Parent Teacher Organization

M.S.A.D. #51 Cumberland / North Yarmouth

 

 

 

 

 

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Board Members Enrichment Team PTO Volunteers Get Involved! PTO Bylaws Board Login/default.asp

History of the PTO

     The current PTO had its beginnings in 1976 as a PTA organization started in the district by Marie Garabed Brestel.  The group held meetings to discuss topics such as special education which was new at that time.  One of its most successful projects was a magic show held for students and families.  The group was able to attract teacher involvement but found a lack of parent participation.  As a result, the group disbanded.  The former members decided to concentrate on building a volunteer program which has evolved into the current MSAD 51 Volunteer Program headed by Melissa Skahan.

      In 1982, the Citizen Advisory Committee was created by Lu Gaulladet, Megan Waterhouse, and Sally Bancroft to facilitate communication between home and school.  The organization's task force implemented Art in the Elementary School and the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon.  The group changed its name in 1990 to the Parent Education Association and continued under the leadership of Peggy Wiles.

     In 1991, the group was renamed the Parent Teacher Organization to better describe its community orientation.  Under the direction of Kathie Harper, Mary Booth, Gail Witherill, Heidi Fitz, and Paula Ferguson, the PTO expanded its activities to include the Sally Foster fundraiser which enables the group to sponsor enrichment activities for the children; bus driver, teacher, and secretary appreciation events; the PTO newsletter; speakers; and the Book Gift Project.

     Following the leadership of Linda Workman, Maryellen Fitzpatrick was the chairperson for the PTO in 1996.  The focus remained on bringing the community and the administration together to discuss current issues.  The topics at the public forums ranged from educational approaches and state learning results to school days and the calendar.  Foundation 51, a community based educational foundation, was created by Maryellen and is still providing grants for children in the district today thru their annual auction.      

     Amy Visentin preceded April Ross and Sandy Thomas who co-chaired the PTO in 2000.  Their focus was on maintaining the many community forums and fundraising events and to build up the current enrichment program.  They met to discuss valuable educationally age appropriate enrichment programs, field trips, and activities for the students in each grade.  The organization is still very active today under the leadership of Emily Hawkinson and Deb Regan.  Emily and Deb began the Parent University program in September of 2002 in response to parent, faculty, and administrative interest.  The program has provided a wide range of programs during the last two school years from specialists on topics such as "The Hurried Child" and "Funding Your Child's College Education".  Programs have been chosen based on perceived needs within our school community, and childcare has been provided free of charge using volunteer sitters from Greely High School. 

      The PTO has existed in some form for nearly 30 years now.  While over the years the focus has changed to meet current needs and many wonderful programs have been added the goal has remained relatively constant.  The MSAD 51 PTO is an organization whose purpose is to promote communication and cooperation among the parents, teachers, and administration in order to provide the best educational experience for the children of the district.

 

 

 

The purpose of the PTO

is to promote communication and cooperation

among the parents, teachers, and administration of MSAD 51

in order to provide the best educational experience for the children of the district. 

PTO Bylaws, Article 2

 

MSAD51 Parent Teacher Organization,  PO Box 6A, Cumberland, ME 04021