About Our Westlawn PTA

The Westlawn PTA aims to build a bridge between families, teachers, and the wider community by creating opportunities to work together. By working together, we can help all students at Westlawn Elementary reach their highest potential. Our goal is for families to feel connected to their child's school through volunteering, donating, advocating, and leading various events.

Westlawn PTA Goals

• Family Engagement: Increase parent and caregiver involvement in school life through fun, inclusive events.
• Equity and Inclusion: Ensure all families can participate fully, regardless of income.
• Community Building: Strengthen school pride and foster connections among students, families, staff, and community.
• Teacher and Staff Support: Recognize and support the hard work of teachers and staff.
• Student Enrichment: Provide events that encourage learning, creativity, fitness, and school spirit.
• Fundraising: Support classroom and school needs through modest, family-friendly fundraising efforts.

Did you know that when you join our PTA, you are eligible for National PTA and VA PTA member benefits?  Learn more about saving money as a PTA member and  read about additional benefits and savings for PTA members .

Meet Our Executive Board and Committee Chairs

President: Simone Rose

Simone is mother to two boys, Optimus who is in high school and Orion, who is a current fourth grader at Westlawn. This is Simone’s third year as president and her favorite PTA activity is the book fair!  Contact Simone .

Vice President: Deirdre Ladd

Deirdre is mother to two girls, Becca who is in middle school and Reagan, who is a current fourth grader at Westlawn. Deirdre has been Vice President for several years but she is also a current sixth grade teacher at Westlawn. Fun Fact: Deirdre attended Westlawn as a child from grades 4-6.  Contact Deirdre .

Secretary: Andrea Medina

Andrea is mother to two girls, Amanda who is a current fourth grader at Westlawn and Elizabeth, who is four-years old and will be at Westlawn next year. This is Andrea’s first year as a PTA board member but she has been volunteering for the past 4 years in various PTA events. Fun Fact: Andrea also attended Westlawn as a child from Preschool through 6 ^th grade.  Contact Andrea .

Treasurer: Elizabeth “Liz” Ray

Liz has a son in kindergarten, so this is her first year at Westlawn. Liz was just voted in for the Treasurer position in October 2025 but she is a fast learner and will be caught up in no time!  Contact Liz .

Meet our PTA Committee Chairs

Restaurant Nights: Sarah Whilden

• Organize fundraising opportunities with various restaurants once a month.

Communications: Cindy Medina

•  Manage PTA Facebook account and post up-to-date information on PTA happenings.

Spirit Wear: VACANT (1-2 people)

•  Need someone to help set up Spirit Wear sales during the school year.

Holiday Charleston Wrap Fundraiser: VACANT (1-2 people)

•  Set up our account and track the fall gift wrapping fundraiser.

Gingerbread House Event: Girl Scout Troop 55103 

• Organize a cheerful holiday event for students to make Gingerbread Houses.

Literacy Night: Kathy Harrington  

• Organize a fun night of literacy for families (January or February). 

Laps For Learning: VACANT (1-2 people)

• Need someone to help lead a popular fun run done in March and distribute prizes. 

Spring Dance: Cindy Medina

•  Organize an event to celebrate spring with music, decorations, and family participation (April).

Teacher Appreciation Week: VACANT (1-2 people)

• Need someone to help organize some or all of the teacher appreciation events during the first week of May.

If you are interested in filling in any of the vacant spots, please contact the PTA board members.

PTA Membership Meeting Resources

For the 2025-26 school year:

• September 10: in-person from 5:30 - 6:30 PM ( slides )
• October 8: virtual from 6:30 - 7:30 PM ( slides )
• November 12: in-person from 5:30 - 6:30 PM ( slides )
• December 10: virtual from 6:30 - 7:30 PM ( slides )
• January 14: virtual from 6:00 - 7:00 PM ( slides )
• February 11: virtual from 6:30 - 7:30 PM (slides | notes)
• March 11: in-person from 5:30 - 6:30 PM (slides | notes)
• April 8: virtual from 6:30 - 7:30 PM (slides | notes)
• May 6: in-person from 5:30 - 6:30 PM (slides | notes)

Links to virtual meetings are shared on the  official Westlawn calendar , and are also usually shared via TalkingPoints message during the day of the meeting. Meeting reminders are also available through the  Westlawn PTA Facebook page .

Fundraising Events

Details about all PTA events are on the  official Westlawn calendar . Event details, including ways to volunteer, are also shared on our  Westlawn PTA Facebook page .

News from the Westlawn PTA

Sign up for periodic news from the Westlawn PTA through News You Choose ! Sign in with your email address and make sure the item for Westlawn PTA News is checked off.

Check out the 2025-26 PTA Newsletters:

• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
• November 2025
• December 2025
• January 2026
• February 2026
• March 2026
• April 2026
• May 2026

Volunteer with the PTA

There are many opportunities to volunteer with the Westlawn PTA throughout the year, from fundraising, to donating items, to giving time and enthusiasm! Starting in 2025-26, in-school volunteers must be registered with FCPS’ new volunteer system.  Learn more and register now !