Parent Teacher Organization, PTO, Easterbrook Discovery School, EDS

EDS Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Executive Board Members and School Site Council Members 2007-2008

Linda Lighthouse, PTO Co-President (Linda has replaced Sherie Downey in as the October 2007 due to Sherie's relocation.) I have been a member of the PTO Board for 6 years. I was part of the treasury team with Discovery School for 2 years and when we moved over to EDS 4 years ago, I remained on the board as a member of the treasury team I pride myself on my organization and thoroughness and I am knowledgeable with our accounting program. I enjoy being an active member of the PTO and I enjoy doing all I can to continue to make this a wonderful school for our children by supporting the staff.
Trish Hinojosa, PTO Co- President (Trish has replaced Sherie Downey in as the October 2007 due to Sherie's relocation.) Trish Hinojosa is the mother of a first-grader at EDS and an incoming kindergartener. Trish is a true local girl: she was born and raised in San Jose and attended Moreland schools. Currently, she is a teacher at the Murdoch Portal Development Center in Cupertino. She loves working with children and considers it a joy to participate in the classroom at EDS. Trish has a strong background in fundraising. She was responsible for many fundraisers for EDS in 2006-07, including the 2006 Walk-a-thon, arranging the family restaurant nights, and spearheading new fundraising activities such as this year’s Read-a-thon. Trish Hinojosa has been a great asset to EDS as a member of the PTO Board. She is truly dedicated to EDS and believes strongly in the program and in what the community can do together.
Alyssa Pedersen, Co-Vice President I graduated from San Jose State University in 2004 with a B.S. in Business Administration, Concentration Accounting. I was able to do this while working full time and volunteering regularly in my daughter Katrina’s classroom. Currently, I work for a construction company as the Human Resource Manager and Accounts Receivable Manager. As a proud parent of a second grader, I am very glad (and feel very fortunate) to be a part of the wonderful EDS community. An active member of the PTO for the past two years, I first served as Co-Vice President. My duties included organizing the Red Apple gift wrap fundraiser and putting together the What’s Cooking with T.E.A.M. EDS 2005 Cookbook. I currently serve as Head Treasurer performing duties that include setting up the budget, reconciling bank accounts, oversee the disbursement and income from all PTO funds, and making financial reports at PTO meetings. In addition to that I have been a classroom coordinator for the past two years. This has involved organizing parent volunteers and any other support the teacher may have needed. For the EDS-Opoly Walk-a-thon, I ran the sign-in/check-out table, tallied all the pledge sheets and collected all the pledge money. Everyday I am at EDS I learn something new from one of the amazing students or staff members. I love being a part of the community and being able to give back to it. My goal for next year is to continue helping EDS to be the best that it can be. I would greatly appreciate your vote of confidence for the 2006-2007 school year.
Priya Kulharni, PTO Co-Vice President I have a Bachelor of Arts degree with major in English Literature from India. While I was studying, I worked as a Catering Assistant in one of the reputed hotels in my home town of Pune. I also have a Assistant Certificate in Interior Design from UC-Santa Cruz and am currently a proud mom, wife and was the EDS Cooking Room Coordinator in 2006-2007. I feel very fortunate to be a part of such a great international and diverse community. Let us all join to celebrate preparing and tasting world cuisines which are beneficial for our children’s growth and development!
Lori Shields, PTO Secretary I graduated from Homestead High School in 1981; having started court reporting school my senior year in high school, received my Certified Shorthand Reporter's license in 1984. I ran a sole proprietorship for 22 years, and closed my deposition office doors at the end of 2006, having worked in all aspects of the court system, from municipal court to federal court, and also reporting thousands of depositions. In February I got married, and my daughter Christina and I moved to Campbell from the Sacramento area. I now have the free time I haven't known in 22 years and am enjoying gardening, quality time with Christina, and making our new house a home.
Shelly Delveaux, PTO Co-Treasurer & School Site Council Member I am the mother of Marissa, 6th grade; Jake, 5th grade; and Luke who will be entering kindergarten in the fall. I have participated in my children’s classrooms since kindergarten doing a variety of jobs ranging from cooking coordinator to room mom to running small group centers. I have worked on various fundraising activities, including several walk-a-thons, book fairs and most recently the brand new 6th grade dance committee. I enjoy getting to know the teachers and the friends of my children. Currently I am attending West Valley College to earn a Clinical Assisting certificate to use in the future.
Ann Fitzgerald, PTO Co-Treasurer Our family comes to EDS with a love of parent participation schools. Both of my children attended Sunnymont Parent Participation Nursery School where I served on the Board for five years; two as VP Operations and three as Class Coordinator. We then moved on to Casa di Mir Montessori where I was Room Mom one year and served on the Teacher Appreciation Committee. I also enjoyed serving as reading parent and took on other classroom duties. This is our first year at EDS and I've enjoyed doing literacy and the ABC Parent program with Mrs. Alldridge's and Mrs. Elias' classes. It's been an amazing 1st year for my son Trey and myself and we love the EDS Community! My daughter, Jakobe will be starting Kindergarten next fall and we're looking forward to being a 1-school family again. I am excited to be working with others as a Co-Treasurer next year, and continuing with the ABC Parent Program. When I'm not having fun with the kids, I enjoy reading, doing Reiki, Pilates and taking long walks with the latest music my husband has downloaded for me.
Lisa Gottwals, PTO Co-Treasurer Lisa is a mother of 2 children who have attended Easterbrook/EDS since kindergarten. Matt is currently in 6th grade here and Nicole is graduating 8th grade from Moreland Middle School. Over the years she has been involved with many aspects of the program. She has volunteered in the classroom, run the Scrip program, been Co-President of the EDS PTO Board and worked on many fundraisers. She is currently the Lead Parent for the Project Cornerstone ABC program.
Sue Raygada, PTO Co-Treasurer Easterbrook/EDS/Rogers/MMS parent for 8 years. During this time I held the position of President and Parliamentarian of the PTO. I am excited about EDS and the school we have jointly created with the dedicated parents and teachers of our community. I have extensive financial analysis experience and I would be sure to carefully help in the management of the PTO's budget and funds.
Amy Surdacki, School Site Council *Children:* Madeline, 3rd grade, and Abby, 2nd grade; both at EDS since Kindergarten. Education: M.A. in Education, Pepperdine University, 1992; Single Subject (high school social science) Teaching Credential, Pepperdine, 1990; B.A. in Economics, Pepperdine University, 1987 EDS Positions Held: Two years as Room Coordinator: Mrs. Cardinale and Mrs. Augustine; PTO Secretary 2006-07 Qualifications: I teach part time at Westmont High School (sophomore World History), and my 17 years as a credentialed teacher have made me familiar with many of the issues that schools face. I have worked on numerous committees at public and private schools and at church, and feel that I have experience and familiarity with EDS that would be helpful for the School Site Council. I desire to work as an SSC team member to assist the EDS administration and teachers in getting what they need to make our children's education the best it can be. It is my honor to be considered as a member of the 2007-08 EDS School Site Council. This is the way I feel I can most productively contribute to my children’s and your children’s education at EDS. I would work hard to earn your trust and your respect.