The History
 of The Driftwood PTSA

Driftwood Middle School PTSA History   

    Our PTSA began in September of 2006. This was the first PTSA, PTO, ever in the history at Driftwood Middle School. I, Jacqueline Valcourt, was asked by the principal Ms. Jody Perry to start this PTSA and I did. After this first meeting in September I became we because we built a fabulous team and then great things began to happen. 

    First thing that happened was that we wanted a student to hold the same positions as the adults. If there is an adult president then there must be a student co-president, if there is a treasurer then a student was to be co-treasurer, etc. 98% of the time it was a child and parent team which worked out perfectly. But it was not always the case. The treasurer would have his daughter pick up the bank statements or bills from school and bring it home which gave students the responsibility and helped the parent which was super. 
 

Our founding board was:

President --- Dr. Jacqueline Valcourt, DC

Student President ---Cara Valcourt

Vice-President ---Anne Mennendez

Student Vice President --- Sylvain Valcourt

Vice-President of Membership --- Patricia Chaparro

Corresponding Secretary --- Donna Miller

Recording Secretary --- Nazly Nardi

Student Recording Secretary --- Adolfo Espino

Treasurer --- Victor Acensio

Student Treasurer --- Angela Acensio

Director --- Maria Beauchamps

Student Director --- Steven Carrand

Student Director --- Jessica Carrand

This team was incredible. We did our first fundraiser in the spring to get started which is late in the year and everyone said itís a bad idea. We raised over $16,000.00 for the PTSA then we began.

First, we had a school wide Say Yes to Health Walks and donated proceeds a local charity and had field day for all grade levels. It was unbelievable.

  • We began collecting box tops and Campbell soup labels. 

  • We sold flowers for Valentines Day and Mothers Day. 

  • We provided for teachers appreciation week and a Holiday dessert extravaganza.

  • Provided gifts for secretaries on secretary day 

  • We made CDs and DVDs for the 8th grade trip and dance. 

  • Provided snacks for FCAT testing and many other events 

  • Paid for 8th grade trips for a level 6 on FCAT

  • Provided food for Driftwood Camp. 

  • We had a movie day for students who helped during the year. 

  • We have an appreciation luncheon for all the custodians for all their late night extra hours. 

      Then we began organizing a High School/College Night which has grown to over 200 attendees and now involving the school board. We first organize a college essay contest to teach them how to write a college essay which is a necessity to most colleges today and 95% of scholarships. Now itís written and can improve it. Then we have an information High School/College Night which includes a vast amount of info to have our students ready for a successful high school time and preparation for college. Every student that writes this college essay gets a prize and a letter of recommendation. The top 25, the first four places for each grade and overall 4 places get trophies. The top 4 winners also get I-pods. This has been an unbelievable success. 

     At the end of the year we have a wonderful party for all students that have participated in the fundraisers, activities, college essay contest, volunteered to help, or get invited to our party with a DJ, food and lots of fun. 

     End of the year party and recognition to the PTSA board members, administration and appreciation to those that helped including the front office secretaries. Etc... 

     We are a Great Team and we work well with the school. We have solved many issues, answered many questions, had lots of fun and taught many responsibilities. All in all it has been a fantastic experience and in middle school it is priceless for your children.

     I hope this organization will continue on forever enjoy your journey as we did.

Thanks,
Dr. Valcourt