Membership Growth and Community Impact
The Webster Central PTSA set ambitious membership goals this year and built real momentum across all 11 schools. Each building had its own target, supported by both online and in-person sign-ups, regular Mailchimp and ParentSquare reminders, and a progress gauge that showed families exactly how close they were to meeting their goals. A major push during Chromebook pick-up week brought every secondary student past PTSA tables, and monthly raffles kept excitement high. Yard signs with QR codes, lobby posters, and flyers at each school made joining easy, while Membership Chairs personally invited families at school events. They celebrated publicly, most memorably with cupcakes for the “1000+ Members” milestone. Members receive discount cards and regular newsletters, reinforcing the value of being part of the PTSA community.
Elementary Schools Spotlight
Webster’s seven elementary PTSAs, led collaboratively through the guidance of Elementary VP Elsbeth Ebenhoe, delivered a full year of family-centered programming. Volunteers organized events such as Bingo nights, science fairs, kindergarten playdates, ice cream socials, Trunk or Treat, and 5th grade celebrations, while also supporting cultural arts, staff appreciation, and school beautification. Each building worked closely with administrators to keep families informed and engaged.
Secondary Schools Spotlight
Secondary VP Stacie Peters provides exemplary leadership to the four secondary schools, coordinating district-wide spirit and appreciation events, including first-day sidewalk chalking, hot cocoa and candy cane mornings, staff breakfasts, and cultural celebrations such as a St. Patrick’s Day bagpiper and a mariachi performance for Hispanic Heritage Month. Seniors are honored through the Luminary Night and senior sign distribution. At Schroeder High School, new partnerships with student clubs led to projects like a faux plant wall, mural installations, a charity basketball game between the two high schools, and garden beautification with UPK students.
Central PTSA Spotlight
The Central PTSA board brings together leaders from each school building, as well as dedicated volunteers, in the areas of membership, fundraising, programs, advocacy, grants, recognition, PACE, and SEPTA — each contributing expertise that strengthens their district. Central programs included the Concert Apparel & Coat Drive, the biannual Harlem Wizards fundraiser, and Community Arts Day, which showcased student artwork, performances, crafts, food, and hands-on activities for families. Throughout the year, they celebrated their shared “whys,” reading volunteer reflections at meetings to highlight the purpose that unites all buildings.
Webster Central PTSA Executive Board
President: Melissa Schmitt
Secretary: Melissa Ritchie
Treasurer: Michael Lingle
Asst. Financial Manager: Bonnie Deiure
1st VP Elementary Schools: Elsbeth Ebenhoe
2nd VP Secondary Schools: Stacie Peters
3rd Co-VP Communications: Tatiana Torres
4th Co-VP Communications: Brooke Lown
Website: https://www.websterptsa.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WCPTSA
Givebacks: https://wcptsa.givebacks.com/