Vote for Next Year's PTO Leadership

Posted: 6/1/2024 11:51 am

The Hayes PTO will be holding a vote to determine next school year's PTO President(s). There are two options:

1. Theodora Konetsovska and Lisa Yuen Rhoads (candidates for Co-Presidents)
2. AmyBeth Smith (candidate for President)

Am I eligible to vote?

Every member of the PTO community is eligible to vote, which includes all parents and guardians of current Hayes students and all faculty and staff at the school.

When does the vote take place?

Voting will be done in-person by paper ballots on the morning of Friday, June 7, 2024 between the hours of 7-10am. The voting time overlaps with the last PTO community meeting of the year (starting at 8:15am), while also providing for time earlier in the morning during drop off and after the meeting concludes to provide more opportunities for all to participate.

Where can I cast my vote?

A voting station for completing and submitting the paper ballots will be set up at a table in the Hayes School cafeteria. The voting station will open before, during, and after the PTO community meeting. For convenience and visibility, we will also have a second voting station outside the main school entrance from 7:30-8am. There will not be an online or absentee option available.

How can I learn more about the candidates?

Read their candidate statements below.

Theodora Konetsovska and Lisa Yuen Rhoads (candidates for Co-President)

As parents of four Hayes students who all started here in kindergarten, we have been an inseparable volunteer team and active community members for 7 years.

Since joining Hayes in 2017, we…

…Led: Science Fair (2 years), International Night (3 years); room parents (combined 11 years); spiritwear (3 years), US Open raffle sales, popsicle award parties (2 years), back-to-school barbeque, Hawk Challenge (1 year, raised $26,000)

…Created: Campus cleanup (2 years), Kids and Smartphones community program, campus decoration during COVID, Crossing Guard appreciation

…Volunteered in: Mayfair (5 years), 2 movie nights, Hayes night at Booksmith, bake sales, METCO Game Night (2 years), Used Book Fair (3 years) PTO grant writing and management

We are running for PTO Co-Presidents because we…

… Are grateful for our strong relationships with all parents in support of all children’s flourishing

… Cherish our partnerships with school staff (all of whom we know by name and role) developed through years of respectful collaboration

… Are thrilled for our PTO’s role as a community builder and enrichment hub that bonds us, enables us to contribute our individual skills, and inspires us to volunteer our hard work and passion for the greater good

…Want to continue supporting this community’s enthusiasm to work together, growing our fundraising efforts, enabling the school staff’s many initiatives and priorities, and having fun!

When we don’t volunteer or take care of our families, we…

… take the stage as a professional actor (Lisa), and

… advise as a higher ed finance practitioner, serve as a school board chair, and run a kids-book subscription service (Theodora)

Thank you for supporting the Hayes PTO!

AmyBeth Smith (candidate for President)

Dear Roland Hayes community,

I am excited to share my candidacy for the position of PTO President. My passion for our school community, combined with my professional experience and dedication to enhancing the educational experience of our students, drive me to seek this role.

My husband Kevin (our crossing guard) and I are very close to Roland Hayes's family. His daughter Afrika is my "second mom" and his granddaughters Zaida and Erika are like my sisters. I aim to lead our PTO with a mission and vision that would make the Hayes family proud.

Here are a few reasons why I am passionate to serve as PTO President:

1. **Passion for Education:** I am deeply committed to supporting our students' educational journeys. I am the Campus Director for the French Ministry of Education and am involved in their PTOs as the administrator of 3 schools. A strong PTO significantly enhances the resources and opportunities available to both students and teachers, creating a more enriching learning environment.

2. **Community Engagement:** Building a strong, inclusive community is essential for our school’s success. As PTO President, I will strive to foster a sense of belonging and collaboration among parents, teachers, and staff, ensuring that everyone feels valued and heard.

3. **Experience and Skills:** I bring a wealth of experience in volunteer leadership roles and project management. I am the Hayes PTO Vice President; the Vice President of the Massachusetts Association of the Education of Young Children (MAAEYC); and an At-large board member for the Association of French Schools in North America (AFSA). My organizational skills, creativity, and ability to work collaboratively will help drive successful PTO initiatives and events.

4. **Supporting Teachers and Staff:** I’ve worked in the educational industry since 2008. I have an incredible amount of empathy for our educators, paras, and specialists. They all work tirelessly to provide the best for our children. I aim to strengthen the support network for our teachers and staff, ensuring they have the resources and recognition they deserve.

5. **Enhancing Student Opportunities:** By organizing fundraisers, events, and programs, I plan to expand the extracurricular and enrichment opportunities available to our students, helping them to discover and pursue their passions.

6. **Open Communication:** I believe in transparent and open communication. As PTO President, I will prioritize listening to the concerns and ideas of our community and will ensure that information is shared effectively and timely.

I am excited about the possibility of contributing to our school in a meaningful way and working with all of you to make a positive impact. Together, we can create a supportive, vibrant, and thriving school environment for our children.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to the opportunity to serve as your PTO President.

Warm regards,
AmyBeth Smith

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