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Howe Parent Teacher Organization

Welcome!!

We are so glad you are here. The Howe Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a nonprofit group of parents/guardians dedicated to providing the students of Howe Elementary support for their educational and recreational needs. We also promote open communication between administration, teachers, and families.

The Howe PTO serves the community in 4 ways:

  • We facilitate community events and enrichment activities

  • We fundraise to grant teacher requests and sponsor school and family activities

  • We provide a forum for open communication between families

  • We foster an environment of inclusivity

Who is in the PTO? If you are employed at Howe or have a student at Howe, you are a member of the PTO! Our organization is currently led by three officers: President, Treasurer, and Secretary.

We are committed to making Howe the best place for students, teachers, staff, and families. We work closely with the District administration to achieve success.

PTO Bylaws

Check out the Howe PTO Bylaws and Officer Job Descriptions

Bylaws

Officer Descriptions

President, Treasurer, and Secretary

Requests for PTO?

The PTO requests that you fill out the linked Google Form to request volunteers or even a monetary donations at least 30 days prior to the event. Sometimes there may be something that comes up or an emergency situation, please fill out the request with at least 10 days prior to the event for the PTO to hold an officer meeting to vote on the requests.

Meeting Dates and Agendas

All PTO Meetings are in-person at Howe Elementary School with a virtual link provided. They begin at 5:30 PM. Linked are the Agendas.

Meeting Minutes

PTO Officers

Secretary

Kristi Garrett

ptohowe@gmail.com

Garrett

Treasurer

Amy Onan

ptohowe@gmail.com

onan

President

Vanessa Henriquez

ptohowe@gmail.com

vanessa

Teacher/ Staff Liaison

Marissa Vera/Amanda Potter

mvera@bpd3.org/ apotter@bpd3.org

ladies

Get to Know the PTO Officers

Kristi Garrett

About my family: I am a twin girl Mom. Amelia and Piper are first graders, in the dual language program at Howe. The girls enjoy school, and take piano lessons. We love just being silly and having fun. Aside from full time MomLife, I am a fun spirited hairstylist. I own and operate my small business.

About my pets: We are currently a pet free home, but hoping to change that in the future

If I could travel anywhere, what place would I most like to visit? Road trip the New England area

A few of my favorite things:

Color: Orange

Movie: Footloose and 80’s Brat Pack movies

Holiday: Halloween

Season: Fall

Hobbies: Exercising and long walks

Food: Mexican

Dessert: French silk pie

Candy: Dark Chocolate almond bark

Drink: Starbucks refreshers

Book: Little Women

Sports Team: No specific team, I enjoy multiple sports

Amy Onan

About my family: We have a blended family of five. Felix has two beautiful sisters who love to spend time with him.

About my pets: The Onan house consists of five. We have Chacha and Lulu who are twin pitbulls, Guido and Mini our senior cats and Milo a 12 week old kitten.

If I could travel anywhere: Alaska, Australia, The Fiji Islands and Hawaii 

A few of my favorite things:

Color: Brown

Movie: It's A Wonderful Life

Holiday: Christmas

Season: Late summer into fall

Hobbies: Scrapbooking and antiquing

Food: Mexican

Dessert: Ice cream

Candy: Butterfinger

Drink: Root beer

Book: Bible

Sports Team: Local leagues my son is on

Vanessa Henriquez

About my family: I have three children ages 5,7, and 18. We like to stay busy and enjoy nature. We spend most of our time camping, biking, hiking, or swimming.

About my pets: We have one dog Zero a french bulldog

If I could travel anywhere, what place would I most like to visit? Tristan de Cunha

A few of my favorite things:

Color: Purple

Movie: World War Z

Holiday: Fourth of July

Season: Fall

Hobbies: cooking, baking, working out

Food: Pupusas and empanadas

Dessert: Creme brulee

Candy: Cry baby tears

Drink: Passion fruit juice

Book: The Giving Tree

Sports Team: Chicago Bulls

Amanda Potter/Marissa Vera

About Amanda's family:  There are 5 people in my family.  They are my mom, my dad, and my 2 sisters.  I currently live with my mom and dad.  I’m the oldest.  My middle sister lives in Madison and is engaged.  My youngest sister lives in Chicago.

About Marissa's family: My parents live in Texas. While there are many states that separate us we remain close through weekly video chats and daily phone calls.

About Amanda's pets:  I currently have 3 animals living in my house.  I own two cats, Ellie and Maya, who are both rescues.  There is also a turtle named Mykanos that lives in my house.  He was originally my youngest sister’s but then my parents adopted him.

About Marissa's pets: I have 2 dogs, a Border Collie Mix and a Yorkie.

If Amanda could travel anywhere she would go to Italy. If Marissa could travel anywhere she would go to London.

A few of our favorite things:

Color:  A-Purple M- Red

Movie:  A-The Batman M- The Amazing Spider-Man

Holiday:  A-Thanksgiving M- Christmas

Season:  A-Winter M- Fall

Hobbies: A-Video games, jigsaw puzzles, diamond painting, reading M- Roller Skating and attending live music and sporting events.

Food:  A-Cheeseburgers M- Al pastor tacos

Dessert:  A-cheesecake M- Mangonada

Candy:  A-Skittles M- Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers

Drink:  A-Mountain Dew M- Coco-Cola

Book:  A-Wonder M- Matilda by Roald Dahl

Sports Team: A-Chicago Cubs M- Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Cubs

Curious? We invite you to attend a meeting and get involved. It is no secret that building community and providing support is hard work! If you would like to come alongside us, please reach out or attend our next PTO meeting.