Gilbert Arts Academy
  • Home
  • Quality School
    • Mission, Vision & Values
      • Quality Education>
        • Kindergarten Readiness Program
          • Curriculum
            • Power Teaching
              • Special Education
                • Technology
                  • ELAS
                    • Federal and State Program Information
                    • Parent Involvement>
                      • PTO
                      • Clubs & Activities>
                        • Community Service
                        • Photo Gallery
                        • Enroll
                        • Resources
                          • FAQ
                            • Lunch Orders
                              • Policies>
                                • Attendance
                                  • Dress Code
                                  • Schedule
                                    • Tutoring
                                      • School Supply Lists
                                      • News & Events
                                        • Calendar
                                          • Public Notices
                                          • About Us
                                            • Partnerships & Affiliations
                                              • School Leader & Staff
                                                • School Performance
                                                  • The Leona Group
                                                    • Region
                                                    • Contact
                                                      • Careers

                                                      Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

                                                      The purpose of our Parent Teacher Organization is to promote a quality education and family involvement within our school.  Many studies have shown when parents are involved in their children's educations, student achievement improves.  Additionally, over 80 studies go on to show that with parent involvement, attendance improves, grades improve and more students go on to post-secondary education.

                                                      Our role as parents involves close liaison with school administration and teachers.  It is difficult to provide a quality education while complying with government mandates and cuts in funding.  As parents we can put to good use our skills and enthusiasm in many ways.  We can help with school improvement projects (as many did with the library and wood chips on the playground - thank you!), and conduct fundraisers to support school programs and field trips or other educational events. 

                                                      Almost two years ago we were able to provide our school with a library thanks to some hard work from Mr. Zenner and Mrs. Lyon, and lots of book donations from the community!  Last year we purchased several new overhead projectors for the classrooms that needed them and paid for professional landscaping to the grass areas!  This past year, many of our parents worked so diligently assisting Mrs. Semerdjian with leveling the books in the library to correspond with the Accelerated Reader Program.  (Kudos to Mrs. Anenou, Mrs. Brown, Ms. Golden, Mrs. Isaacs, Mrs. Kalafus, Mrs. Lyon, Mrs. Rothenburg, Mrs. Shepherd, Mrs. Zenner and so many more teachers and staff too many to mention!) 

                                                      This summer we have been helping create the environment for the new multi-age learning center and contractors have just begun the first phase of installing a permanent shade structure over the dismissal area (to also be used as an outdoor classroom in good weather).  We have also been planning some new fundraisers to fund new monitors and computers for the computer lab. These are just some of the critical areas we have been able to support our school and students to ensure we stay on the leading edge of education.  Please join us, give your input and be a part of the decision making for our school! 

                                                      There are other ways of helping too.  Some teachers need help from parents who can cut-out items for class projects from home or parents who can come in for an hour or so to run copies.  We're in constant need of volunteers to read to our children, help teachers with testing, prepare newsletters and many other tasks.  If you have time and would like to volunteer, for either a one time or long term commitment, please contact the school office (480) 325-6100.

                                                      Thank you!

                                                      PTO Members

                                                      Picture









                                                      Michelle Lyon, President
                                                      Jackie Zenner, Vice President
                                                      Addy Bedingfield, Treasurer
                                                      Kathy Shepherd, Secretary
                                                      Stacey Guardado, Teacher Liaison
                                                      Anna Hay, Teacher Liaison
                                                      Ana Anenou
                                                      Leah Kalafus
                                                      Michelle Rush
                                                      Toni West

                                                      The PTO meets monthly. These are regularly scheduled to take place on the third Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the multi-purpose room. Everyone is welcome, please join us.  

                                                      PTO Activities

                                                      Please check the calendar under the "News & Events' tab for activities.

                                                      Managed by The Leona Group LLC | Accredited by North Central Association