Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is SMPO (St. Michael Parent Organization) the same as a PTA (Parent Teacher Association) or School Board?

    • SMPO can be compared to a public school’s version of PTA . However, SMPO is made up of only parent volunteers. In addition, paid employees of St. Michael Parish School can not be on the SMPO Executive Board. The School Principal does attend SMPO Executive Board meetings as the school liaison.

    • SMPO is different from our St. Michael Advisory School Board. The School Board is an advisory board to the Parish Pastor and School Principal. School board members are elected by the board through an open application process, interviews, and board discussions coming to the final decision.  

What is the purpose of SMPO?

    • SMPO’s mission statement is to enhance and support the St. Michael Parish School community by providing for the spiritual, educational, social, physical, and mental well-being of the students, their families, and the staff.

    • The  organization  was  formed  to  support  the  education  of  children  at  St.  Michael  Parish  School  by  fostering  relationships  among  the  school,  parents  and  teachers  in  the  following  areas: community building, fundraising, volunteer support, and education.


What are the Activities and Events that SMPO sponsors?  

We offer programs and events for the school community such as the following:

  • Mentor Families 

  • Welcome Back Social

  • Park Play Dates (Preschool - Kindergarten)

  • Uniform Exchange 

  • School Supply Kits 

  • Fun Food Friday and Sunset Slush

  • Yearbook 

  • Spirit Wear/Lance’s Locker

  • Parent Speaker Series

  • Lancer Dash - Annual Fall Fundraiser

  • Restaurant Nights - Cashin-Flynn Scholarship for Jr. High

  • Oktoberfest 

  • School Assemblies & Field Trips

  • Poinsettia Sale 

  • Donuts with Santa

  • Santa’s Secret Workshop 

  • Catholic Schools Week Celebrations - Fun Day, Assemblies & Raffles

  • Spring Plant & Flower Sale 

  • Book Fair

  • Senior Valentine Party

  • Daddy Daughter Dance

  • Mother Son Event

  • Grandparents Day 

  • 8th Grade Brunch 

  • Volunteer Recognition Mass & Coffee

  • Chicago Wolves Family Night

  • STEM Night & STEM Week

  • End of Year Class Picnics

  • Room Parents

  • Quest Hot Lunch

  • Cashin/Flynn Scholarship

  • Support for Teachers - Years of Service Recognition, Meals during Parent/Teacher conferences and Catholic Schools Week, Teacher Grants, Staff Treat Cart, Christmas & End of Year Faculty/Staff Collection

  • Bible Stories (K-3)

  • Art Awareness (Preschool)

  • Directory Spot

  • Trunk or Treat

  • Battle of the Books

How does SMPO raise money?

    • Lancer Dash is our all-school fundraiser. It is a fun run, in which the students raise money and then on a designated date, all grades run separately around the parking lot for ten minutes each. These funds raised by the students goes towards much-needed projects for the school such as the following: water fountains, smart boards, VR sets, science lab tables, new classroom doors, and a new playground.

    • The activity fee detailed on the FACTS statement for grades K-8 goes towards paying for the field trips and the school buses for the field trips as well as for classroom parties. 

    • SMPO also raises money through other fundraisers throughout the school year. 


What other items has SMPO helped provide for the school?

    • Chrome books, Quest food warmer, Document cameras, Jr. High new desks, supplies needed during COV-ID, volleyball and basketball upgrades, art tables, teacher grants, teacher lounge upgrades and snacks, camera for yearbook committee to name a few.


Is it possible to work full-time and be involved?

    • Yes, there are volunteer opportunities for every level of time commitment.  


How can a person become involved with SMPO?

    • There are many ways to get involved with SMPO. You can be on the SMPO Executive Board, an auxiliary chair of an event or program, or just volunteer for one of our many SMPO events that run throughout the year. Executive Board and Auxiliary Chair applications go out in February. For more information on SMPO visit: https://www.stmichaelschoolwheaton.org/aboutsmpo-1
      (Password: golancers)


What are the different roles within SMPO? (Executive Board and Auxiliary Chairs)

    • Co-Presidents

    • Co-Treasurers

    • Secretary

      • Feast of St. Michael Gifts

    • Co-Vice Presidents - Programs       

      • Programs Auxiliary Board Chairs:

      • CSW Staff Appreciation Luncheon

      • Summer Pre-K Park Dates

      • Fall Pre-K Park Play Dates

      • Parent Board Volunteer Mass

      • November Thank you Evening

      • Spring Volunteer “Thank You” Coffee

      • 8th Grade Graduation Breakfast

      • Grandparents Day

      • Cashin/Flynn Scholarship

      • Staff Treat Carts

      • Chicago Wolves Family Night

    • Co-Vice Presidents - Ways & Means

      • Ways & Means Auxiliary Board Chairs:

      • Fun Food Fridays

      • Fun Food Friday Drop-Ship

      •  Sunset Slush

      • Lancer Dash 

      • Book Fair 

      • School Supply Kits

      • Box Tops 

      • Spirit Wear 

      • Lance’s Locker

      • Restaurant Nights

      • Poinsettia Sale

      • Spring Flower Sale

    • Co-Vice Presidents - Social

      • Social Auxiliary Board Chairs:

      • Welcome Back Social

      • Oktoberfest

      • Santa's Secret Workshop

      • Fun Day Committee K-4th

      • Fun Day Committee 5th-8th

      • Senior Valentine Party

      • Yearbook

      • Daddy Daughter Dance

      • Mother Son Event

    • Co-Vice Presidents - Membership

      • Membership Auxiliary Board Chairs:

      • Room Parent Coordinator

      • New Family Orientation

      • Mentor Families

      • Directory Spot

      • Teacher Conferences Lunch

      • Trunk or Treat

      • Donuts with Santa

      • Uniform Exchange

      • End of Year Picnics

    • Co-Vice Presidents - Cultural Events

      • Cultural Events Auxiliary Board Chairs:

      • Special Programs (programs & assemblies, in-class learning labs, Pre-4 four seasons day)

      • Art Awareness

      • Gifts of Service

      • STEM Night

      • Battle of the Books (4/5th & YA)

      • 7th Grade Play Field Trip

      • Parent Speaker Series 

      • Bible Stories

For a list of the current Executive Board Members and Auxiliary Chairs visit: https://www.stmichaelschoolwheaton.org/aboutsmpo-1
(Password: golancers)


Does SMPO have a Facebook page?


Where and when does SMPO meet?

    • The SMPO Executive Board meets once a month (typically the 3rd Friday of the month) from 12:30 -2:00 pm on the first floor of the Faith Center.


Are non-executive board members allowed to attend a meeting?

    • If a non-executive board member would like to attend a meeting, they can email the SMPO Co-Presidents at smpopresident@gmail.com to discuss any concerns and be invited to attend a meeting.


Where can I find the minutes from the SMPO Executive Board meetings?


Is the SMPO Executive Board a volunteer or paid position?

    • All SMPO positions, including the SMPO Executive Board, are volunteer positions. SMPO volunteers do not receive any compensation for their time.