
Dear Carrie Martin Families,
We’re thrilled to bring you the second installment of “PTA Connections,” your exclusive window into the heart and soul of Carrie Martin. As we embark on this journey together, our mission remains steadfast: to keep you informed, inspired, and engaged in the vibrant tapestry of our school community.
In this edition, you’ll find information on:
- Tiger Trample Results
- Official Count Day (10/2)
- Second PTA Meeting of the year (10/10)
- Pumpkin Pounce (10/12)
- Book Fair (10/18 & 10/19)
- Parent Teacher Conference Appreciation Potluck (10/18)
- CM Night at Chipotle (10/24)
- Teacher / Staff Spotlight
Warmest Regards,
Rachael Quantz
PTA President

๐ฏ๐ Tiger Trample: A Roaring Success! ๐๐ฏ
We’re overjoyed to announce that this year’s Tiger Trample was an absolute triumph! Thanks to the unwavering support and dedication of our incredible families, students, sponsors, volunteers, and the wider community, we not only met but exceeded our goal, raising a remarkable $17,880!
But the success story doesn’t end there. Our extraordinary students and families showcased their determination by completing an astonishing 4,977 laps, covering an impressive 547.5 miles. This is a testament to the incredible spirit and resilience of our school community.
Students won multiple class parties and a Fun Assembly!
Thank you for coming together as one roaring force to support our school. Your dedication and love for Carrie Martin shine brilliantly. Let’s celebrate this remarkable achievement and look forward to more extraordinary adventures ahead!

๐๐ Count Day: October 2nd – Please Be On Time! ๐๐
Count Day is rapidly approaching on October 2nd, and your child’s punctuality is absolutely crucial. On this day, we must account for every student, as it directly impacts our school’s funding and resources. Count Day determines our budget for the year, affecting everything from classroom supplies to staffing, essential programs and extracurricular activities.
We kindly urge you to emphasize the importance of being on time for school on October 2nd. Your child’s presence at the start of the day ensures that we receive the necessary resources to provide them with the best education possible. Let’s come together and make Count Day a resounding success for the benefit of all our students and our school community. Thank you for your unwavering support!
๐ข Mark Your Calendars for Our Next PTA Meeting! ๐๐
Join us for our second PTA meeting of the year on Tuesday, October 10th, right in the heart of our school’s Technology Lab. Your presence and participation are invaluable as we come together to discuss important initiatives, share ideas, and strengthen our school community.
Date: Tuesday, October 10th Time: 5:30 PM Location: Technology Lab
It’s a fantastic opportunity to stay informed about what’s happening at Carrie Martin and to be an active part of shaping our children’s educational journey. Let’s collaborate, connect, and make a difference together. We look forward to seeing you there! ๐ #PTAMeeting #FamilyEngagement #CarrieMartinCommunity

๐๐ Get Ready for Our Inaugural Pumpkin Pounce! ๐๐
We’re thrilled to announce our first-ever Pumpkin Pounce, and you won’t want to miss it! On October 12th, from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM, gather your family and join us for a fantastic fall celebration. Pick your perfect pumpkin from our patch, revel in fun and festive fall games, strike a pose at our autumn-themed photo opportunity, and get ready for the highlight โ our costume exchange!
This is a FREE event, but donations are welcomed. We will also have some NEW spirit wear available for sale at the event.
But we need your help! To make the costume exchange even more amazing, we’re asking families to drop off gently used costumes at the school by Friday, October 6th. Let’s make this event a true community gathering, where we can share the joy of the season and create unforgettable memories together. We can’t wait to see you there, ready to pounce into the spirit of fall! ๐๐ #PumpkinPounce #FallFun #CommunityCelebration

๐๐ Join Us for a Literary Adventure at the Fall Book Fair! ๐๐
Get ready for a captivating journey into the world of books at our Fall Book Fair, where reading dreams come to life! Our dedicated librarian, Mrs. Lucy Stredde, has been working tirelessly to prepare an enchanting selection of books for all ages.
Mark your calendars for October 18th and 19th during parent-teacher conferences. To kick off this literary extravaganza, we’re hosting a delightful morning with donuts and muffins on October 18th at 8:30 AM. It’s a perfect way for families to bond over breakfast and explore the world of reading together.
By participating in the Book Fair, you not only enrich your own reading adventures but also support our school’s library and literary programs. Join us, discover new stories, and let’s nurture a love for reading in our children. We can’t wait to see you there! ๐๐ฉโ #FallBookFair #LiteraryAdventure #CarrieMartinReads
Calling all Volunteers
Please consider volunteering your time and expertise to create a wonderful experience for our young readers. Together, we can make this Book Fair unforgettable! If you’re interested, please sign up below. Thank you for being a part of our literary adventure! ๐๐ #VolunteersNeeded #BookFairSuccess #CommunitySupport
๐ฒ๐ฅช Let’s Show Our Teachers Some Love! ๐ฅช๐ฒ
Our Parent Teacher Potluck Appreciation Event is just around the corner, and we’re excited to make it extra special this year with a theme that’s both heartwarming and delicious โ “Sandwiches and Soup.” It’s an opportunity to express our gratitude to our amazing teachers who dedicate long days to conferences.
We invite you to sign up and be a part of this heartwarming event by contributing your favorite sandwich or soup. Your participation will help create a delightful spread that shows our teachers just how much we appreciate their hard work and dedication. Please join us in making this event a memorable one for our wonderful educators. Sign up today, and let’s come together to make a difference! ๐ฅช๐ฅฃ #TeacherAppreciation #CarrieMartinCares #ParentTeacherPotluck

๐ด๐ฎ Satisfy Your Cravings and Support Our School! ๐ฏ๐ด
Mark your calendars for October 24th, from 5 PM to 9 PM, because it’s time for another delicious fundraising restaurant night at Chipotle! This is your chance to enjoy your favorite burritos, bowls, and more, all while giving back to our school. Chipotle will generously donate a whopping 33% of the night’s sales to support our educational programs and activities.
So, gather your family and friends, come hungry, and let’s make this night a flavor-filled success. It’s a win-win โ satisfying your taste buds and contributing to the future of our students. We can’t wait to see you there! Students will come home with a flyer as the night gets closer. Learn More here. ๐ฎ๐ #ChipotleNight #Fundraiser #SupportOurSchool
๐ New Teacher/Staff Spotlight ๐

๐ Ms. Erin Case โ Our Tech-Savvy Dreamer ๐
Join us in welcoming Erin Case, our newest addition to the Carrie Martin Elementary family as our Technology Facilitator! With a passion for technology and a dreamer’s spirit, Erin is here to guide our students into a world where learning knows no bounds. When she’s not embracing the digital realm, Erin enjoys starting her day with a hearty burrito, exploring Target’s aisles, and hitting the outdoors on her bike. Erin’s top classroom supply wish? Headphones for the lab! Let’s extend a warm Carrie Martin welcome to Erin and make her feel right at home! ๐๐ปโจ #TeacherStaffSpotlight #TechGuru #DreamBig

๐ Mrs. Jessica Disparti โ Our Creative Art Maven ๐
Meet Mrs. Jessica Disparti, our inspiring Art Teacher, who brings a world of creativity to our students. Jessica believes that “creativity takes courage.” Her favorite holiday is Christmas, and she enjoys dining at Taco Bell or any place with steak and french fries. She loves exploring the virtual aisles of Amazon. Reading is her cherished hobby, and she’s drawn to the color turquoise and the beauty of hibiscus flowers. Jessica’s love languages are words of affirmation and giving gifts/making food. Her guilty pleasure is charcuterie boards, and she’s not a fan of laundry chores. Her dream travel destinations are Brazil or Italy, and she has a passion for watercolors, clay glaze, new watercolors, and various-sized brushes for her classroom. She also appreciates donations of supplies or unique items like jars and junk drawer items for 5th-grade robot projects. Thank you, Mrs. Disparti, for infusing our school with your artistic spirit! ๐จ๐๐ #TeacherSpotlight #ArtisticMaven #CreativityAndCourage

๐ Mrs. Lucy Stredde โ Our Literary Wizard๐
Meet Mrs. Lucy Stredde, our Library Specialist. Inspired by Dr. Seuss, she believes that magic can be found in every book. Lucy’s favorites include celebrating Christmas, savoring eggs for breakfast, and dining at El Publito. She’s an avid reader who adores the color turquoise and the scent of fresh linen candles. She enjoys Black Raspberry Ice as a cold beverage. Lucy’s love languages are Words of Affirmation and Gifts, and she appreciates support with the Book Fair. If you ever want to surprise her, her top classroom supply wishes are markers, crayons, pencils, scissors, and glue sticks. She dreams of piloting a plane, loves shopping for clothes, and Australia is her dream destination. Thank you, Mrs. Stredde, for weaving the magic of literature into our school community! ๐๐๐ณ #TeacherStaffSpotlight #LiteraryWizard #BookMagic

๐ Mr. Mark Wiese โ Our Helpful Faculty Aide ๐
Meet Mr. Mark Wiese, our dedicated Faculty Aide, who adds a touch of warmth and support to our school community. With a friendly smile and a heart full of kindness, Mark enjoys dining at Applebee’s and Old Chicago and exploring the aisles of Kohl’s and Walmart. The color green is his personal favorite, and the comforting scent of cinnamon candles makes any day better. Mark’s presence in our school community is a source of comfort and assistance, and we’re grateful for all he does! ๐๐๏ธ๐ช #TeacherStaffSpotlight #HelpfulAide #WarmthAndKindness
๐ Ms. Tiffany Kile โ Our Social Emotional Learning Specialist ๐
Meet Ms. Tiffany Kile, our dedicated Social Emotional Learning Specialist, bringing experience and compassion to our school community. Yoga and shades of blue, teal, and aqua bring her tranquility. Tiffany enjoys chips of all kinds, almond Snickers, Snickers, and gummy bears as snacks. She loves Mexican, Italian, pizza, and pub food, plus passion fruit tea/lemonade. Tiffany’s love language is Words of Affirmation, and she dreams of exploring Italy. Thank you, Ms. Kile, for your dedication to our students’ emotional well-being! ๐ผ๐ฌ๐งโโ๏ธ #TeacherStaffSpotlight #SELSpecialist #CompassionAndPositivity