Meet this year’s PTO presidents
In the 2017-18 school year, there will be fundraisers, parent-teacher events and celebrations to keep in mind.
Here’s a list of Parent Teacher Organization presidents and the best way to keep in touch so that you’re up-to-date with your child’s school.
► Amy Reed
Berry Middle School
“Having been on the Berry PTO for the past four years, I have seen what a key role the PTO has at our school. Our Principal and PTO volunteers work together to enhance the overall experience for the students and teachers. I’m happy to be a part of this organization.”
► Wendy Vastano
Chelsea Park Elementary School
“I am volunteering to be president of the PTO for many reasons. Involvement makes a dramatic difference in children and their school experience, in my opinion. My kids love to see me up at the school helping out, and I have the time to do so at this point in my life. I also want to help our school be the best it can be. By raising money to help provide the school with the resources it needs, it is a win-win for everyone.”
► Britt Clements
Chelsea Middle School
834-2453
“I am volunteering my time and resources to the students, parents, teachers and staff of ChMS because I would like to make our school’s educational environment the best that it can be. Our PTO’s purpose is to promote the welfare of students in school and also in the community. My hope, as the ChMS PTO President, is to provide a vital link in open communication so that all are informed. I want to make sure that parents know that I am here for answers, advice, guidance and support.”
► Donna Bowles
Chelsea High School
“I am so excited to serve as president of our amazing PTO this year. By partnering with other parents, the staff and administration, our goal is to work together to offer the best possible learning environment for the students at Chelsea High School.”
► Sandi Blakely
Forest Oaks Elementary School
“I love my child’s school and this position gives me the opportunity to give back for all they have given to my family. I am so lucky because I will be working with the most amazing administration and staff but most importantly the greatest families in the Shelby County community. Since opening its doors in 2013, our school has experienced one success after another and I look forward to being a part of that continued tradition. I am most excited about working with 16 other board members who all share the same goals and aspirations for all our children at Forest Oaks Elementary School — look out 2017-2018 school year because here we come.”
► Ashley Gregory
Greystone Elementary School
“I’m looking forward to serving as the PTA president this coming year. We have such a great group of parents who are willing to volunteer their time and talents. Our teachers and staff go above and beyond to make Greystone a wonderful place to be. It’s an honor to be able to give back to our school for all that they provide for our kids.”
► Beth Beard
Inverness Elementary School
“We are so thankful for the impact IES has had on all three of our boys over the last eight years. Our youngest is going into his third grade year and that makes it the best time for me to give back to IES by helping to support all the wonderful teachers and programs at the school. I am an elementary school teacher by trade, a mom of three boys by the gift of God and PTO President because I love seeing all the faces of children learning and growing in such a caring and loving environment as IES.”
► Courtney Kalnoske
Mt LaurelElementary School
276-6081
“I’m volunteering as PTO president for MLES because I truly enjoy working with the other PTO parents and our administration to make Mt Laurel the best elementary school it can be. I feel so blessed to be able to give my time and energy to my children’s school and see that it really does make a difference. My husband jokingly calls PTO my non-paying full time job, but the fulfillment I get from making a positive contribution where I am able makes it more than worthwhile. It was never my intention to serve as president, but how can I ask others to step up and lead if I’m not fully willing to do the same?”
► Trisha Cooper
Oak Mountain Elementary School
“I am volunteering as PTO president because it’s a way to stay involved in my daughter’s school and make a difference that will hopefully last long after she is out of Oak Mountain Elementary School. I want to show my daughter that it is important to give back to the community that helps you in so many ways.”
► Angie Dunham
Oak MountainIntermediate School
999-0302
“I am excited about being the new PTO President at OMIS for many reasons, one of which is that I have two sons in the Oak Mountain School system. I love being around them as well as being able to volunteer any chance I can. I love being part of the Oak Mountain family and I’m looking forward to the new school year.”
► Allison Sinclair
Oak MountainMiddle School
“There’s a common misconception that parental involvement isn’t wanted or needed as kids move into middle school, but, honestly, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Students and teachers need the support of parents more than ever during these transitional years. Serving as PTO president is my way of giving back, staying involved and hopefully making a positive impact in our community.”
► Julie Holstad
Oak MountainHigh School
“It has been a privilege to work alongside other members of the PTO as we learn and grow with the changes in our school and community. I have a sense of commitment to those things that I am passionate about — this includes my kids, our schools and overall our community. I see being a member of PTO as a way to show my commitment by being involved, being a contributor and sharing in the responsibilities of this organization.
“Our role is to help transform our school from a building into a community where the administration, teachers and students know they are supported. What we work on this year, and each year to come, is what makes our school a better learning environment for our children, We plan to continue our focus on our teachers by supporting a grant for the National Board Certification Training (NBCT). We will also be working with the parent involvement team, made up of teachers and leadership at OMHS, to increase the communication with our parents.
We are excited for another successful year at OMHS. Go Eagles!”
► Mary Annakin
Spain ParkHigh School
“Being part of the PTSO is a great way of staying in touch with what is going on at the school, its teachers and with the HCS system as a whole. Secondly, being active in the PTSO is a great way to help the teachers and staff with any needs that they have. This was so easy to do at the elementary and middle school levels but gets much harder at the high school level.”