About
My name is Kasey Hillman, I am a full time student and married with three kids. I am working to become an elementary school teacher, and this class is a stepping stone in getting there. Over the past year I have held the position of P.T.A. President at Kelly Elementary in Southeast Portland. I have had to overcome many obstacles, and appreciate the partnerships I have made in the process. When I was voted in as president, I was unaware of what my job description entailed. I had never attended a meeting, but knew there would be event planning, fundraising, and meetings. Through the summer of 2015, I studied the Officer Manual and exchanged emails with the Oregon P.T.A. office, which was helpful in learning my new role and also what was expected of me. I set goals at the beginning of my presidential term.
My six main goals:
Consistency was achieved through creating events and following through with them as planned. We improved communication through all parties by making connections when needed and provided a platform (P.T.A. meetings) that allowed people to voice concerns and also confirm people were on the same page with different ideas and events. Having a group that was inclusive was really important to me. I wanted everyone to feel welcome to join and get involved, rather than feeling like they were stepping into a clique. Being in “good standing” means we have all the required insurance and paperwork done through the P.T.A., the state of Oregon, and the I.R.S. This is the first time in the last three years that the Kelly PTA has been in good standing. My treasurer work hard and tirelessly to help me achieve this specific goal. Getting more people involved was not something I feel was a success. Many of the events and volunteer opportunities were filled by board members, and I didn’t see growth in this aspect. I haven’t official finished my term, I have 33 days left, but the end is in sight. I loved my time as president and am so excited to see all the great things my successor accomplishes next year.
Through this webpage, I hope people can get an idea of all the great things a P.T.A. has to offer. I also hope people are able to see what a difference they can make if they step out of their comfort zone. Or maybe more people will join their local P.T.A.!
My six main goals:
- Create consistency and trust toward the P.T.A.
- Improve communication between teachers, parents, and staff
- Be inclusive as opposed to exclusive.
- Have a legitimate P.T.A. that was in good standing
- Get more people involved
- Stick with it until my term was up, no matter what.
Consistency was achieved through creating events and following through with them as planned. We improved communication through all parties by making connections when needed and provided a platform (P.T.A. meetings) that allowed people to voice concerns and also confirm people were on the same page with different ideas and events. Having a group that was inclusive was really important to me. I wanted everyone to feel welcome to join and get involved, rather than feeling like they were stepping into a clique. Being in “good standing” means we have all the required insurance and paperwork done through the P.T.A., the state of Oregon, and the I.R.S. This is the first time in the last three years that the Kelly PTA has been in good standing. My treasurer work hard and tirelessly to help me achieve this specific goal. Getting more people involved was not something I feel was a success. Many of the events and volunteer opportunities were filled by board members, and I didn’t see growth in this aspect. I haven’t official finished my term, I have 33 days left, but the end is in sight. I loved my time as president and am so excited to see all the great things my successor accomplishes next year.
Through this webpage, I hope people can get an idea of all the great things a P.T.A. has to offer. I also hope people are able to see what a difference they can make if they step out of their comfort zone. Or maybe more people will join their local P.T.A.!
Events
Winter Formal
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Sports night
Sports night was created to get kids moving during the winter months when it is too cold to play outside.
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Fundraisers
To do all the fun things we do at Kelly Elementary, fundraising is a must. My favorite fundraiser this year was our clothing drive through the arc and the benefit dinner at Zoiglhaus. While we didn't reach our goals on either fundraiser, we did learn ways to improve for next year, and also built community in the process.
The Arc Clothing Drive
Benefit Dinner at Zoiglhaus
Being a positive presence in the school
Along with my formal duties as president, I wanted to being a positive presence in the school, and really be involved. I was able to do this by running the Student Store that took place during lunch every Friday; going on field trips, even if my kids weren't in that specific class; being at school all day Fridays working on the P.T.A. to do list, but also be available for teachers; last but not least, my vice president and I had a bulletin board that we update with the schools monthly theme along with upcoming P.T.A. events.
