Your PTO

WELCOME to Mason-Rice!

The Mason-Rice Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a non-profit, all-volunteer group committed to enriching our children’s educational experiences at Mason-Rice and building a vibrant community at our school. Our mission is to help you stay connected, understand our community’s needs, and to foster community spirit. This site, our calendar, and our newsletter provide information to help you stay informed about school activities and opportunities to get involved.

The Mason-Rice PTO meets a critical need in our school by providing funding for programs, initiatives, and supplies that are not available through the Newton Public Schools. To learn more about our initiatives, view the six pillar pages (Community Outreach, Communications, Engagement, Enrichment, Fundraising, and Support and Operations).

We look forward to working with you this year. Please don’t hesitate to contact one of us to offer feedback or to volunteer – your skills, time, and talent make the difference in our children’s experience and our PTO spirit. Please contact us at masonricepto@gmail.com.

~ Your PTO Board of Directors

Who is on the PTO?

All Mason-Rice parents, faculty, and staff are members of the PTO. The only membership requirement is that you have a child enrolled in Mason-Rice during this school year — or you teach one.

To learn more about all that the PTO does and how to get involved, please check out our Mason-Rice PTO Handbook.

Who are the PTO officers?

The PTO Officers include:

  • Co-Presidents (2 or3)
  • Vice Presidents (up to 4)
    • Areas of focus:
      • Communications
      • Enrichment
      • Fundraising
      • Community Engagement
      • Community Outreach
      • Classroom, Teacher, & School Support
  • PTO Treasurer (1 or 2)
  • PTO Secretary (1)

2025-26 PTO BOARD & OFFICERS

OFFICERS  
Co-Presidents Amanda Stahl
Kate Cook
Co-President (Vice-President) Rachel Berkey
Collette Hanna
Co-Treasurer Sam Page
John Tucker
Secretary Emily D’Amour
Co-Director, Communications Natalie Wong
Ayelet Wagner Azran
Director, Engagement Audrey Ryan
Kathryn Harris
Director, Fundraising Katie Grenzeback
Alicia Wee
Director, Community Outreach Anna Allen
   
PTO BOARD  
Board Member At Large Galina Dzesiatava
Anna Hitchner
Precious Ikem
Melissa Interdonato
Jess Mattus
Oliwia Najder
Rebecca Ray
Nelson Wong
Creative Arts & Sciences Chair (non voting) Danielle Seaton-Shea
   
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS  
Past Co-President Jackie Lee Donabed
School Principal (non voting) Jake Bultema
Teacher Representative (non-voting) Katherine Papineau
Melissa Merullo

What is the PTO Board?

The Board acts as a board of directors for the PTO Co-Presidents and meets monthly to discuss issues such as how to assemble volunteers, organize fundraisers and community events, and get a general read on all kinds of issues from the Mason-Rice parent body at large.  All PTO officers are on the board. In addition, there are eight at-large board positions, as well as ex-officio members representing major programs like Parent Representatives and Mason-Rice staff.

When does the PTO Board meet?

PTO Board meetings provide an opportunity to build, maintain, and nurture the sense of community at Mason-Rice School. PTO Board meetings are open to everyone in the Mason-Rice community. PTO meetings will be held monthly. Check the PTO calendar for details on the next meeting.