The long history of HPISD PTAs supporting our schools is just one of the many long-standing traditions that define the district. In 1949, the University Park Elementary School PTA and the former Highland Park Junior High PTA joined together to create a PTA for the new Robert S. Hyer Elementary School. The UP and Junior High PTAs provided needed funds for Hyer's cafeteria, library and supply shop. Just two years later in 1951, after the John S. Armstrong Elementary School was destroyed by fire, the newly-formed Hyer PTA was able to provide necessary funds to help Armstrong replace its library. There are numerous examples of our PTAs helping one another.
Today, PTA leaders from every school across the district have joined together, once again, in the spirit of generosity, to create and fund a new Parent-Teacher Organization for the newest school in HPISD, the Michael M. Boone Elementary School.
After much collaboration and considerable effort on the part of the PTO Formation Committee, the Boone PTO has been legally established and every PTA in our district has committed to fund the seed capital necessary to successfully launch the PTO's operations. The PTAs, together, have generously committed to contribute more than $300,000 for the Boone PTO general operations and operations of the Boone Elementary cafeteria.
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"This kind of cooperative spirit is what makes our community so special," HPISD Board President Jim Hitzelberger said. "Boone Elementary is now poised for a solid start thanks to these efforts."
Lee Michaels serves as HPISD Board Secretary and PTA liaison. "As a former PTA president, I feel very close to this group of leaders and am inspired, as always, by their generosity and dedication to our district," she said. "This is actually two gifts in one. The first gift is the time and expertise needed to file the appropriate paperwork to get a new parent organization started. The second gift is the significant seed capital so that the school can be ready to go on Day 1. Thank you to everyone who was involved in this process."
Trustee Stacy Kelly provided counsel during the planning process, and she added, "I had the privilege to work with this incredible group of women who had the foresight to set our new school up for success. We're very fortunate to have parents who care so much about the children who attend Highland Park schools."
Trustee Stacy Kelly provided counsel during the planning process, and she added, "I had the privilege to work with this incredible group of women who had the foresight to set our new school up for success. We're very fortunate to have parents who care so much about the children who attend Highland Park schools."
In addition, after the new elementary school attendance zones have been announced, the Formation Committee will nominate parents to serve on the 2020-21 Board of Directors with the intention of announcing the Boone PTO President and President-Elect in November. The remaining Boone PTO Board of Directors and Chairpersons will be announced in January, prior to the school's opening in August of 2020. Currently, Maryjane Bonfield, Lindsay Ballotta, Amy Kovac, Elizabeth Miller and Neely Thrash are serving as the interim Board of Directors for the Boone Elementary PTO.
"These PTA leaders have been working together for much of the last year to lay the foundation for future parent leadership at Boone Elementary School," HPISD Superintendent Dr. Tom Trigg said. "You just have to marvel at how this impressive group has stepped up to support our newest school."
"I am overwhelmed, humbled, and grateful for the time and effort this committee has devoted to establish an amazing foundation for Boone Elementary," Boone Elementary Principal Amanda Reyes said. "With all the support we have received, we will be able to carry on the tradition of excellence that exemplifies HPISD."
Thank you to the members of the Formation Committee and the past and current PTA Presidents: Paige Andrews, Claire Baker, Lindsay Ballotta, Rebecca Black, Allyson Blow, Maryjane Bonfield, Jane Butler, Carrie Cothrum, Gina Culpepper, Dansby Erwin, Kay Herring, Susie Isaac, Blythe Koch, Amy Kovac, Julie Melihercik, Jenny Merckle, Elizabeth Miller, Chris Palmer, Melissa Rieman, Alisa Sell, Marcy Simmons, Vanessa Sloan, Elizabeth Speicher, Stacey Stoller, and Neely Thrash. This effort could not be achieved without this group's advocacy and commitment to every school, teacher, and student in our district.
A special thank you to Genevra Williams with Mendrygal Law PLLC for her time and wise counsel.
The opening of the Michael M. Boone Elementary School will be an historic and exciting day for HPISD and our community. Boone Elementary's dedicated and enthusiastic families, teachers, and staff will contribute immensely to the continued success and vibrancy of the school and the Boone PTO.
Should you have any questions regarding the ongoing work of the Formation Committee, please contact Hyer PTA Past President Neely Thrash at [email protected].