Eastonite of the Week: Dona Zappula

Name: Dona Zappulla

Occupation: Easton PTA; entering the workforce in the corporate events, public relations realm.

Family: Husband Joe, daughter Brianna, 14, a freshman at , son Kyle, 12, a sixth grader at l, daughter Megan, 9, a fourth grader , and son Lucas, 7, a first grader.

How long have you lived in Easton?

My family and I have lived in Easton for two years. We moved here due to a relocation for work.

What do enjoy about your work and your work with the PTA?

I truly enjoy the dynamic of the Easton PTA. The PTA interacts with all members in our educational sysem, the goal being we all have the same desire to enrich each child's educational experience in the Region 9 school district. 

What are the duties of PTA Chair?

The PTA's main goal is to be a liasion for the parents and school. We also want to ensure all needs and concerns are presented. The PTA truly likes to touch each students daily lives. This may be accomplished by offering students in Helen Keller their own daily agenda planners, student director, and the online publication of the Cougar Connection to assist students and families in there day to day experiences. On a grander scale, the PTA does provide grade level enrichment to each grade. This form of enrichment may come in the capacity of an assembly or hopefully a field trip. 

What are some of the challenges of PTA chair?

The PTA always wants to ensure that accurate information in our educational system is always conveyed to our families. In these times people are so busy running careers, family households that it is sometimes hard to attend PTA and Board of Education meetings. The challenge as always is to be able to communicate with all families and have the children of Easton know that the PTA is always supporting their education.

How did you get involved and why?

I began to attend the PTA meetings as well as the Board of Education meetings. I began to witness a great dynamic of people who really come together for the enrichment of all Easton students. This is my third school district with my children, and I think all school districts have room for improvement. However,  I must point out that collectively Easton has many people who are trying to ensure the best possible education is afforded to all students.

What are some of the projects you are working on for this school year? 

This year we have many things that we would like to focus on primarily the top three at Keller are:

• We would like to offer a parent evening focusing on and the ramifications of texting. It seems apparent that children do not realize that there are consequences to their actions in the virtual world. If we can offer a forum, where parents can learn to navigate and guide their children in this relatively new virtual world. 
• We are also going to be working on bringing an assembly/field trip to our students at Helen Keller this year. 
• Finally, we are going to colloborate with members of our community to enhance the entrance to Helen Keller. We would like when people walk into the school to note the beautiful surroundings. 
• These three intiatives are in additon to ski club, book fair, school store, and teacher appreciation week that are regularly sponsored by the PTA.

The most rewarding thing about being PTA chair?

Meeting parents is a wonderful part of being a member of the PTA, but more importantly it is the children. If the PTA is able to enhance a child's experience at shcool, then I will say we have done our job.

How can people get involved with the PTA?

I know everyone's lives are so busy but if you could come to a PTA meeting that would be wonderful. Many times throughout the year we have featured speakers that come in and share their expertise. In addition there are many volunteer opportunities for families to participate with. These opportunites may consist of a one time commitment or rather something more ongoing. Any amount of time that can be committed will benefit all of the children. We are eager and ready to welcome anyone that would like to volunteer their time. 

Your favorite thing about Easton? 

Community. It is a wonderful place to raise children.

Your favorite spot in Easton?

It has to be the . Bernadette and her staff are always there to greet and help you. There are so many fabulous programs offered at no cost for the kids. Book clubs are offered for kids as well as adults and it is a wonderful way to catch up and see some people.