Meet the People Behind the PTO

The Ridgway Area PTO is powered by parents, caregivers, teachers, and community members who believe that great things happen when we work together.

Our Board helps organize events, coordinate fundraisers, support our schools and teachers, and find new ways to create meaningful experiences for Ridgway students.

We're parents, we're volunteers, and we're learning as we go - just like everyone else!

Our Team

Jacquie Dusenberry

President

Willow - 8th Grade | Walter - 3rd Grade | Waylon - 1st Grade

Karen Eshbach

Vice-President

Joey - 6th Grade | Luke - 4th Grade | Charlie - 2nd Grade | Ben - 2nd Grade

Nikki Slattery

Treasurer

Reagan | 3rd Grade

Jacki DePanfilis

Secretary

Nora - 4th Grade | Lena - 2nd Grade

Growing Together

The Ridgway Area PTO has grown tremendously over the past several years, and so have the ways we support our students, teachers, schools, and community.

As we continue to grow and introduce new programs, events, and opportunities, we've created PTO committees to help share the work, bring new ideas to the table, and make each initiative as successful as possible.

Have a skill, talent, idea, or simply an interest in getting involved? We'd love to have you! Joining a committee is a great way to be part of the PTO without taking on a Board position or a year-long commitment.

Reach out to learn more about our committees and find a place where your time and talents can make a difference.

Fundraiser Subcommittee

Purpose:
 To plan, organize, and oversee fundraising activities that provide financial support for PTO programs, school initiatives, and enrichment opportunities for students and staff.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Researching and recommending fundraising opportunities that align with the school community’s needs and values

  • Planning, coordinating, and executing fundraising events (ex. Fundraiser letters, school fundraisers, raffles, auctions, etc)

  • Collaborating with other subcommittees to ensure fundraising efforts support teacher and student needs

  • Promoting fundraising activities to families and the community through flyers, social media, and school communication channels - work with Marketing Committee

  • Tracking fundraising goals and reporting progress to the PTO board and membership

  • Ensuring all fundraising activities comply with school, district, and state regulations

Events & Marketing

Purpose:
To strengthen school community engagement by planning meaningful events and ensuring clear, consistent communication between the PTO, families, staff, and the broader community.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Planning and supporting school-wide community events (family nights, seasonal celebrations, etc.)

  • Assisting other subcommittees with event logistics and promotion

  • Managing PTO communications, including newsletters, social media, website, flyers, and bulletin boards

  • Coordinating with school staff to align event calendars and communication strategies

  • Ensuring information is accessible, timely, and inclusive for all families

  • Gathering feedback from families and staff to improve events and communication methods

Teacher, Staff, & Student Support

Purpose:
To recognize, encourage, and support teachers, staff, and students by providing programs, resources, and activities that create a positive, inclusive, and engaging school community.

Responsibilities may include:

Teacher & Staff Support

  • Coordinating appreciation efforts (luncheons, Thankful Thursdays, holiday treats, gift cards, etc.)

  • Organizing classroom supply drives or wish-list fulfillment

  • Celebrating staff milestones (birthdays, retirements, awards)

  • Serving as a liaison between staff and the PTO to ensure needs are communicated

Student Support

  • Coordinating enrichment opportunities (assemblies, guest speakers, clubs, STEM nights, etc.)

  • Supporting student recognition programs (ELKER Store, honor roll celebrations, awards, etc.)

  • Organizing or assisting with school-wide events (field day, dances, book fairs, etc.)

  • Identifying and responding to student needs (school supplies, winter gear, wellness initiatives)

  • Partnering with staff to create positive and inclusive experiences for all students

Purpose:
 To extend the mission of the PTO by supporting middle and high school students, teachers, and families through programs, events, and resources that mirror the efforts at the elementary level while adapting them to meet the unique needs of older students.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Duplicating and adapting successful PTO initiatives already in place at the elementary school (teacher appreciation, student support, enrichment opportunities, and fundraising)

  • Coordinating age-appropriate events, recognition programs, and activities that build school spirit and student engagement

  • Supporting staff through appreciation efforts, supply drives, and communication with the PTO

  • Partnering with administrators and teachers to identify needs specific to middle and high school (academic, social, extracurricular)

  • Encouraging parent and family involvement at the secondary school level.

  • Communicating PTO opportunities, events, and resources to middle and high school families

Middle/High School Subcommittee

There's Room at the Table

You don't have to be a Board member to be part of the PTO.

Whether you have an hour to volunteer, an idea to share, a skill that could help, or simply want to know what's happening in our schools - we'd love to have you involved.

Say Hey & Get Involved!

Fill out the quick form, and let’s plan something awesome together.