Pelham PTO Meeting Minutes
Pelham PTO Meeting Minutes
8-22-18
In Attendance: Jessie Jean-Louis, Nicole, Aline, Jenny, Olivia, Lisa Desjarlais
Treasurer’s Report: Received money from Mighty Cause, Amazon Smiles.
Money spent from teacher supplies and kindergarten supplies. $16,214.64 in bank.
Money spent from teacher supplies and kindergarten supplies. $16,214.64 in bank.
Strategic Plan Update: Jenny
PTO priorities (i.e. child engagement/enhancement/development): capital project funding,
board does not feel this is the PTO’s place. See PTO mission statement as part of the
2018-2019 plan. We did cover the playground mulch, $1000. Jenny reached out to
Wildwood to ask if they funded capital projects and they said no, they absolutely do not do
building maintenance. We are willing to hear people out, but we are working off a baseline
of focusing on the strategic plan. Supportive of bettering the school--capital expenses
should not come out of the PTO budget. It is on the school district and town to support this.
Dumpster is a cosmetic issue--fence will not change the smell. Dumpster needs to be kept
in this space for convenience of dumping stuff. Aline suggested having kids do a mural
project on the dumpster--are they rented or owned? Could plywood be put up around
the dumpster and be painted? Dumpster discussion will be added to the PTO meeting
agenda for September. Ask Matt to present on this at the meeting.
Talk to teachers 8/27: Jenny will come in and talk with the staff, present the PTO goals for
this year, tell about staff $ credits--what we make at Spring Fair determines how much we
can give the following year for staff credits to spend in their classrooms. Want to connect
PTO withteachers and support school enrichment.
Kindergarten Welcome Boxes: These are in--will write names of kindergartners on the
boxes. Olivia will write names on doodle art books.
Playground Mulch: Looks pretty, smells good. Wagner gave a $225 in-kind donation for
the mulch.
Teacher Welcome Back Breakfast & Supplies: Supplies will be going with Jenny on 8/27.
Jenny ordered a fruit platter to bring Wednesday morning, will get pastry platter from
Atkins. Coffee will be provided.
PTO will purchase a toaster oven for the Teacher Room: Put out first day of school.
Nicole will look into purchasing this.
Bulletin Board: Purchased a PTO bulletin board, will be hanging by front office, coming
in front door on right hand side. Can hang Florence Bank stuff, basket for Box Tops,
information. Calendar for meetings and events.
6X9 manilla envelopes with string and button: Lisa will look into cost for these, can use
for the Direct Appeal. Need 200.
PTO priorities (i.e. child engagement/enhancement/development): capital project funding,
board does not feel this is the PTO’s place. See PTO mission statement as part of the
2018-2019 plan. We did cover the playground mulch, $1000. Jenny reached out to
Wildwood to ask if they funded capital projects and they said no, they absolutely do not do
building maintenance. We are willing to hear people out, but we are working off a baseline
of focusing on the strategic plan. Supportive of bettering the school--capital expenses
should not come out of the PTO budget. It is on the school district and town to support this.
Dumpster is a cosmetic issue--fence will not change the smell. Dumpster needs to be kept
in this space for convenience of dumping stuff. Aline suggested having kids do a mural
project on the dumpster--are they rented or owned? Could plywood be put up around
the dumpster and be painted? Dumpster discussion will be added to the PTO meeting
agenda for September. Ask Matt to present on this at the meeting.
Talk to teachers 8/27: Jenny will come in and talk with the staff, present the PTO goals for
this year, tell about staff $ credits--what we make at Spring Fair determines how much we
can give the following year for staff credits to spend in their classrooms. Want to connect
PTO withteachers and support school enrichment.
Kindergarten Welcome Boxes: These are in--will write names of kindergartners on the
boxes. Olivia will write names on doodle art books.
Playground Mulch: Looks pretty, smells good. Wagner gave a $225 in-kind donation for
the mulch.
Teacher Welcome Back Breakfast & Supplies: Supplies will be going with Jenny on 8/27.
Jenny ordered a fruit platter to bring Wednesday morning, will get pastry platter from
Atkins. Coffee will be provided.
PTO will purchase a toaster oven for the Teacher Room: Put out first day of school.
Nicole will look into purchasing this.
Bulletin Board: Purchased a PTO bulletin board, will be hanging by front office, coming
in front door on right hand side. Can hang Florence Bank stuff, basket for Box Tops,
information. Calendar for meetings and events.
6X9 manilla envelopes with string and button: Lisa will look into cost for these, can use
for the Direct Appeal. Need 200.
Fundraising Update:
Dine to Donate: Olivia--two dates confirmed, one for fall--October 4th, one for spring--
March 5th--for Texas Roadhouse. New contact will donate a basket for us to raffle to help
us raise additional money. Antonio’s is booked for fall, will schedule for spring.
March 5th--for Texas Roadhouse. New contact will donate a basket for us to raffle to help
us raise additional money. Antonio’s is booked for fall, will schedule for spring.
Lowe’s: Olivia--questions about equipment installation and rules and regulations around
this. ~September 15th the grant is due. Getting the grant in earlier you have an
advantage. Olivia will submit for the tire swing and tunnels. District facilities and community
support will assist with installation. Lisa will talk Jim McPherson, head of facilities, about
tire swing and tunnel installation and making sure that the equipment is up to spec. Lisa
will also ask if there is someone in maintenance to help with installation.
this. ~September 15th the grant is due. Getting the grant in earlier you have an
advantage. Olivia will submit for the tire swing and tunnels. District facilities and community
support will assist with installation. Lisa will talk Jim McPherson, head of facilities, about
tire swing and tunnel installation and making sure that the equipment is up to spec. Lisa
will also ask if there is someone in maintenance to help with installation.
Other foundation funding: Jenny--Olivia applied to the Stark Foundation for a grant--
reworked--between June 1 and August 31--they are taking applications from state of
MA for before-school and after-school programs. $2000, which would include a $250
PAWS Sponsorship, so $1750 to school. Foundation likes to support specific projects
for small organizations. Could be used to cover student scholarships. Book fair.
Beautifying the reset rooms. SGEE program supplies.
reworked--between June 1 and August 31--they are taking applications from state of
MA for before-school and after-school programs. $2000, which would include a $250
PAWS Sponsorship, so $1750 to school. Foundation likes to support specific projects
for small organizations. Could be used to cover student scholarships. Book fair.
Beautifying the reset rooms. SGEE program supplies.
PAWS Sponsorship: We’re asking a few businesses for a $250 sponsorship for
community events over the year. Their logo would be on all flyers/materials. Olivia--
no updates. Will reach out to Valley Medical Group and Amherst Pediatrics. Jenny--
mailed letters--Berghoff moving, Pelham Auto, Lichtenberg Vet, Florence Savings,
Stark Foundation, and Cheryl Nina--will give letter to Joe to give to Cowls Lumber.
Followed up with Florence Savings--she’ll get back to Jenny. Joe could get a letter
to Atkins.
community events over the year. Their logo would be on all flyers/materials. Olivia--
no updates. Will reach out to Valley Medical Group and Amherst Pediatrics. Jenny--
mailed letters--Berghoff moving, Pelham Auto, Lichtenberg Vet, Florence Savings,
Stark Foundation, and Cheryl Nina--will give letter to Joe to give to Cowls Lumber.
Followed up with Florence Savings--she’ll get back to Jenny. Joe could get a letter
to Atkins.
Events Update:
Back To School Potluck: Jenny--on Monday, 8/27, 5:30 - 7pm. Nicole will buy a cake
from Big Y--$39.99. Big jug of lemonade and water. Will use outside and cafeteria.
Helpers get to the school at 4:30. Focus on encouraging parents/guardians to sign up
to be a room parent.
from Big Y--$39.99. Big jug of lemonade and water. Will use outside and cafeteria.
Helpers get to the school at 4:30. Focus on encouraging parents/guardians to sign up
to be a room parent.
Safety Night: Jenny--Set for October 22nd from 7-9pm. Just parents (no childcare
provided). Aline will post this on the PTO blog. At the firehouse in their conference room.
provided). Aline will post this on the PTO blog. At the firehouse in their conference room.
Multicultural Feast: Jenny--Nov. 7th, 6-7:30pm. One idea is to get every grade
involved in doing a project, which can be displayed at the feast. Could have a mix of
different kinds of music. Or live music by people that we know. Send out a flyer to each
family asking if they could send in the name of a song that best represents their
family/culture--put together a Spotify mix with these songs. Could reach out to musical
group from Senegal to see if they could come again. Maybe different cultural dances.
A card that goes along with the individual displays to explain the project, give credit
to the artist. Tie it to family and the Pelham community. Tablecloths of flags from different
countries, or strings of flags that we can hang all around.
involved in doing a project, which can be displayed at the feast. Could have a mix of
different kinds of music. Or live music by people that we know. Send out a flyer to each
family asking if they could send in the name of a song that best represents their
family/culture--put together a Spotify mix with these songs. Could reach out to musical
group from Senegal to see if they could come again. Maybe different cultural dances.
A card that goes along with the individual displays to explain the project, give credit
to the artist. Tie it to family and the Pelham community. Tablecloths of flags from different
countries, or strings of flags that we can hang all around.
Curriculum Night: Lisa--September 20th--6:30 - 7:30pm. Lennie usually provides
childcare. Share all of the events that the PTO is supporting this year through a flyer.
Could show some photos from PTO events last year, and then encourage folks to
volunteer for events this year. Jenny and Lisa: Look for photos from events from last year.
Olivia will put a slideshow together to show at the event.
childcare. Share all of the events that the PTO is supporting this year through a flyer.
Could show some photos from PTO events last year, and then encourage folks to
volunteer for events this year. Jenny and Lisa: Look for photos from events from last year.
Olivia will put a slideshow together to show at the event.
SAC Event--Parents’ Night Out--up in the air, not confirmed. Aline will take the September
21 date down from blog.
21 date down from blog.
Curriculum/Program Update:
Sexuality and Gender Empowerment and Education (SGEE) Curriculum: Aline--
Monthly Advisory Board meetings were held over the summer. Plan is to have dialogue
and informational sessions in September for adults, implement 5 session curriculum for
K-2 students in September/October.
Monthly Advisory Board meetings were held over the summer. Plan is to have dialogue
and informational sessions in September for adults, implement 5 session curriculum for
K-2 students in September/October.
Pelham Paw Prints: Aline--meeting on September 6 with Paw Prints adult advisers.
Lisa: Spring 2018 newspaper will be in the upcoming Pelham Slate.
Lisa: Spring 2018 newspaper will be in the upcoming Pelham Slate.
Communications
PTO newsletter--one for fall, one for spring? Or a monthly PTO newsletter could go
in the school newspaper.
in the school newspaper.
PTO website: Jenny has created this. Once this is set up we’ll take down the PTO blog.
PTO Facebook link: Include this in the weekly Pelham Press.
Principal’s comments: Lisa
Update on School Sign/Logo (waiting on this to produce t-shirts/mugs): Went with
Brigade--Kirsten has delegated to David Bosch, Josh Kenney will work with them,
Franklin tech is making the sign. Brigade is designing the logo that is transferable
to other materials.
Brigade--Kirsten has delegated to David Bosch, Josh Kenney will work with them,
Franklin tech is making the sign. Brigade is designing the logo that is transferable
to other materials.
Once we have the t-shirts made up, PTO will provide kindergartners with the t-shirts.
Need to hire a preschool paraprofessional.
Need a night custodian now.
PTO meetings this year:
September 13, 6-8
October 11, 6-8
November 8, 6-8
December 13, 6-8
Strategic Planning Meeting
6-28-18
In
Attendance: Jenny F, Lisa D, Aline G, Olivia F, Nicole
B.
Treasurer’s
Report: (Nicole: 6:00 - 6:10)
Meeting-to-meeting treasurer’s full report of spending. Binder machine didn’t
work well, will be returned and will revisit a new type.
Mission: (Jenny: 6:10 - 6:20) Approved
Goals: (Jenny: 6:20 - 6:30) Approved
Fundraisers: (Olivia: 6:30 - 6:45) Need to register for Valley Gives ahead of time.
Direct Appeal--wait to send this until
September--do so before SAC event and potentially have flyers about this at the
SAC event. Could also have the direct appeal during Valley Gives. Brown
Envelope/Direct Appeal fundraiser--direct appeal send home in a brown envelope
with the child, family gives whatever they can give. We’ll put in an order for
envelopes. Lisa will look up prices on the bid sheets. Make sure to signal on
cover of envelope that this is a direct appeal.
Dean’s Beans + Pelham mugs fundraiser:
Possibly do at beginning of year and have same logo as that on t-shirts and new
school sign
Electronic recycling: Do this twice/year,
October 6th and May 4th (first Saturday of every month is when the other
recycling goes on), pair the electronic recycling with the tag sale.
Passive fundraising: Florence Bank--need to be
a Florence Bank customer to sign for the fundraiser. ACTION
ITEM: Jenny will connect with the Florence Bank to become an “inside
ambassador” and we’ll ask them for PAWS Sponsorship.
Dining out fundraisers: Take out Chipotle,
check on Panera? Do Antonio’s for September/October, Texas Roadhouse, The Pub,
Olivia dropped off a card and spoke with folks at Wildwood. Chili’s and
Applebees’, you just select a timeslot. ACTION
ITEM: Olivia will try to set up Antonio’s for October.
Community
Events: (Jenny: 6:45 - 7:00):
Back-to-School
Potluck: Monday, August, 5:30 - 7pm--sheet cake from
Big Y; 15 minute time slot to meet by grade, giving parents/kids time to mingle
and meet each other.
Parents’
Night Out at SAC: Friday, September 21, 7:00pm. ACTION ITEM: Olivia will contact Sean
at SAC about membership and reserving that night.
Trunk
or Treat: Sunday, October 28th, 5:30 - 7:30pm
Parent
Safety Night: First or second week of October
Multi-Cultural
Feast: Potluck, Wednesday, November 7th, 6:00 - 7:30pm
Parents’
Night Out: Friday, December 14th, 5:30 - 8:30,
childcare (aftercare providers) provided $10/child for 3 hours; RSVP so we know
how many kids are coming, provide pizza, drinks, snacks, movie, crafts for
kids. Potty trained preschoolers are welcome.
Family
Dance Party: table this for now.
Movie
Night: End of January, beginning of February? ACTION ITEM: Jenny will check with Matt
if he’d like to head up this even.
Family
Fun Night: Saturday, March 2nd, 5:30 - 7:30pm; ACTION ITEM: Jenny will confirm this date with Matt.
Spring
Fair: Table date until we figure out high school dates
and when volunteers will be available. Leann said she’d head up the event
again.
Summer
Celebration End of Year Picnic: Week after school gets
out, do it at Belchertown Beach (list location TBD to make sure can be
reserved). Saturday, June 29th, 4-7pm. ACTION ITEM: Lisa will check to see
about reserving the beach for this event.
PAWS
Sponsorships: (Olivia: 7:00 - 7:15) Reaching out
to local businesses for $250 sponsorships. Mail a letter about this, then
follow up with a face-to-face meeting.
Grants: (Olivia: 7:15 - 7:30)
Community Preservation Act (Jenny: preschool
structure?), Lowe’s (Olivia will submit in August to cover tire swing), Pelham
Cultural Council Grant (Jenny)--has been reimbursement based in the past, may
be piloting a new structure this year, Amherst Education Foundation (Olivia:
applications posted December 1st, February 1 submission date, awarded mid-April
to be used the following year--to support new curriculum initiatives).
Possible
Initiatives: (Jenny: 7:30 - 7:45) Oasis and Reset
rooms, how to make them more appealing? Light covers, music?
Being proactive about highlighting the good
work that Pelham and the PTO is doing.
Jenny is designing a new PTO website on Wix,
which will be used instead of the PTO blog.
Need someone to take over Pelham Book Fair
after this year, to shadow Maia this year.
School committee rep will be coming to all of
the PTO meetings (Jessie Jean-Louis), and they’d like someone from the PTO to
come to school committee meetings (Jenny F/Aline G).
Giselle Gonzalez is taking over as PTO teacher
rep.
Principal’s
Comments: (Lisa: 7:45 - 8:00) School gardens are
looking good
Can PTO support servicing of school laminator
($390/year)?
5-9-18
In Attendance: Jenny, Olivia, Aline, Leanne, Lisa, Sarahbess, Nicole, Margaret Light, Matt
Treasurer’s Report: Nicole: We got our match grant ($5000). Balance is ~$11,000
(without the match). $367 in calendar tickets and made $1815 on raffle calendar.
(without the match). $367 in calendar tickets and made $1815 on raffle calendar.
Strategic Plan Planning Update: Jenny: June 19th, 6-8pm, PTO meeting will
focus solely on our strategic plan--discuss events/things we want to get done, as well as PTO
bylaws.
focus solely on our strategic plan--discuss events/things we want to get done, as well as PTO
bylaws.
Sexuality and Gender Empowerment and Education (SGEE) Curriculum update: Aline:
Discussion about process of curriculum development and need for transparency in decision-
making around the iterative process. Includes transparency around what grades to focus on
and communication
with teachers.
Discussion about process of curriculum development and need for transparency in decision-
making around the iterative process. Includes transparency around what grades to focus on
and communication
with teachers.
Findings from focus groups (parent/guardian and teachers/staff) as well as from the survey
indicate that we might focus on the younger grades, K - 2/3.
indicate that we might focus on the younger grades, K - 2/3.
Our next step is to report on findings from the focus groups and survey, which was sent out
again to parents/guardians at the beginning of the week to encourage more responses, and
to send out an email to all interested participants for an Advisory Board, which will be meeting
regularly with the SGEE team (i.e. UMass Masters of Public Health students/faculty person +
trained sexuality/gender education facilitators) to shape development of the SGEE curriculum.
We hope to organize a first Advisory Board meeting by the end of May/beginning of June.
The proposed plan is to pilot and evaluate the program in the late fall/winter in 2018-2019.
We will encourage broad participation (i.e., a broad array of perspectives) on the Advisory Board.
again to parents/guardians at the beginning of the week to encourage more responses, and
to send out an email to all interested participants for an Advisory Board, which will be meeting
regularly with the SGEE team (i.e. UMass Masters of Public Health students/faculty person +
trained sexuality/gender education facilitators) to shape development of the SGEE curriculum.
We hope to organize a first Advisory Board meeting by the end of May/beginning of June.
The proposed plan is to pilot and evaluate the program in the late fall/winter in 2018-2019.
We will encourage broad participation (i.e., a broad array of perspectives) on the Advisory Board.
Pelham Paw Prints update: Aline: First issue coming out in end of May/beginning of June, regular
meetings after school on Thursdays in the computer lab from 3:15 - 4pm, Editorial Board focused
on 4-6th grades, with those students writing articles for the first issue. An announcement about
the school paper (Pelham Paw Prints) was sent out to parents/guardians of 4th - 6th graders in
March asking them to encourage their child to sign up to take part in the Editorial Board. A second
flyer was sent home to those students who turned in forms, to get permission from parents/guardians
for their child to attend newspaper meetings on Thursday after school. Meetings have taken
place weekly, on Thursdays, since mid April.
meetings after school on Thursdays in the computer lab from 3:15 - 4pm, Editorial Board focused
on 4-6th grades, with those students writing articles for the first issue. An announcement about
the school paper (Pelham Paw Prints) was sent out to parents/guardians of 4th - 6th graders in
March asking them to encourage their child to sign up to take part in the Editorial Board. A second
flyer was sent home to those students who turned in forms, to get permission from parents/guardians
for their child to attend newspaper meetings on Thursday after school. Meetings have taken
place weekly, on Thursdays, since mid April.
Plan is that the Editorial Board will reach out to students in all of the grades for the second issue to
contribute pieces to the newspaper. Columns for the newspaper as they stand right now include:
Comics, Humor, People Who Persevere, Student Council/Politics, Activities and Places to Go, For
Foodies, Op/Ed, The Arts, and The Latest.
contribute pieces to the newspaper. Columns for the newspaper as they stand right now include:
Comics, Humor, People Who Persevere, Student Council/Politics, Activities and Places to Go, For
Foodies, Op/Ed, The Arts, and The Latest.
Spring Fair update: Leanne/Lisa: June 2nd, 12-3, Joe working on food and cash
donations. Wristbands for activities with flat fee for each family--may make it more affordable for
families. Tickets only for cake walk and raffle. Carnival games, Connect 4. Silent auction for Many
Hands farm share? Changed pricing on basket raffle.
donations. Wristbands for activities with flat fee for each family--may make it more affordable for
families. Tickets only for cake walk and raffle. Carnival games, Connect 4. Silent auction for Many
Hands farm share? Changed pricing on basket raffle.
Dan Butterworth (Craig’s dad) will bring animals to the fair, will be in first grade classroom
Sign-up genius: Volunteers are needed, will be posted on PTO blog
Roger Ticknell is coming from 1-2pm
Need to figure out donations
Pay for tickets via Venmo? ACTION ITEM: Nicole--Check into Venmo for PTO payment source
Teacher Appreciation lunch update: Jenny: Everything is set. More parents
volunteers needed to sign up to cover lunches for the grades. 11:15 - 12:15 on 5/24.
volunteers needed to sign up to cover lunches for the grades. 11:15 - 12:15 on 5/24.
Calendar Raffle update: Nicole: ACTION ITEM: Need to purchase reward for
top calendar raffle seller. Need to purchase a massage to replace one certificate.
top calendar raffle seller. Need to purchase a massage to replace one certificate.
Sip (and Support?) at Shutesbury Athletic Club (SAC) update: Olivia: Because Spring Fair
is happening the week before, will be difficult to plan, postponing this event. Aline has taken this
event off of the PTO blog.
is happening the week before, will be difficult to plan, postponing this event. Aline has taken this
event off of the PTO blog.
Dine Out update/plan: Olivia/Joe (7 - 7:10) Applebee’s (15%) and Panera (20%) is on for May
10th. Chipotle (50%) is on for May 12th. Flyers will be distributed, as these have to be brought
in to contribute.
10th. Chipotle (50%) is on for May 12th. Flyers will be distributed, as these have to be brought
in to contribute.
Pelham School T-shirts update: Nicole (7:10 - 7:15) Matt is making the graphic for the t-shirt--
Pelham School with trees in the center. Should get them before spring fair. Field Day t-shirts
may compete with this, may want to strategize t-shirt orders in the future so they don’t overlap.
Will make some profit on these t-shirts.
Pelham School with trees in the center. Should get them before spring fair. Field Day t-shirts
may compete with this, may want to strategize t-shirt orders in the future so they don’t overlap.
Will make some profit on these t-shirts.
Pelham Elementary Food Waste Diversion Program: Matt: Went to Wildwood and Fort River
for lunchtime to check out recycling efforts at those schools. They both have a recycling system
in place, though have more space for a dedicated spot. The schools also compost, recycle
the milk cartons, and everything else is trash. For Pelham, could have education on separation
of materials. Green Team--program done by another company. How to overcome reluctance
to do this in the lunchroom? Lunches are K-1, 2-4, 5-6. Could have recycling patrol from each
grade, with a “Green Team” leader for every grade. A Greenfield Elementary School has a
successful program that we could model after. ACTION ITEM: Lisa will watch the Green
Team video, fill out the form to request the materials. Will also bring this idea to student council.
for lunchtime to check out recycling efforts at those schools. They both have a recycling system
in place, though have more space for a dedicated spot. The schools also compost, recycle
the milk cartons, and everything else is trash. For Pelham, could have education on separation
of materials. Green Team--program done by another company. How to overcome reluctance
to do this in the lunchroom? Lunches are K-1, 2-4, 5-6. Could have recycling patrol from each
grade, with a “Green Team” leader for every grade. A Greenfield Elementary School has a
successful program that we could model after. ACTION ITEM: Lisa will watch the Green
Team video, fill out the form to request the materials. Will also bring this idea to student council.
Starting small, then build on this to get to where we want to go. Put this in place for Day 1 next
year. Could be part of back-to-school assembly next year. Have bins out at Welcome Back picnic.
year. Could be part of back-to-school assembly next year. Have bins out at Welcome Back picnic.
Open Forum: A time to bring up questions, ideas or school related topics. A time to share thoughts
on existing challenges or creative solutions. Or simply a time to recognize the success of our
school’s progress so it is documented
on existing challenges or creative solutions. Or simply a time to recognize the success of our
school’s progress so it is documented
Activity Day - June 19th, during school day - PTO will reimburse costs for this (~$100). Teachers
will submit receipts to be reimbursed for this through PTO, drop off receipts at PTO mailbox lockbox.
Hang shed key on side of box, or put in hide-a-key on side of lockbox, or just use combo lock!
will submit receipts to be reimbursed for this through PTO, drop off receipts at PTO mailbox lockbox.
Hang shed key on side of box, or put in hide-a-key on side of lockbox, or just use combo lock!
Principal’s comments: Lisa (7:45 - 8:00)
Thank you to Sarahbess for getting the Scholastic Books! Had a buy-one-get-one deal and 20% off.
June 8th is the day of the book sale. Can collect books all that week.
June 8th is the day of the book sale. Can collect books all that week.
Add tag sale to Labor Day weekend as Pelham fundraiser?
End-of-school-year picnic to close out the year on the last day of school? Add to strategic plan
events for next year.
events for next year.
Pelham School showing up at public events--Amherst Town Fair (back to school picnic, night before
school starts), Northampton Pride Fair
school starts), Northampton Pride Fair
In Attendance: Aline, Nicole, Olivia, Lisa D, Vince, Sarahbess
Treasurer’s Report: Nicole: $10,222.98, after spending on staff breakfasts and preschool gift fund and Pelham school gift fund; $2048 remaining to get matching dollars by June 7th. (Does not include calendar raffle and direct appeal donations yet).
Anti-bullying/traveling theater play--possibility for PTO to fund this (could work out arrangement that we have one show, another school has a show and we can split the costs)
Reimbursement processfor individual spending--1) need approval if go over amount allocated for event, 2) receipts for individual spending need to be submitted by 2 weeks after conclusion of event or will not be accepted
Strategic plan--note:June PTO meeting will focus solely on our strategic plan--discuss events/things we want to get done (including more field trips for kids next year), but also clear communication and messaging strategies and discuss structure of the PTO.
Next Steps after Emergency Meeting last Thursday: Other schools in district--principals are full time (12 months) and have assistant principals. Asking for reduction in pay for same job. A month reduction in work (if that was even possible) means that work piles up.
Sexuality and Gender Empowerment and Education (SGEE) Curriculum update: Aline: Focus group key finding--SGEE piloted in K-3 instead of 4-6. We will organize an Advisory Board around development and implementation of the program. We will send out a survey about parent/guardian interest in the program soon. Suggestion that we include plays or photo exhibit as part of the program. Social Justice Education department at UMass might also be a resource.
Pelham Paw Prints update: Aline--meetings are on Thursdays for the Editorial Board (grades 4-6) from 3:15-4pm. Students in all grades will be invited to contribute pieces. At today’s meeting we established the newspaper’s section editors, chief editors, and layout/design person. Goal is to have a 6 page newspaper published in May!
Spring Fair update: Leanne--June 2nd, 12-3
Teacher Appreciation lunch update:Jenny
Calendar Raffle update: Nicole: We have lots of checks in--amounts input into spreadsheet to randomly select winners. On calendar raffle, also should give people the option to just give directly to Razoo, instead of participating in the calendar raffle.
Sip (and Support?) at Shutesbury Athletic Club (SAC): Olivia. Heather has booked SAC for June 9th, 5pm start (thanks Heather, and for donating her SAC rental so the rental fee is covered). The contact is seanbmeyer@yahoo.com. Discussed ideas for food and music: Band? DJ? Georgia pop-up kitchen? Pita pocket?
Dine Out update/plan: Olivia: Bertucci’s May 10th
Direct Donations/Appeal to Pelham School update: Olivia: This is not a transactional gift--these gifts tend to be bigger if they hit appropriately and are followed up the right way. Need to avoid competing with the Calendar Raffle. Direct Appeal will be tabled for some time until further discussion. Focus on this in the fall? Need to highlight the enhancements that this money could bring to the school--in terms of events, field trips, arts focused activities. Might discuss decrease in number of field trips--PTO stepping in--direct appeal to increase support for this with school budget cuts.
Pelham School T-shirts update: Nicole--ultrasoft cotton shirts--hoping to have them by the time of Spring Fair. Could also sell at the Town Meeting (and wear to the Town Meeting :)
Principal’s comments: Lisa--Hitchcock Center field trip and visit. PTO will give $175 for this.
Book swap: Sarahbess organizes this, books need to be turned in by June 7th, swap held June 8th. With this money, Scholastic Book Coupon can be signed up for to be used to purchase books for older kids to be put into the book swap. PTO has agreed to give $150 to buy the older kids’ Scholastic books for the sale.
4-5-18
4-5-18
In Attendance: Greta Biagi, Aline, Vince, Nicole, Jenny Franz, Cara C, Maia, Emily, Lee H, Matt W, John Trickey (Pelham Finance Committee), Kristin, Lisa Desjarlais, Rosalba, Kate P.
Additional documents distributed:Pelham School Choice Revolving Fund Summary, Pelham Elementary FY 19 Budget Budget Increases/(Reductions), Pelham Elem FY 19 Expense Budget Summary.
Overview: The purpose of this meeting is to discuss impacts of proposed FY'19 budget cuts to Pelham Elementary, specifically staff eliminations and reductions; to review factors contributing to additional pressures on the school budget; and to begin articulating a strategy for addressing/remedying these cuts, to be finalized prior to Town Meeting on May 12th, at which time the budget may be amended.
Budget Reduction- Category
|
Detail
|
FTE
|
$$
|
Preschool
|
Remove operating budget support
|
--
|
10,000
|
Special Education
|
Speech Language Pathologist- Reduction
|
(0.20)
|
9,602
|
District Wide
|
Supplies
|
5,605
| |
Regular Instruction
|
School Library Support Staff- Elimination
|
(0.28)
|
6,879
|
Risk & Benefits
|
Prepay retirement incentives
|
6,475
| |
Central Office
|
Curriculum Director change to Coordinator
|
600
| |
Central Office
|
No wage increase
|
4,733
| |
School Administration
|
Principal change to 11 month position
|
8,446
| |
TOTAL
|
(0.48)
|
52,340
|
- New Factors Contributing to School Budget Cuts
- Charter school funding
- Health insurance pool
- Review Budget Items
- School Library Support (Elimination)
- Speech Language Pathologist (Reduction)
- School Principal (Reduction)
- Other items
- Strategy/Next Steps
- Immediate/near-term budget remedy
- Long-term planning to address ongoing charter school funding burden.
Notes:Cara: School Committee budget process: Rollover budget, projections for coming year, increased costs. How services are budgeted for the following year. Tax revenue. School choice. Town can afford to increase budget by 2.5%/year. Then you’re sustainably funding your school.
Cara: Last year difficult year--alerted late about Charter students leaving Pelham. Reimbursements applied to 2017 had passed, so had to scramble for money. $70,000 was budgeted to cover Charter and School Choice out, plus health insurance increases ($30,000).
John T: ARPS has a self-insured trust for health insurance.
Cara: Rates down for a long time--trust to cover the claims, if claims go up then rates go up. $110,000 needed to be covered in this regard. Three ways to deal with this--raised taxes, town didn’t fill police officer, school covered the remaining third. This was a way to share the costs across the town.
Pelham Elementary FY19 Expense Budget Summary document:Shows budget increases, overall budget. If you look at “Other Programs” under Expense Accounts--shows Charter coverage. Health Insurance also shows increases.
John T: By state law, the state is supposed to give 25% to cover.
Lisa D: Budget freeze since the fall.
Emily--Charter Schools: For Pelham, when a student chooses a charter school, they don’t take into account that we have choice students in the school. When they factor per people costs, they’re only calculating residents, not incoming choice students. They divide the Pelham budget by the number of resident kids, don’t include everyone. We’re one of the highest around for charter refund. Greta--can this policy be appealed? Choice--we pay only $5000 for every kid who goes out. School choice reimbursement has been same since 1994. If a child has special ed needs, they bring more than $5000.
Pelham Elementary Funding the Budget: Budget will go up by 2.7%, town will cover 2.5%
“Choice out” means moving to another public school. Not the same as moving to a Charter school.
Updates about Charter moves:Update in December, final in June. Data reporting is unreliable--accurate accounting not always there. Who keeps this accountable? DESE. We have very little input into being able to verify. Onus is on the Charter School to update/let us know. Superintendent has been in touch with DESE about this. Maia: This is a chronic issue. If a child lives in two households, this complicates matters for attendance at schools and who is charged. This is a first time we’ve had people go into Charter schools from Pelham. John T.: There is a maximum that they could charge for Charter--9% of your budget. Hits a school like Pelham, which is tiny, really hard. Right now it’s at 5%. Estimated that there are currently 3-4 Pelham students going to Charter. Next year we’ve budgeted for 4 Charter students, and 3 Choice out students.
Who’s on the vetting process for verifying that the child actually lives in Pelham? Information is coming from the Charter school. Honor system about reporting--not clear that this is accurate and confirmable. If the claims are false, could be a huge savings. Final roster will be in May or June. Number as of April is 3 for Charter students.
In 2017 we paid nothing extra, but finding out late, we paid extra in 2018.
P. 10: Pelham Enrollment: Around 2012, Pelham enrollment was declining, choice was increasing. Now choice is tapering off, Pelham enrollment is increasing. With fewer choice kids, less revenue.
P. 11: Choice Revolving Fund: Since FY13, we have had a decreased Ending Balance. As we take in fewer choice kids, not able to prop up the budget. 3-4 kids leaving a small kids, all of a sudden $90K gone, cripples a small school. Projected numbers are decreasing each year.
Started a program to wean off Choice--but now with charter school costs and health insurance hit and decreased choice even more, difficult.
Is a district able to say, “we will not support children going to Charter schools?” Funding mechanism, this is taken from the state. Money is diverted to Charter school directly, we don’t handle the money.
Is there a group of people formed that people can join with regard to the Charter issue? Emily will get us this info, there is. There is regional advocacy around this issue.
Charter update: Chinese immersion denied increase in size. DESE will not be moved based on unfairness of funding structure, focused more on quality of school. However, legislature will pay more attention.
Proposed cuts: Because of the additional charter and health insurance costs, in order to stay in the range of the 2.5% raise, the cuts are proposed. Last year the town stepped in to cover $76K additional. This year the town is covering the health insurance surcharge for the school, retirement incentive. Not part of the operating budget, helping the town get by (“one time” payments).
Preschool is being restructured, shifts in tuition and preschool model. Hoping that this will be self-sustaining.
Library support staff after cuts: ½ time person instead of a ½ time and ¼ time person. School library does a lot to support the school. Role cut, loss of Sally Goldin, if that role is eliminated, work put on Rosalba. She can only devote so much time, given work role. That work falls to teachers. Rosalba already working overtime, not being compensated for that.
Speech Pathologist: Caseloads not as many right now. Some work in Amherst that may cover the additional amount, so we won’t lose her. Concern about this reduction from parents--busy--concerned that we’ll lose her if we can’t cover her full time.
Principal: 12 month position--school doesn’t stop in end of June, always prep, always calls. Aline pointed out that as an administrator, the Principal’s job does not end at 5pm. So even now, with a 12-month contract, Lisa works overtime (i.e. goes beyond a 7:30 - 3:30 job). The 11-month proposal accentuates this disparity in hours worked versus time paid.
Proposal was developed--school committee tasked with this. Administration comes with guidance.
Are these permanent cuts? Is there a bandaid that we can use to contribute to this fund and fix the gap in money right now? As soon as these cuts affect teachers/staff and kids, something should be done.
Budget process: Season starts in January--town is what ultimately votes the budget. SC has voted it, going to town.
John T: School choice revolving fund--continues to drop. Caution use of school choice money bc it’s a problem when you don’t have school choice children, you end up with empty slots.
Pelham has no other source of revenue besides property tax. Pressures to do other things in town, other than funding the school.
Barring a charter school student coming back into the system, we don’t have extra money to work with.
Regionalizing: Fall 2017 town meeting, brought up to regionalize the schools again. Benefits is that state will reimburse transportation costs. For charter schools, whole region would take up the costs, rather than just Pelham. Town would have to vote for this. Biggest drawback--Pelham would have a smaller voice in governance. For Pelham, if school closure was considered, we’d be vulnerable. Only looking at Pelham and Amherst. This would be a preK-6 region. First meeting about regionalization between Pelham and Amherst next week (meetings are public). Consultant will be coming to assist.
With potential regionalization--could language be written, if regionalized, to fund these cuts.
Total from 3 personnel positions for cuts, half is around $25K. What’s heard about Charter--so squishy on that end (may be 3, maybe 4 students)--could we fund to not make these cuts?
Someone on the floor of Town meeting could propose to amend to increase budget by $25K. Would come from taxes.
Legislature has underfunded their requirements across the state. State legislature is not meeting any of their mandates. Charter is not being underfunded.
Health insurance issue: This time, a number of high claims--but not enough to trigger the reinsurance. High costs, dipping into revenue.
Next steps: School has removed workload of preschool from Lisa. In past the position was 11 month, Lisa has always been a 12 month position. Restoring the library position and Lisa position--putting this in front of the town, tax increase. Doesn’t make sense for the overall health of the school. Speech pathologist position could be made full-time through Amherst work. Could put us more at $15k to restore those 2 positions.
How to deal with this at Town Meeting? Amending the warrant to the school. Showing up at Town Meeting to advocate for tax increase. Generally town is supportive of the school. Elementary school as the feature of the town--the school holds the town together. School is intrinsic to the value of the town, including property values.
Getting involved in organizing around the Charter Schools?
Revenue coming into operating budget--grant money doesn’t come into operating, comes into free cash. You can’t appropriate free cash after July 1.
Bottom line, with these cuts we’re asking people to work for free.
Town level--how do you fund what you want to fund? Need to figure out priorities. Town Meeting is place to do this. Town Meeting is on May 12th. Town Meeting, as a Pelham resident, you show up and you vote. These are not elected positions. Any proposed changes need to be made at the Town Meeting.
ACTION ITEM: Town Meeting prep subcommittee needed for strategy--$15,000 to cover these two positions, breaking it down by price/household. Have language written out in advance for Kathy Martell--making a motion to restore the budget for such and such positions. Not just about cuts to positions--but also how this impacts children at the school. Be prepared to speak on behalf of these positions. Subcommittee: Brad, Maia, Greta, Matt (graphics).
Also ask Pelham residents at the school to attend town meeting. Advertise through PTO. Put out clear points about what positions are going to be lost. Could have folks carry posters to educate others. “We need to save our principal” and “we need to save our library.”
Town website info on warrant/proposed budget will be there. Pelham residents will have this mailed to them. Town budget has line items (school budget does not).
Pelham School Committee spot is opening.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1JK5dBkleo1TZrxcO9KfxXM6Y2Q1NlP1J
https://drive.google.com/open?
3-14-18
IN ATTENDANCE: Aline Gubrium, Nicole Black, Olivia Frazier, Joe Black, Matt Wolaver, Margaret Light, Tom Fanning, Lisa Desjarlais, Jenny Franz
Pelham Community Garden Committee: Abbie Jenks and Richard Seelig - Garden committee is an official town committee--garden is by Buffam Falls--8 plots.
This past year installed a pollinator garden. Has been around for 2 years. Original idea to grow food for the seniors. Plots are $10 for growing season and rules about
keeping plot clean and using organic stuff. Registration forms are available on the community garden website.
3rd grade--local history unit--could plant local food (i.e. pumpkins, corn) at the community garden--use this as a field trip/excursion experience for the kids.
Do something with the garden around the 250th Pelham town anniversary? Using some of the things (i.e., flowers) grown at the Community Garden at the fall race.
Possibility of having the school garden as an outpost for the community garden?
Treasurer’s Report: Nicole - What can we do with our large budget to improve the school? What is the lowest we can go? Can we invest in stuff for the school,
like a new tire swing? Funding a traveling play that is anti-bullying? New school newspaper? As Treasurer, would like to suggest that we spend some of our funds
to improve the school.
Parents/visitors signing into the school: Lisa and Tom - Active response to intruders--don’t hide, cause disruptions. Biggest deterrent--checking visitor passes,
make sure everyone signs in. Could we talk about this at one of our future meetings to discuss ways to enforce stricter entrance to school. Volunteering to be here
at the entrances to monitor and admit people?
Need a sign up that says exactly what needs to be done to enter the school.
School safety subcommittee: Jenny and Nicole will head this up
Strategic plan: Big funding/project ideas - We will schedule a meeting to focus just on this--June PTO meeting will focus completely on this
Family Fun Night: Matt - very successful event. Food costs were $367.05
PTO Shed reorganization needed--PTO event to support this? Grill set up, etc. Shed roof expanded so that we can store specific items there (i.e. signs and such).
Would the town consider supporting the purchase of another shed for the school? Could use town shed for the school to store stuff?
Gender and Sexuality Empowerment and Education Curriculum update: Aline - Focus groups to get at needs, strengths, resources. Curriculum will development
will be focused at 5th and 6th grade level
Both focus groups will take place on 3/29/18 at the school. Teacher/staff focus group at 3:20; parent/guardian focus group at 6:30pm. We are currently recruiting folks to participate! Email Aline at agubrium@gmail. if you are interested in taking part!!
Pelham Paw Prints update: Aline - We are starting a school newspaper at the school! Recruiting section editors right now in the 4th, 5th and 6th grades. Classroom rep for the
younger grades--could have a younger person to take a picture and contribute art etc. Matt, Olivia, Jenny interested in being involved in assisting. First meeting with section editors
will be scheduled after interest forms are turned in by students on Friday, March 23rd.
(Renamed) Pelham Fair plan: Matt - Reschedule for May 19th, 12-3? Have this be a town event. Town plant sale will be going on. Outside vendors--local businesses--set up at the fair?
Cake walk is a staple. Basket raffle. Loop of vendors/activities around the library parking lot loop. Town anniversary comes into this as well.
Silent auction will be set up (like a booth) is coming in to the Pelham Fair--Heather and Crystal are heading this up. Some overflow from the calendar raffle that will go into this.
Calendar Raffle update: Nicole - Donations that we currently have are on a calendar, thanks to Heather. Enough donations to fill the calendar, some are still coming in.
Sip and Support shifted to Sip and Support Each Other event at Shutesbury Athletic Club (SAC): Set date and location. Outreach for donations? Blend this into some other
event for parents to come together to hang out. SAC is $40 to rent the room and outdoors sports. Potluck there with everyone bringing something. PTO celebration June event!
Dine Out update/plan: Olivia and Joe - Report on Texas Roadhouse and plan for April’s dine out. $165 from Texas Roadhouse event (snow day); raffle table from last year helped
getting people out. Some of the events won’t be about bringing our community in, but bringing slips in to have other customers support the fundraiser. And then some are about bringing
in folks from Pelham to the event. May 10 - Panera (4-8pm) and Bertucci’s, May 11 - Chili’s, May 12 - Chipotle--does 50% return. Town Meeting on May 12th. Check in with Pita Pockets
to see if they’d be willing to support. Whole Foods day--5% return.
Direct Donations/Appeal to Pelham School update: Olivia - Upon receipt of direct donation forms, Aline will ask if folks want to get involved in school events, if they want to be on the
insider PTO Google Group email list?
Set up Neighbor-to-neighbor platform? Could create one for the Pelham Elementary School
Appeal will be sent out by the end of this week--through email and as hard copy in kids’ folders
T-shirts: Nicole and Joe - Nicole found good priced t-shirts. Selling t-shirts at Pelham Fair, adult and kids’ version. Bulk order shirts. Add location to the t-shirt--either state or zipcode
Grants: Jenny - Howard E. Stark Charitable Foundation contribution--$5000 match opportunity for PTO between March 7 - June 7. All money we make off of fundraisers will be matched
through the grant. Match comes directly to PTO and becomes PTO funds (unrestricted). On a monthly basis, the PTO can send a form to the foundation to show the amounts raised, and
we can get a check. Or we can get the full amount at the end of the year in June. Thanks Jenny!!
Principal’s comments: Lisa - PTO provided food for the professional development day last Friday, very appreciated.
2-8-18
IN
ATTENDANCE: Aline, Vince, Olivia, Nicole, Joe, Lisa,
Margaret
Texas
Roadhouse - dinner compliments of Texas Roadhouse and options for fundraisers (Amanda from Texas Roadhouse: 6 - 6:10pm)
TREASURER’S
REPORT (6:10 - 6:15): Deposited check for Box Tops.
Current balance is $8261.52. Still having issues connecting PayPal.
Request to chip in for 2/8/18 storytelling
presentation--PTO will chip in for $325
MEETING
ITEMS
Strategic
plan: Big funding/project
ideas (6:15 - 6:45pm): Table this because not many people at the meeting.
PTO
meeting norms: PTO members
come with suggested norms (6:45 - 7):
Be fully present at the meeting
Start off with celebrations, acknowledgments,
anything to share--starting off meetings with check ins
Meetings start and end on time
Avoid interrupting each other
Respect each others’ opinions and assume best
intentions
Equal air time for all
Family
Fun Night: (Notes from Matt)
(7 - 7:15)
Family Fun Night before next meeting March 3rd.
We really need to line up a couple raffle items which we normally have two
large ticketed items and a 50-50 raffle.
In the past we’ve had large Lego sets, American girl doll, metal
detector to give you some idea. ACTION
ITEM: Joe will reach out to Barnes and Noble, Toy Box, A to Z, and Thelo
Spa in Northampton about donating to the raffle. Joe/Nicole and Aline have
extra gift certificates from Elements Spa, so they may donate these
certificates.
Also can people chime in to see who can help
prepare for the event (make signs, decorations, props etc). And who might be
willing to volunteer for set up, run and breakdown. Or someone is able to help
create a sign-up genius if I can organize the duties which can be very
difficult upfront. I have 8 to 10 UMass
volunteers lined-up the day of (thanks Aline). Also I’d like to confirm
spending allowance for the event of $400. The PTO has agreed to spend up to
$400, though the less we spend the better. The
$400 would cover mostly the food which in the past his cost between 3 and $400.
Depending on activities going on there are supplies and decorations needed
however a good amount comes from past events Lenny from after school helps with
supplies and personal items used from myself and others. Basically anyone
willing to donate resources.
The raffle items are not purchased they
have been donations to help recoup the cost. Recoup on
that money is not the focus of the event but if we have raffle items that has
been our best direct method in the past.
Food is always free! Taco bar is on (Heather and Todd will run this)!!
Jenny, Kate, Brad, Nicole, and Joe volunteered to assist with the event.
ACTION
ITEM: Matt will make a flyer for the Family Fun Night
and send it to Lisa to hang around the building, distribute in Pelham Press,
and something to hang in front of the school and get a flyer to Aline to post
on the blog and send out by mailchimp and send to Olivia to post on the FB
page.
Gender/sexuality
education curriculum subcommittee update (Aline/Nicole:
7:15 - 7:20)
Focus groups to get at needs and strengths, lit review to
look at curricular materials to design the program. Next fall would be
implementation and evaluation of the program. Will be focused at the 5th and
6th grade levels.
Spring
Fair update (7:20 - 7:25) PTO
nominated Brad to head up this event, Joe said he’d help too :) Spring Fair
will be Sunday, April 29th from 12-3. ACTION
ITEM: Aline will post the day and time on the PTO blog. Joe suggested that
we might want to sell tshirts and sweatshirts at the Spring Fair, have a booth
there. ACTION ITEM: Joe will look at
vendors for Pelham t-shirts and sweatshirts. Keith will assist with design.
At next meeting: discuss how many and who we
want to have as outside vendors--local businesses--set up at the fair.
5K
event in fall 2018 subcommittee update: (Brad, Olivia, Vince: 7:25 -
7:30) Olivia looked at other runs that happening next fall--potential run date
is October 7, 2018. Short list of things to move on right away, including where
race will be located/mapping terrain, race registration, sponsorship, shirts.
Might we want to run this as a trail run? Or would that preclude people from
participating? ACTION ITEM: Market
the race as part of the 275th anniversary of Pelham. Go to the historical
society about this. Cynthia Wiegel, Tom Fanning.
Workshop13
fundraiser/event ideas:
(Marie: 7:30 - 7:35) Sip and Support event could be held there, or sip and
craft event for parents. Or parents-night-out with kids watched there and doing
crafts while parents enjoy themselves :)
Direct
Donations/Appeal to Pelham School update: (Olivia: 7:35 -
7:40) Could the language be changed some to send to others, other than family,
etc. such as businesses or outside folks that want to support the school
through this mechanism. Send this out sometime in March after Family Fun Night
and then send it out again at the beginning of the school year.
Calendar
Raffle discussion: (7:40 -
7:45) A lot of work to target businesses for the Calendar Raffle, but does it
generate a great deal of money? ACTION ITEM: Nicole will look up to see
how much money was raised through this last year (and include Sip and Support
in figuring out money raised). If the
direct appeal has the potential to bring in more money (and other fundraising
events), then we may go with one of these instead. Also, how this burden local
businesses--do we want to be strategic about what we are asking businesses to
donate? However, the work that is done for the Calendar Raffle spills over into
the Sip and Support. So there may still be a place to do some of this.
Pelham
Paw Prints student newspaper (Aline: 7:45 - 7:50)
Lisa discussed this with Mr. Fanning, could offer InDesign class. Lisa will
bring this up with the Student Council--5th and 6th graders. Jay Gubrium, Aline’s
dad, volunteered to assist as a grandparent volunteer to oversee copy. Keith
Frazier could assist with the design, he has experience with newspaper layout.
Pelham Slate is the Pelham town newspaper that goes out quarterly. Would be
nice to put the Pelham School paper in with this newspaper. Could send the
paper out quarterly at first. PTO might think about supporting the purchase of
the software, could get a nonprofit price? Check to see what the Amherst high
school uses for software. Could the newspaper group meet during lunch and/or
during after school. Goal: Pull together an issue of the newspaper before the
end of the year.
Principal’s
comments: (Lisa: 7:50 - 8:00)
A parent told Lisa about the Mullins Center, can rent out, they provide skates,
you can bring hot chocolate and snacks. Could be a fundraiser. Could be a
holiday themed family fun night event.
Will PTO give money to support food ($200) for 6
different parent workshops offered through the Collaborative in Northampton?
Provide food and childcare. Focused on early childhood development and managing
behavior. Lisa will be in touch about amount that might be needed, depending on
how many families register.
ACTION
ITEM: Olivia will get the design for Don’t Be a Bully,
Be a Buddy T-shirts and shop out vendors to make cheap t-shirts. Could do different color t-shirts for
different grades? Could have new shirts linked to Pelham Paws?
ACTION
ITEM: Nicole will contact Heather about doing taxes
for Pelham PTO.
Other
fundraising: Jog Along--parents
sponsor 50 cents a lap--the whole school does this--parents stand at one point,
kids get a sticker per lap. Lasts about an hour. Could something like this be
done around field day?
Obstacle course--kids design their own course
after school--a down-sized Tough Mudder race.
Rolling calendar of restaurants for every month
to go to for fundraiser? Chipotle, for instance, you don’t have to be there,
you have a time slot. Same thing for Applebees. Could have some like this, some
that are more about social gathering. Trying to round up places for graduation
weekend at UMass--Judie’s, Bertucci’s, Johnny’s, 30 Boltwood would all be good
ones to do. If they wouldn’t consider doing that, could see if they’d be up for
the raffle.
Pie-in-the-face fundraiser--at the end of the
year--$1/vote--can vote as many times as you want. Kids all vote. Top five
people get a pie in the face.
Rotating events and trend theme events so things
stay fresh. Something that’s trending with the kids.
Add
Sip and Support Event to next meeting agenda
IN ATTENDANCE: Aline, Olivia, Lisa,
Matt, Nicole, Jenny, Margaret, Brad, Vince
TREASURER’S REPORT $8225.21 current balance;
one person will be on the bank account, so Heather will come off the account,
Nicole will stay on as the new treasurer.
MEETING ITEMS
1. Building an even stronger PTO team--mutual
support and good communication. Discussion of group dynamics. Google group
conversations continued. Open communication about how to move forward,
including new folks in the picture. Developing a set of norms for the meeting
(similar to what the staff do at their meetings). Starting the meeting with
celebrations and/or make sure everyone at the beginning says something (i.e.
“news”). February meeting: Developing a strategic plan for the
year, which includes big funding/project ideas (6-7pm, last 15 minutes action
items; note “brief report” for additional agenda items). Survey with staff
about needs/wants/desires.
Homework:
PTO members come with suggested norms
2. Student/staff bathroom signs - “All
Gender” signs on bathroom doors linked to need for gender/sexuality education
at Pelham Elementary School. Idea for possible LGBTQ and gender inclusivity
program to offer at Pelham: http://www.welcomingschools.org (human
rights campaign offers programs for free, look into this) (Tim Sheehan,
curriculum director, ARPS). Will research programs on sexuality education,
especially those that include an intersectional perspective. Subcommittee on
gender/sexuality education: Aline, Nicole
3. Publicizing PTO efforts - Publicizing PTO efforts. PR subcommittee: Brad will lead this effort. 1)
Internal: Publicizing to our own community the stuff that the Pelham PTO does.
2) External: Publicizing our work as it highlights the strength of a small
public school like Pelham (can be used strategically to address the incursion
of charter schools).
4. Lowe’s grant for Spring 2018: Hold off on the Lowe’s grant in light of potential CPC monies available
(see item 8).
5. December Parents’ Night Out: Event was successful, with at 34 children attending. In future, if
advertised as a fundraiser we could charge more.
6. Spring Fair: Run event in the spring? Chair for the event? ACTION ITEM Aline: Reach
out to class reps, who would be willing to assist with the event. Usually takes
place in late April/early May. If we do have this event, make sure to note that
this is a cash-only event. Pare down number of activities at the Spring Fair.
Live music for the event? Roger Tincknell to provide live
music/entertainment.
7. 5K event in the fall for a fundraiser?
Subcommittee: Brad, Olivia, Vince. Looking for sponsors, date, planning
committee. Add to next meeting agenda. ACTION ITEM Olivia:Find
out what other runs are going on in the local area in 2018 (potentially hold
the event in end of October, early November 2018).
8. Pelham Community Preservation Committee (CPC) Subcommittee: Just forming. They are looking for people to join to talk about
creating a plan for the school grounds. The project funding was well supported
by the Community Preservation Committee. Ideas from the PTO on needs or overall
vision for the grounds? CPC subcommittee contact person Eric Castenson (ericcastenson@gmail.com).
Proposal needs to come into CPC to fund stuff, then town meeting votes on
this--twice per year (once in May, once in November). Could propose a big
concept for the grounds for about $100K. Final proposal due by March 10th.
Good to come to CPC meeting with ideas for meeting next Thursday.
Subcommittee for school grounds: Matt, Vince, bring in a town facilities person
and a select person.
9. Green Team status and/or Recycling program -
Green Team could come in to help. Need to take the next step to get it going. ACTION
ITEM Matt will reach out to folks from Green Team to come out to the
school for an assessment.
10. Direct Donations to Pelham School:
Paypal account; creating a link to give to the Pelham PTO. ACTION ITEM Olivia will
shape language for creating direct appeal to donate to Pelham PTO.
11. PTO Storage: We now have cupboards for PTO storage in the Teachers’ Room in the school.
Also have the shed with new combo lock.
12. Outdoor maintenance challenge: We
need to have a plan for outside maintenance, should not be parents or
teachers/staff.
13. Family Fun Night event: Matt is heading this
subcommittee. Saturday, March 3rd, 5-7:30pm. ACTION ITEM Aline will
email Dan/Andrea at SPHHS about student volunteers for the event.
14. Box Tops Competition: Usually another
competition in February 1 - March 2. ACTION ITEM Aline will
share announcement about the box tops competition on blog. Lisa will
share announcement about Box Tops Competition via the Pelham newsletter.
Announcement will also be shared on FB site.
15. Calendar Raffle Table discussion until February meeting.
16. Next dining out fundraiser? Texas Roadhouse, Thursday
March 8th, 5 - close.
17. Principal’s comments: February agenda: Pelham 275th Anniversary celebration--how can
Pelham School be a part of it?
Combine town fall harvest potluck with the
school harvest potluck, involving one of the state reps?
African-American read-in day--looking for a
presenter. Could the PTO cover half of the event? Yes, we will. Friday,
February 8th.
School committee meeting, superintendent
recommended that the preschool close at the end of the year.
Pelham PTO Meeting Notes
Pelham PTO Meeting Notes
11-15-17
IN
ATTENDANCE: Aline, Olivia, Lisa D., Margaret Light,
Joe B., Jenny F., Brad A., Kate P., Matt W., Nicole B.
TREASURER’S
REPORT: Kristin’s resignation, Nicole will take over
as treasurer.
Kristin’s report: Current balance: $10,996.57
(this does NOT include a check I just wrote to Scholastic for $1087.16). I also
need to revise the number for the book fair. Final amount was -$464.98.
[Lisa will ask Maia about how the money exchange works so we can figure
out how much was made or lost.]
Kristin just deposited $1107.96 (included in the total
above). Of that:
● $300 was the starter cash from the book fair,
● $185 was from the Halloween event (the other $2 I left as loose change
in the cash box),
● and $622.96 was from sales at the book fair. (this is $.78 more than we
made; loose change was taken from the cash box to round up)
Discussion about PTO budget earmarks: Could do survey
with teacher/staff about needs--spend money for some of these, keep raising
money to fill coffers.
Lisa D.: New tire swing. Would cost ~ $3000
(Olivia: Lowe’s grant could fund this).
Matt W.: Parkour course, suggested by PE teacher
⅓ of Community Preservation budget needs to go to
recreation--could cover some of these things?
EVENTS
Trunk
or Treat: Matt report on
event: Fewer cars than last year, but had to delay a week due to storm.
Otherwise a great success. Sixth grade haunted house still a draw, Trunk or
Treat seen as something done at Halloween for some folks. Given this, move to
Saturday before Halloween (rather than Sunday).
● Party size pizzas from Bruno’s, which gives smaller pieces. $1/slice.
Probably do 10-12 party size pizzas.
● Bobbing with Atkin’s donuts and pay for Glazed Donut Shop donuts
● Thank you notes written by Crystal to Atkins, Glazed Donut, Bruno’s,
hay bales from Diana at Joe’s work, Fire Department, UMass students (and need
thank you note to Cook’s Farm for Ice Cream Social). Could print out photos or
evite photos from event and include with thank you.
● Start dumping photos into the photos folder in the Halloween folder in
the PTO Events folder. [Lisa D.
will get in touch with two 4th grade students to assist with this.]
● Place donation box and 50/50 raffle at the food table with the hope
that change given back will be put in either of these
● Power of homemade sign in front of school to advertise events. Amherst
Glass owner will allow signs to advertise events (i.e. Garlic Arts
Festival).
● Nut free: When cars are coming in and being directed, check with people
to see if they have nuts in their candy. Add to signage that there are no nuts
welcome at the event. Have some backup candy for folks who show up with nuts in
candy.
December
Parents’ Night Out: From
Kate: 4 staff from Lennie’s aftercare to work on December 8th. Snow date
December 15th. Sign in/sign out for parents to fill out when dropping kids off.
5:30 - 8pm. Kids can stay from aftercare, parents don’t have to come back to
meet kids at pick up.
Estimated childcare costs: $140
Cost per child: $7/child for the night
Use gym and projectors with speakers and laptop to play the movie.
Send out an Evite announcement for folks to pre-register.
Use gym and projectors with speakers and laptop to play the movie.
Send out an Evite announcement for folks to pre-register.
[Matt will put together the flyer for the parents night out.] Have a flyer sent home with kids and put it on the door at pickup and by the late sign in by the office. 2 per sheet, give to Georgia to prep and distribute.
Spring Fair: Run this event in the spring? TBD in December meeting.
Thunderbirds Event: From Kristin: A rep from the Thunderbirds contacted the PTO about having a Pelham night at one of the games. We could either sell tickets at a $5 off discount ($12/ea) or any amount up to the face value with the extra coming back to us (so it could be a fundraiser). I told him to give me some January dates for me to bring back to the group but haven't yet received those. Purchasers would also have the option to add hot dog and soda to their ticket for $2 per person. The PTO will need to decide if they want to move forward with it. I think UMass does something similar (minus the food), which might be a better fit for us. Here's a women's bball example and it looks like we could have a table (Florence Bank voting slips?) if we sold 100 tickets. I personally would go to either an event at UMass or the Thunderbirds. TBD at December meeting.
School Event Standards: Create a thread online to document standards/protocol for all events regardless of what event it is. Building management (open/lock), custodial duties and involvement, parent volunteer expectations for cleanup, etc. Communications to PTO leadership. Offering one of custodians a stipend to come in the last hour of an event to help with the cleanup. Used to be ~$50 for George to do this. Have checklists for each event--what needs to be done.
FUNDRAISERS
Antonio’s in Belchertown: Olivia has provided her contact information to get the check, final amount/check will be known after Thanksgiving. [Olivia will send thank you note to owners]
Others lined up by Joe: Applebee’s, Chipotle, Johnny’s Tavern, Rafter’s--once a month. Olivia suggested: add those that allow for the whole night, rather than having to only associate with PTO. Should add Sunset Grill and Pita Pocket. Could try for second week of each month, unless the restaurant wants to choose the date. Need template for flyer for dinner’s out--Matt or Heather can help with this.
Add table to the Amherst’s Farmer’s Market etc. for fundraising?
Box Tops: (Nicole report): 924 box tops, 100 withdrawn bc expired = 824!
Let everyone know that box tops should be collected all year round... Have the classroom competition in the spring, as we have always done in the past. Crystal will make a big sign for the cafeteria so classes can see how everyone is doing. We usually run it for about a month and collect a ton of box tops. The winning class gets a popcorn/movie party in class.
Texas Roadhouse Dining Fundraiser: [Olivia will let Texas Roadhouse know that we will do March 8th for a PTO fundraiser.] You can set up a table and do a 50/50 raffle or a basket raffle--they have seen a great response with the raffle set up. People have to have flyers in the restaurant or can pull them up electronically--good to have on our FB page beforehand so they can just pull it up. Texas Roadhouse only does 10% of sales.
Lowe's grant for Spring 2018: Kids want a new tire swing. Projects should fall into one of the following categories: technology upgrades, tools for STEM programs, facility renovations and safety improvements. Discussion about whether or not we apply for the grant this spring. Another idea put forward was to use funds to create a Parkour course at the school.
Fundraiser-Support initiative with establishments associated with Pelham parents: I.e. Sunset Grill, Pita Pockets. [Kate Paradis will reach out to Sunset Grill owner about making pizzas for PTO meetings and/or PTO events.]
Florence Savings Bank: [Lisa will add signature form to the weekly Pelham Press.]
Direct Donations to Pelham School? TBD in December
OTHER ITEMS
Holiday gift cards for teachers: From Kristin: Heather said that usually around this time of year we buy $49 gift cards for all of the teachers. It totals ~$1000. Lisa needs to give the PTO a list. (It is actually just checks written directly to them) Lisa has a list of staff who get $50 versus $25. New treasurer will get this list. Margaret noted that this used to be for the beginning of the year instead of the holidays. Also, could gather classroom wishlists for holidays that parents can respond to.
[Matt will create flyer about classroom wish lists to put in weekly newsletter
and send out through mailchimp]
Pelham School Paypal Account: Nicole will create a Paypal account for Pelham, so parents can send cash directly to the school. Fundraising committee will discuss and plan.
School directory: Mike Hayes is updating this. [Lisa will check in with Mike about school directory progress]
Google Groups: How is it being adopted with parents, teachers, staff? [Margaret Light will talk about this at the next staff meeting, Matt will add Lennie to the Google Group]
Small school innovation meeting: Lisa report: Brainstorm happened, 8 people there. Matt created a Google group for it.
School Sign: Matt: Just got refunded for lumber that didn’t arrive, delay on building. Joe knows a place that might be willing to donate the lumber and someone who smelts wood. Matt has a logo. If anyone’s interested in helping, contact Matt.
School Recycling / Composting effort: Lisa: At a standstill right now. Lisa will check to see where the materials are and what’s going on. Matt contacted The Green Team (thegreenteam.org)--out of Noho, school program. Got kit today--school can examine the curriculum and decide whether or not to adopt. Student Council starting next week--could be included in this work, leadership opportunity. Everyone contributes to the school in the form of some sort of project.
What is the program and how are the kids being educated about the signs out front?(“I have ADHD..”) Disability services (SEPAC) put the signs out for disability awareness month. Put some signs out in the back of the school as well. Let teachers/parents know about the signs so they can discuss with children if needed.
PTO Storage - Mouse problem in the shed. No food allowed in there. Food could be stored in cupboards in the teachers’ room--need a space for the PTO. Also need space for kitchen stuff in the school--maybe in the aftercare storage area or in the teachers’ room. Lisa will help the PTO to find a space for this stuff. Joe and Brad volunteered to organize a team to scour the shed.
Student/Staff Bathroom Signs - Discussion of “All Gender” signs on staff bathrooms. Some suggested that “all gender/gender diversity” signs for staff bathrooms be taken down, with “staff bathroom” signs replacing them. Aline expressed support for the all gender signs and suggested that they remain because they acknowledge gender fluidity among student/staff/faculty and can facilitate productive conversations with students. Taking down the signs may signify to students a lack of support.
Pelham School Paypal Account: Nicole will create a Paypal account for Pelham, so parents can send cash directly to the school. Fundraising committee will discuss and plan.
School directory: Mike Hayes is updating this. [Lisa will check in with Mike about school directory progress]
Google Groups: How is it being adopted with parents, teachers, staff? [Margaret Light will talk about this at the next staff meeting, Matt will add Lennie to the Google Group]
Small school innovation meeting: Lisa report: Brainstorm happened, 8 people there. Matt created a Google group for it.
School Sign: Matt: Just got refunded for lumber that didn’t arrive, delay on building. Joe knows a place that might be willing to donate the lumber and someone who smelts wood. Matt has a logo. If anyone’s interested in helping, contact Matt.
School Recycling / Composting effort: Lisa: At a standstill right now. Lisa will check to see where the materials are and what’s going on. Matt contacted The Green Team (thegreenteam.org)--out of Noho, school program. Got kit today--school can examine the curriculum and decide whether or not to adopt. Student Council starting next week--could be included in this work, leadership opportunity. Everyone contributes to the school in the form of some sort of project.
What is the program and how are the kids being educated about the signs out front?(“I have ADHD..”) Disability services (SEPAC) put the signs out for disability awareness month. Put some signs out in the back of the school as well. Let teachers/parents know about the signs so they can discuss with children if needed.
PTO Storage - Mouse problem in the shed. No food allowed in there. Food could be stored in cupboards in the teachers’ room--need a space for the PTO. Also need space for kitchen stuff in the school--maybe in the aftercare storage area or in the teachers’ room. Lisa will help the PTO to find a space for this stuff. Joe and Brad volunteered to organize a team to scour the shed.
Student/Staff Bathroom Signs - Discussion of “All Gender” signs on staff bathrooms. Some suggested that “all gender/gender diversity” signs for staff bathrooms be taken down, with “staff bathroom” signs replacing them. Aline expressed support for the all gender signs and suggested that they remain because they acknowledge gender fluidity among student/staff/faculty and can facilitate productive conversations with students. Taking down the signs may signify to students a lack of support.
Pelham PTO Meeting Agenda
10-11-17
IN ATTENDANCE: Aline, Kristin Balboni, Andrea, Lisa Desjarlais, Sarah Hall, Dory Peltier, Vince Hohreiter, Margaret Light, Jenny Franz, Joe Black, Lennie Ware, Matt Wolaver
Sensory kits: (Dory) Integrating sensory tools into the classroom. Creating take-a-break areas within the classroom to keep students in the classroom. Sensory bin for any kid. Just under $297 for a sensory kit of 5 things (12 kits: all classrooms plus resource rooms). This has been discussed with teachers as well. They will all make their kits together through staff training/meetings. Andrea suggested each class have a designated break space, with a uniform space that every kid knows. ACTION ITEM: Kristin will contact Dory that the PTO will support this purchase.
TREASURER’S REPORT: (Kristin). Currently we have $10300.71 in the bank. Bertucci’s fundraiser raised: $232.00. Received a check for $50/donation. Lisa D. will cover the cost of the Godkh-Bi System event, so the PTO will not cover this in the end.
NEW ITEMS
School Ideas Committee: (Matt) Forming a group to discuss use of Pelham Elementary infrastructure (i.e. Summer camp idea) and/or uses for the school and purchasing equipment (i.e. Parkour/ropes course; another tire swing: would cost about $3000 according to Scott) to support this.
RE: Summer camp from Brenda: “After doing more research about using Pelham Elementary School to do a summer camp to raise funds for the school, I'm not convinced it could make money. Additionally, the building gets very hot in the summer without air conditioning and the students were unhappy. Unless a teacher/staff member proposed a really interesting concept for a summer camp (music, theater, science, etc.)- I'm not sure it makes sense to explore it.”
Events Committees: (Kristin) Forming committees to organize the many events going on at the school. Having one person to chair the event as the go-to/contact person for the event, with a cadre of folks contributing as the committee. Discuss dates/times for events during meetings, but do not do extensive planning for the events during regular PTO meetings.
1) Having separate chairs/coordinators for each event so that there's a single point person and we're not all trying to do everything and
2) Using Google groups for threaded discussions (so we don't end up with multi-topic emails)
3) Exploring a project management system like Asana for organizing and assigning tasks/supplies for events. Kristin also mentioned Slack as another system that allows action items and threaded conversations.
4) Approval for spending on events: Set a dollar threshold per event ($100), anything above that needs approval from PTO leadership.
EVENTS
Trunk or Treat (Matt will chair the event, Heather Edwards, Jenny Franz, Joe Black on committee)
ACTION ITEM: Jenny Franz has set up an evite to RSVP to the Trunk or Treat: 14 cars are now signed up to participate.
Update on volunteers: Aline sent email to room reps on 9/20/17: Tracy Walker is helping with Haunted House, is up for helping with other games; Megan Cannon will assist with candy jar game. Aline has been in touch with15 UMass volunteers, who are scheduled to come from 3:30 - 8pm to assist with the event. Lisa has invited the police and fire department to attend. Marie Lauderdale has volunteered to do after event clean-up.
Activities: Donut eating, guess the number of candies in the jar, police table, haunted house is also inside. Dance party outside with smoke machine (Matt will set this up, David, Nate and Joe will help set up).
Update: Scott checked with Glazed Donut Shop and they will donate 6 dozen donuts for bobbing-for-donuts activity.
Drinks: Cider (donated?) and water set up
Sell pizza by the slice
ACTION ITEM: Nurse Katy will MAKE A LIST OF CANDIES THAT ARE ACCEPTABLE TO SERVE AT THE EVENT that are peanut free.
December Parents’ Night Out: (Kate Paradis will chair this event; Joe Black, Matt will be on commitee)
ACTION ITEM: Aline will be in touch with Kate about this event (Aline emailed Kate).
December 1, 8 or 15th?
5:30PM-8PM
Fee per child
Auditorium and cafeteria will be open
Pizza and playtime 5:30-6:30
Movie and playtime 6:30-8
Spring Fair
Andrea proposed we cancel this event, a lot of work over a long period of time. Huge undertaking to get volunteers.
ACTION ITEM: Matt suggested we create a committee to consider this and possibly revise it--maybe a town event? Andrea is willing to be on the committee. Lennie is willing to serve on the committee in an advisory capacity. First weekend in May during town meeting, Pelham meeting getting involved?
FUNDRAISERS: Committee (Joe will chair this committee, Kristin Balboni and Olivia also on the committee)
Antonio’s in Belchertown: November 13: Volunteers: Brad, 5-7pm; Marie, 7-9pm
Box Tops: Nicole, Crystal and Kate have offered to collect box tops for the school and sort them for submission. Lisa Desjarlais sent out a box tops collection competition handout to classes today.
Pelham sweatshirts for kids and adults?: Mark them up a bit to make some money or could run a booster to cover the sweatshirts.
Competition for a “Be a Buddy Not a Bully” logo for the sweatshirt
Gift card mall: School gets $5 from each card. Gift Card Mall:
FlipGive fundraising strategy (Jenny)
Discount/coupon cards: (Joe) Half proceeds could go back to us.
Genevieve’s catalogues: (Kristin) Closebury catalogue/local stuff; Genevieve’s wrapping paper/holiday catalogue.
UMacc donations: Brenda noticed that when donating to national/local organizations through UMacc (the Umass Amherst Community Campaign), that Amherst PGO is listed as one of the orgs to donate to. Would we want to add Pelham PTO to the list. While we don’t normally solicit cash donations, we could.
Support-through-cash donation: Suggested by Olivia (see image in Google Drive)
HOMEWORK REDUCTION INITIATIVE
Last early release day, teachers met, research based that kids don’t need so much homework. Some studies show that in 4th, 5th and 6th grade, kids need homework. Connect with Mike Morris about this initiative?
ACTION ITEM: Lisa Desjarlais will invite Mike Morris to see when he could come on an evening to a meeting with parents to discuss this.
OTHER ITEMS
Publicizing performances: That the PTO has supported, such as the recent Godkh-Bi System performance at the school (Matt). Maybe have an evening performance as well where we can sell tickets and adults can attend. This group is willing to come back next year, could host a community event and charge money to attend. Some event could serve as the head/opener of a spring fair, makes it more family-, less just kid-focused.
School directory: Lisa D. has the revised form for the school directory, will send out tomorrow. Mike Hayes will lead this up. Kristin: Why not have people complete this on a google form?
Florence Savings Bank slip added to PTO FB Page?: ACTION ITEM: Kristin Balboni will check in with Olivia about what is needed here.
Other news: Pelham will be a host school for two teachers from the Netherlands--they’ll be here for 8 days starting next week (10/19). They’re hoping to have a host family to stay with.
Pelham presence at Amherst Block Party next year? Could be a fundraiser or just for fun, could create exposure for Pelham Elementary, could be a way to announce events at Pelham (Matt)
Tuesday, October, 17th, 6:30pm at the Pelham Library: Small school innovation meeting.
--
Pelham PTO Meeting Agenda
September 12, 2017
Attendance: Aline Gubrium, Olivia Frazier, Vince Hohreiter, Scott Rhodes, Brad Arndt, Marie Lauderdale, Kate Paradis, Lisa Desjarlais, Jenny Franz, Brenda Barlow, Nicole Black, Joe Black, Sarah Hall, Matt Wollaver
Treasurer’s Report
From Heather: Bank checks and Genevieve's local goods fundraising catalog in the PTO mailbox. (In case you don't know- there is a PTO cubby/mailbox in the office- should be checked regularly--update: Jenny will check mailbox in office regularly).
There is $11,263.91 in the bank. Doesn’t include check for $499 for office desk. ACTION ITEM: Kristin will write a check to WB Mason for the desk
From Heather: I have changed the username/password for the online banking and added those to the PTO passwords doc in the PTO gmail acct. Kristin- we should get you on the PTO bank acct as soon is convenient for you. And I will get you the file box full of receipts/info soon.
Update on Budget Situation: School committee came to agreement with town how they’ll pay for the shortfall. Town will take 35% out of reserves and will vote at Town Meeting to slightly increase taxes. These funds will hopefully cover the deficit, but this is a short term solution. Idea: Get PTOs in this area to take a lobby trip to Boston to speak up about the charter situation and how it affected us. Lisa: Suggests that we connect with PGO in Amherst to do something like this. The smaller the school system is, the more you pay. Amherst made a strong argument about how charter school was leaving many students out.
There is a group coming together to focus on innovative small school structures. Could apply for a grant to do something innovative and shift the entire curriculum around this. One that we might consider focuses on technology. Could shift toward a STEM model. Scott: Could think about Expeditionary Model.
Events
Curriculum Night: September 19th; 6:15-7:30pm. Need to arrange childcare for the event--need to get forms out to parents so they can sign up ASAP. ACTION ITEM: Brenda B. will check in with Lennie about this. Need 3-4 afterschool staff to do childcare for the event, 6-7:45
Book Fair: From Maia Porter: The book fair is set to take place from Tuesday, September 19th through Thursday the 21st. We're keeping it to just 3 days like last year, which did just as well financially as the 4-day fairs of yore, and wasn't as overwhelming to staff & parents.
According to Lisa Desjarlais, Curriculum Night is scheduled for Tuesday 9/19, so Maia will plan to have the fair open then, and will work with UMass to get student volunteers to help cover that night. She will put out a call for parent volunteers for daytime shifts through the Pelham Press, and if any volunteers come your way, please send them my way. Meanwhile, please let her know if we have any questions or need anything from her, and otherwise she’ll be in touch again as the date approaches.
Harvest Potluck & Ice Cream Social: Confirmed for September 29th, 5:45-7pm; Heather Edwards made a doc for this event with info on it.
ACTION ITEM: Joe Black will check with Cook Farms about getting ice cream donated--2 big round tubs (update: they will donate 2 tubs of ice cream, 1 vanilla, 1 chocolate!). Credit for donation will be given in the school newsletter.
ACTION ITEM: Olivia will check with Heather to see if her mom will still donate toppings. ACTION ITEM: Olivia wil check shed to see what is there for the ice cream social (i.e. bowls, spoons, lemonade, drink tubs). Set up by 5:00. Then 2, 45-minute shifts to serve ice cream. Joe and Nicole will do opposite ice cream serving shifts (update: Aline is checking with Joe and Nicole to see if they can scoop at the same time, from 6:15 - 7). Marie and Sarah will come early to set up, as well as Nicole and Joe. Lisa D. will be here as well to help out. Brenda B. and Kate P. have volunteered to help clean up. New smoothie bike for the events as well.
Trunk or Treat: Trunk or Treat will be Sunday, October 29th. Andrea may have more up-to-date docs about the event (i.e. how many pizzas did we order for the event in the past?). Non Pelham families welcome.
ACTION ITEM: Jenny Franz will set up an evite to RSVP to the Trunk or Treat.
ACTION ITEM: Aline, for games: Reach out to room reps to reach out to rest of class for volunteers to lead games (update: Aline sent email to room reps on 9/20/17). Donut eating, guess the number of candies in the jar, police table, haunted house is also inside. Dance party outside with smoke machine (Matt will set this up, David, Nate and Joe will help set up). Drinks: cider and water set up
ACTION ITEM: Scott: Will check with Glazed Donut about donating donuts (update, they will donate 6 dozen donuts!).
Fundraisers
Bertucci’s: September 14: All day
Antonio’s in Belchertown: November 13: The B-town Antonio's will give us 15% off and will allow us to do any raffle or anything else we want on this date, but we need someone to be on site from 5-9 continuously. I think they will give 15% of the whole night's proceeds to the school, but someone has to be on site in order to land this. Volunteers: 5-7pm: Brad, 7-9pm: Marie
Box Tops: Nicole Black offered to collect box tops for the school and sort them for submission. Crystal is interested in helping out with this as well. Kate is also willing to help out with this collection.
Other fundraisers: Could do a talent show or cookie swap performance.
PJ movie night in January or February. Parents pay for childcare, have kids watch movie. Volunteer: Kate will help coordinate, Matt will coordinate the technical aspects. Could do it on a Friday or Saturday, 5:30 - 8
Pelham sweatshirts for kids and adults: Mark them up a bit to make some money or could run a booster to cover the sweatshirts.
ACTION ITEM: Jenny will look into a booster campaign.
Competition for a “Be a Buddy Not a Bully” logo for the sweatshirt
Gift card purchases: School gets $5 from each card. Gift Card Mall:
ACTION ITEM: Jenny will look into this.
Room Parents
Nicole Black will serve as the kindergarten room parent, Kate Paradis will be the first grade room parent.
ACTION ITEM: Aline, correct this on the blog (update: done).
Diversity and Inclusion
Actively welcoming new and newly returning families during school events (i.e. Back to School Picnic, Harvest Potluck, etc.)
Increasing diversity of active members of the PTO: Posting signs at the events about the PTO.
Other Items
School recycling and compost efforts: Box for unwanted food, recycling containers, composting. Educate kids about where the stuff will go. Pelham is now on the Amherst Transfer station route for recycling. Reaching out to other parents to stand next to the containers and educate the kids about the different types of trash while it’s still a new system. Volunteers: Brad will help out. Scott contact name at Amherst Transfer Station to provide bins, Matt will check in with him to ask for these.
School directory: ACTION ITEM: Jenny will check with Sarah Hayes about their helping out with the school directory.
Additional new tire swing: Requested from many parents and some teachers, could be a focus for the fundraising.
ACTION ITEM: Scott will check on how much this would cost.
ACTION ITEM: Kristin to add the Florence Savings Bank fundraiser slip to the PTO Facebook page.
Pelham PTO Meeting Minutes
8-23-17
Present at meeting: Crystal Wolaver, Heather Edwards, Aline Gubrium, Sarah Hall, Olivia Frazier, Kristin Balboni, Matt Wolaver
New Officers
Kristin Balboni - Treasurer
Aline Gubrium - Secretary
Currently there is no President or Vice President
ACTION ITEM: Aline will update this information on the blogger.com site (done)
Back-to-School Picnic August 28, 2017 at 5:30pm
Olivia is heading up the picnic, with support from PTO members--meeting at 5pm to set up
New grill is available--people to bring their own plates and utensils.
We’ll offer salad and dressing, tomatoes, lemonade, and sheet cake
Tables set-up (in shed)
Drinks, salad, grill, cake
Sign-ups for year’s events and prizes for kids to pick (in shed: PTO shed key is with Heather; Lennie in after school also has a PTO shed key)
Teacher Welcome Back
Basket of items for teachers, welcome letter, put in teacher room. Baked food (muffins).
Flowers, OJ
Welcome New Students
New PAWS t-shirts have been ordered--for new students, Pre-K and K students, and teachers. Given the first or second day of school in cubbies
Book Fair
Maia Porter has dates for the fair, set up with Scholastic. Usually the third week of September. Has this covered--we just need to mass email remind folks about this and supply a cash box with $300 in change.
(Scholastic gives book points as a result, which librarians get so they can get about $500 worth of books for the library)
Harvest Potluck and Ice Cream Social
Friday, September 29th, 5:45-7pm
Last year had ice cream donated from Atkins. We donate the toppings.
For potluck parents bring food, no sign-ups
ACTION ITEM: Aline: Send an email to Lisa Desjarlais to check on this (email sent)
Halloween Trunk or Treat
Sunday, October 29th, 5-7pm
ACTION ITEM: Aline: Send an email to Lisa Desjarlais to confirm this time (email sent)
Regular PTO Meetings
Normally we meet in the Teacher’s Room in the school, with childcare provided.
Fall scheduled meetings: Tuesday, September 12th, 6-7pm; Wednesday, October 11th, 6-7pm; Wednesday, November 15th, 6-7pm; Wednesday, December 13th, 6-7pm
ACTION ITEM: Order pizza for meeting. Bruno’s pizza--we have a coupon--1 party size cheese and 1 large adult (roasted veggie). Can also order a salad with chicken. Can pay by check and tip with the check. If no one is here, Lisa will cover the pizza.
ACTION ITEM: Arrange childcare ahead of time with Lennie/afterschool staff
Budget
We have about $11,000 in the budget. We have to cover sand, Georgia’s desk ($500), mulch, school sign.
Fundraisers
Could use media exposure about the way things are being covered, budgetarily, for Pelham. PTO having to cover expenses, rather than state funding. Effect of the charter school on public school budgets.
--Genovese calendars
--Stop and Shop card. Stop and Shop flyers to announce the event. People have to resign up every year to sign up for this.
--Amazon fundraiser. Also on school blog, facebook, and school website.
--Dining out fundraiser.
Some places will provider a flyer. Spread the word, “we’ll see you there at the fundraiser!”
September do Antonio’s (Amherst and Belchertown).
ACTION ITEM: Olivia: call Antonio’s to set this up for September.
October at Bertucci’s?
November at Texas Roadhouse
Quarter’s--fundraiser--PTO covers a babysitter, individuals pay $5, parents go out together. Wildwood would be another one to check out.
--Box tops--collecting and bundling box tops into 50 per bundle.
--Florence Savings Bank fundraiser (ends by December 31st). Can start ASAP. Have to get a minimum of 50 votes to get money from the bank. Could do a raffle with a gift certificate (Texas Roadhouse worked really well, gave a free certificate) to ask people to fill in the Florence Savings Bank form.
Room Reps
Need to get room reps. Olivia will do 1st grade
Sarah will do 3rd grade
Matt will do 5th grade
ACTION ITEM: Aline: Send out an email to get room reps for the grades.
Public relations, messaging about small public school and funding--PTO also has that drive in promoting an intimate, supportive atmosphere. Putting us on the map, keeping people here, bringing people in. Highlighting some of the events--family fun night, Halloween trunk or treat. Matt is happy to work with Olivia on this.
September Meeting Agenda
ACTION ITEM: Olivia: Talk with Lisa Desjarlais about budgetary needs. Olivia noted that we could apply for a grant for small schools through foundations. The PTO is now considered a 501.C3 non profit, so we can apply for these grants.
ACTION ITEM: Ask Cara Castenson to come to a PTO meeting to brainstorm how to address the defunding of Pelham Elementary. Solomon is our representative, open to making drastic changes.
May 17, 2017 Pelham PTO Minutes
Attendance: Lisa Desjarlais, Andrea Allees, Kristen Balboni, Olivia Frazier, Heather Edwards, Leanne Hunt, Margaret, Light, Matt Wolaver and Crystal Wolaver
Treasurer's Report $12,223.86
Approved Minutes from April 12, 2017
Next Meeting June ? 2017 - June 14th is Spring Concert
Pelham PTO is now tax exempt at Lowes and Home Depot. To make a tax exempt purchase you can give the school number or use the tax exempt card.
Spring Fair
Basket winners - Preschool Carole Robinson, 1st Jenny Franz, 2nd Beall, 3rd Nora Klotz, 4th Debbie Gould, 5th Leanne, 6th Karen Riberio
Baskets made about $800
2018 ideas for baskets and Spring Fair and recap
- Kids to sell basket raffle tickets out of school
- PTO and teachers put together a themed basket
- No perishables, live plants, alcohol in baskets
- For fair, give bundles of tickets to those who need it
- Animals on the Go from Forest park was a success
- Andrea will send thank you to Hampshire College for smoothie bike and Thank you to all helpers and donors
Teacher Appreciation Luncheon May 24th
Erin Lawler will be contact person for event
11-3pm Erin will make the reservation in Community Room
12-1pm teachers will eat
Looking for coverage for kids lunch and recess for, 12-1
30-35 people attend
Parents make desserts
Soups, salads, wraps as a possible option for food
Enjoy Life has donated cookies for teachers
Teacher Appreciation Luncheon May 24th
Erin Lawler will be contact person for event
11-3pm Erin will make the reservation in Community Room
12-1pm teachers will eat
30-35 people attend
Parents make desserts
Soups, salads, wraps as a possible option for food
Enjoy Life has donated bars for teachers
Field Day May 31st
10-12pm Activities
12-1pm Lunch - Matt is grilling, Mike Hayes may help
1-2:30pm Lennie has an activity in gym
Lisa is going to check on food - PTO would like to buy food to grill including watermelon and popsicles (2 cases)
Kristen will pick up food at BJ’s
No potato salad for the kids
Book Swap June 2
Sarahbess is coordinating
PTO has given her $100 to buy books at the Scholastic warehouse sale
All students can pick out 2 books
Collection starts May 22
Sarahbess is looking for book suggestions for 5th and 6th graders
Silent Auction June 10th 4-7pm
Amherst Winery - same location as last year
Childcare at the school cafeteria/gym, use sign-up genius. Crystal will ask Ashley and Kelsey to help with childcare, Jasmine is confirmed. Parents have to pre-register for event. Kids will have pizza, movie, popcorn. $7 per child from 3:30 - 7:30pm
Andrea has a pair of earrings to add to the auction and another item
Any overflow items from calendar raffle will be added to Silent Auction
$15 per person or $20 per couple
Matt will have music at the event
2pm set up at Winery - Crystal and Olivia will set up
Looking for door person, check out person, auction closer/announcer
Heather is in charge of food
New Officers for 2017/2018 school year
Maybe change time of PTO meetings to accommodate more people
Looking for new members, all positions are open for the 2017/2018 school year
Wish list items for the PTO and promote PTO
Divider in gym
Redo Pelham Elementary School sign - Kristen has lots of paint, Matt will work on with Dads this summer
PTO can be added to the new TV screen in front office - looking for new members
Lisa will put a work order in for new basketball lines, parking lot lines, hop scotch lines, flagpole. She will also check in with MS. Dory about usage of yoga mats.
Also look into CPC to recondition the soccer fields
PTO will purchase
Matt will pick up
Grill tools, BBQ cover, playsand, new lock for PTO shed, 2 bags of mulch, 10x10 pop up tent
Heather and Andrea will look into new sand toys for sand boxes.
BBQ grill has been purchased
Other ideas and things to do the community of the school (from last months meeting)
- Paint and Sip - use the library’s community room
- Book Fair at school with Barnes and Noble in Fall Lisa is in contact with Tom from Barnes and Noble
- Pelham Cookie - Lisa is trying to get recipe
- Quarters will donate 50% back on the sale of wristbands - Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday (7pm start on Sunday and 5pm other days) nights are available for options.
- Parents can come into the lunchroom to volunteer
- PTO to help with lunchroom rules or have a sub-committee
- In August maybe have a weekly gathering to harvest school gardens and picnic
April 12, 2017 Pelham PTO Minutes
Attendance: Lisa Desjarlais, Andrea Allees, Sarahbess Kenney, Kristen Balboni, Erin Lawler, Heather Edwards, Matt Wolaver and Crystal Wolaver
Treasurer's Report $10,819.53
Approved Minutes from March 22, 2017
Next Meeting May 17, 2017
Spring Fair April 30 12-3pm
Andrea is contact person for this event
Leanne has contacted room reps about Spring Fair baskets
Andrea has set up a sign up genius - sent to PTO mailing list and sign-up will be at open house
6th graders can participate in Dunk Tank with a completed permission slip
Sarahbess has rods to warm water in dunk tank
Popcorn machine comes with bounce house rental
Looking for a pony for Pony Rides
Matt will bring grill over - all grill fixings will be next to grill (rolls, buns, etc.)
Tickets are currency $.50 per ticket - can be used for food and rides
Texas Roadhouse - Dining Out Night May 4 fundraiser for school
PTO will have a welcome table at the front door – Andrea will cover
One idea is to push the Florence Bank ballots to customers
Customers can fill out FB ballot and be entered in a drawing for $20 or $25 gift certificate to Texas Roadhouse
We can use the Florence Bank ballots and fill out the school’s information on them
Town Meeting May 6th
Lennie is offering childcare
6th grade will do a bake sale
Electronic Recycling May 13th
Electronic Recycling should happen the same day as regular recycling in the town on May13th from 9am - 12pm
Teacher Appreciation Luncheon May 25th
Erin Lawler will be contact person for event
11-3pm Erin will make the reservation in Community Room
12-1pm teachers will eat
30-35 people attend
Parents make desserts
Soups, salads, wraps as a possible option for food
Enjoy Life has donated bars for teachers
Book Swap June 2
Sarahbess is coordinating
PTO has given her $100 to buy books at the Scholastic warehouse sale
All students can pick out 2 books
Collection starts May 22
Sarahbess is looking for book suggestions for 5th and 6th graders
Silent Auction June 10th 4-7pm
Amherst Winery - same location as last year
Childcare can be provided at the school cafeteria or gym, use sign-up genius
Contact Lennie about using her staff
Andrea has a pair of earrings to add to the auction and another item
Any overflow items from calendar raffle will be added to Silent Auction
School Gardens
In August maybe have a weekly gathering to harvest gardens and picnic
Lunchroom
Parents can come into the lunchroom to volunteer
PTO to help with lunchroom rules or have a sub-committee
Other ideas and things to do the community of the school (from last month's meeting)
- Paint and Sip - use the library’s community room
- Book Fair at school with Barnes and Noble in Fall Lisa is in contact with Tom from Barnes and Noble
- Pelham Cookie - Lisa is trying to get recipe
- Quarters will donate 50% back on the sale of wristbands - Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday (7pm start on Sunday and 5pm other days) nights are available for options.
Attendance: Lisa
Desjarlais, Andrea Allees, Kristen Balboni, Erin Lawler, Olivia Frazier Matt
Wolaver and Crystal Wolaver
Approved Minutes
from February 15, 2017
Room Representatives
will share the PTO minutes and add 2 action items to the top of their email.
Next Meeting
April 12, 2017
Florence Bank
award PTO received $2114 for 2016
Starting to
collect for the 2017 voting year
Ballots are
available outside office and teachers room, completed ballots can be returned
to office
Anyone with an
email can vote for Pelham PTO
Last year 1 vote
for Pelham PTO was worth $18
School
Gardens
Meeting Friday
March 24 2017
Ryan from Many
Hands Farm is open to having students at his farm or he will come to the school
to help with gardening
When vegetables
are ready for harvest Matt offered to cook pizzas for the students with their
harvested vegetables
Fundraising
Ideas
Talent Show – open
to parents and teachers, sell tickets to the show, prize for best talent
Pancake
Breakfast
Trivia Night – involve
the students, $5 to get in, prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
place
Bingo – would need
a $50 permit
Calendar
Raffle
Crystal will
send out a PTO email reminder to buy tickets
Olivia would
like to meet in August to share new ideas for 2017/18 school year
Family Fun Night April 1
Matt needs help with set up and take down on Friday night and Saturday, please contact Matt Wolaver at mattwolaver@gmail.com
Matt will
promote event
Lisa has a disco
ball to use for the event
Heather and Todd
will be handling food, Tacos
Spring Fair
April 30 12-3pm
Andrea is
contact person for this event
Sage and Leanne
will handle Spring Fair baskets
Andrea will set
up a sign up genius
Looking for MC’s
for cake walk
Lennie will be
working the prize area
6th
graders can participate in Dunk Tank with a completed permission slip
Looking for a
pony for Pony Rides – Erin L will call Bay Road Pony rental, etc.
Jenn J will make
flyer for event
Texas Roadhouse
- Dining Out Night May 4 fundraiser for school
PTO will have a welcome
table at the front door – Andrea will cover
One idea is to
push the Florence Bank ballots to customers
Customers can
fill out FB ballot and be entered in a drawing for $20 or $25 gift certificate
to Texas Roadhouse
We can use the
Florence Bank ballots and fill out the school’s information on them
Town Meeting
May 6th
Lennie is
offering childcare
6th grade will
do a bake sale
Electronic
Recycling will happen the same day - Matt will help Erin dispose of electronics
Heather will be
the contact for anyone that needs electronics to be picked up
Teacher
Appreciation Luncheon NEW DATE
Options are May 24th, 25th, or 26th
per request of Lisa
Erin Lawler will
be contact person for event
11-3pm Erin will
make the reservation in Community Room
12-1pm teachers
will eat
30-35 people attend
Parents make
desserts
Soups, salads,
wraps as a possible option for food
Last year Enjoy
Life bars donated bars for teachers - maybe Kind Bars will donate
Silent
Auction June 10th
Childcare can be
provided at the school cafeteria or gym, use sign-up genius
Contact Lennie
about using her staff
Andrea has a
pair of earrings to add to the auction and another item
Andrea has
offered to make food for the event
Any overflow items
from calendar raffle will be added to Silent Auction
Matt suggested
Shutesbury Athletic Club as a venue - $40 to rent
Lunchroom
Student council
is working on cafeteria behavior/etiquette
No electronics
in lunchroom
Currently the
lunchroom is broken into 3 lunch seating’s
1.
K-1
2.
2,3,4
3.
5,6
Preschool eats
in classroom
Looking for
parent volunteers to come in during lunchtime
MCAS Testing
Heather will
give a check to cover for the cost of snacks for testing
Other ideas
and things to do the community of the school (from last months meeting)
- Paint and Sip -
use the library’s community room
- Book Fair at
school with Barnes and Noble in Fall Lisa is in contact with Tom from
Barnes and Noble
- Pelham Cookie -
Lisa is trying to get recipe
February 15, 2017 Pelham PTO Minutes
Attendance: Lisa Desjarlais, Andrea Allees, Kristen Balboni, Jessica Hanson, Heather Edwards, Margaret Light, Erin Lawler, Olivia Frazier and Crystal Wolaver
Treasurer’s report - $7503.88
Approved Minutes from January 18, 2017
Calendar Raffle
All donation requests are on a shared google sheet
Initial requests have been sent
Call Follow-ups starting Feb 19
Any larger donations will be added to the Silent Auction
Room Parents to reach out to parents about a business donation
Lasagna Dinner March 3
Helps pay for Nature's Classroom
2 dinner seatings
Looking for 5th and 6th grade parents and students to help
Sign-up genius has been created
Family Fun Night April 1
Any ideas to contribute reach out to Matt Wolaver at mattwolaver@gmail.com
Spring Fair April 30
12-3pm
12-3pm
Andrea is contact person for this event
Sage and Leanne will handle Spring Fair baskets
Andrea will set up a sign up genius
Looking for MC’s for cake walk
Lennie will be working the prize area
Town Meeting May 6th
Lennie is offering childcare
6th grade will do a bake sale
Electronic Recycling will happen the same day - Matt will help Erin dispose of electronics
Heather will be the contact for anyone that needs electronics to be picked up
Town Slate
Lisa will add all events to the paper
Lasagna Dinner March 3rd, Family Fun Night April 1st, Spring Fair April 30th, Electronic Recycling May 6th, Sip and Support Silent Auction June 10th
Other ideas and things to do the community of the school
- Paint and Sip - use the library’s community room
- Book Fair at school with Barnes and Noble in Fall Lisa is in contact with Tom from Barnes and Noble
- Pelham Cookie - Lisa is trying to get recipe
PTO gave a check for $75 for Georgia to pay Joe for fixing the laminator
Teacher Appreciation Luncheon May 10th (early release day)
Erin Lawler will be contact person for event
Olivia mentioned a possible food donation for Umass
30-35 people attend
Parents make desserts
Soups, salads, wraps as a possible option for food
Last year Enjoy Life bars donated bars for teachers - maybe Kind Bars will donate
Silent Auction June10th
Andrea has a pair of earrings to add to the auction
Any overflow from calendar raffle will be added
Next PTO meeting March 22, 2017
January 18, 2018 Pelham PTO Minutes
Attendance: Lisa Desjarlais, Andrea Allees, Heather Edwards, Jessica Hanson, Olivia Frazier, Jessica Jean-Louis, Margaret Light, Crystal and Matt Wolaver
Treasurer’s report - $8026.89
Approved Minutes from November 16, 2016
Meg Gallagher and Virginia Servos are retiring at the end of the school year
January 24th - Tuesday is dining out at The Pub
Lisa will do a robo call on Monday to remind families
Next month dining out night Crystal will contact Sunset Grill for a date in February
February 1 - 28 Box Top Competition between all the grades. Highest number of box tops collected will win a movie and popcorn for their class
February 16th Hillside Pizza orders pick up date - fundraiser for Nature’s Classroom
Calendar Raffle
Heather will contact Lisa C to see if she wants to organize - Leanne Hunt was interested last year
Heather has a list of establishments to contact for donations
Add Spirit Haus to the contact list
This fundraiser brings in $3000 profit
Average donation gift value $50
Make Calendars and tickets in a digital format too
Include examples/ideas of how to sell Calendars
March 3rd Lasagna Dinner - snow date March 10
April 1st Family Fun Night
Matt will reach out to Dads/others for help and new ideas
Lee smoothie bike
Mike food
Umass Volunteers
Party room instead of Zumba
Make paper hats
April 30th Spring Fair
Andrea will contact local grocery stores for donations
Basket Raffle - room reps will be contacted early April to put baskets together for each grade
Andrea will purchase new prizes for fair and other events
May 6th Town Meeting
6th grade will sell baked goods and coffee
June 10th Sip and Support Silent Auction
Contact Lennie for afterschool staff to do childcare for the event
Electronic Recycling
Matt will contact Erin to coordinate
Singage TV for entrance of school
Thoughts (from last meeting) - Movie night in school gym with usher's, social area in cafeteria
Cookie Swap
Bingo or casino night
Next Meeting February 15, 2017
November 16, 2016 Pelham PTO Minutes
Attendance: Lisa Desjarlais, Oumy Cisse, Kristen Balboni, Heather Edwards, Jessica Hanson, Crystal Wolaver and Matt Wolaver
Treasurer’s report - $10,034.62
Heather will give Mr. G $50 for helping with Halloween Bash
Approved Minutes from October 12, 2016
Lisa gave a list to Heather for teachers gifts
Halloween Recap
Great success!
Parking and exiting cars went safely - Next year, any car that needs to leave early should park near exit
White table is still unclaimed - Lisa will check with Pelham police or could be the PTO’s from shed
Yankee Candle Fundraiser
About 10 orders have been turned in, online is still ongoing till January.
Heather will ask Cara to help when orders come in
Neighborhood Night at The Pub November 29th
Crystal will get get flyers in backpacks this week and post on blog
Lisa will put in Pelham Press
Barnes and Noble Book fair fundraiser December 9th
5-9pm
Our bookfair will take place during their Harry Potter Magical Holiday Ball.
We need at least 6 volunteers to help from 5-9 with activities such as ornament making, crafts - Send an email to all room reps to look for volunteers
Andrea and Jess (5-6pm) will be at Welcome Table
Crystal gift wrapping (5-9pm)
Oumy 5-6pm
Dec 8 Lisa will do robo call to all
Matt to ask Aaron Becker to attend and sign his books
Florence Savings Bank giveaway
Ballots to go home in backpacks this week with The Pub flyer
Lisa will put in Pelham Press
Parent for School Council
Crystal will contact Erin to reach out to room reps looking for a Pelham parent
Meetings are once per month from 7:45 - 8:45 before school care will be provided for the parent on council during meetings
Storing school garden items and planting garlic
Lisa will check with Mr. G about storage space
About ½ of garlic has been planted
New sign for school
Lisa will ask Student Council to take on project this spring
Kristen B has paint and primer to donate
Dogs on school grounds after hours?
No dogs during school hours
Neighbors can walk dogs through anytime after 5:30pm during school hours and anytime when school is not in session
Please make sure to pick up poop even in woods
PTO to give $250 for families in need this Holiday season - Lisa will get gift cards
June - remind Lisa to add to release document (photos, name, email to PTO) about giving Florence Bank their email
Thoughts - Movie night in school gym with usher's, social area in cafeteria
Cookie Swap
Bingo or casino night
Next Meeting January 18, 2017
Attendance: Lisa Desjarlais, Andrea Allees, Oumy Cisse, Kristen Balboni, Katja Hrones, Kippy York, Jessica Hanson, Crystal Wolaver and Matt Wolaver
Treasurer’s report - $10,334.89
$49.25 to Lisa D for Mums/pumpkins for school beautification
$10.25 for copies for Potluck flyer- and that is all we had to spend! Thanks to Andrea for getting ice cream donated!
Approved Minutes from September 14, 2016
Harvest Potluck and Ice Cream Social Recap
Use Cooks Farm next year for ice cream donation
Andrea will send a Thank You
Book Fair Recap
3 days were enough time for all to enjoy
Librarians help with setup and take down - this is very helpful for next time
PTO donates about $600 to reduced lunch students for books
Scholastics donates books and these will be used for PAWS rewards.
Dining for Dollars
Bertuccis on Monday Oct 17
Set up another one next month - Monday after Thanksgiving?
In spring try Antonio's Belchertown
Contact Sunset Grill to find out their dining percentage give back and possibly late Dec early Jan when college students are on break
Halloween October 30
Inside Events
- Haunted Houses
- Bag decorating table
- Donut eating contest
- Best parent award/Best trunk award
- Candy in jar guessing
- Police table
- Gross mystery boxes table? ie:
- Music?
Outside Events
- Trunk or Treat - cars will have to be at school at 4:30pm - Trunk or Treating will take place from 5-7pm
- Giant pile of hay with prizes inside
- Carnival type games- encourage people to make up their own, and we can also provide- something extra for kids to do and not just be running from car to car.
- Ring toss
- Bean bag toss/cornhole
- Hula hoops
- Frank’s nose picking for treats? Andrea will contact Darius to make
- Can knock-over
- Strong man
- Glow Bowling
- Witch Hat ring toss
- Bottle of Blood flipping ie water bottle flipping
Who’s doing what?
- Megan is making candy guessing jars- can you also set up table with clipboards/guess sheets, etc?
- Heather will order pizza, purchase white bags, craft stuff for bag decorating, make best costume/trunk trophies, cash box
- Andrea will call Atkins cider/donut donations- Kristen will pick up
- Jessica will show Matt what he can use in the PTO shed for Halloween games
- Lisa D will email Trunk or Treat Flyer with links to ideas for trunk decorating. People who are interested in setting up their car and reply to email with just a “yes”. Also, maybe a “robo” call at to everyone
- Contact Police with event date
- Andrea will get a 3rd grade parent to update photo frame, polyurethane “Possibility House” and buddy bench
- Matt will ask the police/fire dept if they can be a part of the trunk or treat? Also ask Ryan for hay
- George will check in on Sunday
To Do:
- Contact UMASS for volunteers and coordinate - Contact person is Kelly Kalagher is the new community service chair for the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) at UMass Amherst kkalagher@umass.edu
- Get hay, make pile and put prizes in (have volunteer man it)
- Set up donut contest
- Help set up at 4pm
- Help clean up at 7pm
- Distribute trunk or treat volunteer flyer to mailboxes in their neighborhood
- Make sure kids aren’t going to trunk or treat before it’s ready
- Coordinate the cars parking in the field
Questions:
- Who knows how to set up donut contest? Check shed for orange twine/dowels
- Do the kids win anything for winning the donut-eating contest? We can offer small fair prizes… donuts are the prize
- Does anyone know where the bean bag toss from Spring Fair went last year?
- Lighting in soccer field? No lighting in the field
Use halloween reflective markers to mark off parking spaces
Room Parents
Preschool - Oumy Cisse
1st -
2nd - Crystal Wolaver
3rd - Andrea
4th - Erin Lawler/Crystal Wolaver
5th -
6th - Sarah
Yankee Candle October 28 - November 11
Heather is coordinating
Stop and Shop
Kippy York has volunteered to sit at a table to get people to sign up their Stop and Shop card for Pelham PTO. The Hadley store said we can do any day except Oct 16th.
Lisa D. will send out an email asking parents to sign up online
Teacher Gifts
Lisa D will email Heather a list of teachers to receive $49.99
Barnes and Noble December 9
Andrea and Jess?(Checking on schedule) will be greeters at the door
Vote NO on #2
PTO to help get the message out about “Vote NO on #2”
“Charter Schools hit small schools hard”
Katja will send a write up to Crystal to post to Blog, email blast and Heather to post on Facebook
School Gardens
After School kids to cut greens and sell at $1 per bag at school “Farm Stand” similar to their Lemonade stand
Crystal or Matt will get produce bags
Lisa D will ask Debbie Jaque if she can do a storytime with the children either for Halloween event or Barnes and Noble event
Next PTO meeting November 16th
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