Musketeer Monday Part One: Kim DaSilva

Ms. Kimberly DaSilva is an avid volunteer in the Central Islip School District, and she is this week's featured honoree in the Musketeer Monday Spotlight! Ms. DaSilva began her journey in PTA volunteerism when her twin daughters, Jenna and Deanna—now juniors at Central Islip High School—started their school careers in 2013.

With an impressive resume of involvement, Ms. DaSilva has served on various Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and the Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA) throughout the district. She currently holds the office of President of the Central Islip School District PTA Council, a position she was elected to and will fulfill through the end of this school year. In addition, she serves as Treasurer and past President of Central Islip High School's PTSA, Treasurer for SEPTA (Special Education PTA), Council Delegate for Reed Middle School PTA, and a past Executive Board member for Mulvey PTA. Ms. DaSilva is also a passionate supporter of other local non-profit organizations and high school clubs.

"My first position was on the Mulvey Elementary PTA Executive Board, and I have since taken on numerous roles across the district," Ms. DaSilva shared. One initiative she launched and continues to lead is the PTA Council’s Apparel Sale for Jerseys and Hoodies. As an active member of each PTA unit, she attends and runs meetings, plans events and fundraisers, and represents Central Islip Schools on the Suffolk Region PTA Board of Directors. She also helps organize PTSA’s largest districtwide events, including the Annual Breakfast with Santa and the Easter Egg Hunt.

When asked about the most rewarding aspects of her volunteerism, Ms. DaSilva explained:
"Seeing the children's smiling faces at our events or knowing they learned something valuable from an educational activity are the most fulfilling parts for me. Being able to award deserving seniors with scholarships at the end of the year is the culmination of each successful year."
She also enjoys working alongside high school students at events, teaching them the importance of giving back to their community through volunteerism.

Ms. DaSilva is a lifelong resident of Central Islip and an alumna of Central Islip High School’s Class of 1995, where she graduated as Valedictorian. She is currently assisting in planning the Class of 1995’s 30th-year reunion. Her dedication to service extends beyond the PTA, as she volunteers as a catechist with her daughters for religious education classes at St. John of God Roman Catholic Church in Central Islip.

"I am an avid Cheer Mom and spend a lot of time at competitions cheering on my twin girls, who are CI Varsity Cheerleaders," Ms. DaSilva said. "My favorite thing to do is spend time with my two favorite people—my daughters. We love spending weekends at the beach all summer long, attending concerts, carnivals, fire department tournaments, and exploring fairs across Long Island."

She concluded her remarks by saying:
"As long as I am with my daughters, I am as happy as can be."