As another school year begins at Steward and Proctor elementary schools, two familiar faces are stepping into leadership with a shared vision: build community, support teachers and create opportunities that help every child thrive.

New TESPTO co-presidents Kate Pollock and Amanda Bourgeois know firsthand how much a strong school community matters. Both moved to Topsfield seeking an exceptional place to raise their families, and both quickly discovered that the elementary Parent Teacher Organization offered more than volunteer opportunities—it offered friendships, purpose and a chance to make a meaningful difference.

"We are here for you," Kate says simply. "We all want what's best for our children and your children."

That message is at the heart of TESPTO, the Topsfield Elementary Schools Parent Teacher Organization, which serves Steward Elementary, Proctor Elementary and the preschool program.

Guided by its mission of supporting quality education and strengthening the connection between families, educators and the community, the organization raises funds, coordinates volunteers and creates experiences that enrich the school year for every student.

Many people think of a PTO primarily as a fundraising organization, but Kate and Amanda say that's only part of the story.

TESPTO funds 100 percent of elementary school field trips, including transportation—an expense that alone totaled about $15,000 in bus costs last year.

The organization also brings enrichment programs into classrooms, supports teacher grants through its Think Big initiative and sponsors beloved community traditions including Trunk or Treat, ice cream socials, book fairs, teacher appreciation events and much more.

Among the many experiences TESPTO has helped provide are author visits, the Whalemobile, museum trips, theater performances, Legoland, the Stone Zoo, the Gloucester Maritime Museum, classroom furniture, specialized equipment and technology that enhances learning.

On average, TESPTO invests about $200 per student each year, helping provide opportunities that go well beyond what school budgets alone can support.

"We are a group of parents that want to make the magic happen for all students at Steward and Proctor," Amanda says.

For both women, the most meaningful part of TESPTO isn't measured in dollars raised.

It's measured in relationships.

"The kids light up when they see a parent at school," Amanda says. "It's nice for them to know we're around and paying attention. It creates a sense that someone is always there, looking out for one another. We're really all in this parenting journey together."
 Kate agrees. She believes strong schools happen when families, teachers and community members work together toward the same goal.

"I believe having parents involved is imperative," she says. "We all have the same common goal—not winning a game, but winning at childhood, education and development. When we do it together, the kids thrive."

That sense of teamwork extends well beyond fundraising. TESPTO helps connect families with teachers and administrators, welcomes new residents, promotes local businesses and creates opportunities for neighbors to get to know one another throughout the year.

Although they're just beginning their first year as co-presidents, Kate and Amanda already have ambitious goals.

They hope to strengthen relationships between Topsfield's younger families and senior residents, helping build connections across generations. They're also interested in working with school leaders to explore healthier breakfast and lunch options in the elementary schools.

Mostly, they want every family to feel welcomed and included.

"I am excited to connect with more families this year," Amanda says. "We truly want to hear from everyone because we want to make this a wonderful school experience for every child."

One of the first opportunities comes on the first day of school, when families are invited to the annual Ice Cream Social at 4 p.m. downtown—a tradition that gives new and returning families a chance to reconnect before the school year gets underway.

Throughout the year, monthly board meetings rotate between Steward and Proctor schools, and everyone is welcome to attend.

One of the biggest misconceptions about joining a PTO, Kate says, is that volunteering requires an enormous time commitment.

In reality, TESPTO is built on people contributing whatever time they can.

"No one has time," she says with a laugh. "We're all busy. But many hands make light work. Even if it's 30 minutes a month—or one hour all year—that's perfect."

Amanda echoes that encouragement.

"Nothing is too little," she says. "Whether you help at the Holiday Shop, pass out bags at Trunk or Treat, walk with a class at the Book Fair or simply attend a meeting over Zoom, it all helps."

As another school year begins, both women hope more families will discover what they found when they first became involved: a welcoming community working together for the benefit of every child.

After all, TESPTO's mission isn't simply to support schools.

It's to help every student—and every family—feel connected, encouraged and ready to thrive.