About

Purpose

The Khalsa Community Organization (KCO), much like any PTA or PTO, is a group of volunteers, just like yourself, with a goal of enhancing your child’s school environment and education experience. The purpose of the KCO is to provide parent support and financial contributions to advance and enhance the education of the children who attend Khalsa Montessori School. The KCO is an association of parents, grandparents, guardians, administration, faculty, and staff that provides its members with a voice, a sense of community, and an opportunity to raise funds, organize events and activities, oversee committees (e.g., fundraising, community building, communications), offer funding for classroom materials, provide funds for teacher gifts and conferences, provide information to families, hold community-building events, and maintain communication with the school administration.

What we have done & do...

Organized Arts night, Carnival, space net shade, water bottle fill stations, organize teacher appreciation week events, provide staff with breakfast and lunch on staff development & work days, organize campus beautification day, and more...

Who we are

2025 - 2026 KCO Board members

Jacqui Placencio

Chair

Hi! I’m Jacqui Placencio, and I’m excited to be serving as Chair of the Khalsa Community Organization (KCO) this year. I’ve been part of the Khalsa Montessori community for about two and a half years, and this is my second year with the KCO. I originally joined because I wanted to be more involved in my son’s school and to build connections with other parents and faculty. Last year, I wrapped up my time as the Poppy Room Parent and stepped into a bigger role to help support our amazing school.

As Chair, I’m looking forward to working with a great group of KCO parents, faculty and volunteers to plan fun events, support our classrooms, and bring families together. My biggest hope is to help create a welcoming, inclusive community where everyone feels connected and involved.

Outside of KCO life, I work at a community mental health agency as a therapist and am mom to Asher Franklin-Owens, who’s heading into 1st grade this year.

I’m really looking forward to what we’ll build together this year and can’t wait to connect with more of you along the way!

Shar Loper

Vice Chair

I have been involved with Montessori ever since my oldest adult child was three years old. I started out as a parent, became a volunteer and then realized that I wanted to become a Montessori educator. I grew up in a village in farmland, Wisconsin and went to college in Iowa because of their music program. I ended up in San Diego, California where I lived for 25 years. Both of my sons were born in San Diego. In 1993 I moved here to Tucson. My passions are reading, singing in community choirs, hanging with friends, and living with a rescued poodle and several rescued parrots. I enjoy bringing different aspects of science to my classroom. That is why you will see lots of zoology, geography, and botany in the Poppy room. My mantra is “today. I will make the difference in someone’s life."

Kersten Linsangan

Co -Secretary

Hi, I'm Kersten! This is my second year being a part of the Khalsa community and first year on the board. My daughter, Kennedy is in 4th grade this school year. I look forward to a year of community growth and inclusion at Khalsa as we support each other in advancing our children's emotional, social, and cognitive needs. I love to craft so I hope to see you all at some creative community event this year!

Netta Skyes

Co-Secretary

Hi, I’m Netta and I’m so excited to be part of KCO! My family is new to Khalsa Montessori, and new to Tucson, and are delighted we’ve found such a beautiful location and great community. My first grader is enjoying learning new things and making new friends, and so am I. I have a background in Music, Art, Travel, and Wellness, and look forward to supporting my child’s educational journey and helping the community however I can. I’m interested in connecting with students, teachers, and parents and am looking forward to a great year!

Richa Singh

Treasurer

Hi! I’m Richa Singh, and I’m excited to be serving my first year on the board for the KCO. I’ve been part of the Khalsa community since 2021, and over the past few years, I’ve enjoyed supporting our school as a Room Parent for the Sunflower classroom for two consecutive terms. This year, I’m thrilled to step into a new role with the KCO to help support our school in an even bigger way.

As Treasurer, I’m eager to work alongside our wonderful parents, faculty, and volunteers to support classrooms and facilities, and help bring our community together with fun events. My goal is to make sure KCO’s resources are used thoughtfully and effectively to enrich the Khalsa experience for all.

Outside of KCO, I work in finance and am a proud mom to two amazing kids. Khalsa has been an important part of our family’s life, and I’m excited to deepen my involvement and connect with more of you and work together to make this school year memorable and meaningful for everyone.

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