The Parent Teacher Staff Organization (PTSO)

Officers

Interim President & VP- Phyllis Simmons

Treasurer - Kira Sekulow

Secretary - Pat Sheeder

Membership is open to parents and/or guardians of all students currently or formerly enrolled in The Maryland School for the Blind and all faculty and staff of the School.

Management The PTSO is managed by an executive board consisting of four parent/guardian members, four staff members, the chairperson of each of the standing committees, the chairperson of each county or area chapter of the organization (which has a membership of five or more parents),and the President of the School. the Executive Board is responsible for selecting a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. Currently, the elected officers are:

The Objectives of the PTSO

 A. To extend the opportunities for parents and staff to work together in the education of MSB students.

 B. To provide financial support for the organization’s programs, related activities, and selected school activities through fund raising projects that are carried out at various times of the year.

 C. To sponsor and/or develop special learning activities such as speakers and educational programs for parents and staff to help them better perform their respective tasks in the education of MSB students.

 D. To support advocacy efforts on behalf of MSB, its students, and other persons with disabilities in general in relation to other programs and/or the development of legislation and government regulations.

E. To facilitate communication between and the collaboration of parents in particular counties or parts of the State in meeting their particular needs or in extending the purpose of the organization.

F. To inform members and others of the activities of the PTSO, and to generate enthusiasm and support for these activities.

The Standing Committees of the PTSO

A. Parent Visitation Committee - this committee coordinates school-wide activities for the Fall and Spring Parent Visitation Days, working closely with instructional, residential, and support staff.

B. Fund Raising Committee - this committee plans and implements fund raising activities to support the purposes of the PTSO.

C. Education/Information Committee - this school-wide committee provides special learning activities, seminars, or speakers on topics of interest as well as channels information to help parents and staff better educate our students and plan for the future.

D. Legislative/Advocacy Committee - this committee coordinates collaborative efforts on the part of membership to develop or respond to proposed legislation or regulations affecting the School and people who are blind, and will advocate for student needs either within the State or with outside agencies.

E. Membership Committee - this committee maintains updated membership lists, oversees nominations and elections to the Executive Board, and facilitates communication between parents.

F. Publicity Committee - this committee informs members of the activities of the PTSO by using the School’s Newsletter and by other means, and publicizes to the community information of interest or importance in keeping with the purposes of the organization.

Our next meeting is May 7th. For our June meeting, we will be attending the MSB graduation ceremony.  A May meeting will be held to hold elections.  If you are interested in running for an office in PTSO (President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer)
please contact Pat Sheeder at dsheeder@verizon.net.