OUR PROGRAMS
The Carrillo PTO has a robust set of programs to support our students, families and school faculty.
YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS
Arts Program
Every 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 student art show in the Spring where each class has their work displayed.
More Information: art@carrilloelementarypto.org
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
More information: garden@carrilloelementarypto.org
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.
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!
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. Competition details TBD for 2027.
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) participate in the MODEL UN program. This will be an excellent opportunity for our students to learn and participate in domestic and international affairs. The competition will take place in Spring 2027.
For questions, email coordinator Anu Ramdas at anuramdas2023@gmail.com
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.
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.
For more information click HERE
Yearbook
The Carrillo Elementary yearbook is created by PTO parent volunteers. A small portion of your purchase goes to the PTO, which is used for a variety of programs and services at Carrillo Elementary. Yearbooks are delivered to your student before the last day of school. The yearbook committee accepts parent-submitted photos year-round. Email photos to yearbook@carrilloelementarypto.org.