Originally delivered on 9/4/2026 10:31 am

SUBJECT: 🦅 September PTO Meeting Recap + Your Top 5 Questions

Our First PTO Meeting is in the Books!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first General PTO Meeting! We loved having the opportunity to introduce our Executive Board, share what we’ve been working on, talk about what’s ahead, and—most importantly—hear directly from our families.

We’re just getting started, Seahawks. Let’s keep SOARing together! 💙

📧 We’re Working on It!

We know there have been a few extra emails hitting your inbox lately and we apologize! As we get our new PTO systems up and running, we’re working to make sure communications are reaching the right people at the right time. Thanks for your patience as we work out the inaugural-year kinks!

A Note from Your PTO President

I am incredibly thankful for our Executive Board and the dedication they have shown to Sabal Crest. I get to see firsthand the time, thought, and work happening behind the scenes, and I want our families to know just how invested this team is in getting it right. We may be a new PTO, but this board is committed to building something strong, thoughtful, and worthy of our Seahawk community. I’m very proud to serve alongside them. - Marithza Ross

💬 Seahawk Q&A: The Top 5 Questions from our September PTO Meeting
Q1. Do the PTO’s three support pillars reflect a five-year plan?

A: Our three pillars define the areas PTO is here to support. Because Sabal Crest is a brand-new school, we are not developing a five-year plan just yet. This first year is about learning—evaluating the school’s needs, seeing where PTO support can have the greatest impact, and using what we learn to shape future priorities.

Q2. Does PTO funding help relieve the school’s budget?

A: 100%—and it also helps make more possible. Right now, our priority is funding the basics: the resources, programs, incentives, and campus needs that help support a brand-new school, including items that simply fall outside the school’s regular operating budget. Our support is organized around three pillars: Education, Community, and Campus. The school has identified needs and opportunities within each, and PTO works to thoughtfully allocate the funds we raise so all three areas receive meaningful support. As our fundraising capacity grows, so does what we can consider. Once the basics are well supported, we can begin exploring larger ideas and investments that could have an even greater impact on Sabal Crest Academy. 

Q3. Is PBIS physical or digital?

A: PBIS is digital. Students and parents can access it through Clever. What is Clever?

PS. The PTO Executive Team is working with the school to provide more clarity around experiences, PBIS, and other related updates. We know this is all new, but we’re so excited to see how much the kids are already enjoying it—and we can’t wait to find more ways to get parents involved!

Q4. Is SAC happening?

A: Yes! September 10, 3:30- 4:30pm. For previous information sent out 8/30 via ParentSquare Click here. *Link is only for those with access to ParentSquare.

Q5. How will parents be selected for volunteer opportunities?

A: If you indicated your volunteer interests through the PTO portal, you’ve already raised your hand! 140 parents have volunteered across multiple areas of interest, giving PTO a great pool of parents to contact as opportunities become available.

Rather than asking parents to race to a new SignUpGenius each time, we’ll reach out directly to those who expressed interest in that type of activity, typically 2–3 weeks in advance, with the specific date, time, role, and expectations. Depending on the number of volunteers needed, spots may be filled as parents confirm or through a lottery-style selection when interest exceeds availability. We’ll also maintain interested parents as backups in case plans change.

There won’t always be enough roles for every interested parent at every event—and that’s okay. Our goal is to involve a variety of families throughout the year while matching opportunities with parents who are available and ready to commit when the time comes.

Update Volunteer Preferences
Room Parent Announcement

Thank You for Raising Your Hand!

A huge thank you to everyone who volunteered to serve as a Room Parent this year! We had an incredible amount of interest, and while we couldn’t select everyone, we’re so grateful that so many parents are ready to get involved. Congratulations to our selected Room Parents—we’re excited to have you!

KINDERGARTEN

Brown | Rachel Lucas

Heiar | Courtney Vergilis

Holt | Brittany Calhoun

Murphy | Sara Baker

Schnortz | Sarah Usman


1ST GRADE

Jones | Cassidy McKee

Marra | Jenny Moore

Nye | Colleen Paternostro

White | Jessica Tawes

Wiante | Erin Morgan


2ND GRADE

Basso | Kelsey Elser

Connelly | Kristen Milano

Cushing | Ashley Patel

Eveland | Brittany Beck

Izquierdo | Alicia Kurzner

3RD GRADE

Bikowski | Emily Harada

Megan Clark | Anita Yakua Taracena

Tracy Clark | Robyn Montesano Hall

Glaser | Alycia Garner

Wilson | Brittany Marvin

Worz | Larissa Thompson


4TH GRADE

Cola | AJ Mottlau

Mazza | Shannon Reitmeier

McDonald | Lauren Hirsch

Scollo | Casey Bates


5TH GRADE

Harman | Sehar Chircu

Petty | Leigh Wohlfarth

Prince | Kristin LaBaugh

Swan | Kelly Bennett

Tolosa | Sarah Dierker

Room Parent is a popular way to volunteer, but it’s just one way to be part of PTO. As our inaugural year unfolds, new opportunities will continue to come up, and we hope you’ll stay involved.

Want to hear when we need an extra set of hands? Update your volunteer preferences below and let us know where you’d like to help!

Become a Volunteer
ONE PROFILE. ONE PLACE. YOU’RE SET.

The SCA PTO Membership Toolkit portal is our primary communication system for PTO emails, volunteer opportunities, and important updates. Every parent or guardian who wants to receive PTO communications should have their own profile using their preferred email address.

As a volunteer-run organization serving a school community of 800+ students, we cannot maintain separate contact lists, manually add family members, or accommodate multiple preferred methods of communication.

The good news? Once your profile is set up, you’re set for your time at SCA! So, if you want to hear from us, this is the place to be!

Need help? We’re happy to walk you through the process! Email info@scapto.org.

Update Your Profile: Step-by-Step
Get Cleared. Get Involved.

What is School Access?School access is required for every individual that is not a staff member of the St. Johns County School District.  This is done through completion of the district’s Volunteer Application.  Whether an individual is volunteering in some capacity or simply visiting a student or staff member/s for a meeting or presentation, completion of the application is required.

Obtain School Access
Founding Families: Here From the Start


As Sabal Crest Academy begins its inaugural year, our Founding Families are helping build the foundation for what comes next. 

Their support represents an early investment in our students, teachers, and the PTO programs that will serve our school community for years to come.

Founding Family recognition is reserved for the first 100 families during Sabal Crest Academy’s inaugural 2026–2027 school year only.

Become A Founding Family
💙 Grant a Middle School Seahawk Wish

Don’t Forget the Rest of the Nest! See a wish you’d love to grant? 

Click the photo and make it happen!

Membership Has It's Perks

A big THANK YOU to Bronx Pizza for generously donating a $25 gift card for our giveaway! Congratulations SARA PERRY!

Thank You Gold Partners in Education
Got a Business? Know Someone Who Does?
Let’s get them connected with Sabal Crest!


Partners in Education put local businesses in front of our school community while helping support the students, teachers, and programs that make SCA soar.

Own a business? Know a great one? Send them our way!

Learn More
PTO looks better with friends. Bring yours!

PTO membership is one of the easiest ways to support Sabal Crest—and no, joining does not mean we’re secretly signing you up to run a carnival booth. 

No volunteer commitment required. Just your membership helps support classrooms, students, school-wide programs, and campus improvements.

So don’t be shy—text the group chat. Tell the neighbors. Recruit your grade. Let’s see who takes the lead!

LET’S SOAR
Upcoming PTO General Meeting Dates

First Wednesday of Each Month | 9:00–10:00 AM

Sabal Crest Academy Cafeteria

• September 2, 2026

• October 7, 2026

• November 4, 2026

• December 2, 2026

• January 6, 2027

• February 3, 2027

• March 3, 2027

• April 7, 2027

• May 5, 2027

Why Should I Come to the Next PTO Meeting?

Okay, we get it—these recaps are pretty good. 😉 But they’re not quite the same as being in the room! Our meetings are where you’ll hear updates, ask questions, and learn about things that may not make it into every email or recap. Here’s a preview of what’s coming in October: Get the first look at Seahawk Sprint, our biggest fundraiser of the year, including volunteer opportunities, how we plan to generate additional revenue, and how PBIS ties into the fun.


Working parent and can’t make it? We understand! Internet access currently makes audio streaming meetings a challenge, but we’ll continue doing our best to keep everyone informed through the recap shared after each meeting. And if you have a question you’d like addressed, email us at info@scapto.org.


LET'S BE FRIENDS
Facebook
Facebook
Instagram
Instagram
Need to reach us? Email is best!

Social media is a great place to follow along, but it is not our primary communication channel and is not monitored 24/7. For questions, assistance, or anything requiring a response from PTO, please email info@scapto.org. This ensures your message reaches the right person and receives a response.

ST. JOHNS SCHOOL DISTRICT CALENDAR
Monday, September 7
Labor Day - Student / Teacher Holiday
Wednesday, September 9
Interims Issued
Friday, September 25
Teacher Inservice Day - Student Holiday
Friday, October 9
First Quarter Ends
Monday, October 12
Teacher Planning Day - Student Holiday
Wednesday, October 21
Report Cards Issued
Wednesday, November 11
Veterans Day - Student / Teacher Holiday
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