Volunteer Spotlight
We’re excited to recognize Kelly Ratteree as our October Volunteer of the Month! Kelly is no stranger to giving her time and talents to our school community. After previously serving on the PTO Board as Secretary, she has continued to stay involved and has once again stepped up to lead one of our favorite fall traditions; Fall Fest! 🍂🎃
From securing the venue, coordinating food trucks to putting together s’mores kits and so much more, Kelly has been working hard behind the scenes to make this special event happen.
Thank you Kelly for continuing to show up for our school and bringing our community together. We appreciate you so much! 🐯🧡
✨Grab your dance TICKETS & preorder food to save✨
Get ready to GLOW UP! 🌟
Join us for a night of music, dancing, glowing fun, and school spirit at our Glow Dance Party! 🪩
📅 Friday, November 6th
6-8 PM
📍 Central Elementary
We need parent volunteers to help make this event a success: SIGN UP
PTO memberships for the 2026-2027 school year:
Memberships are not auto-renewed so you MUST renew annually to keep your benefits. (Click Shop/Donate at the top, add to cart & make sure contact info is up to date) You do not need to volunteer, to be a member.
WHAT DO YOU RECEIVE WITH YOUR YEARLY MEMBERSHIP?
In addition to voting rights at General Membership meetings, other benefits include:
- First access to volunteer opportunities (including in-school)
- Early access to ticket purchases for PTO sponsored events (some sell out!)
- Connecting with other Central Elementary families
This year, your membership dues will go towards providing school supplies for each student, funds for field trips, supporting school beautification projects, assemblies, after school clubs, administrative initiatives and stipends for each teacher (both classroom and specials)! PTO members have fueled CES book fairs, the Tiger Trot, dances, the Fall Festival, teacher luncheons and support staff as room parents.
Staff Spotlight
Please join us in celebrating our October Staff Spotlight, Tracie Linton! For the past 21 years, Ms. Linton has been a dedicated Kindergarten teacher at Central Elementary School and an invaluable member of Team Central. She brings a wealth of experience, passion, and unwavering commitment to our students, staff, and families.
Ms. Linton is originally from Central Pennsylvania. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education (PK–8) from Penn State University before moving to Maryland to begin her teaching career. She later earned a master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Towson University to further strengthen her expertise in supporting young learners.
Throughout her years at Central, Ms. Linton has been actively involved in numerous committees, school events, and activities that help make our school community such a special place. As both a teacher and a parent within Team Central, she brings a unique perspective and deep appreciation for the relationships that make our school thrive.
When asked what she loves most about teaching Kindergarten, Ms. Linton shared that she enjoys witnessing the incredible growth her students make throughout the school year. Being part of those important first steps in a child's educational journey is what makes her work so meaningful and rewarding.
Outside of school, Ms. Linton lives in Edgewater with her husband, Brandon, and their 9-year-old daughter, Dottie. She enjoys spending time outdoors at the beach and pool, gardening, listening to live music, reading, and making memories with her family through new adventures.
Thank you, Ms. Linton, for your dedication, positivity, and commitment to helping our youngest learners build a strong foundation for success. We are grateful to have you as part of Team Central and proud to recognize you as our October Staff Spotlight!
Upcoming Events
- Friday, October 30
- Monday, November 2
- Tuesday, November 3
- Friday, November 6
- Tuesday, November 10
Follow us on social media!
