For Polk Central Elementary School, building relationships with families extends beyond the classroom – and the school’s PTO plays an important role in making those connections stronger.
The Polk Central PTO brings parents and teachers together throughout the year to support students, recognize employees and create opportunities for families to become more involved in the school community.
That work begins before students arrive each August.
In a typical school year, PTO members plan during summer break, providing a beginning-of-year breakfast for staff and helping decorate the school for Back to School and Open House activities. Members also take part in Open House, meeting families and offering Polk Central spirit wear.
Those opening-week efforts are part of a much larger role the organization plays throughout the year.
The PTO helps support student field trips and classroom needs, organizes school dances and other family activities, provides treats for students during awards days and recognizes teachers and other employees through meals, snacks and appreciation events.
The group also raises money to support those efforts. Its largest annual fundraiser is the World’s Finest Chocolate sale, typically held near the end of January. PTO members meet monthly and also provide support when specific needs arise. Past efforts have included duty-free lunches for teachers, assistance for families, a raffle supporting chorus students and free fall and Valentine’s dances for students and families.
The organization is led this year by co-presidents Mary Ellen Bartek and Julia Tackett; co-vice presidents Terri Newell and Rachel Culbreth; co-secretaries Maggie Culbreth and Paula Hamrick; and co-treasurers Lisa Flynn and Anna Nelon.
For Polk Central, the PTO’s work offers families one way to become active participants in the life of the school.
Parents interested in becoming involved with the Polk Central PTO are encouraged to connect with one of the organization’s board members and learn more about opportunities to participate during the 2026-27 school year.
