2023-2024 PTO Executive Council CANDIDATES
Candidate for President: Elena McIntosh
She and her husband Justin have a rising 6th grader, a rising 5th grader and a rising 2nd grader. Elena and her family moved to the area in 2018 when Justin received the call to serve as rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Ivy. Elena is a middle school math and ESOL teacher with a passion for supporting multilingual families and building welcoming communities. She is looking forward to working together with committee chairs, parent volunteers, community members, and Murray staff to support and sustain the work of making Murray “a great place to grow!”
She and her husband Justin have a rising 6th grader, a rising 5th grader and a rising 2nd grader. Elena and her family moved to the area in 2018 when Justin received the call to serve as rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Ivy. Elena is a middle school math and ESOL teacher with a passion for supporting multilingual families and building welcoming communities. She is looking forward to working together with committee chairs, parent volunteers, community members, and Murray staff to support and sustain the work of making Murray “a great place to grow!”
Candidate for Vice President: Jennifer Iyengar
he and her husband Ravi have a rising second grade daughter and a son who will join in 2024. Jennifer and Ravi have lived in Charlottesville for 8 years and both grew up in Raleigh, NC. She is a preschool teacher at Little Explorers Discovery School in Crozet, and currently leads Hike it Baby Charlottesville. Jennifer is passionate about getting kids outside and engaged with the natural world and will continue her role as the PTO representative for the Murray Nature Trail. She is looking forward to many more years as a Murray Mustang!
he and her husband Ravi have a rising second grade daughter and a son who will join in 2024. Jennifer and Ravi have lived in Charlottesville for 8 years and both grew up in Raleigh, NC. She is a preschool teacher at Little Explorers Discovery School in Crozet, and currently leads Hike it Baby Charlottesville. Jennifer is passionate about getting kids outside and engaged with the natural world and will continue her role as the PTO representative for the Murray Nature Trail. She is looking forward to many more years as a Murray Mustang!
Candidate for Treasurer: Alec Lorenzoni
After his first year as Treasurer, he is offering to do it again! He has a rising 2nd grade son at Murray, and a daughter who will be in kindergarten. He is a lifelong Ivy/Charlottesville resident, and a proud ACPS graduate (Meriwether-Journey-Western). He married into a Murray family, as his wife is an alum and his mother-in-law taught there for several years. Last year's experience on the Executive Council was an incredibly enjoyable and fulfilling one, and he couldn't be more excited to do it again this upcoming year with some new faces!
After his first year as Treasurer, he is offering to do it again! He has a rising 2nd grade son at Murray, and a daughter who will be in kindergarten. He is a lifelong Ivy/Charlottesville resident, and a proud ACPS graduate (Meriwether-Journey-Western). He married into a Murray family, as his wife is an alum and his mother-in-law taught there for several years. Last year's experience on the Executive Council was an incredibly enjoyable and fulfilling one, and he couldn't be more excited to do it again this upcoming year with some new faces!
Candidate for Secretary: James Stone
James has three children at Murray, including a rising 4th grade daughter, a rising 2nd grade daughter, and a rising kindergartner son who was also a part of the Murray pre-K program this past year. James has served on several committees at VLM and has genuinely enjoyed being a part of the Murray community. He works at UVA as a clinician scientist and has been a Charlottesville area resident since 2000. He enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, and the arts, as well as amateur astronomy. James looks forward to the opportunity to work with the Murray family in this new role to help give back to this tight knit community.
James has three children at Murray, including a rising 4th grade daughter, a rising 2nd grade daughter, and a rising kindergartner son who was also a part of the Murray pre-K program this past year. James has served on several committees at VLM and has genuinely enjoyed being a part of the Murray community. He works at UVA as a clinician scientist and has been a Charlottesville area resident since 2000. He enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, and the arts, as well as amateur astronomy. James looks forward to the opportunity to work with the Murray family in this new role to help give back to this tight knit community.
PTO Council Representatives 2022-2023
Bingo Night
Chair: Trish McClain
Kids look forward to Bingo Night all winter! We have loads of donated prizes, a stuffed animal store, and food for purchase. Volunteers organize this event, which is usually held on a Friday evening in February. All equipment for the game is stored at school, your role would be planning and hosting/ running the event for the night. 5th grade usually sells food to raise money for a field trip. Planning begins a few months prior to the event.
Chair: Trish McClain
Kids look forward to Bingo Night all winter! We have loads of donated prizes, a stuffed animal store, and food for purchase. Volunteers organize this event, which is usually held on a Friday evening in February. All equipment for the game is stored at school, your role would be planning and hosting/ running the event for the night. 5th grade usually sells food to raise money for a field trip. Planning begins a few months prior to the event.
Book Fair
Chair: Mary Rutherford
Scholastic sets up a great selection of books and items for purchase in the Murray library the week before Thanksgiving. Stock up on birthday and holiday gifts with new favorites. Proceeds help support the Murray library. Chairperson and approximately 10 committee members organize and run the book fair. Some volunteers are needed to set up for the fair from 1:15-4:00 during one school day. Others are needed to work a 90-minute evening shift.
Chair: Mary Rutherford
Scholastic sets up a great selection of books and items for purchase in the Murray library the week before Thanksgiving. Stock up on birthday and holiday gifts with new favorites. Proceeds help support the Murray library. Chairperson and approximately 10 committee members organize and run the book fair. Some volunteers are needed to set up for the fair from 1:15-4:00 during one school day. Others are needed to work a 90-minute evening shift.
Box Tops
Chair: Christy Cormons
This program is an important source of funds for our PTO. Each quarter, the class that collects the most product Box Tops wins the Box Tops Champs trophy. The program has changed quite a bit with the advent of the Box Tops app replacing the need to clip Box Tops and send them into school. This position primarily involves instruction in and encouraging use of the Box Tops app and tallying quarterly totals to send for reimbursement.
Chair: Christy Cormons
This program is an important source of funds for our PTO. Each quarter, the class that collects the most product Box Tops wins the Box Tops Champs trophy. The program has changed quite a bit with the advent of the Box Tops app replacing the need to clip Box Tops and send them into school. This position primarily involves instruction in and encouraging use of the Box Tops app and tallying quarterly totals to send for reimbursement.
Cash Back Programs/Restaurant Nights
Chair: Carolyn Sheffield
Our school and PTO can earn considerable funds through a wide array of rewards programs including local stores and online shopping sites. Link your accounts to start benefiting the school with your regular shopping!
Chair: Carolyn Sheffield
Our school and PTO can earn considerable funds through a wide array of rewards programs including local stores and online shopping sites. Link your accounts to start benefiting the school with your regular shopping!
Communications/Murray Matters
Chair: Alec Lorenzoni
Murray Matters is the PTO newsletter, sent to families weekly to share information about events and opportunities within the Murray community. The communications team is responsible for collecting information from community members and the school to prepare the weekly email.
Chair: Alec Lorenzoni
Murray Matters is the PTO newsletter, sent to families weekly to share information about events and opportunities within the Murray community. The communications team is responsible for collecting information from community members and the school to prepare the weekly email.
Cultural Enrichment
Chair: Paige Perriello
This committee brings so much joy to Murray students. Members of this committee help identify and plan events to provide students the opportunity to learn about the performing arts and other cultural experiences. There is an existing binder with information about prior programs and contacts to help committee members plan. Many opportunities fill up fast, so some bookings need to be made over the summer.
Chair: Paige Perriello
This committee brings so much joy to Murray students. Members of this committee help identify and plan events to provide students the opportunity to learn about the performing arts and other cultural experiences. There is an existing binder with information about prior programs and contacts to help committee members plan. Many opportunities fill up fast, so some bookings need to be made over the summer.
Field Day
Chair: Christy Cormons
A Murray Mustang’s favorite way to celebrate the approaching summer. Kids participate in all kinds of fun outdoor games and sports guaranteed to wear them out. Volunteers work with our PE teacher to create this themed day. Time commitment varies. Leaders and helpers are needed for this fun-filled event.
Chair: Christy Cormons
A Murray Mustang’s favorite way to celebrate the approaching summer. Kids participate in all kinds of fun outdoor games and sports guaranteed to wear them out. Volunteers work with our PE teacher to create this themed day. Time commitment varies. Leaders and helpers are needed for this fun-filled event.
Flick on the Field
Chair: Lindley Stakem and Jordan Giannini
This fun and free kick off to the school year is a great opportunity to meet other Murray families. Students enjoy an outdoor movie on the field, a picnic dinner (brought from home), goodies for sale, and raffle prizes. Volunteers organize this popular event each September. Most of the planning takes place over the summer and early in the school year. Volunteers are also needed to help the day and evening of the event.
Chair: Lindley Stakem and Jordan Giannini
This fun and free kick off to the school year is a great opportunity to meet other Murray families. Students enjoy an outdoor movie on the field, a picnic dinner (brought from home), goodies for sale, and raffle prizes. Volunteers organize this popular event each September. Most of the planning takes place over the summer and early in the school year. Volunteers are also needed to help the day and evening of the event.
Fun Run
Chair: Emily Evans
This event is held during the school day in early fall. Students practice their school spirit while running an untimed non-competitive course. The run is followed by an all-school dance party to promote Murry community and spirit. Some jobs are flexible and can be completed on the members’ own time. Many volunteers are needed the day of the event to provide a safe and fun experience for all students. Fun Run is coordinated with the PE teacher.
Chair: Emily Evans
This event is held during the school day in early fall. Students practice their school spirit while running an untimed non-competitive course. The run is followed by an all-school dance party to promote Murry community and spirit. Some jobs are flexible and can be completed on the members’ own time. Many volunteers are needed the day of the event to provide a safe and fun experience for all students. Fun Run is coordinated with the PE teacher.
Grounds Improvement and Landscaping
Chair: Joe Cooch, CO-CHAIR NEEDED
Murray’s landscaping and beautiful garden space couldn’t be maintained without the help of our parent volunteers. Green thumbs are not required! While County and school staff handle regular grass cutting, leaf blowing, and basic maintenance, this committee does extra work to beautify our school grounds. This includes periodic weeding and mulching, replacing plants as necessary and maintaining the fenced garden (if time permits). They also organize a “Day of Caring” in September when community volunteers (through the United Way) visit and help with grounds improvements. Volunteers can commit as little or as much time as they can give at any time they choose.
Chair: Joe Cooch, CO-CHAIR NEEDED
Murray’s landscaping and beautiful garden space couldn’t be maintained without the help of our parent volunteers. Green thumbs are not required! While County and school staff handle regular grass cutting, leaf blowing, and basic maintenance, this committee does extra work to beautify our school grounds. This includes periodic weeding and mulching, replacing plants as necessary and maintaining the fenced garden (if time permits). They also organize a “Day of Caring” in September when community volunteers (through the United Way) visit and help with grounds improvements. Volunteers can commit as little or as much time as they can give at any time they choose.
Helping Hands
Chair: Kelly Kaufman
The Helping Hands program works with VLM and other local organizations in an effort to teach children the importance of volunteerism and helping others.
Chair: Kelly Kaufman
The Helping Hands program works with VLM and other local organizations in an effort to teach children the importance of volunteerism and helping others.
Hospitality/Staff Appreciation
Chairs: Leslie Ratan and Kate Shooter
This committee organizes meals, snacks, and appreciation events for VLM faculty and staff on select teacher workdays and special occasions. Many hands are needed to assist with providing treats, decorating, hosting, set up, clean up, crafts, and organizing. Any knowledge of or connection to catering/food business is a plus. Some tasks can be completed at home on the members’ own time other tasks require being at the school during a week day. Volunteers can also donate food or supplies. Please join to help us show our appreciation and support for our school’s outstanding teachers and staff.
Chairs: Leslie Ratan and Kate Shooter
This committee organizes meals, snacks, and appreciation events for VLM faculty and staff on select teacher workdays and special occasions. Many hands are needed to assist with providing treats, decorating, hosting, set up, clean up, crafts, and organizing. Any knowledge of or connection to catering/food business is a plus. Some tasks can be completed at home on the members’ own time other tasks require being at the school during a week day. Volunteers can also donate food or supplies. Please join to help us show our appreciation and support for our school’s outstanding teachers and staff.
Literary Magazine
Chair: SalleeAnn Miller
Murray’s annual literary magazine, The Luminary, distributed in late spring, is a compilation of student drawings, poetry, and prose. The magazine allows students to express themselves and share their talents with friends and families. Volunteers with basic graphic design, layout, and familiarity with printing process would be helpful, but are not necessary. All of the work can be completed on the volunteer’s own time.
Chair: SalleeAnn Miller
Murray’s annual literary magazine, The Luminary, distributed in late spring, is a compilation of student drawings, poetry, and prose. The magazine allows students to express themselves and share their talents with friends and families. Volunteers with basic graphic design, layout, and familiarity with printing process would be helpful, but are not necessary. All of the work can be completed on the volunteer’s own time.
M3 Enrichment Programs
Chairs: Trish McClain and Tina Park
These on-site after-school enrichment classes are taught by teachers and community members. M3 classes are offered Monday-Friday immediately after school during three six-week sessions throughout the year and range from "Track & Field" to "Tie-Dye", "Legos & Chess" and "Fencing". Chairs are responsible for identifying programs and teachers, facilitating sign-up, and payment collection. Volunteers are needed from 1 to 5 days per week from 2:15 – 2:40 to check-in students.
Chairs: Trish McClain and Tina Park
These on-site after-school enrichment classes are taught by teachers and community members. M3 classes are offered Monday-Friday immediately after school during three six-week sessions throughout the year and range from "Track & Field" to "Tie-Dye", "Legos & Chess" and "Fencing". Chairs are responsible for identifying programs and teachers, facilitating sign-up, and payment collection. Volunteers are needed from 1 to 5 days per week from 2:15 – 2:40 to check-in students.
Mental Health
Chair: Courtney Cacatian
The Mental Health committee, new in 2022, coordinates resources and events to support the positive development of students' mental health and well-being. Volunteers are needed to identify programs, resources, and events that will support all students as well as programs targeted at students with specific mental health needs.
Chair: Courtney Cacatian
The Mental Health committee, new in 2022, coordinates resources and events to support the positive development of students' mental health and well-being. Volunteers are needed to identify programs, resources, and events that will support all students as well as programs targeted at students with specific mental health needs.
Murray Nature Trail
Chair: Jennifer Iyengar
Murray has a nature trail behind the school where lots of hands-on learning takes place! Volunteers are needed to maintain the trail (i.e. remove fallen trees, trim back vines, rebuild steps). Many hands make light work.
Chair: Jennifer Iyengar
Murray has a nature trail behind the school where lots of hands-on learning takes place! Volunteers are needed to maintain the trail (i.e. remove fallen trees, trim back vines, rebuild steps). Many hands make light work.
New Family Hospitality
Chair: Abby Kimbrough
This committee welcomes new families to Murray by organizing welcome events and providing new families with Murray swag. Volunteers are needed to participate in new family events to welcome them to our community.
Chair: Abby Kimbrough
This committee welcomes new families to Murray by organizing welcome events and providing new families with Murray swag. Volunteers are needed to participate in new family events to welcome them to our community.
Parent Council Representative
Chair: Lindley Stakem
County school meetings are held throughout the year to help ensure we are learning what changes and challenges the county is facing, but also to ensure that Murray's voices are represented. In years past, several school have banded together to fund a county wide event.
Chair: Lindley Stakem
County school meetings are held throughout the year to help ensure we are learning what changes and challenges the county is facing, but also to ensure that Murray's voices are represented. In years past, several school have banded together to fund a county wide event.
Parent Social Committee
Chair: Kelly Kaufman
This is a series of social events hosted by Murray families that allow families to connect and build community. Events range throughout the year from adult cocktail parties to sporting events and family events. Some past events include a women's tennis open, Oktoberfest party, wreath-making, family BBQ and Mother/Daughter Tea. We are always interested in new hosts and ideas.
Chair: Kelly Kaufman
This is a series of social events hosted by Murray families that allow families to connect and build community. Events range throughout the year from adult cocktail parties to sporting events and family events. Some past events include a women's tennis open, Oktoberfest party, wreath-making, family BBQ and Mother/Daughter Tea. We are always interested in new hosts and ideas.
School Directory
Chair: Sonnia Kesser
Each year, during school registration and verification, contact information is collected. Inclusion in the School Directory is optional for Murray families. The chair coordinates the development of a paper format school directory that includes family contact information as well as the school calendar and PTO events. The directory is published through the County printer and distributed to all families in the fall.
Chair: Sonnia Kesser
Each year, during school registration and verification, contact information is collected. Inclusion in the School Directory is optional for Murray families. The chair coordinates the development of a paper format school directory that includes family contact information as well as the school calendar and PTO events. The directory is published through the County printer and distributed to all families in the fall.
Social Media
Chair: Leslie Ratan with Becca Gibson and Kelly Kaufman
Responsible for managing, collecting, and creating relevant content to share with parents and the VLM community via Facebook. Duties include creating a regular publishing schedule and sharing key messages from the PTO and Murray Matters.
Chair: Leslie Ratan with Becca Gibson and Kelly Kaufman
Responsible for managing, collecting, and creating relevant content to share with parents and the VLM community via Facebook. Duties include creating a regular publishing schedule and sharing key messages from the PTO and Murray Matters.
Talent Show
Chair: Carolyn Sheffield
The Murray Talent show is a school favorite, with one night of performances typically held in March on a Friday from 6-8pm. The chair and volunteers facilitate sign-ups for performances, one round of 'try-outs', and two rehearsals to help ensure music, tools, stage items and stage logistics are understood by all performances. Volunteers are needed to monitor and organize performers and emcee the show on the night of the performance.
Chair: Carolyn Sheffield
The Murray Talent show is a school favorite, with one night of performances typically held in March on a Friday from 6-8pm. The chair and volunteers facilitate sign-ups for performances, one round of 'try-outs', and two rehearsals to help ensure music, tools, stage items and stage logistics are understood by all performances. Volunteers are needed to monitor and organize performers and emcee the show on the night of the performance.
Website Development
Chair: Lindley Stakem
Responsible for sharing PTO information on the website such as PTO events, contact information, Murray Matters links, and updated meeting minutes. Requires time and basic website knowledge under Weebly, but updates are done as needed and wherever convenient. Your committee need an update? Lindleyhs@gmail.com
Chair: Lindley Stakem
Responsible for sharing PTO information on the website such as PTO events, contact information, Murray Matters links, and updated meeting minutes. Requires time and basic website knowledge under Weebly, but updates are done as needed and wherever convenient. Your committee need an update? Lindleyhs@gmail.com
Yearbook
Co-Chairs: Christy Cormons and Christina Beverage
The creation of the school yearbook is typically a 5th grade led project. Volunteers are needed to gather photos, take photos and find sponsors to help reduce the cost of a yearbook for students.
Co-Chairs: Christy Cormons and Christina Beverage
The creation of the school yearbook is typically a 5th grade led project. Volunteers are needed to gather photos, take photos and find sponsors to help reduce the cost of a yearbook for students.
Teacher Representative
Ellen Patterson
The teacher representative attends PTO meetings and serves as a valuable connection between teachers and the PTO to identify areas of need.
Ellen Patterson
The teacher representative attends PTO meetings and serves as a valuable connection between teachers and the PTO to identify areas of need.