M-S PTO Welcome Back Newsletter
August 2025
There are many volunteer opportunities through M-S PTO. There are many open positions to serve as a committee chair or co-chair as well as volunteer opportunities to assist at M-S PTO events throughout the school year. Here is some details on the open positions:
- School Executive: Serve as school’s liaison between PTO, teachers, and administration. Help with general oversight of committees & events pertaining to school with volunteer support as needed. Be responsible for communication between grade coordinators and teachers throughout the year. Communicate school needs to the Executive Board and parents as needed. Daytime availability preferred. 1 MPE School Executive & 1 LT School Executive available
- Book Fair Co-Chair: Co-lead the book fair, held twice a year in October and March. Includes preparing book fair materials, communication with staff about book fair specifics, scheduling class previews, sales, and volunteer needs, and planning with the book fair committee. Daytime availability during each week of book fair preferred. 1 MPE Co-Chair position available, 1 LT Co-Chair Position available
- Communications Chair: Lead a team to facilitate communications between the PTO, schools, & families in our district. The communications committee is responsible for publishing a monthly PTO newsletter, managing the PTO social media account and website. Can be a behind the scenes position. 1 Chair position available
- Family Events Chair: Lead a team of parents and principals to facilitate fun social and/or educational events (ex. Glow Bingo, Movie Night, etc) throughout the year for each school’s students and their families. Evening availability preferred for evening of events. 1-2 Chair positions available
- Grade Coordinator: Provide grade specific communications to parents and staff from the PTO. Share PTO communications & volunteer needs to grade level parent groups on social media. Work with the building executive to provide support for school-specific PTO events. Daytime availability preferred. 1 position per grade – specific grade availability pending
- HANDS Chair: Help organize this one-day event for Lincoln Trail students where they explore countries/cultures in their school, turning it into a “virtual globe”. Daytime availability on the day of the event is needed. 1-2 Chair positions available
- Spirit Wear Chair: Lead a team to select a vendor, designs, and spirit wear/items. The spirit wear committee coordinates sales of spirit items online and at PTO events and helps to distribute items as needed. 1-2 Chair positions available
- Staff Appreciation Chair: Coordinate ways to show our appreciation for staff of the schools throughout the year. Some daytime availability preferred. 1-2 Chair positions available
- STEM Co-Chair: Lead a team of parents & teachers to incorporate supplemental Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math related programs or experiences in the schools. 1 Chair position available
- Volunteer Coordinator: Create and manage online sign-ups for various PTO and school events or needs. Work with communications committee and grade coordinators to advertise sign-up links. Recruit additional volunteers as needed. 1 Chair position available
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Email us at msptoboard@gmail.com
Our website is full of information
M-S PTO utilizes email to keep you up to date on the most current information for PTO and for volunteer needs. Fill out the following form, by clicking the picture link, to be added to our email list.
Mr. Martin: Principal of Middletown Prairie
How long have you been at MPE? This is my 8th year at MPE. I was the assistant principal for 1 year and am starting my 7th year as principal. Before getting into administration, I taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade for 17 years across the state. 13 of those years were in Urbana. While teaching in Urbana, I coached boys basketball at Mahomet-Seymour High School. This is my 25th year in education and 21st providing support to Mahomet-Seymour students either through coaching or administration.
What is your favorite thing about MPE? My favorite thing about MPE is seeing the growth these students make. Students start as early as 3 years old and exit at 8 years old. There is so much development that happens in their first years of school. I am proud to be a part of the process and watch amazing teaching take place on a daily basis with the best staff to work alongside with.
If families could know one important thing about you, what would it be? I am a proud father of 3 amazing girls and want to be there to support them in all their endeavors. They keep my wife Lisa and I very busy, but we wouldn't have it any other way. Hannah (16) plays volleyball, basketball, and competes in track. Ashley (13) runs on her mother's junior high cross country team, plays basketball, and runs track. Haley (5) is enjoying the first few days of kindergarten and enjoys chasing her big sisters around to all their sports competitions.
A Few Kind Words about Mr. Martin:
"Mr. Martin supports his staff and students alike. He encourages a family feel amongst our school. MPE is a magical place from the top all the way down!"
"Mr. Martin goes above and beyond to support students and families. He is quick to say hello to students and to make a positive relationship with them. As parents, we have had so much encouragement and advocacy for our children. We are grateful for the work he puts in each day to make the educational experience a positive one."
"Mr. Martin has the perfect personality for an elementary school. He LOVES MPE, all his little bulldogs, and he appreciates his staff so much. I appreciate the time he takes to talk with our students, and play with them too."
Mrs. Hunter: Principal of Lincoln Trail
How long have you been at LT? This is my 11th year in the District. 7 at LT (I think)
What is your favorite thing about LT? The amazing staff and students we have here!
If families could know one important thing about you, what would it be? I love getting to know our students every year. They are one of the best parts of Lincoln Trail. I am truly proud of our staff and how they invest in each and every student. Thank you for supporting us!
A Few Kind Words about Mrs. Hunter:
"Mrs. Hunter, Thank you for being such a positive light for students and staff in the building. Your ability to know and understand students is unparalleled. Everything you do to make Lincoln Trail amazing does not go unnoticed."
"Mrs. Hunter always adds a personal touch by sending each employee and student a birthday card!"
"We are so grateful for Mrs. Hunter, who seems to have mastered the art of being everywhere at once! She’s always just a phone call or a hallway walk away—ready to jump in, brainstorm, and help create a plan to make sure every student has what they need to be successful. She supports our classrooms at the drop of a hat, all while still managing to give the perfect book recommendations. Thank you, Mrs. Hunter, for being our problem-solver, cheerleader, and book whisperer all in one!"
Nominate a Staff Member!
Click to nominate a staff member who is going above and beyond and should be featured in our monthly newsletter! This could be a teacher, support staff, a custodian, a bus driver, Lunchroom supervisor, or anyone who works within our buildings! Include the staff member's name and a few sentences on how they are "Shining Out".
Should your submission not be chosen, your staff member will still receive an email or note with your special "Shine Out". We want our teachers and staff at MPE and LT to always feel appreciated.
Thank you for taking the time to read through our newsletter. We are excited to partner with you in making this school year successful and enriching for all students and staff. If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at msptoboard@gmail.com.
Stay connected with us through our website and social media channels for the latest news and updates. We look forward to a wonderful year ahead filled with learning, growth, and community spirit.
Warm regards,
Stevi Stutzman
M-S PTO President