OUR PROGRAMS
The Carrillo PTO has a robust set of programs to support our students, families and school faculty.
YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS
After-School Enrichment
Ready for some after-school fun? Students can make new friends, move their bodies, and grow their brains right here at Carrillo, with different and exciting classes every day of the week. Our PTO after-school program offers a wide variety of hourlong enrichment class options that start at dismissal time, allowing your kids to have a blast while you skip the pickup line! From sports to STEM, art to dance, there's a perfect match for every student!
Arts Attack
Each class has a parent volunteer who leads an art lesson monthly or bi-monthly through our Arts Attack program. Carrillo's creativity culminates with our Arts Attack show in the Spring where each class has their work displayed in our Multi-Purpose Room.
More Information: CarrilloArtAttack@gmail.com
Carrillo Garden
Our beloved Carrillo Garden was started by a student in 2001 as a tribute to the victims and first responders of 9/11. The garden is planted and maintained by parent volunteers. We need your green thumbs!
“Every garden begins with a dream...but thrives with a community of volunteers who share the vision. 🌷❤”
- Mrs. Cummings, Former Carrillo Teacher and Garden Founder
Room Parents
Room Parents help to coordinate class parties, teacher gifts and other special occasions throughout the year. Duties can be co-shared to give even more parents the chance to get involved! To be a Room Parent, you will need volunteer clearance through the District.
Please contact your child's teacher if you're interested in serving as room parent or assisting when needed.
Run Club
On your mark, get set, GO! Run Club meets on our new field every morning between 8:15-8:45am before school. Volunteers are needed to log miles and track who earns a charm. Run Club is available for every Carrillo student; no sign-up required.
If you are a parent of a child in Kindergarten, ask your teacher when their class participates in Run Club. Please email runclub@carrilloelementarypto.org for more information.
ANNUAL PROGRAMS
District Track Meet
PTO supports the Carrillo Track and Field Team (3rd, 4th and 5th graders) who train after school in preparation for the annual District Track Meet on May 28, 2026. This friendly competition includes events like the long jump, softball throw, 4x100m relay race, and four different sprint distances ranging from 50m to 400m. Our student athletes participate in the track meet alongside five other SMUSD elementary schools: Discovery, La Costa Meadows, San Elijo, Joli Ann Leichtag, and La Mirada Academy. This event is always fun and high energy as the community comes together to cheer on their student athletes! Let's Go Colts!
International Academic Competitions
International Academic Competitions (IAC) is a global organization that hosts buzzer-based competitions for students across 60+ countries. For Carrillo students who are interested, they can take qualifying exams in History, Geography and Science by March 2, 2026. The competition will take place at Carrillo on March 14.
If you want more information about IAC, please click here to get connected. For questions, email coordinator Anu Ramdas at anuramdas2023@gmail.com
Model UN
Carrillo 5th graders and San Elijo Middle School (SEMS) are piloting a MODEL UN program in 2026. The competition will be hosted at SEMS and is tentatively scheduled for the end of April. This will be an excellent opportunity for our students to learn and participate in domestic and international affairs.
At this time, we are gathering interest from our 5th grade students to decide if we will move ahead with the competition.
Spelling Bee
Calling all 5th Graders! Carrillo's Spelling Bee occurs every Spring and participation is voluntary. This is a great way to expand your vocabulary and engage in a friendly academic competition. A list of spelling words and other study materials are provided to participants to set them up for success.
The 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee will take place Feb. 26 in the Carrillo Elementary MPR. More Information + Study Guides
Wings of Wise Scholarship
In honor of Carrillo's founding principal Fred Wise, the Wings of Wise is a one-time $1,000 scholarship awarded to a former Carrillo Colt who is a graduating high school senior. We pride ourselves in creating life-long learners and love how this program inspires our young Colts to keep learning and always be curious.
The 2026 application is available and the deadline to apply is April 10, 2026. For more information, contact wingsofwisescholarship@gmail.com
Yearbook
It is not too late to buy a yearbook for this school year. Go to Carrillo's TreeRing website, sign up or log in, and choose a soft cover for $32.48 or a hard cover for $38.55. Each yearbook includes the option to customize 2 pages. The last day to buy and customize yearbooks is May 5, 2026. If you donated $400 or more during the Fall Cash for Colts fundraiser, your donation included one soft cover yearbook that will be assigned soon to your TreeRing account.