Zangara tapped for state PTA directors board

At the association’s annual convention in Atlantic City, Ms. Zangara became its newest board member. She has served various Manville PTAs for 15 years.

By: Donna Lukiw
   Manville resident Mary Ellen Zangara has been named to the board of directors for the New Jersey Parent and Teacher Association (NJPTA).
   "It’s a big undertaking," Ms. Zangara said. "I was just glad that I could be a part of such a great organization for kids."
   During the 106th annual NJPTA convention on Nov. 17 and 18 in Atlantic City, Ms. Zangara became the newest board member after serving various Manville PTAs for 15 years. She was named as the group’s public relations chairwoman.
   Ms. Zangara is the president for the Weston Elementary School PTA, a member of the Roosevelt Elementary School and the Alexander Batcho Intermediate School PTAs.
   "She is always on the go," Weston Elementary School Principal Don Frank said. "She’s always looking for ideas and activities for the children and the families."
   She has been the second vice president at Weston, treasurer at Roosevelt School, president at Alexander Batcho Intermediate School and president of the Manville High School PTA.
   "I like doing things with the kids," Ms. Zangara said. "It’s to dedicate all the stuff to the kids like the program and all that extra stuff."
   Ms. Zangara has also served as chairwoman for various books fairs, fundraisers, assemblies, teacher appreciation events and programs over the past 15 years.
   She started an after-school enrichment program for the Weston Elementary School students this year and she has attended two national PTA conventions in Ohio and Arizona.
   Ms. Zangara is also a Life Member in the New Jersey PTA since 2001.
   Her new position entails keeping the press informed about the New Jersey PTA, writing press releases and photographing NJPTA events throughout the state during her two-year term.
   "We just want to get the word out on what the PTA does," Ms. Zangara said.
   Ms. Zangara is a freelance photographer and writer for the Manville News.