In the Know with PTO

Attendance: Amy Lynne, Cally Wiest, Angela Johnson, Amanda Nelson, Elizabeth Hamernik, Jen Selensky, Angie Hoots, Tara Eschbach, Kim Sandvig, Robbie Nelson, Katie Suda, Megan Linstaedt, Bobbie Olson, Megan Ockert, Kayla Terry, Dale Terry, Kellie Haaby

Principal’s Report:

Mr Olson met with the buildings and grounds director to go through all of the projects we were looking at (lockers, carpet, sign, etc.). They are going through a district analysis. The software shows where the needs are greatest and how it spreads out through the district. It will ensure equity. The study has to take place first. After looking at where we fall in line with the limited funds they will decide if a bond needs to be voted on. All items are rolled into the process, not able to determine where we are on a “list” That have dates listed on when things will be “due” to be done, such as life of floors and stuff. Should only have to wait a little longer for concrete answers vs. how it was done in the past. Academics: Kindergarten classes come in with the skills that are closer to what they were coming in with pre-covid. Foundational skills are looking better. NDSA will be going away and replaced with NDA+. Will take NDSA for one more year.

Old Business

1. Fall event – Trunk or Treat and Costume Bingo- Review

• What went well? Was much easier to set up this year
• What to change? The dark gym may be a safety issue for trick or treating. More lights? Glow sticks?
• We were short pizza’s but last year we had 10 extra. Order more for next year
• Traffic was an issue. Come up with a route for people to follow to help congestion.
  
• Costume BINGO – staffed by 5th grade families - how much was made? $938.44 after expenses
  

2. Excess funds from walk-a-thon

• Art run/Art night - Foam Color party? Look into options for cost, Angie Hoots with other ideas. Megan L update from Atonement and then the Boys and Girls club who have done these parties in a large group setting before to figure out cost/vendor availability.
• Classroom “wishlists” - Teachers/staff at every grade level would compile a “wishlist” of things that they would like for their classrooms that could then be gifted by the PTO. There would be a monetary limit per year and staff could choose one large expenditure or several small within that limit. Mr. Pal suggested “counselor wishlists” to support the whole school and also offer the 1:1 Resource allocation on a smaller scale, more individualized based on student needs beyond the snack or winter clothing drives. New Buddy bench? Medical Copay support? transportation support? gift cards? PTO proposed a similar program to what is done by many places around the holidays - the giving tree- sponsor a child or family in need. The counselors compile a list of the kid’s needs and we post them or send them out - no identifiers included- but a little backstory on what they need and why. Then people can choose to sponsor an individual need or family need. For example, 6 yr old female with asthma, family unable to pay the $30 copay to see the pediatric pulmonologist which is needed to renew necessary prescriptions. Some of these needs such as transportation are covered by state and federally funded programs but things like medical co-pays are not covered by this programming. There may also be families that don’t qualify for government assistance, but also have medical or other expenses that they can’t afford.
• Kinder shirts - -give parents the option to purchase or pay towards the cost through Kinder round up night, then PTO would cover those that can’t buy OR pay towards the rest of the cost
• Free yearbooks for the 5th graders? Or PTO buys for those that did not or could not purchase?
• Maintenance fees for existing programs - beef up savings and flex money for next year.
• Motivational speakers that are grade/age specific
• Animal visitors beyond the zoo visit that is part of 2nd grade Camp Skeeter. ?Police and the police dog or the Service Dogs of America?

The best way for the funds raised from this year to go to current students and teachers is for teachers to come up with and present ideas at PTO meetings.

New Business

• 5th grade party
• Fundraising ideas 5th grade families will take the January Culvers night. Will need 2 parents for each hour from 5-8pm
• Planning will be done by 5th grade party planning committee at separate meetings They chose Sky Zone for the party. Tentatively booked for the last day of school. They need a credit card on file to book, Kayla will call them. They will be bussed over. Looking at renting the whole place to save on cost. Possibly doing a pizza party on the lawn also.
• Golden Spatula
• How can we support?
• Mrs. Haaby with ideas for winners?
• 5 classrooms currently receive the award.
• Should a whole lunch run receive the reward instead of individual classes?
• Ideas:
• -Provided something extra for them to use during recess time
• -Watch a movie during lunch? Would need to buy a movie license. We already have a screen. Megan L. emailed Swank where we previously had a license through for cost estimate. Cost was $585 for the year in 2020.
• Suggestion box where kids can put their ideas in lunch in classroom?
• Dale Terry from Country Financial brought donations in the form of $25 gift cards. $1,200 total and $300 for the PTO.

Events for 2023-2024

Restaurant –

• Culvers - , November 16th, January- 25th 5th grade doing , March 5th, and May 16th confirmed

• November reminder going in PTO email on Wednesday with minutes. Also on FB

• Raised $562 from October Culvers night

Snack drives –

• Snacksgiving - November - converted to supply/restock drive for staff lounge- not getting much yet
• Winter restock the classroom supplies drive
• Spring - Spring into snacks

Family fun night - January 12th

• Games and face painting Need more then 6 face painters
• Also have a 5th grade fundraiser BINGO - Concessions - COSTCO pizza PTO will do bingo. Will need volunteers.

Skate City - February 8th 6-8pm confirmed

Restaurant- February 22nd

• Looking for ideas to reach out to?

Craft/Art night - March 8th - will need date change as this is before spring break. Art on display and additional activities? Partner with music?

“Art nights” with the concerts in mid may. Art/Music will handle planning. May need PTO help with snacks.

Spring Carnival - April 5th

Restaurant - April 10th

• Looking for ideas to reach out to?

Teacher appreciation - May 6-10th We would love ideas for new ways to show our appreciation.