PTO Meeting at TPVS

February 6, 2024

PTO Members in Attendance: Kirsten, Donna, Deirdre, Lizzie, Mallory

Others in Attendance: Aaron Cinquemani, Allison Greene

Start time 8:25AM

Review Last Meeting’s Minutes

Meeting minutes approved with all in favor, no comments.

Discuss new middle school/PTO from PTO Point of View

Kirsten shared that she was approached by Ben Ford from the Mountain Views School Board.  Ben asked the PTO to consider hosting a coffee talk to discuss the proposed new school build.  Donna asked for clarification if the PTO was being asked to support the build as a whole. Kirsten clarified that publicly stating the PTO’s support is one option as is hosting a meeting without stating support in favor of or against the new build. Kirsten shared that she thinks that the PTO should be open to continue the conversation of the school build so that more people are educated on this topic. She also stated that if the majority of the PTO was against hosting a meeting that she would support that too. Donna and Mallory shared their concerns that this proposed meeting would be one-sided.  Kirsten then proposed that Ben and Keri come and talk with the PTO prior to the PTO committing to hosting an event open to the school community. This was agreed upon and the PTO will meet with the new school build team on Wednesday, February 14th at 3PM in the WES STEM room.

Fundraising

Donna and Mallory shared updates regarding fundraising and events. They started by discussing the Glow Party. It was noted that Allison Greene will work with students to plan the party (food, décor, music, posters, budgeting, etc). Preliminary details shared by Donna include a tentative date of March 16th at 6PM, Family event-not a drop off event, Aaron will provide a facilities form, possibly having Mr. Workman as a DJ.

Donna moved on to share that WES will not have a glow party this year. Instead, the PTO will be publicizing the open skate time at Union Arena over winter break. The PTO will supply hot chocolate and popcorn, possibly for purchase or donation. 

Donna and Mallory then shared updates for a parents’ night out. It will tentatively be held April 3rd at the OYC.  The event will be yacht themed, cost $25 pp, and will provide light apps/cheese boards.

Finally, Donna shared information about a bake sale to support the Garden Club at WES. The Garden Club is working to redo their garden beds this spring. The tentative bake sale would be at the town hall in Woodstock during the March 5th town meeting day from 9AM-1PM. The PTO and the garden club could split the profits.

Meeting adjourned at 9:10AM

WES/TPVS PTO Meeting

January 9, 2024

8:15 AM WES Stem Lab

Attendance: Holly, Mallory, Donna, Kirsten, Deirdre, Demetra, Lizzie, Heather

Upcoming Fundraising Events: Donna and Mallory began the meeting by touching base on events. They see two main fundraisers as Harvest Supper and Spring Fling. Their hope is that the whole PTO will continue helping with those two events. Other events are skating at Union Arena and a school dance (Glow party). Kirsten is going to send an email to the community asking for volunteers. She will use the PTO email and organize responses to form volunteer subcommittees.

Donna-trying to get fundraisers going-ideas to keep-harvest supper, spring fling. Also wanted something for the winter-community event versus fundraiser. Need people to volunteer. Glow party-more of a community event plus bake sale.

Preliminary details for Union Arena skating are that it will be held on February 19th and that it will cost $250 per hour and they would like to host a two-hour event. One idea is having a hockey game for parents/teachers before or after a free skate time.  They’d also like to host a bake sale as a fundraiser. The details will continue with a subcommittee.

A new idea for an event/fundraiser that Mallory and Donna introduced is a Parents’ Night Out.  Although TBD, a possible date is March 13th at OYC. Wednesday night, theme-yachting. Preliminary ideas include food possible, silent auction, $25 a ticket plus drink ticket.

Finally, Donna and Mallory shared an idea for a fundraiser at Ramunto’s. Ramunto’s is open to a fundraiser in which a percentage of sales go to the school.

8:30-8:40: Review and Vote Jay Mumford and Julian Underwood’s Funding Request

Mr. Mumford and Mr. Underwood submitted a funding request for the 4th grade overnight field trip to Hulbert. They are asking for $2500 in funds to be included in the 2024/2025 school year PTO budget. This still leaves the 4th grade students to raise $3500 as a class.  

Kirsten shared ideas of how the fourth grade can help raise this money in future years including the Harvest Supper baskets, organizing a fourth grade bake sale, and the spring fling baskets. Principal Mills thinks the school can cover the liability of a bake sale if it is a school event. Principal Mills mentioned that the new fourth grade field trip comes earlier in the school year so ideally fundraising will happen the school year prior to fourth grade.

Mallory made motion to approve the request for $2500 to go towards the 4th grade field trip, Donna seconded, all were in favor.

8:40-8:45: Math Kangaroo Update-Deirdre shared that 15 kids have signed up and that registration has ended. She will host a night for the participants to help prepare for the competition.

8:45-9:00: Update on PTO-Sponsored After School Programs.-A goal in approving club funding is to try to balance activities and how many are offered at each school. Deirdre is going to create a form with an introduction for our next meeting. Kirsten reiterated that we have money for five clubs only this year.

9:00-9:15: Sub-committee Formation

Deirdre shared that she would like to discuss forming a sub-committee to address academic issues in the schools.  Principal Mills shared some new programs-EL and a new way of putting together report cards. Kirsten will send an email for participants but is thinking of a monthly meeting with Principal Mills.

Final Remarks

Principal Mills stated that she can cover the cost of VINS next year.

Principal Mills also shared an idea for “Best Seat in the House”- a raffle that we could use during the teacher hockey game.

Meeting adjourned 9:20 AM

WES/TPVS PTO Meeting

Stem Lab-TPVS

December 5, 2023 at 8:15 AM

In attendance: Kirsten, Heather, Mallory, Donna, Lizzie, Deirdre

November meeting notes were unanimously approved.

Kirsten followed with a recap of recent fundraisers. She noted that the Giving Tuesday email generated between $1500-$1900. Kirsten noted that the donors will all receive thank you notes.

Kirsten went on to share that Spirit Wear had raised aabout $475. It was asked if the Spirit Wear store could be open year-round, but Kirsten explained that unfortunately it can only be opened in windows. The PTO plans to open the spirt store in the spring. Kirsten also noted the PTO will need to arrange pick up of purchased gear at WES and TPVS when the gear arrives.

Kirsten continued on to discuss updates to clubs. She explained that she had recently met with the district’s HR and was told that club money would need to go through the principal’s purse and then given to teacher’s running clubs. Andy Wood is going to check in with Aron to make sure he is okay with that process at TPVS.

Kirsten continued to note that she has been looking to put together a winter closet at TPVS. WES has a large “closet” that children can use during school, however TPVS is need of a closet where they can take/borrow warm weather gear. Mallory has decided to head up the effort and will be emailing the community for donations.

Kirsten followed by relaying a recent conversation that she had had with Maggie. One thing asked was for a winter community building event. An idea for this includes a Glow Dance to be held in January.

Another topic that Kirsten and Maggie discussed was student who choose not to participate in ski runners/art runners/skate runners. Maggie noted that about 20% of students do not participate in Friday activities and she would love to put together better programing for those kids. Maggie noted that due to literacy guidelines, teachers are feeling like they don’t have time for S.S../Science so she would like to focus on Science/S.S. Ideas for some activities include using stem toys, home depot crafts, Vins. Members at the meeting shared that paying for some of these activities would be something the PTO would be willing to help with.
 

The conversation then moved to talk about the book fair. Allison Yoo-Babbitt asked if the PTO would be willing to help run the book fair. Last year the book fair took place at Yankee Book shop in the spring. Deirdre offered an idea of asking Yankee to bring books to the school to sell on site. Kirsten asked for a sub-committee to work on the book fair.

Donna quickly noted that she would like to put together a skating event on in January/February. Ideas include an open skate with Mr. McDonaugh at Union Arena or Vail. Lizzie has hot chocolate to donate to the event.

Kirsten is going to send out a community email about upcoming events and ask for people to sign up for sub committees.

Kirsten-Thank you to Andy and Allison for coming to our meetings. During Kirsten’s meeting with Maggie, Maggie noted that she is open to have PTO meetings at WES. The PTO decided that we will do meetings every other month at WES/TVPS. This will hopefully allow other teachers to attend the PTO meetings.

Deirdre made a quick note that the Artistree field trip has been postponed until after the holiday break due to a snow delay.

Finally, Kirsten ended the meeting by talking about the challenges of finding substitute teachers. This was something that Maggie also had noted.  Kirsten is looking into ways that we can we get in front of school board to talk about how much teachers are struggling to find coverage.

November 7th, 2023 WES/TPVS PTO Agenda

8:15-8:20: Meeting notes unanimously approved.

8:20-8:25: Review of PTO current initiatives:

1.) Stem library-Deirdre gave an update on the Stem library.  PTO members discussed concerns and ideas including functionality and longevity, parents being made aware of their children bringing home items and being responsible for said items, check out/in process, etc. Deirdre will speak with the stem teachers to discuss ideas of how to make this a successful program.

2.) Kangaroo Math-Deirdre mentioned that a couple students have already signed up!

3.) In-class volunteers-This has been a successful program so far and seems to be appreciated by teachers and parents. Sign up lists will go out every couple of months and continue to offer opportunities for parents to help in the schools.

4.) Artistree Field Trip- Deirdre mentioned that Ms. Mills was planning on including Ms. Morse and Ms. Diones’ third grade class, and not Ms. Mayo’s 3rd/4th combo class for the Artistree field trip. Deirdre was asked by the PTO to speak to Ms. Mills about including all 3rd grade students and to inform her that the PTO was willing to pay for the additional fees to include those students.  A movement to increase the field trip budget was unanimously approved.

8:25-8:35: Review and approve the proposed ‘23-‘24 budget. The 23-24 budget was unanimously approved.

8:35-8:45: Review Teacher led after school Club stipends proposal.

1.) The proposed budget for clubs is $3,100 for WES and TPVS combined this year. That includes $500 per teacher stipend and $200 for materials. Teachers would get paid $500 to run 10 one hour-long sessions of a free after-school club. Andy Wood and Alison Greene attended the PTO meeting and seemed thrilled with the prospect of funding for clubs.  The PTO discussed how to handle two teachers/per club and it was decided that (                                                            )

8:45-9:05: review proposed Fundraising/community building:

1.) Wassail-In conjunction with the food for Wassail being run similarly to the Market on the Green and the challenges with obtaining a COI, the PTO will not be participating in food sales during Wassail.

2.) Star Awards-The idea of the Star Awards is a fundraiser in which students would pick a teacher to give a “Star.” Date and details are TBD.

3.) Craft activity-possible fundraising/community event.

4.) Dinner at Ramunto’s- possible fundraising/community event.

5.) Day of giving-A letter is being drafted to send out to the WES/PVS community to ask for contributions on Giving Tuesday.

6.) Union Arena- possible fundraising/community event.

9:05-9:15: New High School: The committee that is working on educating the public on the new high school is hosting a zoom meeting for school volunteer leadership on Thursday, Nov 16th from 7-8 pm. They will go over project history, design, timeline, cost and opportunities to reduce cost. They will also review the activities which will bring us to a March 5, 2024 bond vote.

9:20: Meeting Adjourned

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.