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WHO WE ARE
Sandburg & DCS PTSA is a state and nationally affiliated 501c(3) non-profit corporation. We work in close partnership with our schools. Our vision is to make every child's potential a reality.
Our members are caregivers, teachers, staff, community members, and friends of the Sandburg & DCS communities. Family and community engagement cultivates our children's best elementary school experiences.
OUR MISSION
The Carl Sandburg & DCS PTSA will strive to: Enhance the learning environment for all students; be a relevant resource for families, teachers, staff, and administration; & advocate for the education and well-being of every child.
WHAT WE DO
Classroom and curriculum support is vital to our mission. To this end, PTSA programs support math, science, art, music, library, outdoor education, and educative assemblies as well as teacher stipends and staff appreciation events.
Research indicates that students do better in the classroom when there is a strong sense of school community. To support this, the PTSA sponsors social and family events, as well as numerous school enrichment programs to build a shared sense of belonging.
To promote health and safety, the PTSA supports health screenings, funds third-grade swim classes, offers parent education opportunities, stocks emergency preparedness supplies, and maintains herbicide-free school grounds, among numerous other programs focused on the well-being of our students.
This is possible because of the incredible contributions of time and talent from staff, administration and families like you. Whatever you have to contribute, the Sandburg & DCS community needs your voice & participation.
OUR BOARD
The PTSA board is elected for up to two-year terms and consists wholly of community volunteers.
President
Maryam Aycox
Maryam and her family moved to the Sandburg & DCS community 3 years ago for the sole purpose of her children attending this school. After serving on the board of her kid's previous school she researched and chose what she considers a community where her family can lay long-standing roots and be a part of something special. The families she has met throughout her time in the neighborhood inspired her to join the PTSA board and become an involved member of the Sandburg & DCS family. She is a working mom of 3 boys, 1 Sandburg & DCS Seal and 2 Alumni!
president@sandburgdcsptsa.org
Vice-President
Shannah Mullinax
Shannah has been part of the Sandburg/DCS PTSA, in a number of ways, since her oldest started Kindergarten in 2016. She has enjoyed volunteering in the classrooms, volunteering at events and helping organize events. She is excited to join the Board of Directors to help enrich the learning environment for all students in our community. Having attended Carl Sandburg Elementary herself, she has a deep emotional connection to ensuring a positive experience for all. vicepresident@sandburgdcsptsa.org
Secretary
Arwen Gutierrez
Arwen is excited to be a part of the 2023-2024 PTSA. Her family moved to the area a year ago and her two children are in First and Third grade at Sandburg this year. She joined because she believes that community engagement can vastly improve the school experience. Everyone can make a difference! Volunteering or getting involved with school events, even once, can create meaningful relationships and enthusiasm for learning.
secretary@sandburgdcsptsa.org
Treasurer
Rhiza Jackson
Rhiza has enjoyed volunteering in the classroom since her family became part of the Sandburg DCS community 3 years ago. She is looking forward to further supporting the community by being more involved in the PTSA & continuing to make meaningful connections in the years to come. treasurer@sandburgdcsptsa.org
Banking Treasurer
Serenity Gray
Serenity has been supporting the PTSA for seven years and continues to volunteer because she enjoys creating an environment and community that is inclusive, enriched and fun for to students to learn in. She enjoys working in collaboration with the school to make sure the staff and teachers are supported to create the best learning environment for our students.
bankingtreasurer@sandburgdcsptsa.org
Director of Communications
Shannah Mullinax
Shannah has been part of the Sandburg/DCS PTSA, in a number of ways, since her oldest started Kindergarten in 2016. She has enjoyed volunteering in the classrooms, volunteering at events and helping organize events. She is excited to join the Board of Directors to help enrich the learning environment for all students in our community. Having attended Carl Sandburg Elementary herself, she has a deep emotional connection to ensuring a positive experience for all.
VP Membership
Aditi Jain
Directors of Enrichment
Christy Van De Mark
Christy is a full-time working Mom that is passionate about her community and ensuring it is safe, fun and inclusive for all. She is a long-time member of this community, having grown up on Finn Hill and is excited to be a part of the continued growth and positive change.
enrichment@sandburgdcsptsa.org
Amy Rosario
Amy and her family have been a part of the amazing Sandburg & DCS community for the past 3 years. She has served on the PTSA Board during the 2020-2021 school year and appreciated being able to help support students, families, teachers and staff through events such as pantry packs, staff appreciation and the giving tree. Amy is looking forward to the 2021-2022 school year and welcomes everyone in the community to contribute their ideas and get involved in making this school year a success! enrichment@sandburgdcsptsa.org
Directors of School Services
Kristina Neff
Orsolya Barna
Directors of Fundraising
Amitris Mazhari
Amitris is thrilled to be joining the PTSA board in 2023. She has been volunteering both inside and outside the classroom since 2018. Inspired by the PTSA members, she has decided to dive deeper into volunteering and co-direct fundraising. Amitris believes that volunteer involvement can greatly influence a child’s experience in school, and her children’s excitement and love for Sandburg/DCS community have proven this to her. Amitris is a full-time working mom of a fourth grader (Audrina) and a Sandburg alumni 7th grader (Lilia). fundraising@sandburgdcsptsa.org
Orliyah Finnegan
VP Family & Community Engagement (FACE)
Jennifer Junkin
Hello Sandburg/DCS families! I'm the mother of Jack (6th grade), Penelope (4th grade) and Finn (1st grade).
I grew up in New England where I enjoyed soccer, all things outdoors, and getting eaten by mosquitoes (which I strangely do not miss here). My favorite food is guacamole and I appreciate good grammar and active verbs.