Our Mission
Our mission is to enhance the academic experience of all students at Anna C. Scott Elementary School (ACS) by building strong connections between families (the "home") and educators (the "school") in our school community.
ACS teachers and administrators do so many incredible things - day in and day out - to educate and nurture ACS students. We also know that the other half of the educational and school experience is managed at home. That's where the HSA comes in.
-
We facilitate communication between families and the school. This means everything from sending ParentSquare messages about upcoming events, to helping answer questions, and posting resources on this website.
-
We manage a network of amazing Class Parent volunteers who help bridge communications between classroom teachers, the HSA, and parents/guardians.
-
We organize school-wide events, like book fairs and the Fall Festival, that are educationally-enriching, community-building, and fun!
-
Fundraising is a BIG part of what we do. We raise money to support activities like student assemblies and field day. We also provide teachers and school departments with grants to purchase special materials for classrooms.
As a member of the ACS school community, you too can have an impact. Please reach out and participate in any way that you can!
What We Are Doing
The ACS HSA financially supports and coordinates / hosts many events throughout the year that directly benefit ACS students, teachers/staff, and families.
EVENTS
-
A Welcome Gathering at the start of the school year for all ACS families to learn about the HSA, meet HSA board members, and get a preview of HSA events for the year
-
A catered dinner for ACS faculty on Back to School Night to help teachers/staff work through the evening event
-
Community-building events like Pumpkin Decorating, Build-Up-ACS with Leo the Lion, Moms’ Night Out, Dads' Night Out, Global Feast, and the ACS Talent Show
-
Fun and educational assemblies like The Brain Show and HealthBarnUSA
COORDINATION &
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
-
The HSA has been working with Principal Neyra and representatives of the Leonia School District to improve the ACS playground. Be on the lookout for exciting changes that will refresh this well-loved outdoor space, as well as the main entrance on Broad Avenue!
-
Special classroom materials, as requested by teachers: Over $4,000 has already been contributed by the HSA for the 2025-26 school year
-
Funds for ACS field trips: $8,000 was contributed by the HSA to ACS in 2024-25
-
The HSA supports the PE department for Field Day by coordinating volunteers and providing equipment and supplies
-
Gifts and other expressions of gratitude for ACS teachers and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week. In 2024-25, there was a breakfast, a luncheon, ice cream truck, and custom T-shirts gifted by the HSA and equally exciting plans for this year.
-
Memory Books are produced by the HSA’s 4th grade chairs, and free copies are offered to all 4th grade students through funding from the HSA and the Leonia Education Association
-
Parent volunteers for countless events including book fairs, assemblies, classroom celebrations, Field Day, etc.
FUNDRAISING
Through the generosity of ACS families and other community members, the ACS HSA is able to fund ACS initiatives by organizing a wide number of fundraising events throughout the year.
Figures below are reported as net revenue; i.e. how much was directly contributed to ACS through the HSA.
-
2025 Annual Gala raised $9,300+ and we’re aiming to do even better this year!
-
Giving Tuesday 2024 Campaign raised $2,890
-
The 2024-25 Fall Book Fair raised $2,700; and the HSA subsidized book purchases for many qualifying students.
-
Build-Up-ACS with Leo the Lion raised $2,500
-
The Fall Festival at Wood Park raised $1,400
-
Thanksgiving Cake and Pie Sales raised $600+
-
20% of all Student Photo purchases
-
15% of all School Tool Box sales
-
All net profits of Spirit Wear sales (online and sold in-person at events)
The ACS Home and School Association (HSA) is organized and run by volunteer parents.
Open elections for the 2025-26 board positions were held at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. Board terms are two years (with the exception of the 4th Grade and Memory Book Chairs), with typically no more than 4 consecutive years of service in the same position. ALL parents or guardians of students with current enrollment at ACS are eligible and encouraged to participate in the HSA.
COME SAY HELLO if you see one of us at ACS or in Wood Park or walking on Broad Ave…
getting to know one another makes our community that much stronger!
2025-2026
Executive Board Members
Justine Choi
President
- Leonia resident since 2018 - Children in 2nd and 4th grade this year - I initially joined because I was asked to fill a position as Communications Officer, not knowing anything about who the HSA is and what the HSA does. I decided to stay on the HSA board after my first term was over because I learned of all the good this organization does for the students and school, and I loved being a part of that. - I work as a freelance graphic designer, a part time assistant to a CFO, a full-time mom to two little girls all while trying to maintain my own identity as wife and friend. - I speak Mandarin Chinese (I’m originally from Taiwan).
This is me on LinkedIn.
Lucia Han
Treasurer
- Leonia resident since 2019 - Children in 4th and 7th grade this year - I joined the ACS HSA because I was asked to be the Korean Liaison. But as I completed my 2 year term, I've learned and gained much more by helping the ACS community. Thus, I've decided to continue as Treasurer. - When I am not at work, I spend most of my time with my family. My two daughters definitely keep me quite busy. - I speak Korean and Spanish.
This is me on LinkedIn.
Melissa Freeman
President
- Leonia resident since 2014 - Children in 2nd and 5th grade this year - I joined ACS HSA to be an active participant in my children's school community and to collaborate with other families to enrich the experiences for all of the children at ACS. - I work (mainly) remotely as an Administrator for a Montessori school teacher education program and shuffle my children from various activities including softball, gymnastics, ballet and piano lessons.
This is me on LinkedIn.
Tina Chow-Rudolf
Recording Secretary & Memory Book Chair
- Leonia resident since 2020 - Children in 2nd and 4th grade this year - I joined the ACS HSA because I want to be as engaged in my children's educational journey as much as I can and hopefully do something to help make this experience great for them and their community. - I own my own business and am also an artist...but mostly I spend my time trying to be present with my kids. - I am conversational in Mandarin.
This is me on LinkedIn.
Kathleen Lee
Vice President
- Leonia resident since 2014 - Children in 2nd and 5th grade this year - I initially joined HSA after being recruited by a very convincing friend as they were short on volunteers that year but am so glad that I did! It's a great way to be directly involved and contribute to our ACS community in a meaningful way. - I work in marketing for an asset management firm. - I am conversational in Korean.
-
BoMee Chu
Treasuer
- Leonia resident since 2023 - Children in 1st and 5th grade this year - I joined the ACS HSA because I wanted to get involved in my kids’ school and help out where I can. - I am a typical working mom, commuting to the city, working and trying to balance the multiple hats I wear. - I speak Korean.
This is me on LinkedIn.
Board Members
Elisa Cho-Fong
Parent Network Officer &
4th Grade Chair
- Leonia resident since 2011 - Children in 2nd, 4th, and 8th grade this year - I joined the ACS HSA to be a part of my children's school. I'm here to help bridge the gap between the teachers and parents in ACS. - I spend my time enjoying each day and waiting for the weekend! - I speak Korean.
-
Semadar Gordel
Event Coordinator / Fundraising Officer & Purchasing Officer
- More to come - -
This is me on LinkedIn.
Vanessa Khan
Event Coordinator / Fundraising Officer & 4th Grade Chair
- Leonia resident since 2017 - Children in 4th and 6th grade this year - I joined the ACS HSA to be more active in my child’s school and to serve the community. - I spend my time juggling various kid sports, organizing activities for my Girl Scout Troop and trying to get a perfect score on NYT Connections. - I am fluent in Spanish.
-
Erika Martinez
Education
Chair
- More to come - -
This is me on LinkedIn.
Louise Spence
Diversity
Officer
- More to come - -
This is me on LinkedIn.
Grace Chun
Event Coordinator /
Fundraising Officer
- Leonia resident since 2021 - Children in Prek and 2nd grade this year - I joined the ACS HSA because the perfect position opened up for me! As an educator myself, I thought I can help the community and the school district through the HSA. - I am currently a K-12 Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction in a neighboring school district overseeing the English, Multilingual Learners, and Music Departments. I was a former English Language Teacher at Leonia Middle School for many years before that. After work, I spend my week entertaining my two kids. - My native language is Korean (born in Seoul, Korea) and we TRY to make our home language Korean as well :). I moved from Korea when I was 8 years old, so I speak, read and write fluently.
This is me on LinkedIn.
Erick Grau
Technology
Officer
- Leonia resident since 2015 - Twins in 4th grade this year - I initially became involved with the HSA because of my passion for supporting the school and community. With my background in IT and technology management, I saw an opportunity to help streamline processes and improve our tech capabilities, which I find rewarding. - I’m the owner of Chibitek, an IT services firm, and I bring that expertise to the HSA while balancing my responsibilities as a business owner, husband, and father. - My Family is from Cuba, I speak Spanish.
This is me on LinkedIn.
Ellen Kim
Purchasing
Officer
- Leonia resident since 2021 - Children in pre-K and 3rd grade this year - I joined the ACS HSA because I want to be able to take part in my child's education and organization - I spend my time as a full-time working mom - I am fluent in Korean.
-
Jennifer Montagnino
Memory Book
Chair
- More to come - -
-
Katie Tresnan
Hospitality
Officer
- Leonia resident since 2019 - Children in 2nd and 5th grade this year - I joined the ACS HSA because I was strongly encouraged to fill an open position by other members and thought it would be a great opportunity to support my children and the community. - I'm a SAHM, so I spend my time doing cool stuff.
-
Romelyn Dones
Event Coordinator /
Fundraising Officer
- Leonia resident since 2014 - Child in 2nd grade this year - I joined the ACS HSA to support the partnership between parents and educators, enhance the learning environment for students, and actively contribute to the school community. - I am the Director of Medicare sales at an insurance company. I also teach at FDU. In addition I am a PhD candidate. - I speak and write Spanish.
This is me on LinkedIn.
Katie Horvitz
Hospitality
Officer
- Leonia resident since 2016 - Children in kindergarten, 3rd, and 5th grade this year - I joined the ACS HSA to be involved in my children's school and to connect with the community. - I work per diem as a nurse practitioner in pediatrics but spend most of my days as a full time mom to three girls.
-
Hilda Kim
Korean
Parent Liaison
- More to come - -
This is me on LinkedIn.
Jin Park
Korean
Parent Liaison
- Leonia resident since 2016 - Children in 1st and 4rd grade this year - I joined the ACS HSA as one of the Korean Liaisons, and I enjoy being part of the community and helping to make ACS a better place for our kids. - I create my artwork from my studio. - I am fluent in Korean.
-
Alina Valdes
Sustainability / Wellness
Officer
- Leonia resident since 2021 - Children in 3rd and 5th grade this year - I joined the ACS HSA because I am passionate about health awareness - I spend my time working as a physical therapist, caring for my kids, cooking - I speak Russian
-
Claudia Alejandra Garces
Spanish
Parent Liaison
- Leonia resident since 2022 - Child in 3rd grade this year - I joined the ACS HSA because I have been a class parent for the past two years, and I have developed a passion for fostering community connections among parents. I am eager to take on a more active role in the HSA, specifically in the communications aspect, to ensure that all parents feel informed and engaged. I believe that strong communication is key to building a supportive community, and I am excited about the opportunity to help parents connect with one another. - I collaborate with my husband to drive our daughter to various activities, while also working as a Product Manager for a fashion company, where I oversee the management of CRM (Customer Relationship Management) technology products. - I am a native Spanish speaker (originally from Colombia).
This is me on LinkedIn.
Christine Kang
Communications
Officer
- Leonia resident since 1983 (on and off) - Child in 1st grade this year - I joined the HSA because I love this community and want to help strengthen the connection between ACS teachers, administrators, and families. - I spend my time parenting and working as an executive recruiter for nonprofits.
This is me on LinkedIn.
Roxanne Lacanlale
Photo Day
Chair
- Leonia resident since 2013 - Children in 1st and 5th grade this year - I'm looking forward to meeting more families within the school and helping out the organization. - I am a full-time mom (cook, driver, property manager, cleaner, etc.). - I am conversational in Mandarin.
This is me on LinkedIn.
Michelle Rivera
Event Coordinator /
Fundraising Officer
- Leonia resident since 2014 - Children in grade this year 3rd and 5th grade - I joined the ACS HSA for my kids. I want them to know it’s important to be part of their community. And I wanted to be part of the school. - I’m a part-time nurse and full-time mom. - I understand and speak Spanish.
-
Kristen Williams
Communications
Officer
- Leonia resident since 2020 - Children in 3rd and 6th grade this year - I originally joined the ACS HSA to gain a better understanding of our school district as my family had only recently moved to town. - I am a pediatric endocrinologist at a diabetes center in NYC.
-