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Our Mission
Our Mission
It is the KDM PTA mission to bring meaningful experiences to students, increase family involvement, and bridge the gap between home and school. We want every student to feel important, valued, and have a sense of belonging while being educated and establishing their path in our world. Collaboration, commitment, diversity, respect, and accountability are the core values of the Parent Teacher Association.
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Meet the KDM PTA Executive Board
Meet the KDM PTA Executive Board
President - Janaka Fraysier
Janaka moved to Rockaway in 2021 with her husband, Matt, and 2 children, Finley Belle and Brooks. They recently added 2 puppies, Bentley and Winston, to their family. This is her 4th year being a part of the KDM and Rockaway Rockets families as well as her 4th year as Girl Scout Troop Leader for the current KDM 3rd Grade Troop. When she isn't on the sports fields or being a child chauffeur, she loves being outside gardening, going to the beach, event planning and spending time with family and friends. As a previous Marketing Manager, and now currently staying home with her children, Janaka loves any opportunity to be creative. She is excited about her role as President - she looks forward to continuing to work with the community and KDM staff while bringing her creativity to ensure that our children have the best experience possible at KDM.
Vice President - Tina DiGiacomo
Tina moved to Rockaway in 2010. Shortly after married her husband, Frank. She was a preschool teacher for 12 years before becoming a mom to two boys, Mason and Madded. Tina has been an active PTA member for 5 years, volunteering whenever possible. Especially at the school store and book fair. In her free time, she enjoys watching her son's baseball games and spending time with family and friends. She is excited for her role as vice president.
Treasurer- Anya Tayts
Anya moved to Rockaway with her family in 2022 and currently has a daughter attending KDM. Since then, she has become an active and engaged member of the community. With over 20 years of experience in finance, Anya is excited to bring her expertise to the role of PTA Treasurer. When she's not managing the books, she enjoys traveling, attending live music events, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Corresponding Secretary- Jamie Libby
Jamie is excited to be serving as the PTA's corresponding secretary. Jamie and her family moved from Hoboken to Rockaway in 2022, trading the city life for lake days - and they haven't looked back since! Jamie has two children at KDM who keep her busy with their many sports and activities, but when she does find a little spare time, she loves being outdoors, especially biking or playing tennis. Getting involved in the PTA has been such a rewarding experience. As a newer member of the community, Jamie felt incredibly welcomed and inspired by the dedication of our school families. She is honored to take on this role and looks forward to working with our amazing team to help make KDM a fun, supportive and special place for all our kids.
Recording Secretary - TJ Redlich
TJ is excited to serve as the KDM PTA Recording Secretary. With a passion for organization, clear communication, and using technology to make things run smoothly, he ensures that meeting records are accurate, accessible and easy to reference. In addition to managing minutes and documentation, TJ helps maintain the PTA's digital tools, communications and online presence, making sure information is shared quickly and efficiently with our school community. When not volunteering for the PTA, he volunteers for the Hibernia fire company, enjoys spending time with his friends and family, tinkering with his 3D printer, and being active outdoors.
Committees & Roles
Committees & Roles
Talent Show
Talent Show
Volunteers
Committee Chair / Coordinator – Michele Vandermark
Roles
Committee Chair / Coordinator – Oversees planning, sets timelines, and ensures all roles work together smoothly.
Logistics & Venue Lead – Reserves space, coordinates stage setup, sound system, seating, and decorations.
Performer Coordinator – Manages student sign-ups, auditions (if needed), rehearsal schedules, and performance order.
Communications Lead – Creates flyers, announcements, and manages reminders to parents, staff, and students.
Volunteer & Backstage Manager – Recruits helpers for the event night (ushers, stage crew, student support).
Fundraising & Concessions Lead (optional) – Organizes ticket sales, donations, or concessions if the show is also a fundraiser.
Fundraisers
Fundraisers
Book Fair
Committee Chair / Coordinator – Joanne Ciottariello/Anya Tayts
Square One Art
Committee Chair / Coordinator – Joanne Ciottariello
Roles
Committee Chair / Coordinator – Oversees planning, sets goals, runs meetings, and keeps the fundraiser on schedule.
Event & Logistics Lead – Handles venue booking (if event-based), permits, supplies, and setup/cleanup needs.
Donations & Sponsorships Lead – Reaches out to local businesses or community partners for donations, sponsorships, or prizes.
Communications & Promotions Lead – Creates flyers, emails, and social media posts; keeps families informed.
Volunteer Coordinator – Recruits and schedules parent/staff helpers for shifts, sales, or event support.
Finance & Tracking Lead – Manages money collection, budget tracking, and provides reports to the PTA/school.
5th Grade Committee
5th Grade Committee
Committee Chair / Coordinator – Kristin Patel/Melissa Gaydos
Roles
Committee Chair / Coordinator – Leads the committee, sets timelines, and ensures all activities (party, ceremony, fundraising) stay on track.
Fundraising Lead – Organizes fundraisers specifically for 5th grade activities (e.g., spirit wear, bake sales).
Events & Celebration Lead – Plans the graduation ceremony, promotion party, field trips, and other special events.
Logistics & Decorations Lead – Handles venue setup, themes, decorations, seating, and supplies.
Communications Lead – Keeps 5th grade parents informed through emails, flyers, or website updates.
Treasurer / Budget Lead – Tracks income/expenses and reports back to PTA/committee.
Volunteer Coordinator – Recruits and organizes parent volunteers for day-of support.
Teacher Appreciation
Teacher Appreciation
Committee Chair / Coordinator – Janelle Lauterbach/Nicole Witzig
Roles
Committee Chair / Coordinator – Oversees planning, sets the calendar (e.g., Teacher Appreciation Week), and coordinates with the PTA and principal.
Events & Activities Lead – Plans teacher breakfasts, luncheons, or themed appreciation days.
Gifts & Tokens Lead – Organizes small gifts, thank-you notes, or class-wide contributions.
Decorations & Atmosphere Lead – Creates bulletin boards, door decorations, or staff lounge décor to celebrate teachers.
Communications Lead – Sends reminders to families, creates flyers/emails, and coordinates sign-ups (e.g., food or supply donations).
Volunteer Coordinator – Recruits and organizes parent helpers for set-up, clean-up, and supply drop-offs.
Family Fun Night Carnival
Family Fun Night Carnival
Committee Chair / Coordinator – Dawn McNinch/Jackie Scherr
Roles
Committee Chair / Coordinator – Leads the committee, sets the event timeline, oversees budget, and keeps everything on track.
Games & Activities Lead – Plans carnival games, prizes, entertainment (bounce houses, face painting, etc.).
Food & Concessions Lead – Coordinates food vendors, concessions, or snack sales.
Sponsorships & Donations Lead – Secures local business sponsorships, raffle prizes, or supply donations.
Logistics & Setup Lead – Handles layout, equipment rentals, permits, and event-day setup/cleanup.
Communications & Promotions Lead – Designs flyers, sends announcements, posts on social media, and manages ticket pre-sales.
Volunteer Coordinator – Recruits and schedules parent, teacher, and student helpers for booths, food stations, and clean-up.
Field Day BBQ
Field Day BBQ
Committee Chair / Coordinator – Eileen Ryan
Roles
Committee Chair / Coordinator – Oversees planning, coordinates with the PE teacher and principal, manages budget, and ensures all roles come together.
Food & Supplies Lead – Plans the BBQ menu, organizes food purchases/donations, arranges grills/coolers, and ensures all supplies (plates, napkins, utensils) are ready.
Grill & Food Prep Team Lead – Organizes parents/staff to cook, serve food, and handle safe food prep on the day of the event.
Volunteer Coordinator – Recruits and schedules helpers for setup, serving, monitoring stations, and cleanup.
Staff Support Lead – Ensures teachers/staff get meals and breaks, and coordinates with the PE teacher for timing and needs during the event.
Communications Lead (optional if needed) – Creates flyers, emails, or signup forms for families to donate food items or volunteer.
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