Why we're here
We're lucky enough to live in a great school district with great teachers, administrators, and familiies committed to equity, excellence and connectedness in public education.
Our Mission
The purpose of our PTO is to:
Facilitate communication and cooperation among parents, guardians, teachers, administrators, and staff in order to benefit all children of the Franklin School;
Support the efforts of the Principal, faculty, and School Council in providing an optimal educational experience for all students;
Help to develop a close connection between Franklin families and faculty; and
Promote and encourage the support of public school education in the city of Newton.
PTO Board
Our board includes Franklin parents serving as council representatives and committee chairs, the Principal, and Teacher Representatives.
2026-2027 Franklin PTO Board
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Carrie Evangelinos, Co-President & CAS Co-Char
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Brittney Riordan, Co-President & SEPAC Rep
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Matt Andrews, Treasurer
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Panasaya Buckley, Secretary
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Nicole Gordan Reid, METCO Rep
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Yael Mito, Fundraising Co-Chair & SEPAC Rep
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Alex Perri, Fundraising Co-Chair
- Ranjani Paradise, Social Action Co-Chair
- Graham Voysey, Board Member
- Kristen Siddiquie, Social Media and Staff Lounge Coordinator
- Emily Mathis, F.A.M.E.
- Nicole Riehle, CAS Co-Chair & Book Fair
- Lynne Morand, Book Fair
- Mark Chitty, Principal
- Lindsay Scott, Teacher Representative
FRANKLIN PTO COMMITTEES
If you are a parent, guardian or teacher of a Franklin student, you are automatically a member of the Franklin PTO!
Every year, one of two Co-Presidents begins a two year term. allowing us to overlap leadership and keep our organization going strong.
We welcome parent volunteers for one event at a time or for leadership in any of our committees. If you are ever interested in learning more about joining or nominating yourself or a peer, please let us know. We appreciate and respect diversity of all kinds in our community and we want to have YOUR voice involved!
2026-2027 PTO Committee Chairs
Creative Arts & Sciences (CAS)
Carrie Evangelinos, Amanda Kovalcik, and Nicole Riehle
Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ)
Open Position
Auction Committee
Lisa Kozak, Cheryl Alvarez and Dave Smith
Social Action Committee
Ranjani Paradise and Marianne Stepanian
Halloween Bash Committee
Brittney Riordan and Mallory Gettman
Book Fair
Lynne Morand and Nicole Riehle
Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO) Representative
Nicole Gordan Reid
Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Representative
Yael Mito and Brittney Riordan
Kindergarten Welcoming Committee
Amanda Kovalcik and Kaitlin Spruhan
We are always looking for volunteers to help with events and tasks -- day or night, so reach out today!
PTO BOARD
The PTO Board consists volunteers who help plan, organize and fundraise to support the community-building activities we love. Members listed below, include: (2) Co-Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, 3-5 Board Members, Principal, 2 Teacher Representatives, and the chairs of FORJ, SEPAC, CAS, and Social Action Committees.
FORJ
Part of Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ), a district-wide group focused on racial justice. FORJ Franklin aims to generate curiosity, appreciation, dialogue, and understanding about differences in our community and society and work together for racial equity
SOCIAL ACTION
The social action committee connects Franklin families to service and donation opportunities to enrich our neighbors in need. It is a gift to help others. Activities include: food, clothing, book, and other donation drives, as well as volunteering.
KINDERGARTEN COMMITTEE
Through virtual and in-person get togethers, the Kindergarten Committee connects incoming Franklin Falcons with each other so that very first day of school, you might see a familiar face.
AUCTION COMMITTEE
Our Creative Arts & Sciences program is fully funded by the PTO. We can't do without parent participation and support. The annual auction features hundreds of great products and experiences for a great cause. Plus, it's fun!
SPECIAL EVENTS
The Franklin PTO supports community events like Picture Day, the Halloween Bash, Multicultural Night, Art Contests, Color Day, School picnics (September and June), Mystery Dinners and much more. We really rely on parents to make these events special.
Contact Franklin Elementary PTO
Get in touch with Franklin Elementary PTO and tell us what's on your mind.