PTO Meeting

September 7, 2022

7:00pm

Administration & PTO Board Members in Attendance

Ms. Read, Principal & Ms. Skala, Assistant Principal

Colleen Garbe, Paula Strozak, Pam Byerly, Erin Schreiber, Elizabeth Vanderheyden, Valerie Nugent, Jeni Graham

Updates from Administration and Board Members

Ms. Read introduced Ms. Skala, Spring Ave.’s new Assistant Principal. She noted that Ms. Skala is enjoying her new role and getting to know the students. Ms. Read also shared that the school year is off to a smooth start and that students are excited to learn and be back. Teachers are working hard on building community within their classrooms and the within the entire school. Many programs are returning this year, including Run Club and After 3s. More information about these programs will be included in future newsletters and communications. There are also new programs that are being planned. 

Paula Strozak shared that the Room Parents for the upcoming year have been selected and notified. The Room Parents will use Parent Square to disseminate information to their class; this includes information about class gifts/parties, PTO updates, and other annual events such as school picture day. Gina Budde is again coordinating School Picture Day and she was happy to share that class photos will be taken again (after a hiatus due to COVID).  Paula also shared that the school directory is almost completed. More information about Run club and library volunteers will be forthcoming. This year there will be a Halloween Parade (weather permitting).

Erin Schreiber provided an update that Jill Tweedie will be the Fun Lunch committee chair this year. There will be 3 fun lunches, with the first being October 15th. Erin is still in need of a volunteer to organize the Sock Hop. The Sock Hop is a district wide event, so the chair will be working with volunteers from other D105 schools. Additionally, the DARE program will be starting soon for 5th & 6th graders. The After 3 program is being offered again and there will be Fall, Spring and holiday offerings. 

Pam Byerly provided an update on the PTO Oktoberfest, the new adult event that is replacing Fall Fest. Tickets for Oktoberfest are still available for purchase.  The PTO’s other adult social events: Trivia Night and the Adult Social are scheduled for February 3rd and March 3rd. The location for the Adult Social is TBD. Pam shared she is still in need of a committee chair for the Retail Partner Fundraisers and the Adult Social.   

Jeni Graham is organizing the communication efforts for the PTO. All communication will be sent via Parent Square. There will no longer be email blasts with upcoming events or reminders. Any information to be shared should be sent directly to Jeni or Colleen and they will send it out. 

Elizabeth Vanderheyden reported that the PTO has $25,000 in the account and upcoming fall expenses are classroom/teacher grants and Oktoberfest. There is $7,500 budgeted for teacher/classroom grants, with teachers receiving $150-$250. The Oktoberfest budget is $2,000.  Last year the PTO made $49,288 in revenue. The PTO covered costs for Fun Lunches, donated to Gurrie and supported Teacher Appreciation weeks. There was a net income of $3,472.

It was discussed that due to COVID challenges there was a budget deficit. It was mentioned by an attendee that there was interest from parents to donate for Fun Lunch (to show appreciation). The possibility of a QR code or a donation link on the PTO website would allow parents to easily donate.  Also, it was mentioned that the PTO donate fun lunches to other D105 schools and possibly create a 3rd scholarship for high school seniors who attend Spring Ave. School.  At this time there is a focus on making money for the PTO due to the past year’s deficit, but the PTO Board and Administration will look into ways to support other schools and students. 

The next PTO meeting will be: Nov 2, 2022;  8:40am at Spring Ave. School.