PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)

Welcome to Highpoint Academy's
PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)

The Parent-Teacher Organization of Highpoint Academy, Inc. (PTO) is a not-for-profit Organization that was founded in 1980 with the primary purpose of raising funds for our school. Our PTO offers opportunities for our volunteer PTO Member Parents to meet and collaborate with fellow parents and school administrators. With the help of our PTO, we raise over $40k a year to purchase items or provide educational programs for the benefit of both our Faculty and our Students.

Primary Mission of the PTO is to raise funds that will benefit the entire school community.

PTO members meet approximately once a month, either in person or via Zoom, to discuss events, plan fund-raisers, and share ideas. We’re incorporated in the State of Florida, have a Board of Directors, formal By-Laws, and a separate checking account. During our Annual Meeting, we hold elections for the next two years.

Getting involved in Highpoint's PTO is a great way to get engaged. The Principal, Program Director, and other members of Highpoint's Administration attend these meetings and provide input and information of interest to our Highpoint Families.

Please click the icon below and join our wonderful PTO:

Congratulations to our newly elected 2026-2027 Executive Board Members:

PTO "Board Members"
Raquel Arias
Lissette Diaz
Sachy Gordillo
Victoria Gutierrez
Cynthia Martinez
Yaglin Sensat Medina
Vianna Moran
Beatriz Perez
Valerie Pulido
Two new Members will be elected in the fall of 2026

HIGHPOINT ACADEMY "PTO BYLAWS"

ARTICLE I – MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES
1. PTO "Executive Board Member"
2. PTO "Board Member"
3. PTO "Active Member"

SECTION 1. PTO "EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER"
The PTO's "Executive Board Members" are responsible for the leadership, governance, and daily administration of the organization in support of the school's fund-raising mission. These members work together to protect the interests and reputation of the school, promote civic engagement, support beautification and safety initiatives.

Active PTO Members shall vote annually, as needed, to fill Board Member positions that become vacant due to resignation, departure from the school, or inability to fulfill Board responsibilities.
In order to be on the "Executive Board", the member must have served as an active "PTO Board Member" for a minimum of one (1) year.
Board Member elections shall be held during every even-numbered year, either in June or September, as determined by the Board.
Voting can take place in person, virtually, or electronically.
Executive Board Members may meet either in person or virtually without advance membership notice. All ideas and proposals must be shared with the school Administration and with the Board Members in advance prior to voting at a Board Meeting.
Executive Board Members must pay annual dues and maintain Active PTO Member status in good standing.
Attend all PTO virtual or in-person meetings, except when excused by the Board.
Attend PTO-sponsored school events or send someone on their behalf.
Volunteer a minimum of two (2) hours at two (2) PTO-sponsored school events each school year.
Volunteer to sell event tickets at least two (2) times per school year.

"Executive Board Members" consist of the following:

PRESIDENT
The President serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Association and provides overall leadership for the organization. The President is responsible for nominating his/her successor prior to term expiration. Responsibilities include:
• Presiding over all board meetings and membership meetings.
• Serving as the primary spokesperson and representative of the Association.
• Overseeing projects, events, and other fund-raising initiatives.
• Overseeing implementation of Executive Board decisions and organizational goals.
• Coordinating strategic planning and leadership efforts.
• Ensuring the organization remains aligned with its mission and bylaws.

VICE PRESIDENT
The Vice President supports the President and assumes the President’s duties in their absence. Vice-Presidents do not automatically become President when the President can no longer serve in that capacity. Responsibilities include:

Acting on behalf of the President in their absence when necessary.
Assisting with leadership and governance responsibilities.
Assisting school administrators with fund-raising initiatives.
Supporting membership outreach and community engagement.

SECRETARY
The Secretary is responsible for maintaining the official records and corporate documentation of the Organization.
Responsibilities include:

Providing notice of meetings to all Active Members.
Managing membership records and organizational documentation.
Recording accurate minutes of all board and membership meetings and sharing these with the Board Members within a reasonable timeframe.

TREASURER
The Treasurer oversees the financial management and accountability of the Organization.
Responsibilities include:

Preparing Financial Reports and presenting update Treasurer Reports at Board Meetings.
Working jointly with the School Administration on annual budgets and financials, and ascertaining income/expense transparency.
Monitoring income, expenses, and annual Budgets.

SECTION 2. PTO "BOARD MEMBER"
1. To serve as a PTO "Board Member", an individual must:

Pay annual dues as determined by the Board, and maintain PTO Board Member status in good standing.
Attend all PTO virtual or in-person meetings.
Attend PTO-sponsored school events or send someone on their behalf.
Volunteer a minimum of two (2) hours at two (2) PTO-sponsored school events each school year.
Volunteer to sell event tickets at least two (2) times per school year.

2. Board Members shall:

Be eligible for nomination to become a "PTO Executive Board Member."

SECTION 3. PTO "MEMBER"
1. To qualify as a PTO "Member", an individual must:

Pay annual dues as determined by the Board, and maintain PTO Member status in good standing.

NOTE: Participation in meetings, events, and the PTO Member Chat Group is voluntary. Members will receive a credit toward one child's event fee for up to two (2) events that parent volunteers to work in; (maximum of two events per year.)

ARTICLE II – GOVERNANCE AND PURPOSE
1. This organization shall be governed in accordance with the most current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order. All meetings of the Board of Directors and membership shall be conducted in accordance with these rules unless otherwise provided by these bylaws.
2. No official business may be conducted, and no elections or votes may be taken, unless a quorum of the Board Members is present. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the currently elected "Board Members" of the Organization that are present at the meeting where business is taking place.
3. The primary mission and purpose of this nonprofit organization is to raise funds and provide support for the educational programs, activities, and needs of Highpoint Academy. All directors, officers, and members acknowledge and understand that fundraising for the benefit of the school is the principal objective of the organization.

ARTICLE III – BOARD COMPOSITION, ELECTIONS and DUES

Section 1. Number of PTO Board Members
1. The PTO Board shall consist of fifteen (15) members, including: Four (4) Executive Board Members; and Eleven (11) Board Members.
2. The Executive Board shall consist of the following Officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer

Section 2. Eligibility and Elections; Annual Dues
1. All Members of the PTO must pay annual dues in a timely manner.
2, Amount of annual dues and requirements for membership shall be determined annually by the Executive Board. This must be announced prior to the start of each school year.
3. There shall be no limit to the number of PTO Active Board Members who may seek election to an Executive Board position.
4. Only "Board Members" shall be eligible for nomination and election to the "Executive Board."
5. Only "Active Members" shall be eligible to vote in Board Member elections.
6. Voting for Board Members and Executive Board Members may be conducted either in person or electronically.
7. Every Active PTO Member shall be entitled to one (1) vote.
8. Elections for members of the Board of Directors shall be held every two (2) years during even-numbered years.
9. Elections shall take place either in June, at the conclusion of the school year, or in September, at the beginning of the school year, as determined by the Executive Board of Directors.
10. Newly elected directors shall assume their duties immediately following the election unless otherwise specified by the Board.
11. All PTO Members must be the parent or legal guardian of a student currently enrolled at Highpoint Academy.
12. All PTO Members shall serve in accordance with these bylaws and remain committed to advancing the organization's charitable and fundraising mission in support of Highpoint Academy.

ARTICLE IV – TERMS OF SERVICE
All Board Members shall serve a term of two (2) years beginning at the start of the school year when elections were held.
1. There shall be no term limits for either Board Members or Executive Board Members.
2. Board Member elections for full terms shall be held during every even-numbered year, either in June or September, as determined by the Board.
3. Executive Board Members shall serve two-year terms and may be re-elected without limitations.

ARTICLE V – MID-TERM VACANCIES
A Board Member position shall be deemed vacant if a member: resigns, no longer has a child enrolled at Highpoint Academy; fails to maintain Active PTO Member status; or is unable to fulfill the duties of the position.
1. Vacancies occurring during a term shall be filled by appointment made by the majority of the remaining Executive Board Members.
2. The replacement shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.

ARTICLE VI – ELECTIONS
1. Board Presidents that can no longer serve because their child has graduated, may appoint another member of the Executive Board to replace them as President. All other open positions must be voted on by the majority of Active PTO Board Members.
2. At a scheduled meeting where positions need to be filled or where elections will be taking place, the Board Members present may nominate Executive Board Members, however, elections must include all PTO Active Board Members.
3. If only one candidate is nominated for an Executive Board position during a scheduled meeting, and he/she accepts that position, then voting by all Active Board Members does not need to take place.
4. Executive Board Members that have no opponents may remain in their positions.
5. Open Executive Board positions shall be voted on by the majority of Active PTO Members, not just Board Members.
6. There shall be no limit on the number of eligible Board Members seeking an Executive Board position.

ARTICLE VII – BY LAW REVISIONS
1. These bylaws can be revised with a majority vote of all fifteen (15) Board Members.
2. Voting can take place either in person, virtually, or electronically.

ARTICLE VIII – MEETINGS
1. PTO members must meet a minimum of six (6) times per year.
2. Meetings may be held either in person or virtually via Zoom.
3. All Board Meetings must be announced with a minimum of 72 hour advance notice.
4. Executive Board will be responsible to coordinate location, day of week, and times of all meeting.

PTO "CLASS REPRESENTATIVES"
Every Homeroom shall have an elected "PTO CLASS REP." If there is more than one Parent volunteering to be a "Class Rep" for their child's class, the PTO Members will vote for the Class Rep during the months of August or September each year. Only PTO Members that have a child in that class can vote for their Class Rep.

Requirements to be a "Class Rep":

Must be a parent of a student currently enrolled at Highpoint Academy.
Must be registered as an "Active PTO Member."
Must attend all PTO Meetings and PTO sponsored school events.
Must volunteer to work during at least two PTO sponsored school events and coordinate volunteer parents from their child's class to also work at these events.
Must serve as liason between the PTO Executive Board and other parents of their child's class.
Must keep track and have up to date informatin of all school events and activities.
Must be able to quickly forward on their "Class Chat" all announcements and communications relative to PTO Events and Activities only.

FIRST PTO MEETING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR!
Our first PTO Meeting for the 2025/2026 School Year took place on Thursday, September 11, 2025 in person. There was a lot of enthusiasm as we welcomed new members, discussed our goals, and went over all the upcoming events and activities that will be taking place in the next couple of months. We're all looking forward to a great year full of fun as we raise funds and create lasting memories!

JOIN OUR PTO! DOwnLOAD MEMBERSHIP FORM

2025-2026 PHOTO GALLERY

Our PTO's "FOOD & WINE PARENT SOCIAL" Event was just spectacular! Thank you so much to our Executive Board Members and all our Board Members for their hours of hard work, creativity, and contributions. Everyone had a fabulous time! (Click on the right arrow to see photos in full size.)

SPECIAL THANKS to all the great Sponsors of this event: CHEZ REALTY, AT HOME TITLE, AAA LENDING CORP., THE LATIN LUNCHBOX, SACHY'S BOUTIQUE, SPORTS GRILL.

2024-2025 PHOTO GALLERY

"FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE" ~ "Night In Paris"

PTO's "NIGHT IN PARIS" Father-Daughter Dance that took place on Saturday, February 8, 2025, was a huge success! Daddy's girls were beautifully dressed, many in spectacular attire like "Emily in Paris." Many Dads dressed like elegant Frenchmen even wearing berets. Lots of dancing, delicious Crepes, so much fun and so much love! Thank you PTO Executive Board Members for organizing this event and working so hard to make it possible. (Click links below to enjoy and share videos & photos of this memorable event!)

FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE PHOTOS

PTO's "Night in Santorini" Event
Everyone had a lot of fun at Friday night’s “Meet & Mingle” event, the first of many great events that our PTO will be organizing this school year to raise funds for our school. We’re so fortunate to have this group of united, loyal, and enthusiastic parents supporting our school!
#highpointPTO #highpointproud

March 6, 2025 PTO MEETING on Zoom:

August 27, 2024 - 1st PTO MEETING of the 2024/2025 School Year:

2023-2024
PTO PHOTO GALLERY

We had so much fun celebrating Christmas!

Our PTO's "MEET & GREET PARENT SOCIAL" was a huge success!
Our 8th Graders offered babysitting and kept our students entertained while our parents mingled, danced to great music, got to know each other, shared time with our Admin Team, and had a great time! It was truly a memorable night for all! Thank you PTO Board for organizing this event.