Minding Your Business- Harwich Elementary PTO

The Harwich Parent-Teacher Organization is a partnership of parents, teachers and administrators whose purpose is to enhance and enrich the education of our students. The PTO is an all-volunteer fundraising organization that supports the activities and development of Harwich Elementary School (HES) students, and boy, has the PTO been busy this year!

 The 2025-2026 board members include Jill Petell and Julia Maker (co-presidents), Rich Roy (treasurer), Julia Apostalova (social media), Cindy Gushee (vice secretary), Caitlynn Hopper (vice president) and Katie Cloney (PTO MVP).

 Among the over two dozen PTO events, sponsorships and activities each year are kindergarten meet ups, sponsored kindergarten T-shirts for every new Monomoy Shark, the back to school ice cream social, curriculum night pizza, fourth grade year book, annual halloween parade, free skate days, the Shamrock Shimmy, book fairs, teacher/staff appreciation events and so much more.

On the heels of its time-treasured holiday bazaar and craft fair and recently sponsoring a fourth grade field trip to see the Harwich Junior Theater’s production of “Annie,” the PTO has been gearing up for the annual New Year’s Day Polar Plunge. The plunge has grown over the years to be a highly anticipated event, often drawing hundreds of brave souls who take a leap of faith and fun, jumping into the frigid waters at Red River Beach. The event is totally donation-based and participants are encouraged to drop a few dollars into the buckets and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate after they take the plunge.

 Each year the PTO votes on a beneficiary to split the proceeds with, and this year they have selected the Harwich Recreation Department. PTP co-presidents Julia Maker and Jill Petell are excited about this year’s plunge, hoping to draw even more people and raise even more funds to support the rec department.

“By splitting the profits with the rec it allows us to focus even more on this vital community partnership,” said Petell. “[Rec program specialist] John Loosey is offering so much. We are happy to help provide funding for rec scholarships for kids who can’t afford programs.”

“We are always pleasantly surprised to see people of all ages starting off New Years there,” Maker said of the plunge. “There’s always tons of kids hopping right in!”

Anyone not able to make it to the beach on New Year's Day can always donate to the PTO via Venmo at venmo.com/u/HarwichPTO.

 “The Harwich PTO provides many beloved traditions that offer students, families, and staff rich opportunities to unite as a community,” said  Harwich Elementary Principal Dr. Christie Cutone. “I am grateful for the many volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to making HES an amazing place to learn and play.”

“Harwich Elementary PTO is a friendly, supportive and involved team,” said Vice Principal Allyson Joy. “They play such an integral part of our school community by providing a wealth of wonderful opportunities for our students and staff. They have enthusiasm, passion and dedication to help make HES an amazing place to be.”

 The PTO is always looking for parents and guardians to step up and join the board, attend meetings or offer to help remotely — the possibilities to support the staff, school and the student experience are endless. 

“We have a fun group of PTO volunteers that make a lot of great events happen for our school,” said Maker. “We would love for you to join us!”

If you want to become more involved with the Harwich Elementary PTO, contact your PTO officers today at harwichpto@monomoy.edu. Better yet, head on down to Red River Beach and take the plunge on New Year’s day and see how fun it all is!

hes.monomoy.edu/parent-caregiver-resources/harwich-pto

Follow the PTO on Facebook and Instagram: @HarwichPTO