When my son started kindergarten, it felt like stepping into a new city without a map. I could read the street signs, but it was difficult to navigate a new landscape of school culture, traditions and language. I was lucky to have local friends with a sense of direction, but what really made the difference was finding a guide: my Parent Teacher group.
Parent Teacher group meetings are a great place to hear reports directly from your principal and school administrators. It’s also a wonderful way to meet your neighbors, make new friends, and get clarification on confusing acronyms (pssst… PBIS is Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports). Meetings will keep you in the loop with fundraising and how funds are used (Did you know Parent Teacher groups fund field trips? I didn’t!).
Itinerary
Keep in mind that getting acquainted with your new destination doesn’t mean you have to run for mayor. Here is a sample schedule to get your bearings:
- Like/follow the Facebook page
- Read newsletters
- Attend family events
- Reach out if you have a question
- Come to a meeting*
- Introduce yourself to a board member
- Volunteer if you can
* Traveler tip: many meetings offer free childcare, and some even provide dinner!
Travel Documents
If you decide to volunteer, many events involve interacting with students during school hours. For this reason, you will need to complete a Volunteer Application at least two weeks in advance. This application includes a criminal background and child abuse check; you will only need to complete the application once.
Regional Terms
Most group names are interchangeable terms for an independent body. A PTA, however, is a dues-paying member of the National Parent Teacher Association, and receives member benefits.
- PTA: Parent Teacher Association
- PTG: Parent Teacher Group
- PTO: Parent Teacher Organization
- PSTO: Parent Student Teacher Organization
- DPO: Districtwide Parents Organization
Travel Guides
Alexander Elementary PTO
President
More info: Website
Meetings: Second Monday of the month
Amana Elementary PTO
President: Amy Reihman
Borlaug Elementary PTO
President: Kate Middleton
Meetings: First Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m.
City High PTSO
President: Julie Eisele
Meetings: January 13, March 9, May 11, 6 p.m.
Clear Creek Elementary PTG
President: Ammie Trumpold
Meetings: Second Thursday of the month, 6:00 p.m.
Coralville Central Elementary PTO
President: Cynthia Crossett-Powell
More Info: Volunteer Sign-Up
Meetings: First Monday of the month, 6:30 p.m. (if first Monday is a holiday, meeting will be second Monday)
Garner Elementary PTO
Presidents: Hailey Kauffman & Kristen Hixenbaugh
Meetings: Last Monday of the month, 6:30 p.m.
Grant Elementary PTO
President: Laurie Cavanh
Meetings: First Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m.
Hills Elementary PTO
President: Kim Schilling
Meetings: Second Tuesday of the month, 6 p.m.
Hoover Elementary PTA
Presidents: Jana and Fred Klauke
Meetings: Every other month; Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
Horn Elementary PTO
President: Laura Broffitt
More info: Facebook, Friday Buzz email
Meetings: First Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m.
Lemme Elementary PTA
President: Amanda Molsberry
Meetings: November 5, February 5, April 29 and May 6, 6:30 p.m.
Lincoln Elementary PTO
President: Tea Ho
More info: PTO email, Facebook
Meetings: First Friday of the month, 6 p.m.
Lucas Elementary PTO
Presidents: Lori Kramer & Cathy Coleman
More info: Blog
Meetings: Second Monday of the month, 6 p.m.
Mann Elementary PTO
President: Ashley Shields
Meetings: First Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m.
North Bend Elementary PTG
Presidents: Kelli Ryckman & Amanda Babcock
Meetings: First Monday of the month
North Central Junior High PTSO
President: Amy Bartachek
Meetings: First Monday of the month (except holidays/in-service days)
Northwest Junior High PSTO
Presidents: Angie Rogers & Jennifer Struthers
More info: School announcements
Meetings: Second Thursday of the month; time rotates between 6:30 p.m. and 11:45 a.m.
Oak Hill Elementary PTG
Presidents: Jill Daly and Emily Tabor
More info: Facebook group; Facebook page
Meetings: First Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m.
Penn Elementary PTO
President: Jessilyn Benest
More info: PTO Email
Meetings: First Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m.
Regina Catholic Education Center
President: Kathy Shey
Meetings: First Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m. (Elementary Library)
Shimek Elementary PTO
President: Benjamin Brozene
Meetings: Second Wednesday of the month, 6 p.m.
South East Junior High PTSO
President: Heather Bright
Meetings: October, January, April
Tiffin Elementary PTG
President: Brenda Delsing
Meetings: First Thursday of the month
Twain Elementary PTO
President: Katie Iverson
Meetings: First Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m.
Van Allen Elementary PTO
President: Tamera Quinn
Meetings: Wednesdays (dates vary)
Weber Elementary PTO
President: Jamie Beedle-Vakiner
West High PTSO
President: Colleen Brown
Meetings: Second Wednesday of the month
Wickham Elementary PTO
President: Denise Seabold
More info: Website
Meetings: First Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m.
Is your school missing from this list? Comment below and we will update the post to include your PTO/A/G.
Which level are you? Connect with your local PTA and see if you can level up a rank or two.
Spot on! Hooray!
Here’s the link to Weber Elementary’s PTO site: https://www.iowacityschools.org/domain/2552
Jamie Beedle-Vakiner is PTO president.
Thank you Maryanne! I’ve updated the post. If Jamie would like to provide more information on meetings and contact information, please let us know!
Can you add City high? I believe president is Julie Eisle.
Thank you Tea! I’ve updated the post. If Julie would like to provide City High PTSO’s web presence, contact information or meeting details, please have her get in touch!
Here you go!
https://www.iowacityschools.org/domain/405
The PSTO meets in The Commons at 6 PM, with an executive business meeting that all are welcome to attend. Stay tuned for information about featured speakers. This year’s remaining meetings:
Monday, Jan. 13
Monday, March 9
Monday, May 11
Thank you Julie! I’ve updated the post.