As Lakeland Preparatory School prepares for the start of the 2026-27 school year, the Lakeland Prep Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is expanding its membership benefits while continuing its mission of supporting students, teachers and staff across both the middle school and high school campuses.
The organization’s first major event of the school year will be its annual Tailgate celebration on Aug. 21, held before the Lions’ first home football game. The event marks the beginning of what PTO leaders expect will be another busy year filled with programs, volunteer opportunities and community events.
According to PTO President Brenna Shelangoski, one of the organization’s primary goals this year is helping families better understand the role the PTO plays within the school community.
“As the school has continued to evolve and now split, our board members have continued to analyze how we can best use our budget, resources and volunteerism to serve our growing needs while also finding ways to encourage new members to join,” Shelangoski said.
Although Lakeland Preparatory School now operates separate middle school and high school campuses, the PTO continues to function as one unified organization, allowing families to support students across the entire school through a single membership.
During the previous school year, approximately 450 families became PTO members, while nearly 50 volunteers served in leadership roles, including executive board members, committee chairs, committee members and event coordinators.
Shelangoski said many parents mistakenly believe joining the PTO requires a significant time commitment.
“People often think you have to be a stay-at-home parent or devote all your spare time to the school,” she said. “The truth is that simply becoming a member already makes a meaningful difference.”
Membership dues help fund numerous initiatives throughout the year, including teacher appreciation meals, student dances, middle school field trips, student giveaways and campus improvement projects. Even families who are unable to volunteer beyond purchasing a membership help make those programs possible.
To provide additional value for members, the PTO has expanded its benefits for the 2026-27 school year. Members will receive discounts on select dances and school events, invitations to exclusive members-only activities, a PTO car decal, the annual yard sign and opportunities to win prizes during back-to-school events.
Parents who wish to become more involved will have a variety of volunteer opportunities available throughout the year. Opportunities range from assisting during school hours to helping with event setup and cleanup, decorating, chaperoning student activities and supporting community events.
The PTO executive board meets monthly with school administrators and a teacher representative to discuss ongoing initiatives and school needs. General membership meetings are held twice each year, with the first meeting of the new school year expected in September. Shelangoski said the organization’s budget is publicly available and encourages members to ask questions about PTO finances and decision-making.
With another school year set to begin, PTO leaders say they hope expanded membership benefits and continued transparency will encourage more families to become involved and help strengthen the Lakeland Prep community. The Aug. 21 Tailgate will officially kick off another year of supporting students, teachers and families throughout the school year.
