Originally delivered on 11/4/2025 7:30 am

SUBJECT: SPES PTO Newsletter | November 2025

November 2025
Join us for Movie Night!

Kids always pleading for a movie night? We’ve got you covered! Come dressed in your coziest PJs and bring chairs or blankets. Please note that this event is available to SPES families only and adult supervision is required for all students. 

Entry to this event is free for all families but we are asking that you please RSVP if you are planning on attending to help with planning. You are welcome to pack a picnic dinner and/or enjoy snacks from our concessions stand.  All snacks are complimentary but we will be asking for donations to SPAN, our local food bank.  

RSVP for MOVIE NIGHT
Become a Member today

The most valuable asset within a PTO are THE MEMBERS! We know you have been meaning to get around to it, so here's your chance!  Click below for full details, including a list of our efforts and membership benefits. Fees and donations support students, teachers, and the school as a whole.

JOIN NOW! >
SPES PTO Logo
November Meeting

Tuesday, November 4th, at 6:00pm 

We invite you to attend our PTO meeting this Tuesday! All SPES families are welcome, whether you're a current member or not. Doors open at 5:45pm and we will meet in the Media Center. This Tuesday will also be our first FroYo fundraiser of the year, make sure to stop in for a sweet treat and to help support our school.  

Thank you to the families that have responded to the School House to Your House survey from Mrs. Abell! Based on the results of that survey a School Counselor from Severna Park Middle School will be giving a presentation during the meeting about improving emotional regulation in younger students.  Please complete the short questionnaire below to give input for our future meetings. 

 School House to Your House Survey

VIEW ALL MEETING DATES >
Shout-outs!

Have you seen an SPES Staff Member or Volunteer going above and beyond?  Give them a shoutout! We recognize everyone submitted at our monthly PTO meetings.


GIVE A SHOUT-OUT!
Looking back at October

Here is a round-up of all that the PTO has been able to accomplish the last month through your generous time and support.  A big thank you to all of the volunteers that made these events possible!


  • Bike, Walk & Roll to School Day had 229 students participate! This is 64% of our student population!
  • Thank you to all who joined us for some book browsing and ice cream! Together, we earned $4,381 in Scholastic Dollars!
  • JB's Spirit Night earned $303; we showed up big time!
  • The SPES staff was treated to lunch from the PTO and dessert courtesy of Mathnasium on Unity Day.
  • Organized and started 6 different Fall Clubs!
  • Bobcat Book Club & Chessie reading programs kicked-off and are running smoothly thanks to many volunteers!
  • PTO provided a coffee table for parents to enjoy as they watched the costume parade.


Meet the PTO Board
Kristen Umphlet, President

I’m the proud parent of a young SPES student, and delighted to serve on the PTO board this year!  One of my favorite parts about being involved in the PTO is seeing firsthand the fun and enrichment that takes place. Being part of the PTO makes me feel great knowing that I can have a direct impact on the quality of my child’s education, development, and happiness even with longer hours in school and extracurriculars, and less time at home over the years. I look forward to learning, creating, and having fun with the Bobcat community this school year!

Kristin Taddeo, Vice President

My family and I have been a part of the SPES community since 2022. I have a daughter in 3rd Grade and a son in 1st Grade. I've had the opportunity to support the PTO in various capacities the past few years and enjoy collaborating with fellow parents, teachers and staff to make a positive impact within the school setting. As the school year continues I am looking forward to creating special moments and experiences for all bobcats!  

Leslie Adamczyk, Secretary

I’m the proud parent of an SPES 2nd grader and am very happy to serve on the PTO board this year. I’m excited to work with my fellow board members, Bobcat teachers, Administration and most of all the Bobcat community to make this year a great one for all of our kids. I look forward to a fresh start and having fun with the SPES community this year. 

Brittany Sims, Membership

Hello! I am excited to introduce myself as a new member of the Severna Park School community. My family moved from Massachusetts, and we have a wonderful daughter in first grade. This will be my second year supporting the PTO at Severna Park. I was inspired to take on this role because of the incredible teachers and staff, and parents at SPES—I felt compelled to be a part of this amazing environment.

Before transitioning into Learning and Development in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, I worked as a speech therapist with a degree in Audiology and Speech Pathology. I am eager to bring my previous experience in schools, along with my knowledge of learning and training, to contribute positively to our wonderful Severna Park Elementary School community. I look forward to collaborating with all of you!"

Caitlin Quinn, Treasurer

I'm so excited to be part of the PTO board this year. I have a current 1st grader and another future SPES student, who will join in two years. As an educator myself, I truly value the collaboration between families, the school, and the community

Deirdre Huntsinger, Communication Secretary

Hello! I am excited to join the PTO board this year! My son is in 1st grade and my youngest will become a Bobcat next year. As a former teacher I know the positive impact helpful volunteers and supportive families can make in a school and I am happy to be a part of that. 

Courtyard Clean-up

Come enjoy the end of the Fall season in the native plant gardens at SPES! We are in need of some volunteers willing to help do some weeding, trimming and learning about the plants in our courtyard.  Join us for some fresh air at 9:30 this Thursday, November 6th.  No experience is necessary but if you do have gardening gloves or shears please bring them with you. Please email your interest to Deirdre Huntsinger by clicking the link below.  

Courtyard Clean-up
Committee Leads still needed!

Thank you to all the volunteers that have stepped forward to lead or assist with our many committees! We only have 3 more that need some help! Don't worry, we have lots of resources and will help you recruit others if you are interested in signing up but you don't want too much on your plate. These very worthy groups are still in need!

-Read-a-Thon

-Yearbook

-Spirit Wear


CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE! 


Support our Local Toy Store this Holiday Season!

Get your shopping done early this year at Franklin’s Toys and earn a 10% give back to SPES and a 10% discount for yourself! Shop in store or online November 16th - November 22nd.  

In addition, Franklin's Toys is opening early Friday, November 21 for one hour of private shopping just for SPES!  Join us at 9:00 and PTO will be providing coffee and donuts for shoppers to enjoy as well!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -