INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK: Amanda Lewis of Windermere Elementary School

Amanda Lewis is a member of the Windermere Elementary School PTO and serves on the organization’s fundraising and AR prize committees. She is the chair of the spring family barbecue and is the room parent for both her son’s and daughter’s classes. Besides Windermere Elementary PTO work, Lewis owns a childcare facility on the east side of town and works to promote social emotional development.

What brought you to your school?

Our family moved to Windermere in 2020 and has had an amazing experience in this active and helpful community. My oldest started attending Windermere Elementary School in 2022 for kindergarten and has loved every minute of it. After watching what an involved PTO community WES had, I began volunteering for field days and classroom parties to begin getting involved in the school community.

What do you love most about your school?

I absolutely love the feel of having a village to raise the children at Windermere. Parents are welcomed and appreciated at the school, and our PTO dedicates countless hours to helping to support our amazing faculty and staff. My children never feel like a number; they are known and loved by all of staff there.

What is the most rewarding part of your position with PTO?

The most rewarding part of my role at Windermere Elementary is being inspired and supported by all of the other parents there whose sole mission is to uplift and serve the school, students and staff. I have never met a group of families who are so generous with their time, money and energy and it makes it one of the most fun roles I have.

How have you helped the PTO with its fundraising committee?

My role in PTO is mostly to support what the PTO board decides is a priority. This fundraising season, we emailed businesses throughout the West Orange community and got corporate sponsors and had rallies, signs and social media posts explaining to all of our families where their money goes. I have found that once they realize all of the things PTO helps support and fund throughout the school year, everyone is very generous!

Who influences you?

I am influenced daily by the other wonderful parents, staff and students at WES. Everyone joins together daily to make sure the learning environment is fun, loving and constantly striving to improve. While we are already an “A” school, I see teachers giving countless hours and their energy to improve their strategies. Our school is so blessed that there is never a shortage of parents volunteering for anything the staff or students need.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

When I was in elementary school my most memorable teacher was Mrs. Rich, my first-grade teacher. I remember she wore skirt suits every day and somehow never looked wrinkled! She was always soft spoken and structured; we always knew what was coming next, and we operated as a mini community within the classroom with responsibilities of our own.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

My favorite children’s book right now is “Dear Girl.” It in an inspiring book reminding our little girls to be strong in who they are and confident to stand out. It is a series of short statements telling them it is OK to raise their hand, dress how they want, dance a little and just be who they are. In our crazy world today, I want both my son and daughter to know we should support each other in all that we do and be OK being different!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I don’t seem to have much spare time in this season in life. But in the rare moment that I do, we love to go to Disney as a family!

If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

If I could dine with any famous person, I would have to say Taylor Swift! My family is a bunch of Swifties, and I love watching my children be inspired by a strong woman who promotes empowering woman in this world. Plus, I would win mother of the century with my children!

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

To slow down time; there are just not enough hours in the day to feel like I have accomplished all that I want to. I also feel like I blink and my children grow an inch and have started a new stage. Although I love watching them grow, I would love to slow it down a little.  

If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?

Obviously, Taylor Swift; also I’d have to say Thomas Rhett and Zach Bryan, because I find their music fun to listen to, as well as they send a positive message into the world.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

I love Thanksgiving because it is a holiday completely about spending time with my family, eating and relaxing! I don’t have to worry about presents or going out anywhere; I just relax and get to be grateful for the life I have worked so hard for.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

I made my best friend the first day of first grade. Brittany Chenoweth has been my best friend since we were 6 years old and is still one of my most favorite people!

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

In school I played soccer, was a cheerleader and was in student government and on the student news network. I was lucky enough to be raised in a family where academics and envelopment in my community were a priority, and I was always encouraged to do my best, which made honor society and student government attainable for me. 

How long have you been at your school and with OCPS?

I was raised in OCPS school since kindergarten, I taught in OCPS schools for eight years before I had my children, and I have been involved with the PTO since my children started in 2022.