Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
Southport S6A & SMS PTO Basics
Email: ptoSouthport@gmail.com
Facebook: Southport PTO / @ptoSouthport
Web: southportpto.square.site
2nd Wednesday of each month (unless otherwise noted)
6 p.m. | SMS Library | Door #3
Southport PTO Spirit Wear (buy at events or online: southportpto.square.site)
*Limited bulk stock
*Affordable pricing
*New designs each year
*Pick up at school
*Benefits entire Cardinal community
1st Place Spirit Wear (buy online: bit.ly/southportspiritwear)
*More sizes, designs, items
*More expensive pricing
*Sales throughout the year
*Shipped to your home
*Southport PTO receives 10% of sales
What does the PTO do ...
*Robotics Team
*Drama Club
*Student Council
*Math Pentathlon
*Builders’ Club
*Student birthday treats
*STEAM Night
*8th Grade Celebration
*End-of-Year Celebrations
*Scholarships for SHS seniors
*Bus Driver Appreciation
*Parent-Teacher Conference meals
*Staff Funding requests
*Teacher Appreciation Week
*Financial Management for S6A & SMS Athletics Concessions
*Financial Management for S6A & SMS Student Needs Funds
*Attend districtwide PTO meetings
*Share information learned with members at monthly meetings
*Serve as an additional voice for Southport families at the school and district levels, as governed by the PTO bylaws
... and how do we do it?
2025: $5,950.34
PTO’s primary fundraiser during the school year.
Students collect donations or per-lap pledges to earn prizes. They compete on Sprint Day to see how many laps they can complete during the Sprint.
2025: $3,378.44
PTO spirit wear and gear profit is invested right back into the Cardinal community. PTO spirit wear is kept at an affordable price so everyone can be included.
2025: $0
The PTO is launching a PTO Membership in 2026. With a $10/person membership, members receive inside PTO news, member-only swag, discounts on merch, voting rights, and more! Joining the Southport PTO means you’re helping support ALL Cardinals. We ensure that 100% of your $10 membership stays at Southport, helping our Cardinals spread their wings and prepare to take flight. PTO members get to vote on what the PTO does, get the inside track on what’s going on, and get special deals and gifts with their membership. Join today via bit.ly/southportpto26
2025: $0
The PTO is working to bring back “Cardinal Nights” at local restaurants.
Past experience: Not a huge money maker, but worth trying again!
2026-27 PTO Board Members
Karen Pennington
About me:
-Retired Special Education teacher
-Students in 6th grade and college
Why I serve:
My grandkids love seeing me at school and helping out with things for school. I want to be involved in their schooling, know what’s going on at school, and help staff in any way I possibly can at any time!
Leslie Wells
About me:
-Director of Communications, O’Neill School at IU Indianapolis
-Students in 6th and 9th grades
Why I serve:
I volunteer with the PTO because I want to help make the school experience better for all students, families, and staff. It allows me to give back to the community, the schools, and the people who have given so much to our family, poured into our children, and invested in young people across Perry Township.
Maureen Martin
About me:
-Administrative Assistant, Holwager & Holwager, Attorneys at Law
-Student in 8th grade
Why I serve:
As a Southport alumnus, I feel deeply connected to our Perry Township schools. I love our tradition of serving our community and helping where needed. I am the daughter of a former teacher and feel passionately about making sure our students, teachers, and staff are supported to the best of our abilities.
Heather Harrington
About me:
-Purchasing Clerk/Treasurer Liaison, Perry Township Schools
-Students in 5th and 8th grade
Why I serve:
I volunteer because I care deeply about our school community and love being part of something that benefits both my children and so many others!