About Hardy PTO
The Hardy Parent Teacher Organization is a 501c3 nonprofit group dedicated to promoting cooperation, celebrating community, and optimizing the educational, physical, intellectual, and social needs of children in our homes, school, and town. We are a group of dedicated parents, teachers, and staff organized to support learning and encourage positive relations in our diverse East Arlington community.
ExEcutive board members
President Julia Twarog & Anthony Watson
VP of Communications Open for vote at November 2023 Meeting
VP of Fundraising Mary Beth Murphy
Secretary Rachel Miller
Treasurer Becky Gibree
NON-VOTING BOARD MEMBERS
These are staff positions at Hardy School. Teacher Representatives volunteer their time.
Hardy Principal Midge Connolly
Teacher Representative Emily Vecchione & Susie Smith
COMMITTEE CHAIRS, PROGRAM COORDINATORS & PTO LIAISONS
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Michiko Kurata
Enrichment Assemblies: Laura Saylor; Grade K-2 Field Trips: Katey Smith; Grade 3-5 Field Trips: Aparna Sethi
Green Team Representatives Emily Lapolice & Claire Galand
Hardy Garden Alham Saadat
Safe Routes to School Becky Gibree & Marloes Rozing
SEPAC Representative Alison Babeu
Spirit Wear Ashley Dickson
Year-End Review and Tax Prep Aletta Tibbetts
Hardy PTO Bylaws
The Hardy PTO Bylaws were amended at the June 13, 2022, PTO Meeting.
Please click below to view or download for viewing:
PTO FAQ
Q: What is the purpose of the PTO?
A: Hardy Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is our school's cooperative organization that provides enrichment to the school experience. Each Hardy family is invited to participate through involvement, providing resources, or giving financial support.
Q: What is the difference between PTA and PTO?
A: PTA is a local parent group affiliated with a state's PTA organization and the National PTA. Our PTO is an independent parent group, a non-PTA. No national PTO exists akin to the National PTA.
Q: What happens at a PTO meeting, and what is expected of me if I attend?
A: We meet in the Hardy Library and on Zoom, starting each meeting by introducing ourselves and our part in the Hardy community (caregiver of student(s) in which grade, PTO board member, teacher, crossing guard). The PTO Co-Presidents provide an agenda which includes a budget update from the treasurer, updates from committee leaders, and new business (upcoming events, PTO-sponsored programs and spending). You can participate in the conversation or just listen in. If you have a question or topic you would like to discuss (time permitting), please email president@hardypto.com in advance.
Q: Can anyone go to a PTO meeting? What happens during a PTO meeting?
A: All are welcome. All are encouraged to participate. Scheduled for the second Thursday of each month (check the calendar for possible schedule changes), we meet in the Hardy Library and stream on Zoom from 6:30 pm to 8 pm. The monthly PTO meeting is a great place to learn about Hardy events, curriculum, and issues, and to hear directly from our principal as well as our teacher representative(s). All Hardy caregivers are officially voting members.
