining us for Dine Out events, as well as your contributions to Kids Care, teacher and staff gifts, and our food drive. Your generosity truly makes a difference!
Looking ahead to 2026, there’s so much to be excited about. We can’t wait for our winter and spring social events at Flying High/Buckledown Brewery (January 9th) and Fleetwood Roller Rink (April 24), Book Fair in March, and especially Family Cultural Celebration Night on March 12!
A few reminders as we close out the year:
Holiday Group Gift Drive – Today, Dec. 15th, is the last day to contribute to the group gift for teachers, staff, specialists, and Kids Care families.
Central Merch – Order by tomorrow, Dec. 16th, to receive items before the holiday break.
Winterfest Concert – Tomorrow, Dec. 16th at 6pm in the Hauser Auditorium (send your photos to the yearbook committee!)
Dine Out for Central – Thursday, Dec. 18th from 4-8pm at Nonna’s GoodLife Pizza in La Grange. (30% of sales go back to Central. Reminder - online orders aren’t eligible.)
Spirit Days - Central’s Student Council has planned themed holiday spirit days this week:
Wednesday: Top to Bottom Day - Rock a holiday hat, headband, or festive hair accessory on the top; rock some mismatched, holiday, or fun socks on the bottom.
Thursday: Mad About Plaid - Wear your coziest plaid or flannel.
Friday: Festive Friday - Wear an “ugly” sweater or something festive and fun.
Additional details can be found below. Enjoy your holiday break and we’ll see you in 2026!
PTO Holiday Group Gift - Last day to donate
Each year around the holidays, the PTO organizes a group gift option to show appreciation to all staff, teachers, specialists (art, music, library, etc.), school support staff, and Kids Care (Central families in need). Please contribute as you are able, there is absolutely no obligation to do so.
Contributions must be made by today, December 15th to allow the PTO time to purchase gift cards on behalf of everyone. We will provide the gift cards to staff, teachers, specialists, school support staff, and Kids Care before the holiday break.
Thank you for your generosity and support!
➡️ Donate to the Holiday Group Gift for teachers, staff, and Kids Care ❤️
Central Merch - Order by tomorrow, Dec. 16th to receive items before break
Looking for small gift items for the holidays? Check out the Central Merch Store, stocked with Roadrunner gear and many items for less than $5!
If this is a student gift, write “Surprise Gift” in the Student Name line and items will be delivered to the front office for you to pick up.
➡️ Place Central Merch orders by tomorrow, Dec. 16th to receive before the holiday break
Dine Out for Central on Thursday, Dec. 18th - Nonna’s GoodLife Pizza in La Grange
December’s Dine Out for Central restaurant is Nonna’s GoodLife Pizza in La Grange. On Thursday, December 18th, between 4:00 - 8:00PM, the restaurant will donate 30% of all sales back to Central.
The fundraiser applies to orders placed in the restaurant or by phone (including delivery), but online orders are not eligible.
You must mention the Central PTO or show the flyer that will be sent home in backpacks for your order to count.
Nonna’s Good LifePizza is located at 42 South La Grange Road, La Grange, IL 60525 and can be reached at (708) 352-9800.
Help us collect photos for the 2025-2026 Central Yearbook
The PTO is collecting photos for the school yearbook, and we need your help! If you’ve captured any great moments this year, we’d love to include them.
❄️ We’d especially appreciate any photos from the upcoming Winterfest Concert. ❄️
Every photo helps us create a yearbook that truly reflects our wonderful community. Thank you for being part of it!
📸 Please use this form to upload your pictures: 2025 - 2026 Central Yearbook Photo Upload
Stay Connected with Central PTO
Keep an eye out for this bi-weekly newsletter for important updates and also…
Follow our Facebook page: Central PTO Riverside
Follow our Instagram account @centralptoboard
Sign up for Volunteer Opportunities
Submit photos for the yearbook (ongoing)
🗓️ SAVE THE DATES
🎶 December 16: Winterfest Concert at 6:00pm
👐 December 17 - 19: Student Council Holiday Spirit Days
🍕 December 18: Dine Out for Central at Nonna’s GoodLife Pizza - La Grange
❄️ December 20 - January 4: Winter Break
🤸 January 9th: Winter Social at Flying High (7 - 10pm)
🍺 January 9th: Parents Night at Buckledown Brewery (join us while your kiddos are at Flying High!)
🏫 January 26th: PTO General Meeting at 6:30pm - all are welcome!
🔔 Make sure you are following Central PTO for all our events!
Instagram: @centralptoborad
Facebook: Central PTO Riverside