Parent Teacher Staff Organization (PTSO)

 The PTSO is managed by the Executive Board consisting of four parent/guardian representatives; four MSB staff members; the chairperson of each of the Standing Committees; and the President of The Maryland School for the Blind.

 The Executive Board is responsible for selecting the PTSO officers:  President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary.  The current elected officers are listed below, as well as the current Executive Board members.

Calendar of Events
Parent Advocates Needed!
Legislative Day in Annapolis
February 16, 2010 8:30 am-1:30 pm
RSVP: 410-319-5728 or marka@mdschblind.org

OFFICERS

 PRESIDENT:  Liza Brown-DiCostantino (MSB parent)
azilbr@aol.com

 VICE-PRESIDENT: Dareen Barrios (MSB staff) dareenb@mdschblind.org

SECRETARY:   Valerie Johnson (MSB staff)                 valeriej@mdschblind.org

 TREASURER: Kira Sekulow (MSB Alumni parent) ksekulow@gmail.com

 PARENT REPRESENTATIVES

Maria Elmo
Bernadette Jacobs
Gwen Neff
Steven Salembene

 MSB STAFF REPRESENTATIVES

 Michael J. Bina, MSB President
Kelly Jarrett
Meredith McArdle
Ken Pyles
Phyllis Simmons

PTSO OBJECTIVES

• Extend opportunities for parents and staff to work together in MSB students’ education.
• To provide financial support for the organization’s programs, related activities and selected school activities through fundraising events that are carried out during the school year.
• To sponsor and/or develop special learning activities, such as speakers and educational programs, for parents and staff in order to enhance the educational experience for MSB students.
• To support advocacy efforts on behalf of The Maryland School for the Blind and MSB students
• To facilitate communication and collaboration of MSB parents and staff in order to further the mission of The Maryland School for the Blind.
• To generate enthusiasm and support for PTSO-related activities within the school and community.

 PTSO STANDING COMMITTEES

 PARENT VISITATION DAY COMMITTEE:  Ken Pyles, Chairperson

This committee coordinates school-wide activities for the Fall and Spring MSB Parent Visitation Day by working closely with MSB instructional, residential and support staff.

 FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE:  Kelly Jarrett and Valerie Johnson– Co-chairs

This committee coordinates fundraising activities to support the mission of the PTSO.

EDUCATION INFORMATION COMMITTEE:  Bernadette Jacobs, Chairperson

This committee provides special learning activities, seminars, speakers and networking of information on topics of interest to MSB parents and staff in regards to the education of MSB students.

 LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY COMMITTEE:  Steven Salembene, Chairperson

This committee coordinates collaborative efforts on behalf of MSB parents, students and staff to develop or respond to proposed legislation or regulations that would have an affect on The Maryland School for the Blind and/or the visually impaired.  This committee also advocates for support of student needs from agencies within the state of Maryland as well as outside agencies.

 MEMBERSHIP:  PTSO membership is opened to parents and/or guardians of all students currently, or formerly, enrolled at The Maryland School for the Blind and all faculty and staff.  The membership fee is $5.00 per year.  For further information, please contact Valerie Johnson at 410-444-5000 x201 or by e-mail at valeriej@mdschblind.org. 

Download a membership form HERE.