Volunteer for PTA Events
There is no better way to pitch in, connect with other families, and see the community in action than to donate your time.
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Chili Cook-Off & Turkey Bowl
November 21, 2026 | 1-3 PM
PS 261's Annual Chili Cook-off returns thanks to event organizers Amy Honigman and Yael Utt, and hosted in conjunction with Afterschool’s Turkey Bowl from 12-3 PM (warm-up those flag football skills)! To enter the Chili Cook-Off, click the button below.
We need volunteers to set up, drop off baked goods, work the entry table, run the bake sale (students), count ballots, and clean up. Sign up below!
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Makers Market & Community Tea
December 5, 2026 | 12-4 PM
The Makers Market is back for its fourth year! Coordinated by Erin Boyle and Nikki Castillo, the Makers Market will take place in conjunction with a Community Tea, hosted by the Social Action Committee.
We need volunteers to help set up, sell slices of pie, and clean up! Sign up coming soon!
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MLK Jr. Community Day
January 18, 2027
Please join the Social Action Committee in honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. by participating in a service project for the benefit of our broader community. M LK Jr. x PS 261 Community day will be hosted at. PS 261. Additional details coming soon.
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Science Fair
March 31, 2027 | 6-8 PM
The PS 261 Science Fair is an opportunity for students to explore ideas, test solutions, and share their thinking and learning with the school community.
We need volunteers to help plan and execute the Science Fair. If you’re interested, please email the STEM Committee at the button below.
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Comic Con
April 15, 2027 | 6-8 PM
Please join us for PS 261’s Comic Con, hosted by the Book Committee. We will have a panel discussion and draw-off among comic creators in the auditorium, and then move to the gymnasium for book signings, Photo Booth, and more. We need help setting up, cleaning up, and writing student names on post-it notes while they wait in the author lines.
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Spring Thing
April 17, 2027 | 12-4 PM
Hosted by the Social Action Committee, please join us for the annual Spring Thing. There will be a $1 rummage sale, mending station, plant swap, up-cycled craft projects, and more. We need community volunteers to help with setting up, sorting clothing donations, selling clothes, assisting kids during event activities, breaking down, and more.
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Spring Outdoor Movie Night
May 7, 2027 (tentative)
Join us for a movie in the Big Yard. Concessions will be available. We need help setting up and cleaning up. Please click below to sign-up.
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Bid Bash
Spring 2027 (specific date TBD)
This adults-only event is PS 261’s favorite (DANCE!) party and our biggest fundraiser of the year. We need help planning and executing this event. If you are interested in event planning or fundraising (Bid Bash hosts an annual silent and live auction), or can help in anyway, please end an email to the Bid Bash team by clicking the button below.
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Spring School Musical
May 14 - May 16, 2027
The PS 261 School Musical, put on by Afterschool, is a treasured tradition that can only continue with the help of volunteers. Volunteers will have the opportunity to help with set design, costume design, make-up, stage management, and much more.
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Morning Library Hours
Every Wednesday & Friday | 8-8:20 AM
Our school library is open early on Wednesdays and Fridays (no limit to the number of books your child can check out). We need volunteers to help check out books. Click button below to sign up.
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General Interest
If you would like to get involved but are not quite sure how to take the first step, please fill out a simple form. We will gladly help connect you with a wonderful volunteer opportunity that fits your interests and schedule. Click button below to open form.
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Welcome Back Potluck
Coming Fall 2027
Thank you to everyone who made the 2026 Potluck suck a fun event!
Hosted by the PTA Executive Board and the Social Action Committee, join PS 261 families in the Big Yard for food and community. We need volunteers to: bring food to share, set-up, serve food, and clean up. Please click the button below if you can help.
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Fall Outdoor Movie Night
Coming Fall 2027
Thank you to everyone who helped set up and clean up for Fall Movie Night 2026, in spite of the rain!
Join us for a movie in the Big Yard. Concessions will be available. We need help setting up and cleaning up. Please click below to sign-up.
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Picture Day
Coming Fall 2027
Thank you to everyone who helped smooth fly-aways for Picture Day 2026!
We need volunteers to smooth hair, adjust outfits, and wrangle the students. Come join the fun of picture day and observe your kids in the wild. Please click the button below to volunteer.
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Character Parade
Coming Fall 2027
Thank you to everyone who brought delicious treats and provided amazing sound for the Character Parade Fall 2026!
Come hang out in the Big Yard after drop-off while we wait for the Character Parade to begin! PTA Executive Board provides coffee, and we ask volunteers to (1) bring food to share; and (2) join the Rhythm Circle. Click the button below to sign-up!
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Fall Fest
Coming Fall 2027
Thank you to Dana Omran and Erin Hayes for organizing such a fun 2026 Fall Fest and all the volunteers who donated their time and supplies to make it a success!
We need volunteers to make this PS 261 perennial favorite happen! Click the button below to sign up to volunteer at Fall Fest. If you aren’t available to help day of, we also need supplies donated.
Give today
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Give today ⁎
If volunteering your time is not feasible, or if you would like to contribute in other ways, please consider donating to the PTA. Like many public schools, PS 261 relies heavily on the generosity of our families to fill the gaps that public funding does not cover. For example, the PTA will fully fund the four counselors who monitor students during lunch, recess, and school breaks; provide money for field trips; fund free community events, like Comic Con; and contribute to the school librarian, ensuring that PS 261 has a full-time librarian at least four days a week.