Ardsley PTA - Making a Difference

With the help and generosity of our community, we can fund innovative programs across all three schools, our Ardsley neighborhood, and our broader Westchester area. 

Most PTA support goes to school-wide, grade-wide, and individual classroom programs. But we also make great efforts toward district-wide programs like the Principals’ Panel, AHS Senior Scholarships, and the Jenkins Award and Stanley Toll Award.  

The Ardsley PTA is focused on strengthening the ties within our district and to our broader community through programs like Ardsley Cares Day, CRS Book Swap, and Hunger Awareness.

Principals’ Panel

Each year, our town-hall style Principals' Panel gives the community a chance to hear what's happening in our schools from the people who run them. This popular event allows parents to raise any issues they might have and ask any questions of the principals and Dr. Ryan.

PTA Scholarships

Every June, the PTA gives out 13 scholarships to high school seniors who have excelled in academics and/or athletics, have shown leadership skills in both school and extracurricular activities, and make strong positive contributions to the Ardsley community.

Jenkins Award

Since 1953 this Ardsley PTA-sponsored ceremony has been held annually to recognize exemplary service on behalf of Ardsley youth. We grant the Jenkins Award to those individuals whose outstanding volunteer, or professional efforts to support our children, have made a significant impact on their lives.

Winners receive a lifetime membership to the New York State PTA, and a donation in their names are made to the Jenkins Memorial Scholarship for Teacher Education. The New York State PTA established this scholarship fund in October 1946 in memory of Clifford N. Jenkins Jr., son of the president of the New York State PTA at the time, Margaret Jenkins, who went on to become National PTA president in the 1960s. The fund was intended as a living memorial to young people who lost their lives in World War II. The $3,000 scholarships are given each year to outstanding public high school seniors who plan to attend a public institution of higher learning in New York State to prepare for a teaching career.

Stanley Toll Distinguished Service Award

This award is conferred in rare instances upon retirement, to laud a career of exemplary commitment, excellence, and stewardship.

Ardsley Cares Day

For several years, the PTA has initiated and supported Ardsley Cares activities, including providing families with hands-on volunteer opportunities on Ardsley Cares Day and throughout the year. The committee also reaches out to individual students and families in our district who may be struggling. ​

Hunger Awareness

Last year, during our 2nd annual Hunger Awareness Week, our Ardsley families donated 884 items and sorted thousands of pounds of food to the Food Bank of Westchester; served meals to the homeless at the Sharing Community soup kitchen; and prepared brunch and dinner buffets for families of sick children at the Ronald McDonald House in Valhalla

CRS Book Swap

The CRS Book Swap last spring was a win for all involved. Families got to clean out their bookshelves, students got to purchase "new" books for the summer at low prices, and we raised enough to send two kids to the summer literacy program and support Ardsley Cares Day projects at our schools. Win-win-win!

We’re here to help

From calling to offer support when there has been a tragedy to offering assistance to students in need with a voucher for the book fair, we’re here to help. The PTA provides help renting an instrument or funding to assist with the cost of class trips, so no child gets left out. Part of our mission is ensuring that every student has the chance to participate in the many educational opportunities our district offers.