This month we’re recognizing four amazing members of our PTA Executive Committee as they finish up their two-year terms. In addition to volunteering on this committee, they are also involved in many other PTA related functions. We asked them to share a little bit about their experiences helping make our PTA the wonderful organization that it is.
Sara Campbell (Secretary)
During my time as the PTA Secretary, I have had the pleasure of working alongside dedicated parents, teachers, and staff members who share a common goal of providing the best educational experience for our students. Together, we have organized numerous successful events, fundraisers, and initiatives that have enriched the lives of our children and fostered a sense of unity within our school community.
I have also been on the Owl Way Committee which helps with different initiatives during the school year such as book drive, coat drive, food drive and letters for gratitude. We are excited to share the giving charitable spirit with the students at OMS. Proud to be a part of the OMS Community for many years to come!
Kelli McDonald (1st Vice President)
Over the past two years, I’ve been the 1st VP of the PTA and it has been such a valuable experience for myself and my family. My son always enjoys when I can be involved in events and activities at the school and because of the pandemic, I found myself with more time to contribute. My husband, Mike and I, started Comic Book Club in 2020 after Ms. Davis announced at a PTA meeting that a student in my son’s grade inquired about finding someone to run the club. Mike loves comic books and has over a hundred in his collection, and I was able to run the zoom, so we thought “why not?”. We had an absolute blast and were amazed by the interest and thought-provoking conversations that the students had. We have now run Comic Club in person with the students the last two years.
I love planning, hosting, and organizing calendars for home and work so 1st VP was right up my alley! This role has given me a chance to build relationships with other parents within the organization while supporting pta committee chairs, the staff, students, and families at OMS. Although I myself am a teacher, I had never really been given the time to understand everything that goes into the ins and outs of a PTA. I have a whole new respect for the amount of support that the PTA provides. Being a chair of the Back to School Bash has also been a great benefit!
I love hosting a good party and this event brings so much life to the OMS community and really kicks off the school year for our children. Finally, I always try my best to live by the motto to leave things better than I’ve found them. I’ve learned so much from my fellow executive board members and I’m excited to pass the torch so that our new VP can make this position even better. It’s been an amazing two years and I’m so proud of everything we have accomplished. I am looking forward to the next school year at OMS although it is bittersweet as it will be our final year. My family and I are so thankful to have been part of the OMS community and we will undoubtedly miss it.
Joy Chaplin (2nd Vice President)
It has been a pleasure serving as a volunteer on the OMS Executive committee. The enthusiasm and dedication of the committee chairs and volunteers is inspiring and so important to the success of everything that happens through the PTA. It’s wonderful to be part of such an engaged community of volunteers, teachers, and students who are involved in many different ways. I’m sad to be done with my time on the OMS EC and proud of what our community accomplished!
Deanna Amelio (President)
I loved connecting with so many families! For some, our paths wouldn’t have crossed otherwise.
Olive and District 25 schools in general do so much for our kids. Not many PTAs have so many volunteers, so many activities and clubs, and just the sense of community. We are fortunate to be in this district. For me, I will continue to co-chair Owls Play Outdoors, be a classroom parent (room rep), and help in the LMC. I’ll also help by adding Volunteer Coordinator to my PTA resume.
If you, or someone you know, would like more information on volunteering at Olive Mary-Stitt, please contact us here and we will answer any questions you have. The positive benefits to both the volunteers and the students are enhanced by the programs we organize every year.