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OUR MISSION
Actively pursue and create opportunities for students, parents, teachers, and staff to work together to accomplish academic and community-oriented goals.
WHY JOIN THE PTA?
Primarily to help the PTA foster communication between parents and teachers regarding the activities and issues affecting Pioneer. Additionally, your PTA dues help offset the costs of event notices and the school directory; the cost of operating a non-profit organization such as insurance and bank charges; and payment of the parent PTA organization (Third District) PTA dues. Also, unless you are a member of the PTA, you cannot vote on PTA business matters at PTA meetings.
2022-23 Board Members
2022-23 Committee Chairs and Program Coordinators
Click on the position title for duty descriptions:
President - Swapna Panigrahi
Executive VP -Gretchen Tornabene
Secretary - Corie Calfee
Treasurer - Bridget Preiss
Membership VP - Lisa Gray
Enrichment VP - Kellie Black-Holcroft
Communication VP - Lisa Herrington
Auditor - Dao Choi
Fundraising VP - Justine Irvin
Financial Secretary - Joanie Daly
Principal - Rachana Sidhu
Teacher Reps - Len Fingerman & Amy Hunter
Fundraising Programs
Auction Chairs - Sara Henrichon & Kat Geis
Book Fair Coordinators - Stephanie Teague
Dog Dash Coordinator - Lisa Herrington & Gretchen Tornabene
Pioneer Pride Wear Coordinator - VACANT
Communication Programs
Classroom Representative Coordinator - Erica Pattni Classroom Reps
E-News - Lisa Herrington
School Marquee - Eli Alston-Stepnitz
Pioneer PTA Website - Rebecca Hunter
Yearbook - Dao Choi
Membership & Community Programs
Fall Festival Coordinators - Lloni Anderes
Hospitality Chair - Tishan Cowan
Science Night Chairs - Liz and Ari Bader-Natal
Spring Fling - VACANT
Enrichment Programs
Active4me - Marlia Braun active4me.pioneer@gmail.com
Garden Outreach Coordinators - Meghan Russell & Kelly Joseph
Library Assistance - VACANT
PTA supported Art Teacher - VACANT
Myth Busters!
Let’s also dispel three major myths about getting involved in PTA:
Myth #1: If I pay $15.00 to join the PTA, then I have to attend the meetings.
NO. You attend when you can (if you can); meetings are NOT mandatory. The PTA General meetings are a chance for you to keep abreast of the financial decisions being made about monies raised, as well as other happenings concerning the school and district.
Myth #2: All membership dues go to the National PTA.
NO. A portion of your dues stays with Pioneer PTA. We encourage all parents to pay for a membership because the $15.00 gives us a head start on the school year and keeps you informed. In part, this means your teachers get to keep all of their paychecks and your children have all the supplies they need. For example, each teacher receives a classroom stipend from PTA funds raised, so that your child’s teacher can purchase much-needed classroom items such as markers, paper materials, etc. for the school year.
Myth #3: I work full-time, so I can’t possibly find time to volunteer at school.
NO. There are so many opportunities to help with PTA school events and programs that can be done on your own time. There is something for every schedule and interest level. For a full listing and volunteer descriptions, please pick up a form at the school office or visit the PTA website.
Important Fact: This school year, almost every one of your PTA Board members and the majority of PTA Chairpersons are full-time working parents.