Who We Are
Current PTO Officers
The GO PTO Board are parents and caregivers of Gibbs and Ottoson students, just like you. If you have the interest, please consider becoming involved as an officer of GO PTO. See the job descriptions See the job descriptions.
In addition to any listed OPEN roles, the starred (*) roles will be vacant end of this school year. The new board will be voted in at our June meeting but shadowing a role now is welcome and encouraged for a smooth transition. If you are curious about or interested in any of these positions, attend our next meeting, or email hello@gibbsottosonpto.org. **Update 5/10/23: all task-specific roles have gained applicants with the exception of Co-President, 2nd Co-Treasurer, and Diversity & Inclusion Officer. Still accepting Members-at-Large.**
President- Janine Duffy
*Co- or Vice-President-
Gibbs Principal - Mme. Pierre-Maxwell, J.D.
Ottoson Principal - Brian Meringer
*Co-Treasurers - Julie Vakoc, Sara Wilkinson
Recording Secretary - Stephanie Murphy
*Communications & Newsletter - Ashley Lorenz
*Fundraising Coordinators - Cassie and Travis MacDonald
*Special Events Coordinator(s) - Andrea King
*Diversity and Inclusion Officer -
*Website Manager - Ashley Lorenz
*Tech Manager-
Members-at-Large - Jean Clark, Andrea Haas, David Lewis and <Your name here!> These are members of the governing board who do not hold a named officer position, but attend most meetings, have voting and assist with special projects as needed. It's another great way to be involved, help with the work, and help make decisions.
Contact GO PTO
Email: hello@gibbsottosonpto.org
Handwritten communication can be sent to:
GO PTOc/o Ottoson Middle School63 Acton StreetArlington, MA 02476
GO PTO Objectives and Activities
The objectives of the GO PTO are to:
Promote the welfare of students by providing both financial and volunteer support for the schools and their activities.
Encourage a partnership between home and the schools where parents and teachers cooperate meaningfully in the development of the students.
Develop cooperation and support between educators and the general public to secure the highest advantages in physical, cognitive, social and emotional education for every student.
What does GO PTO do? Here are some of our past activities:
Meet with the principal to discuss issues of concern at Gibbs and Ottoson Schools. If you can't make it to a PTO meeting, contact us at hello@gibbsottosonpto.org to present your comments, concerns, and questions.
Host parent breakfasts with the Principals and guest speakers to discuss topics relating to your child’s school experience.
Fund each teacher for classroom related materials, +/-$200 each. This funding is possible because of your annual donations.
Organize and fund a mini-grant program to meet larger classroom and student needs identified by faculty and staff.
Support funding of enrichment activities such as student participation at the Science Fair competition in Lowell, the Art Department's 'Inside Out' project, and a National History Day trip to DC.
Organize and fund Teacher Appreciation events in the fall and spring.
All parents and caregivers are members of the PTO and welcome to attend our monthly meetings. Click here for the GO PTO meeting schedule, and how to get involved.
Read our Newsletters for specifics on this year's PTO efforts.