The PTO hosts two book fairs each year that all students attend. The book fair vendor is Literati - a company that makes book discovery magical for students, igniting literacy skills and a love of reading.

The PTO receives a portion of the funds from each book fair and uses these proceeds to infuse new books, furniture, and other items into the school. 

Jog-A-Thon is an annual fundraising event put on at each Zionsville Elementary school. This event was created to reduce the number of fundraisers needed to support our students and school staff throughout the year. It is the only fundraiser where we ask students to directly participate!

The Jog-A-Thon takes place on a quarter-mile course in the parking lot at TSE, and students will be given time to jog (or walk) as many laps as they can. All students, grades PreK-4, will participate throughout the day at different times. They will be provided a Jog-A-Thon t-shirt to wear that day and encouraged to participate in the annual theme.

Jog-A-Thon 2025 is on September 26, 2025.

Trailside Express is a mail system run by the 2nd grade students at Trailside Elementary. Every couple of weeks, 2nd graders pick up letters and cards from mailboxes inside the school. They then check the addresses and stamps, sort the mail, and deliver it to mailboxes outside of each classroom.

The mail that is delivered is written by students, parents, siblings, friends, and even grandparents! Our 2nd graders enjoy delivering mail, and our entire school enjoys receiving letters.

Thrill Night is a night of fun, laughs, and adventures! This event involves bounce houses, a treat walk, a silent auction, and other amazing things to do as a family. We can’t wait to see you there!

This year, Thrill Night takes place on Friday, April 17.

Student Enrichment Grants

Each year, the PTO invites students to submit a grant proposal for an idea that could improve the school. Students work alone or in a small group to write an application and give a short presentation to members of the PTO board.  

The board loves hearing all the creative and thoughtful ideas and, with Principal Raycroft’s approval, helps realize projects that benefit our school and students. Some past granted requests include recess and outdoor equipment and enhancements, supplies for our school garden, an accomplishment board, a fourth-grade-led birthday program, art supplies, calming corner materials, and an addition to the media center.  

The Trailside Musical is an annual event produced in collaboration with Black Box Theatre Company and Ms. JY's Music Studio.  All current third and fourth grade students can participate in the Featured Cast, Ensemble, or Crew. All Trailside families and community members are welcome to attend the performances! 

Past shows have included The Lion King, Aladdin, and Frozen.  Information regarding this year's show, as well as Featured Cast auditions, will be released in late fall 2025, with rehearsals taking place in January through the show dates in March.  No auditions are required for Ensemble participation or Crew. 

Every year, the PTO hosts a celebration for the students in 4th grade who will be transitioning to the middle school the next school year. The students get to vote on their party theme and activities. 

The PTO also hosts a 4th-grade Talent Show on the last day of school, where fourth graders showcase their exceptional abilities!  For information on joining the planning committee for the celebration or working on the Talent Show,  use the contact form or come to a PTO meeting.