PTO Meeting
September 13, 2023
7:00pm

 Administration & PTO Board Members in Attendance

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

Paula Strozak, Pam Byerly, Jason Cooper, Erin Schreiber, Rocco Casamassimo, Valerie Nugent, Jeni Graham

 Updates from Administration and Board Members

The board introduced themselves and then Ms. Read reiterated her appreciation for the PTO and the programs that are offered. She also noted “Gratitude and Growth” are the school year themes within the district. Ms. Read said she finds them to be fitting as she thanked the PTO and looks forward to future events and staff engagement.  Ms. Read introduced a new member of the Board, Mrs. Nicole Musillami, who will serve as a liaison between the teachers and the PTO. Ms. Musillami is an Advanced Academics ELA Specialist.

A goal of the PTO is to continue (and increase) engaging new families, teachers and sharing all of the wonderful things the PTO provides.  The PTO is considering starting a Peer Mentor program with new families.  There are many volunteer opportunities throughout the school year, and sign ups will go out soon for Library help, school picture day and fun lunch.  The After 3 Program will begin within the next few weeks. This year the yearbook will be offered in an After 3 Program format- students will be able to sign up to assist with the organization and layout. At this time there are still some Co-Chairs needed for events such as the Sock Hop and Literacy Night. 

The Student Directory is almost complete and will be distributed shortly.  The PTO is still hoping to provide the directory in a digital format next year. Families will be able to access via Parent Square.

The first event fundraiser is coming up- Oktoberfest at BuckleDown brewery. This year’s event will feature food from Monk’s, raffles and contests.  Ticket sales are going strong and the event is open to Spring Ave Alumni, friends and neighbors. Anyone who is unable to attend can make a donation through the PTO website.   In addition to Oktoberfest, the PTO is actively planning Trivia Night, The Book Fair, Adult Social. The Retail Fundraisers are also in process, with some local LaGrange (and surrounding area) restaurants. 

The Treasurer’s report shared there is just over $43,000 in the account.  Some budgeted upcoming expenses include: Teacher/Classroom grants and Oktoberfest.