PTO

Parent Teacher Organization

What is the PTO?

The mission of the Parent Teacher Organization is to strengthen our community spirit by fostering relationships between students, parents, and teachers.

The great thing about the PTO is that everyone is a member. So if you are a parent, a staff member, or a teacher at DLS, you are already a member! No dues and no paperwork required!

You can view the PTO Bylaws here.

Upcoming Volunteer Needs

PTO Committees: Volunteering with the school is primarily managed through the PTO Committees.  

Room Parents: As we parents are working hard to settle into the school year, we are hoping parents and/or grandparents could please consider helping our amazing teachers out as a Classroom Parents. If you are willing to serve as a room parent, please email spanishsupport@dlspto.org or mandarinsupport@dlspto.org.

Questions? Email president@dlspto.org

Ways to Support DLS

Support DLS staff by giving to the Staff Appreciation Fund

The DLS Staff Appreciation Fund allows the school community to show gratitude with a monetary gift to all teachers and staff three times per year. Any funds contributed over and above what is equitably distributed to our teachers and staff will be used for Staff Appreciation Week festivities, and other appreciation events and activities throughout the year. All donations are tax deductible.

Support DLS by linking your Kings Soopers Rewards to DLS and shopping with Amazon Smile

Please select Denver Language School when setting up the accounts.

DLS Spirit Wear

To purchase DLS Spirit Wear, please visit our Spirit Wear Store. All products are printed on demand and shipped directly to your home.

A portion of all DLS Spirit Wear sales supports school events and staff appreciation activities throughout the year. Students cannot wear DLS Spirit Wear in place of uniforms, this includes all outerwear. DLS Spirit Wear can be worn every Friday and to and from school.

For upcoming PTO events please check the school event calendar linked here.

23-24 PTO Executive Board

In order to ensure the Denver Language School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) has a strong board and leadership succession plan, the President leadership role is being shared by two parents. This will ensure we can meet our mission and have a strong and seasoned board for many years to come. 

 

Chante Daily, Co-President

Chante currently has a 2nd grader in the Spanish program. She is a proud Colorado Native deeply integrated into the community at many different levels. She is looking forward to adding inclusive cultural experiences, by expanding access to the DLS communities knowledge for all, parents and caregivers alike. Chante brings to the team more than 20 years of child care experience. Chante has continually served on a variety of parent policy councils/volunteer sports organizations in leadership roles since 2015. Chante is deeply family oriented and a dedicated homemaker of five. Chante brings a variety of educational experiences to the team. She currently is an Active Associate Broker at Your Castle Realty. She enjoys her down time; skiing, concerts, fishing, offroading, mountain biking and playing in her vegetable garden. She looks forward to bringing new eyes and vivid energy to DLS.

 

Michelle Lammers, Co-President

Michelle Lammers is the parent of a 5th grader in the Mandarin program, and a strong believer in the benefits of a bilingual education. Her bachelor’s degree included a double major in Social Studies and French, and she completed an academic year in France. Michelle’s career began working in higher education at George Washington University. Her French fluency then opened the door to a job with the Airbus Group, starting her career in aerospace. Michelle now works as an executive in strategy and communications for a Fortune 500 company. She has also served as site executive for a 2,800 employee campus in the Denver metro area.  In her spare time, Michelle volunteers with the Women’s Homeless Initiative. She appreciates the diversity DLS brings to the community, and looks forward to volunteering with such a wonderful school.

 

Molly Osadjan-Rudolf, President Elect

Molly currently has a son in 3rd grade Mandarin. She works for a national professional services firm and is focused on driving growth, strategy and results in multiple states. Molly is looking forward to helping create and build a strong sense of community amongst the DLS family by supporting the students, teachers, parents, and staff. She is excited to share her talents with the rest of the board and build upon the great work that has been done over the years. When she's not working or volunteering, she enjoys traveling, hiking, tennis, cooking, gardening, and concerts with her three kids and husband. 

 
Joanna Leonard.png

Joanna Leonard, Secretary

Joanna currently has a daughter in 3rd grade in the Mandarin program and a son in kindergarten. She works as Director of Pharmacy for Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, focusing on creating lasting solutions for people experiencing homelessness. As a Chinese American, Joanna wants to ensure her family's language and heritage are passed onto her children. She is excited to further build and expand the thriving DLS community. She is looking forward to supporting DLS children, teachers, staff and families.

 

Gayland Paffe, Treasurer

Gayland Paffe has a daughter in the 5th grade Spanish program at DLS. His wife Leslie, is the room mom for the class. Gayland has worked in IT sales for the past 15 years and has lived in Denver for the past 7+ years. Gayland helps out with Girl Scouts, and volunteers to help with the homeless population in Denver. Gayland is committed to helping make DLS a great learning experience for all of our kids. He is looking forward to supporting the activities of the PTO. He enjoys biking, skiing, running, and vacationing.

 

Annie Eastman, Community Affairs and Committee Liaison

Annie has a 5th grader in Mandarin and a 2nd grader in Spanish. She first began her career as a documentary filmmaker through working as a Portuguese translator and interpreter. She values being bilingual and is very grateful for the privilege to have her kids at DLS. She’s excited to work with others on the PTO board to continue strengthening the community at DLS. Her personal hero is Jia Tolentino and she wishes she could dance like Zendaya.

 

Babette Hudson-Tsao, At-Large - Gilpin Representative and President Ex-Officio

Babette is mother of twins Jensen and Lydia 8th grade Mandarin.  Together with husband Freddie have spent 8 years at DLS supporting community at the school for Teachers, Parents and Admin. When not at school she enjoys Skiing, Dragonboat racing, and many other outdoor activities being a Colorado native she loves using the beauty of the state as her playground.  Another volunteer avenue is being a Girl Scout leader.  When opportunity arrivals the Tsao’s travel with abandon in country, and as much as possible out of country.  Professionally Babette is practicing Certified Athletic Trainer, and part-time consultant and former High School Science teacher.