Our Mission

Our mission is to enhance students’ educational and extracurricular experiences through academic and social activities, open communications, and fundraising to encourage a positive, supportive atmosphere and to build and strengthen relationships among the students, parents, teachers, and citizens of the Mills River community.

Current Bylaws

That means we fundraise for things that will spark a smile in our teachers, add a little fun to our kids day, or provide a much-needed piece of equipment that helps the school run better.  This includes events that are serious fundraisers and other events that are just for fun. It means volunteering when and where the school really needs us. Because of all this, we have our eyes and ears on the pulse of the school.  The roster of events varies from year to year (thanks Covid) and there are always new people to meet, new ways to do things, and new ideas to hash out.

Please join us in our endeavor to keep Mills River Elementary School #theplacetobe.

The Falcon Family is Amazing!

Here’s what was accomplished this past year:

2025-2026

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2025-2026 *

Our Team

The Mills River School PTO is a dedicated group of volunteers who give their time and efforts to the school. If you ever see one of us around school, in the grocery store, or downtown, feel free to say hello. We are a community that only gets stronger with the bridges that we build.

The Mills River PTO is comprised of its Board Members and Committee members. All Officers must have a child currently enrolled in Mills River Elementary School or must be a member of the Mills River Staff.  An Officer’s service date corresponds directly with the school year.  A term is defined as one school year, with newly elected Officers assuming responsibilities two weeks prior to the end of the current school year. Voting for Board Members occurs in April. An annual Budget Meeting is then scheduled in June by the new Board Members.

Meet the Board Members

  • Presides at all PTO board and Mills River PTO General and Special meetings. Coordinates the work of the officers and the committees to facilitate educational and extra-curricular activities. Cooperates with the Principal and maintains a supportive relationship between the school and the Mills River PTO. Appoints special committees when needed. Provides a summary year-end report of his/her year in office to give to the President at the joint Board meeting.

  • Acts as an aid to the President, upon request, and assumes the duties of the President during his/her absence. Welcomes new families, and provides them with information on how they can get involved with the PTO. Helps organize the Fall Fundraiser. Provides a written end-of-year report to the new Vice President at the joint Board meeting.

  • Handles all the funds of the Mills River PTO and gives a financial report of the collections and expenditures and calls attention to any unusual items at each Mills River PTO General and Board meeting. Provides a written Part to Date and annual financial statement at each Mills River PTO General meetings. Provides a written year-end report to the new Treasurer I at the joint Board meeting.

  • Maintains an accurate account of all receipts, disbursements, and other pertinent financial information as it pertains to events and purchases sponsored by the Mills River PTO. Disburses funds approved by the Mills River PTO Board. All members of the Mills River PTO Board must be notified of a request for reimbursement of non-budgeted items more than $50.00 without the Mills River PTO membership approval. A majority of the Mills River PTO Board must approve the purchase. Provides a written year-end report to the new Treasurer II at the joint Board meeting.

  • Records in a permanent form all business transacted at each meeting of the Mills River PTO. Submits a copy of the minutes to all officers prior to the next Mills River PTO Board General Meeting. Presents the minutes for approval at the Mills River PTO Board General Meetings. Will keep attendance records for all meetings. Notifies the Mills River PTO members of special meetings called by the Mills River PTO Board five days prior to such meetings. In case of the Secretary’s absence from any meeting, a board member will be appointed to take the minutes. Provides a written year-end report to the new Secretary at the joint Board meeting.

See Our Bylaws

Meet the Committee Members

5th Grade Store
Stacey Klepp

Communication Coordinators
Jessica Lucas

Dads Group
Kevin Ensley

Food Runners
Kevin Ensley, Tracy Klaes & Amy McKinstry

Fundraising Committee (includes Fast Pass & Paint the Rock)
Katherine Dare

Leader In Me Representative (appointed)
TBD

Playground Committee
Beth Campbell, Kevin Ensley, Kaitlynn Kennedy, Tracy Klaes, Stacey Klepp

Purchase Request Committee
Katherine Dare, Kevin Ensley, Katie Foley, Tracy Klaes & Jennifer Stallings

SIT - School Improvement Team Representative (appointed)
Current President - Katie Foley

Spirit Wear
Tracy Klaes, Stacey Klepp

Staff Appreciation Coordinators
Amy McKinstry, Leah Pollock & Katie Rusert

SPAC - Superintendent Parent Advisory Committee (appointed)
Katherine Dare

Teacher Liaison/Teacher of the Year
Jennifer Austin

Volunteer Coordinator
Katie Rangnow & Chantelle Turcotte

Web Administrator
Lauren Klocko

“Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world. All things break. And all things can be mended. Not with time, as they say, but with intention. So go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you.”

-L.R. Knost