About the IDES PTO
We're parents, caregivers, teachers, and staff — all working together to make Isaac Dickson Elementary an extraordinary place to learn and grow.
Every IDES family and staff member is already part of the PTO - no dues, no forms, no sign-up required. If your family is part of IDES, you belong here.
What the PTO does
The IDES PTO supports the school's mission to build a community of engaged, active, hands-on learners. We do that by funding enrichment programs, organizing community events, and making it easier for families to get involved in school life.
We raise money through events like the annual Hot Chocolate Race and our Dine for Dickson program - and every dollar goes directly back to IDES students and staff.
We're a lean group that punches well above our weight. More hands always help - whether you can volunteer a few hours a year or a few hours a week, there's a place for you here.
Our vision, mission & culture
Everything the PTO does is in service of these commitments - the values that make Isaac Dickson different.
Vision
We are a community that supports the whole child while empowering all students to become independent, lifelong learners.
Mission
We value the diverse cultures our students bring. We provide hands-on experiences that build intellectual capacity and make every student feel safe, confident, appreciated, and inspired.
Culture
We want IDES to be a place where students and staff feel safe, loved, supported, and valued. We empower each other to do hard things. We are lifelong learners.
PTO Initiatives
The IDES PTO organizes and supports a wide range of initiatives that benefit students, families, teachers, and staff - all in service of the school's experiential education mission.
Support experiential learning magnet
Our experiential education committee partners with teachers to produce seasonal learning festivals featuring hands-on stations and local community organizers. We recruit and coordinate volunteers that make these events run. We also fund the school gardens and ongoing FEAST programming throughout the year — it's our biggest commitment and the initiative we're most proud of.
OUR SIGNATURE INITIATIVE
Community-building events
Festivals, Hot Chocolate Race, potlucks and more that bring our whole school family together.
Field trips
Supporting hands-on, off-campus learning that extends the classroom via volunteering and funding.
Teacher + staff appreciation
Recognizing the people who make IDES special, throughout the year.
Teacher mini grants
Funding classroom projects and ideas that don't fit the school budget.
Book fairs
Connecting students with books they love and a culture of reading.
Classroom supplies
Making sure teachers and students have what they need.
New family welcome
Helping new IDES families find their footing and feel at home from day one.
Campus beautification
Keeping IDES a place students are proud to call theirs through campus cleanup and mural projects.
Playground & outdoor improvements
Investing in outdoor spaces where kids can play and explore.
Holiday assistance
Supporting IDES families in need during the holiday season and summer break.
Want to help make these happen? Get involved →
2026-2027 PTO Board
Our board is made up of parent, teacher, and admin volunteers who give their time to keep the PTO running.
OFFICERS
Co-president
Alyssa Moore
Co-president
Celine McClure
Secretary
Lynne Horgan
Treasurer
Tania Wells
Teacher representative
Rotating
IDES Admin
Dr. Joan Oughton Bucy
COMMITTEES
Hot Chocolate Race event coordination
Hot Chocolate Race fundraising
Staff appreciation
Campus clean-up
Experiential education
Fundraising — Dine 4 Dickson & Go Local Cards
Family/Care
IT/Communications
Family events — game nights, potlucks, etc.
FACS (Families of Asheville City Schools) representative
Grade level coordinators
✉️ Questions for the board? Reach us at isaacdicksonelementaryPTO@gmail.com