The Pleasant Hill Elementary PTA is an organization that supports teachers, parents, and students through various activities and educational opportunities. Parental involvement is extremely important to the academic success of a child, and we are very fortunate to have so many families participate in the PTA.
Together with PHES administration, teachers and staff, we work to make our student’s school the best it can be.
OUR VALUES
Collaboration
We will work in partnership with a wide array of individuals and organizations to broaden and enhance our ability to serve and advocate for all children and families.
Commitment
We are dedicated to children’s educational success, health, and well-being through strong family and community engagement, while remaining accountable to the principles upon which our association was founded.
Diversity
We acknowledge the potential of everyone without regard, including but not limited to: age, culture, economic status, educational background, ethnicity, gender, geographic location, legal status, marital status, mental ability, national origin, organizational position, parental status, physical ability, political philosophy, race, religion, sexual orientation, and work experience.
Respect
We value the individual contributions of members, employees, volunteers, and partners as we work collaboratively to achieve our association’s goals.
Accountability
All members, employees, volunteers, and partners have a shared responsibility to align their efforts toward the achievement of our association’s strategic initiatives
Sarah Lewis, President & Staff Appreciation Committee Chair
I'm very excited to serve as the Staff Appreciation Chair this year! I served on the Committee last year and room parent for both of my daughter's classes every year. I truly have a passion for supporting our staff and making sure they receive the recognition and spoiling that they deserve. I am originally from Ohio but moved to Myrtle Beach as a child. I graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2009 with a degree in Psychology. I have been married to my wonderful husband for 16 years and we have two daughters; one in 1st grade and the other in 3rd.
Stacy Fernandez, Secretary
Hi I'm Stacy and this is my 3rd year helping the PHES PTA. I also have helped with the PTA at another school. PHES is a great place and we have a fabulous PTA. I'm married to my high-school sweetheart and we have 3 kids. I'm also a Registered Nurse and I work full-time. When I'm not doing endless piles of laundry or tripping over Legos, I enjoy laying out by the pool, doing an art project, or enjoying a much-needed date night out.
Christy Stokes, Treasurer
My name is Christy Stokes, and this year I am serving as the treasurer for both the PHES PTA and the PHMS PTSA. Although I grew up in California, I have lived in Lexington for the past 11 years. My husband and I have one child attending PHES and two attending PHMS. This school is amazing, and I am delighted to help take care of our awesome PHES community again this year.
Jody Tyson, Communications Chair
My name is Jody Tyson, and I’m honored to serve as the Communications Chair for our PTA this year. I’m incredibly fortunate to have Lauren Smith and Kaitie Ivy supporting me in this role—two talented women who know how to get things done!
On a personal note, I’m a wife and a busy mom of three amazing kids. My younger two attend PHES, and my oldest is a student at PHMS. I was born and raised in Rumson, New Jersey, and earned my degree from Towson University in Maryland. My family and I moved to Verrado, Arizona, to be near my in-laws just before the pandemic, and last year we relocated back to the East Coast—here to Lexington—to be closer to family, friends, and, of course, the Atlantic Ocean.
Professionally, I spent seventeen years as a public school educator, teaching in general education, special education, and English as a Second Language. Here in South Carolina, I’ve transitioned into a new role with the Lexington County Library System, where I have the privilege of working in the outreach department as part of the Mobile Library team.
In my spare time, I enjoy hiking (really, anything outdoors!), reading, tackling DIY projects, and spending time with family and friends as we explore our new home.
I’m excited for the year ahead and look forward to serving our PHES community!
Aubree Cox, Volunteer and Membership Recruitment Co-Chair
My name is Aubree Cox and I am very excited to serve as the PTA Volunteer and Membership Recruitment Co-Chair for 2025-2026. I grew up in Alpharetta, GA but came to Columbia to go to USC and haven't left! I had a career as a nurse but now dedicate my time to my two kids, Kennedy (7) and James (2). I look forward to serving PHES and working to keep it a great place for our kids to learn and grow.
Steffi Hiltgen, Volunteer and Membership Recruitment Co-Chair
Stefania ('Steffi') Hiltgen, a Lexington native and LHS alumni, has recently returned from a two decade stint in the Spartanburg area with her husband, John, and four children(2 currently at PHES) to be closer to her aging parents who still live in the area. She is excited about serving her first year on the PTA as Volunteer and Membership Co-Chair.
Hannah Smith, Staff Appreciation Co-Chair
Hannah is a co-chair of the staff appreciation committee. She and her husband Chris have 4 children, 2 of whom at students at PHES. They are active in their church, First Baptist of Lexington, and Hannah loves serving children at church, at school, and through her day job as a psychologist. She is excited to serve on the 2025-2026 PTA board! Celeste Tell, Fundraising Co-Chair
I am new to the PTA world and thrilled to serve as the Co-Chair for Fundraising this year! I strongly support the PTA’s mission that fundraising is not just about raising money—it’s about providing financial support for programs, services, and equipment not covered by public funds, while also ensuring that family engagement and advocacy for our children’s education remain at the heart of what we do. My goal is to help enhance our students’ educational experiences while keeping the true spirit of the PTA front and center. Originally from Colorado, I moved to Lexington 11 years ago when I accepted a position at Palmetto Shirt Co. I graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a degree in Behavioral Science and a minor in Elementary Education. I’m also a proud mom to two amazing kids—Lilyan, a 7th grader, and Connor, who is in 3rd grade. As a family, we love cheering on the USC Gamecocks, are passionate about all things ballet and dance, and enjoy playing soccer together.
Ashley White, Fundraising Co-Chair
Hi! I’m Ashley White, and I’m thrilled to be serving as Co-Chair of Staff Appreciation for the Pleasant Hill Elementary PTA this year. I am a proud wife and mom of two girls. A preschool teacher and a volleyball coach! I’m passionate about showing our amazing teachers and staff how much they’re valued and appreciated for all they do! I love being a part of a community that works together to make our school a warm, welcoming place for every student and family.
CLICK HERE TO READ ALL RULES AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Show your spirit with the Pleasant Hill Elementary Spirit Rock!
Thanks to a generous donation by J.C. Wilkie Construction in 2023, Pleasant Hill Elementary now has its very own spirit rock. This rock is a wonderful way to celebrate birthdays, accomplishments, upcoming school events, well wishes, or congratulatory messages. All Spirit Rock proceeds are used to support the school, students, and staff throughout the year.
By renting the rock, you agree to follow these rules.
The cost is $25 for a one-day rental.
The rock is rented a day at a time.
No back-to-back rentals are permitted.
Reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Payment is required at the time of sign up.
No refunds due to inclement weather.
Designs must be in good taste and contain no offensive words or images. PHES PTA has the right to remove any painting deemed inappropriate by PHES administration without notice.
Only the side of the rock that faces Rawl Road may be painted.
Do not stand on the rock.
Please be kind to our environment and recycle empty paint cans, etc. Used paint cans should not be placed in campus trash bins or dumpsters. Please dispose of paint cans properly off campus.
Renting the Rock
Use the Spirit Rock SignupGenius
You can start painting the rock after 3 p.m. the day before your reservation (or anytime after 3 p.m. Friday if your rental day is on a Monday).
Example: If you want to rent the rock for your child’s birthday on August 15, you should reserve the rock on August 15 and can start painting after 3 p.m. on August 14.
Click here to pay the $25 reservation fee by credit card
PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED WITHIN 24 HOURS OF YOUR SIGN UP or your reservation will be canceled.
Painting the Rock
Spray paint or acrylic wall paint works best.
Do not use any materials that will leave a sticky residue or are not easily painted over for the next individual. This includes puffy paint, glitter, glue, stickers, tape, adhesive, or vinyl material.
PHES PTA is not responsible for painting the rock.
Disclaimer
By signing up to rent the spirit rock, you agree to the following:
The individual or group painting the rock assumes liability for any individual or member of the group who may be injured and/or incur clothing or other personal property damage.
PHES PTA and school are not responsible for parents, students, or others who paint the rock without reserving it.
Families must furnish their own labor, paint, and supplies to paint the rock. You will not have access to water on-site to rinse your brushes or rollers.
Need help painting the rock?
Hire a local painter!
Below is a list of painters who have previously painted the rock.
If you’re a local artist and want to be added to the list, please send your information to pleasanthillelempta@gmail.com.
