Our Mission
The New Kent Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization exists to support the education, social, extracurricular, and community of the students, faculty, staff, administrators at NKES. Our mission is to help every student, family, teacher, and staff member understand how valued they are as a member of the NKES community. We work to create the kind of school community where teachers and administrators can do their best work—and so can our children.
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Our Goals
These days schools are asked to provide more with less; so we step in to help bridge that gap and provide resources they need. We help create additional learning opportunities for children. The PTO has provided educational hardware and software purchases, classroom supplies, play ground equipment, and other important items for our students and school. We are able to do this through the support and generosity of our families during our fundraising events like the Fall Festival, Book Fair, Holiday Shop, Coin Wars, Yearbook Sales and your Membership Payments.
And we strive to build the kind of supportive, caring atmosphere that makes school fun. Our goal through hosting events like Bingo for Books is to give families an opportunity to come in and have the opportunity to socialize and meet other families. We also host events like the Reptile Man and student assemblies to encourage academic growth of our students. We partner with the school to provide events like Field Day and 5th Grade celebration as well.
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Through the help of NKES families, the NKES PTO has been able to support the NKES community for decades. We look forward to continuing that tradition with you. We all have a common bond. We care about creating the best possible educational experience for our children. We are neighbors and friends. Join us!
Meet the PTO Board
2025 -2026
Fantasia Eich
President
I am mother to 3 incredible children and each of them are part of the River Otter famIlY! I’m Gloucester grown and before I became a mom I was a Teacher’s Aide, and occasional substitute, at Gloucester Learning Center in Hayes. In my free time I love baking, canning, chicken tending, experimenting with new recipes, gardening, kayaking, reading, and taking new adventures with my family. Every time I visit New Kent Elementary School I leave feeling happy and fulfilled, and I love all of our staff & students like famILY. This is my fourth year with our superlative PTO, but this will be my second year on our incredible board. I am ecstatic to help create another historic year for our River Otter staff and students!
Brittany Gutierrez
Treasurer
This will be my fourth year involved with the PTO. I do however have a degree in Accounting to help support my role as Treasurer. I am excited to work with a wonderful group of parents to ensure the school year is fabulous. I have two New Kent students, one in 8th, and one in 4th! I am an accountant by trade and love working with numbers. I currently work from home which allows for more time with my girls. On a personal note, I am an avid scrapbooker, travel lover, LOVE sign frequenter, and I enjoy traveling and finding new places with my kiddos. I was born and raised in Williamsburg, graduated from Bruton, and have lived in Alaska as well as Ohio. I look forward to serving with the board to make this school year ROCK!
Sharda Henderson
Secretary