Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

Studies show that parental involvement plays a significant role in student achievement and performance. A strong parent group can make a tremendous difference in how a school functions. We encourage all our families to join the Shepherd Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization (SES PTO). It is a wonderful way to get to know the other great families in our school community. In addition, it serves as a vehicle for you to voice your opinion on important issues affecting your child’s learning environment.

Our Vision and Mission

SES PTO strives to be a self-sustaining organization capable of providing resources needed to help Shepherd Elementary School achieve its social, cultural and academic goals, and to become a top 5 school within DCPS by providing programs, resources, and activities that will enhance the instructional experience and promote academic excellence.

The SES PTO is organized for the purpose of enriching the school experience for all students of Shepherd Elementary School by conducting activities and raising funds to:

  • Provide support and resources for the benefit and educational growth of children attending Shepherd Elementary School;
  • Promote family and community engagement;
  • Develop parent leadership and build capacity for greater involvement and participation in the school, including opportunities to participate in school governance and decisionmaking;
  • Engage the Shepherd community in united effort to secure the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of all students; and
  • Facilitate communication and collaboration among the school, school district, families and the community at large.

What We Do...

Supported by the active participation of many Shepherd families, teachers and community members, the SES PTO:

  • Provides timely communications to the school community;
  • Raises funds to support programs and events not covered by the DCPS budget;
  • Advocates for DCPS support for Shepherd programs;
  • Invests in school infrastructure by funding and contributing time to facilities improvement initiatives;
  • Serves as a resource for current and prospective parents; and
  • Engages parents in volunteer and social activities throughout the school year.
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A summary of PTO fund utilization as a function of overall expenditures in SY2022-23 is summarized below. The budget for the current school year will be available following its approval at the first general membership meeting of SY2023-24.

  • Classroom Enrichment, School Events, Facility Improvements and Staff Support (48%)
  • Hospitality, Events and Family Engagement (49%)
  • General & Administrative Costs (3%)

PTO Executive Board and Committees

The PTO Committees established for the current school year are described in further detail within the dropdown listing below. Please note that we are in need of additional Committee Chairs, and volunteers are always welcome on all Committees. If you are interested in contributing to a specific committee or volunteering for another role, please complete the Shepherd Mustang Volunteer Corps Form.

Between meetings, the PTO is overseen by the Executive Board, made up of the PTO's officers as elected by the membership each spring. You can view the official bylaws for our PTO here.

The current PTO officers for the 2024-25 school year are:

Co-President —  Lauren Okonkwo
Co-President — Amber Romine
Vice President — Amy Zettle
Treasurer — Paige Johnson
Assistant Treasurer — Liz Daly
Recording Secretary — Candace Mainor
Corresponding Secretary — Artemis Benedetti

Contact Information:

PTO Meetings

The Shepherd Elementary PTO generally meets the third Wednesday of every month — but check our calendar because this can change with holidays and other school-year instructional breaks. The meetings start at 5:30 p.m. and are usually held in the school multipurpose room, but will also be simulcast for those who cannot attend in person. Meetings may also be held virtually in certain instances. Although attendance at the PTO meetings is not required, we encourage all members of the school community to attend.

PTO Presentations & Meeting Minutes

The PTO is a 501(c)(3) non-profit group (EIN/Tax ID Number: 47-0879109).
Fundraising and Grants Committee

Co-chairs: COMING SOON
This committee oversees various fundraising activities such as Fall Fest, the Annual Spring Gala and Auction, Restaurant Nights, family photo sessions, holiday wreath/decoration sales, and the sale of specialty merchandise (e.g., Shepherd gear sales). This committee also oversees grant-writing initiatives, the “Shopping for Shepherd” affiliate program (e.g., AmazonSmile, Boxtops, eScrip, Shutterfly, etc.), and the 180 Fund.