About Us
A Note from the PTA Executive Board
Hello Woodside Families!
We would like to take this opportunity to welcome each of you and your families to Woodside Avenue School’s 2025-2026 school year! As the PTA (Parent Teacher Association) it is our responsibility to talk with you about getting involved in the school. But first, since this may be the first time at Woodside for many of you, we think that it is important to explain what the PTA is all about.
The PTA is an organization of parents and teachers. The PTA’s goal is to foster a nurturing and caring environment that strives for continued parent involvement in helping build and support the education al environment for all our children. We also promote a school community where teachers and administrators can do their best work with the resources we can provide and help make school fun. Through fundraising efforts, the PTA is able to donate funds to purchase educational materials, equipment, field trips and other school activities.
For the PTA to be effective and truly represent the school, it is essential to have parental involvement from as many parents as possible. You may not be able to attend every meeting or be on campus during the day however there are endless possibilities as to how you can support the school. Whatever your own level of flexibility, Woodside Avenue School PTA always appreciates their parent volunteers as do our teachers and staff. Whether you have 30 minutes or a couple of hours, your ideas, your time and talents are truly needed. Please consider volunteering, it really does make a difference in the lives of our children!
Your Executive Board Members will work collaboratively as a team with the essential support of our wonderful parent volunteers! Let us introduce ourselves!
2025-2026 Executive Board
President
Kate VanLenten
Kate VanLenten grew up in Franklin Lakes and attended Woodside herself. Kate's mom was a teacher at FAMS for 36 years. In 2013 she and her husband, Dave purchased her childhood home. This year all three of their children are at Woodside, Mae, headed to 4th, Lily, a rising 2nd grader, and Declan entering Kindergarten. She is in her 3rd and final year as President.
Vice President
Alissa Piccini
Alissa Piccini moved to town in 2016 with her husband, Jeremy. Her daughter, Sophia, is a rising 2nd grader and Angelina will be joining WAS as a Kindergartener this year. Alissa is looking forward to an exciting and fantastic school year here at Woodside! Alissa is in her third year as Vice President on the board.
Vice President
Sara Kelley
Sara Kelley grew up in town and went to Woodside. She has two children at WAS in second grade and Kindergarten. She also has a 4-year-old at school in Ramsey. Sara runs a nonprofit that sends students and teachers from around the world to the US for a cultural experience culminating in a week at Space Camp. She’s thrilled to give back to WAS through the PTA.
Vice President
Ann Woo
Ann Woo is in her first year on the Executive Board, having been a PTA member and active volunteer since her 4th grader, James, entered Woodside. With a professional background in corporate social responsibility and volunteer engagement, she is looking forward to supporting the Woodside community this year.
Treasurer
Jennifer Telesca
Jennifer Telesca, an Accounting and Finance professional, moved to Franklin Lakes in 2021 with her husband, Joe. They have a daughter, Skylar, entering Kindergarten from Bright Horizons this Fall as well as a 2 year old daughter, Summer, who attends a preschool in town. This will be her first year on the board.
Corresponding Secretary
Karen Soliman
Karen Soliman, a teacher with 12 years experience, along with her husband, Michael, relocated to Franklin Lakes in 2021. They have two daughters, Emma who is a rising 3rd grader this year at Woodside, and Hailey who will be entering 1st grade. Karen is entering her 3rd year as Corresponding Secretary.
Recording Secretary
Veronica Mezyk is in her second year on the Executive Board moving from Treasurer into the Recording Secretary role this year. Her daughter Sophie is a rising 1st Grader and is being joined by her little brother Sebastian coming to Woodside as a Kindergartener this Fall. Veronica also has a preschool aged son Spencer.
Veronica Mezyk
Interested in joining the Executive Board?
Thank you for your interest in serving on the Executive Board! Below is an overview of the potential commitment.
Committment
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Elected members serve a two-year term​ (or remainder of a previous term)
Meetings
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Monthly Executive Board Meetings to plan and organize
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Bi-monthly General Membership Meetings (Sept-May) to update parents and administration
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Events &
Fundraisers
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Support major events like Monster Mash, Winter Wonderland Ball, Apex/Dance-a-Thon.
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Guide event chairs/co-chairs and assist with planning/execution.
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Help run a fun, engaging school year that boosts family involvement.
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Use your skills to support meaningful changes and enhance student experiences.
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Be part of a team improving our school for today’s kids—and future generations.