WES/TPVS Meeting Minutes — November 7, 2023

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