Parent Teacher Staff Organization (PTSO)

Join us for Legislative Day in Annapolis, February 14, 2012

PTSO Officers

President - *Ms. Beverly Williams
Vice President - *Liza Brown-DiCostantino 
Secretary - Valerie Johnson
Treasurer - *Kelly Jarrett

*Effective August 1, 2010

Parent Representative

Driana Pearlman

Staff Representative

Dareen Barrios

MSB President/Designee     

Michael J. Bina, Ed.D. - MSB President
Carol Bogue - MSB Director of Education

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.

Download> Membership Form

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, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

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 consistent with board of directors legislative committee strategies.

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.

Membership and Dues

Membership shall be open to parents and/or guardians of all students currently or formerly enrolled at The Maryland School for the Blind and all staff of the School.  The membership dues are $5.00 per person per year and must be paid at least 14 calendar days before a meeting to be considered a member in good standing with voting rights.  Please contact Valerie Johnson a
valeriej@mdschblind.org or by calling 410-444-5000, ext. 1201 for further information.

Officers and Elections

Executive Board Officers and Standing Committee Chairs/Liaisons shall be a member in good-standing of the PTSO of the Maryland School for the Blind.  

The PTSO Executive Board (Executive Officers) shall consist of :

President
Vice-President
Treasurer
Secretary
Parent Representative
Staff Representative
MSB President or designee

Officers shall be elected for a term of two (2) years and may serve for no more than two consecutive terms in the same position, except by unanimous vote of the Executive Board in the event no other candidate is nominated to that position. 

Standing Committee Chairs/Liaisons shall be elected from the PTSO membership by the Executive Board and shall include the following positions:

Parent Visitation Day Liaison:  This liaison shall assist in the coordination of school-wide activities for the Fall and Spring MSB Parent Visitation Day by working closely with the MSB Statewide Services Parent Coordinator.

Fundraising Committee: This committee shall, in consultation with the MSB Development Office, be responsible for the planning and coordination of fundraising activities to support the mission of the PTSO.

Education Information Committee: This committee shall, in consultation with MSB Statewide Services Parent Coordinator, be responsible for providing 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 Liaison: This liaison, in consultation with the MSB Development Office and the MSB President, shall be responsible for coordinating collaborative efforts on behalf of MSB parents, students and staff to develop or respond to proposed legislation that would have an effect on The Maryland School for the Blind and/or the visually impaired, consistent with the MSB Board of Directors Legislative Committee strategies. 

Student Activities Committee:  This committee shall, in consultation with the MSB Director of Education, be responsible for coordinating knowledge, enthusiasm and support for PTSO’s students of the month program, the “Busy Bee Award”.  This committee shall act as a liaison to MSB students through the Student Council and Senior Class to bring forth student issues and concerns to the Executive Board.

For more information about PTSO or to join, please contact:

Valerie Johnson, PTSO Secretary 410.444.5000 ext. 1201  valeriej@mdschblind.org