Parent Volunteers Active in Westfield Schools

By Lorre Korecky

The 2015-2016 Parent-Teacher Council (PTC) of the Westfield Public Schools held its first meeting of the school year on September 17 to begin the sharing of ideas, interests and news about each school.

The PTC, led by President Ruth Maloney, is an umbrella organization which includes all 10 schools’ parent-teacher-student organizations. The PTC has scheduled one meeting a month during the school year, beginning with discussions among the PTO presidents and PTC Board, and then opening up to the PTO general membership and public.

Regular participants at these meetings are Superintendent Margaret Dolan and Board of Education member Peggy Oster. Topics such as school policies, district budget, student achievement and PTO initiated fundraising activities are discussed.

“Our regular meetings with the PTO representatives and PTC board provide an excellent vehicle for two-way communication,” explained Dr. Dolan.

“At the meetings we have the opportunity to hear both the good news and the concerns of our parents in our schools through their representatives. At the same time, the parents learn what decisions are being made or considered by the Board of Education. It’s a very helpful process for all concerned. We are so fortunate in this district to have so many dedicated volunteers.”

Attending the September 17 meeting are (seated left to right) -

PTC Board members:

• Donna Kenney Keith
• Lisa Wendel
• Ruth Maloney
• Monica Bergin
• Amisha Mehta (who also serves as Co-President of Edison Intermediate School)
  

Standing first row:

• PTO Co-Presidents Fran Prybylski – Lincoln
• Alyson Twilley – Franklin
• Jenn White – Edison
• Joelene Ritter – Westfield High School
• Roseanne Schack – Tamaques
• Robin Eisman – Jefferson
• Chitra Singh – Jefferson
• Joanne Turner – Roosevelt
• Beth Dencker – Franklin
• Stephanie Camangian – McKinley

Back row:

• Kerry Mooney – Wilson
• Stephanie Walsh – Washington
• Stacey Shepherd – Wilson
• Alayne Morgenthal – Westfield High School
• Tanya Evans – Tamaques
• Marty McDevitt – Roosevelt
• Paola Briones-Marro – McKinley
• Vanessa Schwartz – Washington

Missing from the photo is Megan Denner – Lincoln.