The volunteers photocopies, collates and staples homework packets and other materials for our teachers, staff, and PTA. In the past, teachers, aides and classroom volunteers spent many long hours doing these tasks. This committee completes these tasks for them, so they may have more time in the classroom. Volunteers are trained and can assist with this committee in the PTA Volunteer Room, (room 31) from 9:00 AM – 12 noon on any given school day.

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Hickory PTA annually supplements the emergency supplies provided by Torrance Unified School District (TUSD). Our Emergency Preparedness Chairperson conducts on-going surveys of our school with the goal of improving safety as well as providing the most effective care and shelter for our children in the event of a disaster. Thus far, PTA has purchased privacy shelters with portable toilets, emergency blankets, water, additional first aid supplies, walkie-talkies, hard hats, stretchers, generator and emergency lights. Additional supplies are purchased yearly as needed.

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Each year PTA presents Honorary Service Awards to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary service to our school and community. All are eligible for these coveted awards. Nominations are submitted in writing to the Honorary Service Chairperson, c/o Hickory School office by early January. Be on the lookout for information in the weekly Communicator.

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PTA provides hospitality for numerous functions throughout the school year. Hospitality includes invitations, setup, decorations and food. Events that Hospitality assists with are New Parent Orientation, Room Representative Training, School Beautification, and PTA General Association Meetings.

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Though most PTA units must fundraise to support their programs and to supplement what local and state funding does not provide, the primary mission of PTA is one of advocacy. Advocacy begins at the PTA unit level in many ways. At Hickory our legislative chairperson organizes support for school bond measures, monitors the local school board, and keeps the members informed of local, state and federal education issues. This is accomplished through articles in Communicator and with monthly reports to the PTA Board.

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Hickory Hounds love to read! During every school day, our library is a place where students and parents share their enthusiasm for books. Our mission is to encourage the love of reading and learning. We maintain an up-to-date book collection and help students to learn and explore the library. In addition, we contribute to the teachers’ efforts in the classroom by supporting classroom curriculum and making sure our resources meet the California Department of Education standards. This program is run entirely by PTA volunteers. There are many different ways you can help. The Library’s success depends on you.

Please stop in and check us out!

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Our new Hickory marquee is located in the front of the school. Information on upcoming events and programs, both school and PTA are featured.

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The primary duty of a room representative is to coordinate two annual classroom celebrations, which are funded by PTA, and in-class Teacher Appreciation Week efforts. The Winter party is held prior to winter break in December and the Year-End party is held in June. Other room representative duties may include arranging for field trip chaperones, occasionally scheduling parent volunteers to help with PTA events, and assisting the teacher as needed.

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Annually, our PTA grants scholarship money to high school seniors in the city of Torrance who have attended Hickory Elementary School. In the spring, high school counselors collect applications, which are evaluated by a Hickory PTA committee. The recipients are chosen for their strength of character, academic performance, leadership abilities and financial need.

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We like it pretty, we like it sparkling and we like to make it better and better, so we bring our cleaning rags, our paint brushes, our carpentry tools and/or our gardening gloves to help with a School Beautification Day. This committee works with the principal and custodial staff to determine what jobs need to be done. Then PTA volunteers assist with organizing the various work areas. School Beautification Days are held on Saturday, one in early October and one day set up in the spring or as deemed necessary by the committee and the principal.

This event is funded by the PTA as well as the generous assistance of community businesses which have included DOW chemical, King's Hawaiian Restaurant, and The Claim Jumper Restaurant. Please consider donating your time and talent, every "body" is needed and appreciated.

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Every year Hickory PTA recognizes the many "behind the scenes" people that keep things going in working order at Hickory. Some of these special people are the cafeteria staff, noon aides, custodian staff, the crossing guards and our office staff. We think they're the greatest!

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Appreciation of our exceptional teachers happens year-round at Hickory, beginning with our Back to School Luncheon in September and continues throughout the school year. However, the most celebrated recognition occurs during Teacher Appreciation Week, the first week in May. During this week the Room Reps organize student activities to honor their special teacher. Working with Hickory parents the Teacher Appreciation Chairperson coordinates a Multicultural Luncheon, which is considered by many teachers to be the highlight of the week. Creative thought goes into all that we do for our Hickory teachers.

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Hickory’s Yearbook is published by the PTA volunteers with the goal of reflecting students in all grades Kindergarten through 5^th grade. It highlights our awesome school, student council and PTA sponsored events that occur throughout the year. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate by either participating in creating the book or pages or taking and printing pictures of Hickory students participating in Hickory events. Volunteer opportunities include: digital photography either for all the school or a specific grade, typing, proofing, and creating pages.

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