October 3rd, 2023 at TPVS Stem Room
In attendance: Zoe, Donna, Dana, Kirsten, Deirdre, Heather, Lizzie, Demetra, Mallory
Start Time: 8:15 AM
1. Approval of Minutes:
a. The meeting began with approving the meeting minutes from the last meeting (August 30, 2023). The meeting minutes were unanimously approved.
2. PTO Wins/President Notes:
a. Kirsten followed by summarizing some of the current PTO wins. They include the PTO receiving a library STEM grant for $2000. It was quickly discussed that the treasurers would get a debit card to pay for STEM purchases covered by the grant. Another win was the successful recess toy drive. Kirsten noted that there was a good turn out and that the toy drive was in the Vermont Standard.
3. Events/Current Business
a. Dana began by discussing the Harvest Super on 10/7. She noted that things were going well. She shared that the 5pm and 6pm seating were filled and that the final 7pm seating was nearly full. Dana also explained the timeline leading up to the event. On Tuesday raffle baskets were being assembled. On Wednesday squash was being picked, turkeys were being purchased, and chairs were being delivered. After the squash is picked, Dana noted that the 5th and 6th graders were going to peel the squash. Dana requested help around 12:30 pm on Wednesday to help cut squash. Dana noted that people were meeting Thursday to pick kale/flowers and later to decorate. Friday after school volunteers were meeting to set up the gym for Saturday’s event. On Saturday Dana shared that volunteers would be arriving at 4:15 pm but could come earlier if able (3:30pm). She also shared that four people had signed up to help clean up/break down but she also noted that people generally stay to help.
b. Moving on from the Harvest Supper timeline, Kirsten shared Holly’s interest in a bake sale on 10/9. Kirsten began by gauging interest and if it was feasible to organize a bake sale immediately after the Harvest Supper. It was agreed that a bake sale had the potential of being very profitable and it would be worth the effort.
4. Communications
a. Zoe began by reviewing an email she had previously shared with the PTO membership. She explained that she wants everything to look consistent and noted that consistency helps with uniformity and branding. She asked for two weeks’ notice to complete marketing materials. Zoe stressed that even though she is tasked with putting together marketing materials, that will be up to the host of the event to advertise the marketing materials. Kirsten followed up that though Tiffany had been sending out emails for the PTO, the PTO will soon be able to send emails directly to WES and TPVS. Zoe also noted that since the membership has decided on core events for the 2023/2024 school year, she will put together a calendar for our website.
5. Financials
a. Heather shared the proposed budget and the budget was discussed item by item. Major changes included scaling back academic enrichment items. Heather will get an updated budget the membership within the next week.
b. Kirsten followed up with continuing to think of ways for passive income, i.e., amazon account, box tops, etc.
6. Teacher Mini Grants
a. The first request was from Andy Wood, a sixth-grade teacher at TPVS. The sixth grade follows the “Expeditionary Learning” curriculum but would like to request funds for specific books to add to the curriculum. The goal is to take the learning targets in the EL curriculum and adapt them to include supplemental reading for the “civil rights” and “water” units. Total request is $467.56.
b. The second teacher request was from Jo MacMaster and Bonnie Underwood, both first grade teachers at WES. They are requesting funds to support an all-grade field trip to Billings Farm. Total request is $161.
c. The third request is from Principal Cinquemani. He is requesting social/age-appropriate handbooks that may be used as a resource for parents of children at TPVS. The books are $20 a piece and Principal Cinquemani is requesting ten books. Total request is $200.
d. Discussion- Zoe asked if we should separate the grants by school so we can make note of how funds are being distributed between schools. It was also discussed if Principal Cinquemani request should even come from the mini grants since it does not fall into supplemental learning for students.
e. All three requests were approved. Principal Cinquemani’s request was approved by all apart from Deirdre.
7. Open Discussion
a. Allison noted that she has a connection with the author of A Diary of a Wimpy Kid and that may be a possible option for an author visit.
b. Kirsten noted that we need to approve the budget via email during the coming month.
8. Meeting adjourned at 9:19 a.m.
