CMPG Committees

Events Committee

This committee ensures that CMPG provides fun family activities throughout the school year. Some examples include: Trunk-or-Treat, movie day, skate night, and the spring dance.

• Coordinate events, including communication with vendors/venues, volunteers, and building staff

• Plan a couple “kickback” events each year (for example restaurant or skate night mini-fundraisers)

• Write family communications (executive board member will manage emails)

• Spend within CMPG’s events budget 

Fundraising Committee

This committee ensures that CMPG’s fundraising efforts are aligned to meet our financial needs. Some examples include: Trivia Night, Party with a Purpose, and merch sales.

• Plan and execute major fundraisers throughout the year

• Write grants as needed to support various CMPG endeavors

• Support any “kickback” mini-fundraisers that the events committee plans

• Support the Des Moines Arts Festival Beverage Tent fundraiser

• Determine fundraising goals in collaboration with Co-Presidents and Treasurer

Teacher Appreciation Committee

This committee ensures that CMPG recognizes and appreciates teachers throughout the year.

• Coordinate catered meals five times per year (fall and spring conferences, fall PD day, spring PD day, and teacher appreciation week)

• Clean and restock the Zen Den (teacher’s lounge) with goodies three times per year (beginning of year, December, and Teacher Appreciation Week)

• Restock the staff bathrooms with mints and toiletries two times per year (beginning of year and January)

• Assist the executive board with any other activities or treats planned for Teacher Appreciation Week

• Spend within CMPG’s teacher appreciation budget

After School Clubs Committee

This committee ensures that various after-school programs are available to Cowles students on a regular basis.

• Coordinate programming, including communication with program leaders, volunteers, and building staff

• Write submissions for related grant opportunities to offset costs

• Write family communications (executive board member will manage emails/sign ups)

• Create and manage signups using Google Forms

• Spend within CMPG’s after-school clubs budget

Arts Committee

This committee ensures that arts experiences are available to Cowles students each year.

• Coordinate a “Fine Arts Day” or level-specific arts field trips/experiences, including communication with artists, volunteers, and building staff

• Support the Des Moines Arts Festival Beverage Tent fundraiser

• Spend within CMPG’s arts budget following DMAF guidelines

Garden Committee

This committee ensures that the school garden beds and other special spaces not supported by DMPS are maintained throughout the year. Note: This committee is also a Cowles staff committee. Parent volunteers will collaborate with this existing staff committee.

• Plan and execute garden clean up days

• Support staff with planting, maintaining, and harvesting the garden beds

• Coordinate ongoing garden maintenance throughout the summer, including communication with Metro, volunteers, and building staff

• Organize educational opportunities with garden experts. Some examples include: Grade A gardens and Polk County Conservation. 

Community Learning Committee

This committee ensures the entire school community is supported with learning opportunities.  Some examples include: Montessori Matters and Curriculum Night. Note: This committee is also a Cowles staff committee. Parent volunteers will collaborate with this existing staff committee.

• Coordinate opportunities for families to learn more about Montessori education and other meaningful topics

• Support staff with relevant projects and events throughout the school year

• Spend within CMPG’s community learning budget