PTO

Parent Teacher Organization

What is the PTO?

The mission of the Parent Teacher Organization is to strengthen our community spirit by fostering relationships between students, parents, and teachers.

The great thing about the PTO is that everyone is a member. So if you are a parent, a staff member, or a teacher at DLS, you are already a member! No dues and no paperwork required!

You can view the PTO Bylaws here.

Upcoming Volunteer Needs

PTO Committees: Volunteering with the school is primarily managed through the PTO Committees.  

Room Parents: As we parents are working hard to settle into the school year, we are hoping parents and/or grandparents could please consider helping our amazing teachers out as a Classroom Parents. If you are willing to serve as a room parent, please email spanishsupport@dlspto.org or mandarinsupport@dlspto.org.

Questions? Email president@dlspto.org

For upcoming PTO events please check the school event calendar linked here.

24-25 PTO Executive Board

In order to ensure the Denver Language School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) has a strong board and leadership succession plan, the President leadership role is being shared by two parents. This will ensure we can meet our mission and have a strong and seasoned board for many years to come. 

Liz Wilburn-Lewis, President Elect

Liz Wilburn-Lewis has a 1st grader in the Mandarin program. Prior to staying home with her kids, Liz worked as a special education teacher in Clark County, NV, then trained and worked as a school psychologist in the Denver Metro area. The Lewis family felt honored to join the DLS community last school year. Now, Liz is eager to work with the PTO this school year! Liz looks forward to supporting the DLS PTO in working toward their goal of strengthening the community and building relationships between students, staff, and caregivers.

 

Molly Osadjan-Rudolf, President Ex-Officio

Molly has three young children, two are current students at DLS - one in Spanish and one in Mandarin. For the past 10 years, she has worked for a national professional services firm, and is focused on driving growth, strategy and results in multiple states. Her background is in strategic communications and has assisted business all over the country. Molly looks forward to supporting the board’s efforts to create and build a strong sense of community amongst the DLS family. She is excited to share her talents and institutional knowledge with the new members of the board and build upon the great work that has been done over the last 10 years. When she's not working or volunteering, she enjoys traveling, hiking, tennis, and concerts at Red Rocks.

 

Kelsey Brewer, Secretary

Kelsey works at a national tax and advisory firm, where she brings her strategic expertise to drive growth and brand development. A dedicated community advocate, Kelsey is involved with the Junior League of Denver and is looking forward to supporting the DLS PTO in her role as secretary. She is a proud mother of two, with her eldest in the Mandarin program at DLS and a younger son soon to follow. Kelsey enjoys traveling, skiing, and spending time with her husband Jon, their two boys, and their beloved goldendoodle, Charles.

 

Gayland Paffe, Treasurer

Gayland has a daughter in 6th grade Spanish. His wife Leslie, is the room mom for the class. Gayland has worked in IT sales for the past 15 years and has lived in Denver for the past eight years. Gayland helps out with Girl Scouts, and volunteers to help with the homeless population in Denver. Gayland is committed to helping make DLS a great learning experience for all of our kids. He is looking forward to continuing to support the activities of the PTO. He enjoys biking, skiing, running, and vacationing.

 

Marlene Miranda, Community Affairs and Committee Liaison

Marlene is a proud Native American and currently has a 1st grader enrolled in the Spanish program. She is passionate about advocating for those who come from poverty and the safety of all children. Marlene understands the importance of being involved with her son's education and enjoys the opportunity to know how she can best support him to succeed. Marlene has 15 years of child development experience and currently works at a CMA agency which supports individuals from our community with disabilities. Marlene is excited for the chance to build community with DLS staff and families. Her favorite leisure activities include camping, fishing and spending time with family. Marlene often wears many titles but she mostly enjoys being called "Mom."

 

Jen Wiard, At-Large - Gilpin Representative -