Mickle PTSO writes positive stories with new book club

December 23, 2025

Mickle Middle School parents are writing an encouraging chapter in the school’s history thanks to a new book club that is growing in popularity.
 
Mickle Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (PTSO) members have seen their group triple in size since introducing the book club in September 2024. Approximately 30 families are now attending PTSO meetings and the ensuing book club conversations. The family engagement strategy has helped parents become more invested in school activities, which has benefited the entire Mickle community.
 
Mickle PTSO President Jen Hubbard said the book club has made a meaningful difference with participation numbers at the monthly meetings.
 
“This year, our group has probably tripled, and I believe that having the book club has drawn some of the parents in, because they want to get more involved and learn about behaviors and things that can help parents,” Hubbard said. “We’ve had a variety of parents from every grade, sixth through eighth, which has been really encouraging.”
 
PTSO members Mary Pfoltner and Katie Reisdorff sat together at a table several minutes before the beginning of a recent meeting. They felt the book club served as a catalyst for more conversations and camaraderie among Mickle parents.
 
“I like it,” Pfoltner said. “This is our second year doing it, and all of the parents have seemed to really get into it, so I think it’s a good thing. It brings out a lot of good communication with everybody.”
 
“I love hearing from families, teachers and community members at the meetings,” Reisdorff said. “Everyone has different perspectives and they all bring strengths to the table.”

 
Mickle Principal Jason Shanahan introduced the book club idea to fellow members last fall after reading “Middle School Matters: The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond” by Phyllis Fagell. The book offers practical strategies for parents to support middle school students and staff. Shanahan felt offering a place for parents to talk about the topic together would open a door for more PTSO involvement.
 
“I wanted to find a way to engage our school community in a meaningful way with the school staff,” Shanahan said. “I had read a book that I thought middle school parents would benefit from and find interesting. We have an active PTSO, but they are a fairly small group. In an effort to expand the group, we invited parents to come to the PTSO meeting and to stay for the book club conversation.”
 
Hubbard, who has been involved with the PTSO for four years, was eager to try his suggestion. The PTSO provides resources for many student-based activities such as a fall dance. Members also support Mickle staff with a variety of kind acts. The group launched a craft fair for the first time this fall as a way to generate even more interest for PTSO activities.
 
Hubbard said the book club is a major reason why the Missiles have expanded their efforts in 2025-26.
 
“To see how successful we’ve been with our fundraising and family involvement this year, it really has become something big,” Hubbard said. “I’d like to see it become even bigger, honestly. It’s a good feeling.”

 
The Missiles are currently exploring Mike Smith’s book “Legacy vs. Likes” in their meetings. Mickle Instructional Coordinator Jill Haas recommended the book to help families and students learn more about high-value leadership qualities. It focuses on the differences between being a short-term influencer and a legacy-building leader.
 
Shanahan told parents at a recent PTSO meeting that he has spoken with many Missiles about this subject during his 12 years as principal. A major goal of those conversations has been to help students realize that they can use their attractive charisma for good purposes. Once that happens, they can become valuable leaders in their classes and school activities.
 
“It’s about showing them that they can use that leadership potential to actually lead,” Shanahan said. “I tell them that you have this ability to motivate others, and let’s talk about how we can make that a positive for those around you and a positive thing for our school.”
 
“It’s really relatable for the current day,” Reisdorff said. “It causes you and encourages you to talk with students about thinking about the bigger picture and what they want long-term.”
 
Mickle School Resource Officer Cam Cleland agreed with Shanahan and Reisdorff. He recently spoke with the group about his job and how he tries to steer students into a constructive leadership orbit.
 
“It’s amazing to be in the schools and watch the students, because you can tell who can be a leader,” Cleland said. “There are just kids who have that charisma. They’re not doing anything out of the ordinary, and sometimes it’s not great what they’re trying to influence other students to do. That’s when you talk to them and tell them that we want you to influence people in a positive way.”
 
“Having the resource officer here and being able to ask him questions was great, because he sees firsthand what these students are experiencing,” Hubbard said. “It ties into the book, because it really is leading versus likes.”

 
Hubbard said she believes PTSO activities are giving Mickle students more chances to write upbeat chapters in their Lincoln Public Schools stories.
 
“I want to see more parents involved at Mickle to help our students and make the experience even better for them,” Hubbard said. “It makes me happy to see all of the people who are here supporting them.”
 
Connecting with our families and community is a key part of student success. Discover how efforts like this support the Family and Community Engagement goals outlined in our 2024-29 Strategic Plan.
 
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