New Board Takes the Helm of Oceanport PTO

PTO President Katie LaPorta handed over the gavel Tuesday night that she has used for two years to preside over the organization and signaled the changing of the guard for the next school year at its June 5 meeting.

Principal Melanie Lipinski oversaw the installation of new officers for the 2012-2013 school year and handed out boxes of breakfast cereal to each to help describe each's role on the executive board. LaPorta, who has served as the PTO's president for two years, was the group's "Lucky Charm," said Lipinski, and her successor, Michele LaValle, naturally received a box of Cap'n Crunch.

The 2012-2013 Oceanport PTO Executive Board is as follows:

Michele LaValle, President

Melissa Donofri, Vice President

Tina Drahos, Vice President

Mary Alyce Turner, Vice President

Karlyn Klem, Corresponding Secretary

Amy Rosa, Recording Secretary

Dawn Weiss, Treasurer

The PTO also recognized the district's two Teachers of the Year; Tracy Jones, 7th Grade science teacher was selected at and 2nd grade teacher Michele Lomazzo was tapped at Wolf Hill.

Retiring staff members were also honored by the organization; 2nd grade teacher Liz Saffioti and Betty O'Brien, administrative assistant for the district's superintendent, will step down at the end of the school year.