News Releases
May Volunteers of the Month: Kim and Dan Armentrout
Gray M. Sanborn PTA
 May 2, 2008
“Kim and Dan Armentrout have a genuine care for and passion to support Gray M. Sanborn,” their nominator said. “They support their passion with a drive to volunteer in the classroom, at the building level, and through our PTA.” Both have been deeply involved in the school since their son Caden, now finishing second grade, started kindergarten.
They volunteer for the sheer joy of being involved, Dan said. “When we first started going to PTA meetings, the leaders talked about keeping kids excited about school. We thought if we can show that we’re excited about school, Caden will be and possibly other kids, too.” As parents, they simply find volunteering at school a valuable way to be an integral part of Caden’s school life.
Kim and Dan have both been room parents, ran the school’s Holiday Breakfast last year, coordinated the school Book Fair and the Book Exchange this year, volunteered at Field Day last year, and also volunteered at Fall Fest. Kim has just been elected to a two-year term on the Sanborn PTA’s executive board. She will serve as second vice president-legislation starting at the beginning of the 2008-09 school year. She also has volunteered weekly in Caden’s classroom this year and last, working with students in reading and writing centers.
“They are creative idea generators who follow through to make things happen and turn their ideas into reality,” their nominator says of the Armentrouts. “The events they support are done in a thorough manner. Every detail has been covered.”
Because of their passion for literacy, Kim and Dan wrote and submitted a successful grant to the Target Corporation, obtaining $1,500 to support literacy at the school. The funds supported a school-wide assembly featuring poetry.
Kim and Dan both grew up in the northwest suburbs. Kim earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising from Purdue University and now is an early childhood instructor with the Palatine Park District. Dan attended the American Academy of Art in Chicago, earning a degree in advertising and graphics. He currently works in marketing, but continues to express his interest in fine arts as a water color artist and playing the guitar. The family enjoys biking in their leisure time.
Kim and Dan will be recognized at the May 14, 2008, Board of Education meeting, to be held at Walter R. Sundling Junior High School at 7 p.m.
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