Candidate Statement:

Joint Statement: We would love the opportunity to continue serving our incredible PS 234Q community! Over the past four years, we have proudly dedicated our time to making our students' school experience as fun and enriching as possible. Through successful community events and fundraisers—like Parents' Night Out at Gentle Arts, the Read-a-Thon, the Scholastic Book Fair, and the Cyclones game—we have loved bringing families together and sparking a joy for learning while raising vital funds.

These initiatives have allowed us to bring inclusive, high-quality programming to the entire school, including Kidspire, Alley Pond Environmental Center, Bricks 4 Kidz, Main Stages, Cosmic IQ, and Dynasty Breaking. Looking ahead, we are excited to keep bringing engaging activities to our students while creating even more ways for families to gather, connect, and build meaningful relationships. Working together, we can boost school spirit and strengthen the partnership between families, teachers, and staff to support our kids and make our vibrant community even more connected.

Candidate Statements:

Ken: I’m running for the Executive Board to ensure all families share in the great PS234Q experience that we’ve had over our first year at the school. From Cosmic IQ to the Book Fair and Spirit Days, we’ve felt firsthand how the PTA enriches the community.
As a frequent PTA volunteer and former nonprofit program director, I recognize the need for people willing to do the legwork in all its forms—whether it’s outreach, organizing events, or sweeping up popcorn at movie night. I look forward to that work and particularly hope to recruit more volunteers to next year’s events!

Stephanie: I have had the pleasure of being part of the P.S.234Q community for over four years. Many of my children’s favorite school memories are a direct result of the PTA's incredible work! I would love the opportunity to join the PTA Executive Board to help create engaging educational experiences for all students. I am eager to find new ways to involve our diverse families and strengthen our community. My goal is to ensure that every student at P.S.234Q feels included and that we effectively leverage our resources to support their success. 

Candidate Statements:

Melissa: I believe that the PTA is a great asset and way to bring programming, special events, and support to our students and parents. I believe that we are all a team and that together we can build community that help foster all students.

Silvia: Over the past four years as Treasurer and Co-Treasurer, I’ve really enjoyed being part of the PTA and helping out in many different ways to support our students, teachers, and families. I’d love the opportunity to continue serving alongside my Co-Treasurer and helping families stay connected to the financial side of the PTA. I value teamwork, open communication, and supporting newer members, while continuing to build on all the great things already happening in our school community and finding more ways to bring families together where everyone feels welcomed, included, and connected. 

Candidate Statements:

Sue: I’m a solo, queer, late-life mom of a neurodivergent child and a lifelong singer and producer. I’m also a three-decade fundraising and communications professional, business founder, and nonprofit co-founder. This school community is personal to me in every way. I see enormous opportunity here — to reach every family across every channel and language, build fundraising campaigns and events that work smarter, not harder, and grow a volunteer committee structure where every parent’s gifts and talents have a home. Queens is the most diverse place on earth. PS 234Q gets to show what that means.

Danielle: I’m the mother of one special 3rd grader and a recent arrival to Astoria and the PS234Q community. Since arriving a year ago, PS234Q has warmly welcomed our family, and I’m grateful for the chance to give back. I’m running for the PTA Executive Committee to help build a PTA that is organized, welcoming, and community-driven. My priorities are improving communication and parent engagement, creating flexible and inclusive ways for families to participate, strengthening impactful fundraising, and supporting creative programming that celebrates the diversity and talents of our school community.

Candidate Statements:

Thyda: I have had the privilege of serving on the PTA Board as Recording Secretary for the past two years, and I would be honored to continue supporting our school community. Each year has deepened my understanding of the hard work that happens behind the scenes—the coordination, the challenges, and the meaningful impact we can make together. I’m excited for the opportunity to contribute in a new role as Co‑Corresponding Secretary with Christina Pelekanos and to use my growing experience to strengthen the fundraising and community initiatives that help our students, families, staff, teachers, and administration thrive. 

Christina: I've served on the board for the past 4 years as co-vice president and I'd like to continue service in a new role as corresponding secretary.  I deeply value our school community and the important work we do to support students, families, and teachers. Over the past four years, I have been committed to strengthening PS234Q  and helping with fundraising efforts that directly benefit the school. I would be excited to continue building on the initiatives already in place and expanding the vision of the PTA. At the same time, I am equally committed to supporting any new board members during the transition process to help ensure continued stability and success for the PTA.