Horace Mann PTO Executive Board Meeting 4/11/2022 – Minutes – DRAFT
4
● Kudos to Adam on an amazing Virtual Science Night!
● Piloting our committee form. EZ to share – Jess S and Liz M to pilot. ● Parents can help by pressuring School Committee. And City Hall. HM will get rid of
reading specialist Sara McSwiggan, repurposed. An additional position will be cut? 0.4
time.
● New volunteers? What do we need to hand off? Keep thinking about.
● End of year gifts: Specialists, crossing guards, bus driver. Pooling $? Aides don’t
● Jess: survey for staff : preferences, allergies, coffee kinds. At beginning of next year.
● Fundraiser for Dias memorial. Awaiting cost from volunteers. PTO could front $$.
Awaiting estimate. Megan will follow up with Mark and Rose. Upcoming dates for your calendar:
● PTO-sponsored meeting with David Fleishman, Weds, March 9, 6:30pm● 5th grade parent night at Day: Thursday, March 10, 7pm
● Mark meeting: Friday, March 11, 8:30am
● FORJ book club: Thursday, March 17
● Building Committee and Community Meeting: Monday, March 24, 6pm● Bringing it Back Party: Friday, April 8
● April PTO Board meeting: Monday, April 11, 8pm
Mark agenda:
● Kindergartener lunch
● Understanding our Differences
● Dias Memorial
Action Items Summary from 04112022 Meeting
 Sarah to check with Sarah M. re: Alerting Diaper Drive contact  Adam to send Ad-vantage vendor info.  Need to solicit volunteer(s) to distribute edukits at HM (after delivered by vendor) at the end of
August closer to the time
 Board members – encourage people to do CORIs and show up to Fitness for Life
 CAS Will need a new chair. Need a new K rep.  Sarah to follow up with Newtonville books re: wishlist  Jess will send a blurb on NewsNotes – asking for $$.  Elisabeth will reactivate the item in MT.  Megan to check with Boston Pretzel Co to understand if they’re still in business, cost.  PTO Website – Erin will check with Lena re: husband still willing to help.  Food and Culture night: Adam will reply re: budget Sarah to send an email to Mark re: confirming
space configuration
 Ms. Dias Memorial – Awaiting cost estimate – Megan will follow up with Mark and Rose.

Horace Mann PTO Executive Board Meeting 2/7/2022 – Minutes

Attendees: Jacqueline Freeman, Erin Geraghty Kapoor, Liz Kleinerman, Sarah Porter, Jess
Schiefer, Elisabeth Zimmer Not Present: Jon Mendicina, Meghan Anapolle, Adam Brown

1. Approval of old minutes – approved. Sarah to send out with agenda next
   time.
   Ok to meet without a quorum if nothing to vote on
2. Action items from January meeting:
   ○ Elisabeth/Sarah to start the spot for a g drive location and share with board –
   Hmann drive exists. We’ll use that .Decided to use central HMann PTO drive to
   sign in.
   ○ SP and EHZ to work on “By the numbers” graphic. EZ did.
   ○ EHZ to set up calendar skeleton, sent link to AB. Adam to create calendar and
   events. AB did.
   ○ Advertise for WordPress expert in News Notes by EHZ Done
   ○ Decided: Science Night is Th 2/17. AB to send blurb to EHZ. Blurb includes links
   to project ideas. Done
   ○ EHZ to market trivia in NewsNotes Done
   ○ Liz to report on social events at the Feb meeting. Done
   ○ JF to order coffee for teachers – Sarah to order and out on auto reorder. Done
   ○ SP to ask Mark for zoom link for upcoming Mark meetings Done
   ○ AB to ask Anna McKeown to ask for decision-making process NCE uses for
   offerings per school. Done
   ○ SP/EZ to email invitations for upcoming PTO meetings Sarah to do
3. Report from committees: What’s coming up for your committee next?
   ○ Elisabeth: NewsNotes, Shop to Raise – JF to look for acct info for
   Amazon so EZ has it. Should we do NN each week? So far haven’t been
   able to test.

Sarah: Safe Routes to School, Food Drive and Social Action. Put note in
newsnotes for SRTS rep and note re: alerting 311 if snow is blocking

Horace Mann PTO Executive Board Meeting 2/107/2022 – Minutes
pedestrian/sidewalk paths to school. It really works!
Jacqueline: School Photos – Erin Gamboa leading for this next year, sign up for
2 years with vendor, next year Mon, then next year Tues.
○ SEPAC – no update, Lena is doing it, Kim Bourdeau is also happy to help.
○ Newton Schools Foundation Liaison, Lead is Sarah Pollack-Demedeiros
(Penelope). Publicize grants for HM, no applications from HM teachers.
Newton Serves Day, no date yet.
○ Gift Fundraiser, no update, Jon Mendicina’s wife does it, get pass off info, get
someone to run it. Find someone new to run it. Could do a pass off next fall.
All work on it can be done by portal
○ FORJ – requests March book club promo, we did buy books, parents should
email Ms Guzzi if interested in borrowing. Aware of a conflict with original
date club scheduled for. EZ has asked what the new date is, hasn’t heard back
from NE. JF may see Natalia E at swimming, will check on new/reschedule
date- then EZ will re-promote with new date . DONE. New date is 3/17
○ Directory – done for 2021-22. Can graduate all data and send 5th to Day and
incoming Ks into a class. Needs to happen at the end of year. Per Rose,
discussing how to make it easier (sign in once for lifetime, or link to getting
class assignment) – add to Mark Agenda. DONE. Mark will check on this.
○ CAS – committee on hold for doing bookings in spring because limited to 3.
Looking for one to spring, hoping to get 2 for each kid. Secured Nathan Hale
to visit – Nathan Hale’s Hazardous tales. For grades 3-5, day before authorfest,
grant will pay for most of it. HM PTO will get an invoice for $2500, a grant for
$1000, HM needs to pay 2500, then get a reimbursement. To be reimbursed,
HM PTO needs to get an account with Newton Business Office – we’re an
approved vendor and they’re expecting it.
Harmony Foundation provided $ to buy assisted lunch kids Nathan Hale books
for the author to sign. Figure out “how to” mechanics, need list of kids from
Mark. add to Mark agenda . DONE. Mark will talk to Rose.
**General FYI Need a W-9 for all vendors when we pay $600 +. **
○ Fitness for Life – check with Mark re: current thinking – add to Mark agenda.
DONE. He is still checking in with Mr Tynes. Rose may reserve Cove just in case.
See notes from touchpoint.
○ School Supplies, Katie Lai (K parent) will work on – JF got the supply list and is
trained on process and into portal. SP will be liaison for school supplies and

Horace Mann PTO Executive Board Meeting 2/107/2022 – Minutes
Spirit Wear
○ Read-a-Thon – need to check on dates for next year at end of year, may want
to print materials/certificates we know we’ll need ahead of time and
coordinate with book fair
Jess:
○ Staff Appreciation Breakfast, – Dec, Lena and Sarah do it
○ May 2-6, National staff appreciation week – newer celebration. Would ask for
$ after April break. If there’s extra money, we will use it to fund the teacher
end-of -year luncheon. Need someone to pass that to. Jess will touch base
with Kim Bourdeau
○ Understanding Our Differences – happening by Zoom, during school. Jose was
on board to help again and Emily Cagwin, still going to do by zoom? Maybe for
end of year.
○ End of Year Teacher Luncheon Jess will touch base with Kim Bourdeau.
Meghna Dilip has volunteered to work on this!!
Megan:
○ Pretzel Sales
○ Book Fair
○ Fundraising/Social (with Jess and Liz) – Jess covered topic: Meredith Reed,
discussions about capital campaign. Do we need to do it this spring? To fund
CAS, via membership toolkit. Bigger asks. Like what auction covered. Does
read a thon cover enough? What about donations that are: choose to direct
giving, e.g. pick CAS, pick library books, combine with a social event.
Liz:
○ Social Committee, Mystery Dinner and Chill A few ideas: biggest event a 4/8
HM Party theme: Bringing It Back. Back to HS, wear what makes you think of
HS, in person. OK to go forward with indoor social event – Mark agenda- as
FYI. Option to add in “donate a ticket” and/or check a box if needed. Can edit
price after in cart. Could you do a coupon code? MINUS70 Also, Mark can
offer a ticket. DONE. Parents should be directed to reach out to Rose if in
need of a covered ticket
On advertisement: At-home testing strongly encouraged. Include a small
silent auction, close at event in evening. Will send save the date soon, prior

Horace Mann PTO Executive Board Meeting 2/107/2022 – Minutes
to Winter break. Do we need more $$ for CAS? Unclear, COVID disrupted at
same time of policy change. Save the date ready to go. Anne Aspell going to
ask Monty Cagwin will make. If Monty can’t do it, EZ will make with Canva
LK to send to EZ to post.
March 5th, day after food trucks, outdoor sledding and hot choc and donuts
behind school. For parents to meet.
(4/29 for talent show, 5/12 food and culture night), thinking of late May
outdoor movie night behind HM. Fri night movie while parents hang. Need to
look for copyright issues, re: Disney. Or outdoor bingo? Event with kids and
adults.
June 4th, mystery chill 6PM start. Sandra Lawry (2nd grade) to help
coordinate.
Jon: Social Committee
Adam:
Talent Show
○ Science Night – send last chance reminder – drop dead is Weds 2/9 – EZ will
put up announcement DONE
○ Website EZ to post again for WordPress volunteer DONE
○ Food and Culture Night
○ Need to update calendar – EZ putting on google calendar for Adam to pull onto
website. Check in with Adam to make sure calendar adds go into website.
Erin:
○ Room Parent Coordinator:Room parents will check in for a wishlist from
teachers. Also, will schedule grade level playdates in Feb or March. Most
important for K-3. Especially to make sure know grademates
○ Incoming K Coordinator – August K playdate. Would find incoming 2 parents
to host with nametags. Room parents will check in for a wishlist from
teachers.

Horace Mann PTO Executive Board Meeting 2/107/2022 – Minutes

4. AuthorFest update (see CAS above)
5. Teacher appreciation ideas for Feb / Mar / Apr – Per Jacqueline have been
   buying for 75 people. EZ has already reached out to Rose with proposal:
   Nothing Bundt cakes, ?snack buffet, flowers, bagels. Awaiting feedback.
6. Volunteer opportunities / roles: What do we need?
   -Safe Routes to School
   -Website
   [-Some volunteers for 4/8 event tear down, don’t need to publicize right
   away]
7. Chalk the Walk?: Sun 2/13. Show your love for HM (looking like we move
   to spring). Where is the PTO chalk?
   Shift to spring. PTO chalk – in two spots. Big box in supply closet and a
   box in office for teachers.
8. Agenda for Mark
   ○ Next meetings: Sarah will send

PTO Meeting Minutes 1/14/22

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Location: Zoom 

Attendees: Meghan Anapolle, Adam Brown, Jacqueline Freeman, Erin Geraghty Kapoor, Liz Kleinerman, Sarah Porter, Jess Schiefer, Elisabeth Zimmer Not Present: Jon Mendicina

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1. Approval of old minutes. Approved.

2. New idea: Monthly report from committees

Committee report out at each meeting, help with infrastructure.  Elisabeth to circulate committee list to board after meeting.  Will help us all stay up to date.

Elisabeth/Sarah to start the spot for a g drive location and share with board

• Centralized info collection – vendors and committees

3. Celebrate Successes! What went well in 2021?

• GCKS, revived!  Earned ~ $1500 raised for HM. Attempting to keep leadership for spring season

• Readathon – Committee Chairs: Meredith Reed and Christie Ryan, will do for next year, had 4-5 people helping weekly, have some good ideas for next year.  Raised nearly as much $ as auction, less volunteer work to get there, better ROI. Different student participants and wider involvement.

What else?

• Science night and talent show and international night online.  Way to get more kids to participate
• Picnic
• Resilience, overall. Persistence and creativity.
• New faces on board

4. Closure/getting credit for good work – Roundup of 2021 to parents? 

Since September  by the numbers, members, CAS experiences, $ raised, book fair, community connections through events, appreciation breakfast, grab from News Notes.  SP and EZ to work on.

5. What would you like to see in 2022?

No WORD Doc calendar – pull in from Google doc.  Make a google calendar.  EZ to set up calendar skeleton, sent link to AB.  Adam to create calendar and events.

“HM PTO events” click on 2021-22 need to update – points to old document.  Delete all and link to living google calendar.   Adam says need one sheet summary also. 

Website: In past, paid ½ to get developed. Need a wordpress master to use. Put in News Notes by EZ

6. Prospective Updates: 

• Science Night – drive, doc  etc ready to go, just need to drop in date.  Will be virtual.  Date is when video will drop: 2/11 (Fri) or 2/17 (Th) before break . Can be accessed at any time after night.  “World Premiere”  Send off to break with fun activity.  Decided: Th 2/17. AB to send blurb to EZ. Blurb includes links to project ideas.

• Upcoming social events (trivia, food trucks 3/4)
  • Food truck March 4 (Fri) wait to hear vendor from food truck org

• Social committee meeting 1/13 (LK, Anne A plus 2 other parents). 
  • Will discuss sledding/hot chocolate.  
  • Large social event

• Trivia Feb 12 (sat).  EZ to put in news notes.  Market as “OK to go to your friends’ house and do together” No limit on number of devices.

• Major social event

Have heard from parents (pre-Omicron)- will there be a big party in the spring? (a la auction)  How is the PTO Board feeling about this?  Liz is thinking about an event that is mostly social, with a few big ticket fundraising items.  When and where? Indoor or outdoor?  Brewery? Likely weekend night inside.  NNHS is a good venue/to keep costs down, looks nice.  Lots of work to get lots of vendors.  Has been at Marriott before, but way more $$. Just make sure there’s breakeven.  Expect ~120 people, regardless. Use that as an attendee estimate for budgeting. MA and JS have budget info. AB suggests plug and play this year, more elaborate in 2023. What if we plan it all and it gets canceled again (COVID?) would hate to put on work for it to be canceled on a dime.   Would there be hotel spaces that include tents? Hyatt in Cambridge, Marriott on the river?  Timing? Not June 11th at Marriott (Diane E’s, DAD retirement party)  Traditionally Feb/March, due to sports schedules.  Liz is thinking about early April for this, then mystery-chill in June. What are thoughts on Post?  Bare bones when HM used for a fundraiser in the past. But a blast for birthday parties! People are so excited for any social events, a swanky/perfect venue is not as critical this year.  Liz to report back at the Feb meeting.

• Community building: 
  • Teacher appreciation: Valentine’s hearts?

We love HM because…way for kids to all participate. Hard to get access to school. Keep thinking about.

JF has used Amazon delivery to Rose of K-cups, Rose gave the OK for this to resume. JF to try to order coffee. JF to send ordering info to Erin if the order doesn’t work.

7. Replacement of bulletin board announcement – Did not discuss beyond Valentine’s hearts idea.

8. Agenda for Mark. Fri 1/14/22 8:15 AM:

   –Science Fair plan (FYI)

   -Ask about thoughts on Fitness4Life

   -Ask about Hawk Families – do they need games or anything? Board members received positive feedback from their kids!

SP to ask Mark for zoom link

9. Schedule next meetings – Stick with 1st or 2nd Monday of month:
   • February 7
   • March 7
   • April 11
   • May 9
   • June ?

SP/EZ to email invitations

Ad Hoc Items Raised: 

–NCE classes at HM.  AB to ask Anna McKeown to ask for decision-making process NCE uses for offerings per school.

-FYI – Non-Profit certificate is in google drive.  If needed for  tax-exempt.

– PTO gets a quarterly direct deposit from Amazon Smile.  

HM PTO & MARK MINUTES
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021
In Attendance – Mark, Jacqueline, Megan, Adam, Liz, Erin, Sarah, Jess, Jon
Building Update – Community meeting next Tuesday, Dec. 7 th , looking for 2 parents and a
community member, unclear about the process, does Mark choose or the city?, HM is slated to
be an 18 classroom school, how will the new developments affect numbers, is there a feasibility
study?
Directory – Monday, December 6 th , the membershiptoolkit directory will be updated and ready
to use.
Science Fair – January 21 st , discussed virtual vs. in person, once we hear from Mark, we can talk
with Beth, could have a video component and or live stream
Mark – email Elementary Ed and see what the current covid rules are
Jacqueline – email other PTOs about what they are doing
Read-A-Thon – $12,000 so far in donations, open until the end of January, no complaints from
teachers, a few small changes
New Officers – Co-Presidents: Elisabeth & Sarah, Co-Treasurers: Erin & Liz
Teacher/Staff Breakfast – Thursday, Dec. 9 th
Hawk Families – bringing the students together in various grades or by interest, will meet with a
teacher 2 times per month, students will be kept in their Hawk Family for several years.
Cradle to Crayons – PTO purchased 10-15 backpacks to be distributed to kids when needed
Emotional Health – haven’t had a social worker this year, don’t have staffing for all the
emotional/social needs of students, hiring pool limited.
Next Meeting Date – Friday Jan.14 th 8:15am

HM PTO MINUTES

OCTOBER 25, 2021

Jacqueline, Elisabeth, Sarah, Erin, Adam, Megan, Liz, Jess  (Jon not in attendance). 

Book Fair – More people attended this year than last, but book selection was poor. Megan has a small group of people that want to help next year.

Read-a-thon – 140 participants so far, over 29,000 minutes read the first week.

FORJ Book Club – check in with Natalia Espinal to see how it went, have dates set for the rest of the year.

ACTION ITEM – do they need anything?

Spirit Wear – stuff is not in yet, supposedly the end of October. Sarah will help Jacqueline organize.

Charlestown Wrap – not sure when it will end

ACTION ITEM – check with Jon about end date

Cradles to Crayons – 4th & 5^th graders going Nov. 3^rd, some technical issues with the sign-up and room parents. Bring in PJs or winter gear.

Room Parents – now a priority, Massachusetts privacy law, need to opt out

ACTION ITEM – discuss with Mark, make it a beginning of the school year priority checklist to opt out or opt in.

Facilities/Building Update – NPS told us we could buy water stations and they would install them. Why are PTO’s buying these and not NPS? Becomes an equity problem.

Food & Culture Night – May 12^th, 6-8pm, outdoors, the committee is very excited about it.

Talent Show – As of today, no productions at North, all doable outside

Agenda for Mark – Building update, school supplies contract due, NPS should provide, Memorial Garden update.

Social/Community Building – discussed grade level socials, less formal mystery chills/micro social, bingo over zoom.

            ACTION ITEM – Liz plan Trivia Night after the holidays.

PTO Meeting dates –

Monday, November 29^th

Monday, January 10^th

AUGUST 31, 2021

Jacqueline, Elisabeth, Sarah (via phone), Erin, Adam, Megan, Liz, Jess and Jon in attendance.  Meeting called to order 8:05, minutes approved from our last meeting, Jess secretary this meeting.

Spirit Wear update – Spirit wear is available to purchase online through Oct. 15th, Jacqueline added flannel pants, sweatpants, duffle, stocking caps, long sleeve shirts and both types of sweatshirts.

New rules for outdoor events only – no one will be allowed in the building, no limits on outdoor capacity.  Unable to plan entire year.

Back to school picnic – Sept. 13^th (rain date the 14^th), DJ Mike Pride, 2 food trucks (pre-order). Collapsing Specialist/PTO Open House into picnic.

ACTION ITEM – Sarah will coordinate with DAD parking/pickup, have committee list, magnets, volunteer sign-ups at table, name tags, no parking signs. PTO will wear blue and introduce ourselves around 6:15.  Megan looking into Cabot’s ice cream to serve.

Curriculum Night – Virtual September 22^nd

Mixed Bag Fundraiser – Liz sticking with same company, looking to pass it off this year, October 1 start date.

Book Fair/Read-a-thon – Read-a-thon will kick off with Book Fair, Fair will possibly be inside, starts Oct. 17^th.

Food & Culture Night – most likely virtual, end of October, Friday the 29^th.

Mystery Chill – wait until the spring again or try in the winter.

Garden City Soccer – full board, mostly Burr parents, 80+ kids, issues with the website server, not sure what each PTO will get monetarily, email PTO list.

Safe Routes to School – small  grant for painting improvement and evaluating crosswalks, a lot of work, feel the city recently updated.

Vaccine Mandate – PTO decided to follow DESE and NPS policy

ACTION ITEM – add to Newsnotes.

Gaga Ball Pit – Thank you to Iodice Landscaping and DAD for getting it filled

            ACTION ITEM – add thank you to Newsnotes.

Mark Agenda Items – Read-a-thon and Heather Dias tribute

K Playdate – went well, discussed how to incorporate Buddy Family, add to Newsnotes

Start of the school year – PTO getting lunch and breakfast for teachers, HM Men, tables and coffee for first day, School Kits being delivered Sept. 1.

PTO Meeting dates –

Monday, Sept 27^th  at 8pm

Monday, October 25^th at 8pm

Monday, November 29^th

Monday, January 10^th

            ATION ITEM – set meetings with Mark                       

MINUTES 7-7-2021
Present: Mark Nardelli, Adam Brown, Megan Anapolle, Erin Kapoor, Jess Schiefer, Jacqueline Freeman

Staffing Update:Mark updated via Newsnotes at the end of the year. We will not know Title One status until July, but the chances are we will not be Title One funded. There is no criteria for which grades get co-taughts, it is up to Mark and the staff/budget availability balanced with students on IEPs. 
Building Update:We should be getting a letter from the City updating us this week and meetings for design should begin in the Fall.Playground equipment has been requested. Mark will look into the proposed flooring since the accessible matts have been getting poor reviews. 
Tech Request:Mark will look into the charging/power strip needs for each classroom and PTO will purchase for the Fall.
Calendar Updates:We discussed what events worked better virtually vs. in person and balancing the two so that everyone was included and able to attend.  We will move FFL to June and will have some events in person and some virtually. See attached for updated calendar. 
Back to School Events:We will bring in breakfast for the Staff on Wednesday, August 28 and host a big Back To School Picnic on the 13th. Jacqueline will book DJ and Megan will ask Cabots for Ice Cream. Elisabeth will look into Food Trucks.  

June 7, 2021

Meeting Minutes

• Approved for previous meeting

Budget Update

• Mystery “chill”: sold $1420 in tickets; net just over $1000
• Goal of $10,000 in dues was hit
• 4C trees: $1500 raised so we are at goal and nothing further required
• Coffee Pond: $681 raised

Mystery “Chill” Night Recap

• First grade families well attended; more hosts because they didn’t need to miss the cocktail party portion
• Starting earlier may capture some older grade families so it doesn’t coincide with sports
• Maybe do more events next year with fewer hosts?

Committee List Update

• List updated and Melissa to distribute to group

Teacher Luncheon

• Happening the day after the last day of school as teachers will be there and DLA teachers can attend; logistics completed

5^th Grade Graduation

• Families completed forms to register and money is being collected now
• 30-minutes per class; no changes to format as previously noted
• NNHS printing yearbook

Gift Cards

• Specialists (monetary gift), Rose (1), crossing guards (5), and bus drivers (3)
• Sarah M is picking up flowers for delivery to crossing guards in AM

Summer Meeting Date

• Jacqueline to email a date closer to start of school
• New board members to email picture to Adam for website or Melissa can bring camera to Friday meeting

Calendar

• Preliminary dates on calendar now for Mark approval

PTO Meeting

May 10, 2021

Minutes approved from previous meeting

Budget

• $2,600 taken in for teacher appreciation and distributed over the course of the week
• Expense column needs to be updated for supplemental update

4C Tree Care

• City will water the new trees so we don’t need to find volunteers
• PTO will monitor to ensure that happens

Food Truck

• May 20th
• Remind Mark and DAD not to park there
• Elisabeth needs someone to be the contact—Sarah M will be there at 4 PM to ensure all going smoothly
• Encourage people to stay and have dinner at the playground

Committee Check

• Call all committee contacts if you are the liaison and confirm contacts
• Send updates to Melissa M for updates to master list

Garden City Soccer

• Didn’t have a fall or spring season
• Need to ask in News Notes for a person to re-start and get it running again
• Otherwise need to make up the $7K difference

5^th Grade Graduation

• About half the families have paid at this point
• NNHS kids could help live stream the event but need ethernet cable

Spirit Wear

• Rose distributing to classrooms
• Go to made-to-order next year v. inventory

Teacher Appreciation Week Recap

• Fed them all week each day
• Positive feedback

Talent Show

• Melissa M to intro Dayanne to Adam as back of the house coordinator
• Use live and screen combo for next year

Facilities Committee

• Feldstein in communication with city and feels HM being pushed down the list
• City would like HM community to hear them out first
• Feldstein would like the PTO to form a more formal committee

News Notes

• Asking for volunteers for FORJ, Talent Show and Garden City Soccer

Board Positions

• No volunteers
• Sarah Porter and Liz Kleinerman now on the board
• Sarah M and Melissa M to leave the board
• 9 members for next fall

PTO Minutes from 4/12/21

Attending: Sarah Mathewson, Adam Brown, Jacqueline Freeman, Elisabeth Zimmer, Erin Kapoor, Megan Anapolle, Jess Schiefer, Sarah Porter

Absent: Jon Mendicina, Melissa Meyerowitz

Called to order at 7:45 p.m.

Minutes from 3/8/21 meeting approved without changes.

Budget reviewed, went over format for next year, percentage of dues paid by family. Generally in good shape for next year

4C tree planting, will pay $1,500. Still hope to raise $500 more to meet that goal. Trying to coordinate with Newton Serves, but in the city’s hands

Newton Serves, set for May 2, 1-4 p.m., all outside work. Volunteers must sign up by Monday April 19. Looking into Gaga ball pit maintenance. Waiting to hear from city.

Graduation, rules have come out. Will talk to Mark.

Safe Routes to School, will promote Bike rodeo in Newsnotes, will ask Mark about Walk to School Day, Fresh Air Fridays and Blue Zone updates

Pool Testing, will send Monday Night reminders and an email explaining the test and how to sign up

Equity Rules, Erin went to meeting, change for next year is CAS related.

CAS, will start planning for in school events for next year

School Supplies, Jacqueline is working with Rose to set up with new company for next year

Talent show, no late submissions, should be great. Adam will finish video over break

Spiritwear, set to sell after April vacation

Teacher Appreciation, Jess is looking into food options

Food Truck will be back in May

Mystery Dinner, may do something outside, but nothing planned yet

Elections, will post in May for two weeks

FFL, asking Mark.

February minutes approved

Budget Update

• 4C trees up to $490
• No new news to report
• Street sign “auctioned” for $800 to DAD; Jon to help with installation

Teacher Appreciation for March

• Coffee cart idea is too expensive
• Maybe give all teachers a plant instead of food this month during the first week students return in person; Elizabeth to investigate and add a note with each.

Chalk the Walk

• Yes have students do that when school returns; awaiting date
• Jacqueline can set up the man

Food Truck Update

• Coming on Friday at 11:15 in front parking lot
• Elizabeth will remind Mark to ask teachers not to park there
• 18 orders as of today
• Will send out one more reminder on Wednesday
• Money goes to 4C tree project

4C Tree Project

• Seems like we have covered the cost of this project (using Newton Serves money)
• Waiting to find out from city if we can organize a Newton Serves project this year (so we get the city’s insurance)
  • If it’s not through the city we would need to get the supplies and tools
• Elizabeth will contact Nora re: signs

Mystery Dinner

• Haven’t heard back as of yet; Sarah asked them again

FFL/Graduation

• Talk about it with Mark in April
• Could graduation happen live now instead?

Swag Bags

• Do we want them? Expensive if yes ($5/bag)
• Jacqueline can order 500 of the HM shopping bags instead (about $1.25 each)

Talent Show Planning

• Adam wants to have a Zoom meeting to prep performers and parents
• Will be on a YouTube channel like Science Night (is blocked from Chrome Books)
• YouTube kids is okay…or could do it as Google Play
• Registration to go out this week

Vaccine Appts

• Asked Mark and Rose to see if teachers wanted help; haven’t heard from them
• PTO will send and email to offer assistance

Family to help fund scholarship to Boys and Girls Club…just FYI

Mark Agenda Items

• Meeting with Mark?
• Retiring Teachers
  • Feldstein
  • Hoover
  • Anyone else?
• Will ask Mark again if there is a need

February 8, 2021

• Minutes approved from previous meeting
• Budget Update
  • $362.90 raised from Minted fundraiser
  • Minted fundraising can go on all year; we can put code in News Notes
  • Stuck on You is another fundraiser Elisabeth can set up (camp stickers)
• PTOC
  • Julia noted that she may no longer be needed as PTOC role not as necessary with meetings via Zoom; able to phase role out this year given nature of meetings during COVID
• Kindness Update
  • Ask Mark if he wants to do it the first week in March instead
    • Valentines for teachers or to put in bags for food pantry
  • Elisabeth gave Ms. Guzzi a list of “kindness” books that she can distribute from office
• Spirit wear and lawn signs
  • Jacqueline has stuff to put online to sell
  • John Paul is having supply issues now
  • Lawn signs are about $600 to buy them for the entire HM 5^th grade class; approved
• Teacher Appreciation
  • Thursday is bagels and coffee
  • Investigating “Dave the espresso guy” that Ainger had; Megan to call
• Science Night update
  • Have until the end of the week
  • No one has uploaded a file as of yet; will send a reminder tomorrow and again on Friday
• Food Truck update
  • Elisabeth waiting to hear from truck people for March date
  • Will promote (maybe at Day and LE as well; NPS parents on Facebook)
• Mystery Dinner
  • Committee is proposing idea of host that cooks “home cooked meal” and then food is packed and delivered to homes; all eat together on Zoom
  • Could do full cocktail hour on Zoom and then move to break out rooms
  • March 20 is potential date; committee needs to reach out to potential hosts to see if they would be up for it
  • PTO would offset cost of packaging materials
  • Maybe just apps or desserts? Maybe pitch take out instead to support local businesses?
  • No babysitters so maybe start later?
• 4C Tree project
  • Raising money to put trees in places in memoriam of those that died of COVID
  • HM has been identified as a spot for 5-10 trees; up to forester to decide
  • Want us to help raise funds to pay for them and work with forester to decide where to put them
  • Also a two-year commitment to water the new trees
  • Helen Jakubowski will work with forester to decide where they go
  • Maybe one tree per class? We can ask community to donate
• Mark agenda items:
  • for next year
    • Pretzels
    • School Kits
    • Book fair
  • Trees, etc.
  • CAS for this year
  • Kindness week
• Sara Porter
  • Has a first grader and a pre-K now
  • Replacing Sarah on PTO this spring; maybe interested in taking on talent show?

January 11, 2021

• Approved minutes from previous meeting
• Two new volunteers for PTO Board
  • Elizabeth Zimmer and Erin Geraghty Kapoor now joining the board
• 2020-21 board confirmations
  • Melissa Meyerowitz: Secretary
  • Jon Mendicina: term has ended
  • Erin Kapoor: Co-treasurer with Megan Anapolle
  • Adam Brown: term has ended
  • Elizabeth Zimmer: Co-president with Jacqueline Freeman
• Budget
  • No major changes
  • Taxes are due on Friday; Jon will file the 990
  • Online bookfair total was $483.89
  • CAS: Women in Jazz gave us a credit for nearly half of the presentation ($459)
  • Will change the bank account names for new board members later in the spring after elections instead of doing it twice because of COVID
• Auction/Fundraising
  • Decided it should not be done; however, some ideas about possibly supporting local businesses in some way
  • Can buy gift cards to local shops to give away at trivia night
  • Could do the street naming again
  • Could do something to fundraise for the emergency fund
  • Could do food trucks or a local business where the PTO gets a %
    • Elizabeth will follow up
• Virtual Talent Show
  • April 30^th
  • Have videos in before spring break and then Adam or his designee can work on the video
• FFL
  • Need to ask Mark for his thoughts and if we can actually do it in the spring
  • Maybe for selected grades
  • Set a date and then go from there
    • Maybe it’s 5/25 and or 5/27 for cohorts and then do an AM and or PM thing?
    • Maybe just a special 5^th grade thing on Wednesdays
    • Joanna happy to try to coordinate something; food will not be involved
• Science Fair
  • Beth said she would help out
  • Could have people video themselves at home do an experiment and then we pull it together into a video
  • Adam would like at least 1.5 weeks to pull videos together; maybe ask all to get videos in before February break and then pull together over break
• Mystery Dinner
  • Maybe encourage them to do something in late March per Sarah
• Teacher Appreciation
  • Put a pin in it for now
  • Trying to do something monthly for teachers; Jess will talk to Rose
• Hawk Hunt
  • Elizabeth has the Hawks to hide
  • Option for DLA students to either come to school and/or make and hide a hawk at home
  • Have ordered rubber HM bracelets to hand out to kids
• Spirit Wear
  • Jacqueline still has spirit wear left
  • Keep it simple this year (gray t-shirts and/or hoodies)
  • Will open the site up after February vacation
• 5^th grade graduation
  • Will be yearbook
  • Jacqueline will meet with Feldstein this week to discuss
  • Jon recommends that PTO buys the t-shirts this year
  • Lawn sign issues; this year the PTO could execute that instead
• Safe Routes to School
  • Need a new person to rep this initiative
  • Monthly dates so not a big lift
  • Jacqueline meeting with Safe Routes this week re: grant for North/Crafts area and will let us know what they are planning
• Website
  • Maybe see if we have some analytics to see if there is any traffic
  • Need to find someone to take over the website
• FORJ
  • Community learning session happening 2/3/21 for 3^rd graders
  • Showing a film called That’s a Family
  • Now trying to edit a film about the Douglas Family
  • All information is TBD now

December 7, 2020

• Elizabeth Zimmer and Julia Gaebler also in attendance
• Previous meeting minutes approved

Budget Review

• $7850 is the current dues collection
• Probably due to teacher breakfast collection
• Garden City Soccer didn’t have the spring season last year or a fall season this year
  • When Jon left GC he had positions for various positions, etc. and HM received stipends
  • The future of GC is uncertain
• Online bookfair sales not yet known
• Minted will send check for $300 so far

Mystery Dinner

• Can wait until the spring
• Elizabeth Z spoke with Liz K/Mike F and came up with some ideas:
  • Could be something on Zoom (trivia in Jan; cocktail mystery in Feb)
  • Could be something live later (maybe rollerblading)
  • Committee can decide

DLA Funds for Teachers

• Jacqueline has contacted all schools that have a HM student in DLA to discuss stipends
• 7 teachers involved and trying to distribute stipends
  • Still need address for Feldstein…MM sent email to Erin Gamboa to request addresses

Cradles to Crayons

• Pushing out for a bit due to COVID and logistics

Luncheon

• K mom donated box cookies for all staff
• Lunch from Bakers Best
• Ordered HM spirt wear for staff
• $1800 came in for donations
• $240 for coffee all year will come out; snacks for teachers’ lounge as well

Wrapping Paper Fundraiser

• Final numbers not in yet; deliveries starting now
• Direct delivery is much easier
• Our profit is $650 (revenue was $1700…sales have gone down over the last couple of years)
• No major changes this year as it is an unusual time

Holiday Gifts

• Jacqueline has called city about crossing guards’ address information for gift card mailing
• Rose and Kathy get Fiorella’s gift cards

Hawk Hunt

• Elizabeth has idea: hide printed hawks around school building that kids can submit where they found them online
• DLA and hybrid could participate; METCO kids remote would be the only potential issue in terms of access (at least 1 remote Boston family)
• Any kid that submits something could be entered into the drawing for something
  • PTO has Indulge gift card for $10
  • Maybe a little swag item for everyone?

Apple Watch Giveaway

• Raffle gift for those that paid their dues
• Jon will buy iWatch…lower-level SE for $270
• 66 people paid before 10/31; raffle pick number is 55…winner will be pulled by Megan and sent to Jacqueline

Added FORJ as a Committee

• Jacqueline and Adam met with FORJ
• Discussed mutual needs
• They decided to become a committee to get more support
• PTO is waiting for them to tell us what needs are

PTOC Meeting

• 12/8 (tomorrow)
• Doesn’t appear the agenda has too much happening
• Next HM PTO meeting is 1/11

Next Mark Meeting

• Jacqueline will check in with Mark to see if he wants to meet with us prior to holidays

PTO Meeting Minutes
November 2, 2020
 Approved 9/22 meeting minutes
 Elisabeth Zimmer auditing PTO meeting
Budget
 Playground checks came through
 Cash dispersed appropriately
o Rose and Mark got $3,000
o Teacher stipends $3,380
 Dues up to $5,950
 Relief fund up to almost $3,000 now
Book Fair
 Book fair expenses was $76; sold $10,618 which was higher than expected
o Online book sales not in yet from portal
 Now have $8,000+ in Scholastic dollars in the bank now
 Two ideas:
o Reaching out to Ms. Guzzi to see if we can buy each student a book
o And/or buy each student a book at year end
 Holding it outdoors was positively received
Building Update
 Nothing new; shade follow-up in the spring
FORJ
 Leaders would like a meeting with PTO to discuss working together (11/16 at 7 PM)
Bylaws for Anti-racism Statement
 Added blurb to PPT but Adam looking for comments on longer version
 PTO board to review and react at next meeting; can comment/edit in the interim
Creative Arts and Sciences
 City will pick 6 presenters, 1 per grade and all students will see same presenter across the board
o HM does not get any input; all will be via Zoom at no discount
o Unclear now where we are at as they want PTOs to pay with zero input
o Presentations could only happen on Wednesdays and start in January
 Our chair (Cedar) has been in contact with the city contact and conveyed our discontent with
the programming
Fundraisers
 $101 so far in Charlestown Wrap

 Minted holiday card…shop to raise…info in News Notes
 Amazon Smile still doing well
Teacher Appreciation
 Doing something each month for the teachers (coffee cakes, etc.)
 Breakfast 12/3
 Boxed meals ok but nothing else including people in building for set-up
 Will ask parents to contribute a monetary donation
o DLA would have to do something separately; maybe take DLA off the distribution list
o Maybe DLA room parents have to ask classes separately

Food & Culture Night
 Video is in and being edited
 Might need to add music to the background
 Starts live and throw to YouTube video
 Adam to have a dry run Wednesday evening
Future PTO Meetings on the Calendar
 December 7, 8 PM
 January 11, 8 PM
 February 8, 8 PM
Elections
 Now would be a good time to bring on new members
 Need to replace both Adam and Jon’s positions (co-president and co-treasurer)
 Need to bring in two new people (all current board members can stay and shuffle but those two
positions both have 2-year limits)
 Going to put notice out in News Notes in January to persuade new parent involvement
Clothing Drive
 Cradles to Crayons does need coats
 Sarah working on getting delivery assistance from them to make it easier

PTO Meeting Minutes

September 22, 2020

PTO Board + Julia Gaebler in attendance

Previous minutes approved

Budget Review

• Will allocate some funds to community building
• Megan to add $800 line item related to playground pack purchases
• Updated budget for the year drafted but lots of unknowns
• Will buy stanchions for HM’s use permanently

Building Update

• Building renovations working well so far
• Megan to contact Stephanie at city regarding playground shades for spring
• Any needs from Mark?

First Day Recap

• Welcome sign was donated and looked great
• Teacher input is that they are overwhelmed but they are having new challenges every day…but seeing the kids was great and a moral boost

Room Parents/DLA Liaison

• What can we do to ensure DLA students still feel connected to HM?
• PTO can mention to Mark to ensure he is aware
• Melissa has let Chris P. know that he can be the DLA liaison; MM checking in with him now
• Somchay getting room parents organized now and DLA included

Food Culture & Night

• Committee has great ideas
• Adam to reply related to PTO website and video production
• Date can be any time that is not the book fair (10/18)…once we have date we can add to website

Book Fair

• Was scheduled for 10/18-20 but cannot have that many people
• Scholastic is letting us move the book fair outside on 10/18
• Then it would run online for two weeks
• Need to create an entrance and exit with a Sign-up Genius for people to shop; no more than one caregiver per family
  • Need to have safety (hand sanitizer, mask check)
  • Books numbered and then volunteers take paper with numbers and run books? Jacqueline meeting with Scholastic to hear their plan
• Need to ask Mark about execution with HM tent on a Sunday…if no then it’s just virtual

PTO Parents Night

• Should have been next week; let’s wait and talk to Mark about mid-October for a date (10/5,8)?
• Dues raffle maybe?
• Need to re-think how we frame out where dues are going

Addition to PTO Mission Statement re: Racism

• Adam has just finished the NNHS one as well as one for his theater program; he is working it now
• Want to have something to show as a slide for PTO parent meeting

August 26, 2020

Back to School

• Heavy restrictions on building access will make any functions difficult
• Focus on students meeting teachers during early days; see how that works before committing to other group events
• Still waiting to hear on cohort groups and need to complete placement
• Working to plan teachers’ first 10 days
• Need to stay in cohorts for recess; need to grid-off field
  • PTO to investigate purchase of field painting machine and paint to create grids
• Possible to consider a back-to-school picnic done in small groups over a week-long period
• Back to School Night will be via Zoom
• Students can play on playground structure with cohorts but hand washing regimen before/after; much is TBD
• Mark to speak with Stephanie Gilman re: playground shade
• Could have balloon man and music on first day(s) of school but want to discourage students from waiting in front of HM at drop-off or getting off bus; must go right into building
  • Week of 9/16 is open on Wed, Thur, Fri for all groups

DLA

• Added layer of complexity
• Number choosing DLA varies by grade
• 5^th grade has 16 so Feldstein will teach full class remote
• 2^nd and 3^rd grade DLAs need outside teacher
• Teachers will be reassigned eventually as appropriate
• 82 students (20% of HM) chose DLA
• Allows for hybrid model with 7-10 students/teacher

Supporting faculty and staff

• Lots of small group work
• Grab and go lunches would be great

News Notes

• Mark would like to hold off for now until he has more info. so first News Notes will be PTO only

Day After Day

• Many unknowns
• Mark asking city if DAD could be enlisted to supply childcare from 12:30 on

Virtual Creative Arts and Sciences

• Anything live would have to be done twice and is cost prohibitive
• Curriculum is already squeezed
• On hold for now

Book Fair

• PTO to ask teachers for recommendations

Rock Garden

• PTO can buy supplies
• Make it a special back-to-school project for students

Kindergarten Playdate

• Cannot execute; looking for new ideas

PTO Meeting

June 17, 2020

5^th Grade Graduation

• Went as well as it could have
• PTO will pay yearbook invoice first and then transfer remaining money collected to Rose
• Signs were added by some parents on the fly, PTO helped with collecting fees
  • Everyone who wanted one seems to have gotten one; PTO offered to collect fees next year as well

Fall School Year

• No update on school for fall

Spirit Wear

• If and when we can get it sounds good to Mark

News Notes

• Ready and waiting for Mark to add resources, video and staff updates
• Will add contact info for HMAC in the fall, once school is open and new families are added
  • In meantime, they cannot have access to our directory or mailing list

Relief Fund

• Raised almost $8,000 and spent more than half
• Mark has another family to add
• Balance will remain in a separate account

CAS-Equity

• Vote to change limit to three events per grade probably happening next week
• We are not thrilled with way presenters are vetted and added to book and feel restricted

Building Update

• All sinks and wall work will be completed over summer
• Mark will check on status of sun shades for playground

PTO Board and Committee Changes

• Adam and Jacqueline are meeting with Mike Fox as potential new Social Committee Chair
• Jacqueline has met with Julia Gaebler and potential new PTOC Liaison Chair
• We will hold elections as soon as feasible next year

HM PTO Meeting

PTO Meeting

May 14, 2020

March minutes approved

Budget Review

• No changes since last meeting
• Deposited all money from PayPal to our account; moved about $30K to savings to accrue interest
• Equity changes per the School Committee will probably be approved at next meeting in May
  • $80/student cap didn’t really impact HM but some smaller schools had trouble with it due to CAS presenters and lower enrollment
  • Now CAS will be separate; cap will be $40/student…unlimited CAS spending but limited to 3 experiences per grade, per year
    • Negatively impacts HM because we got more for our money previously (previously HM had 6-7 experiences per grade per year).
    • Can only bring in 1 speaker for all grades once every 5 years (to keep a school from securing a single, high-dollar speaker for example)
    • New plan will be re-evaluated in 2 years
    • HM will start CAS bookings once final plan is voted upon

HM Family in Need

• At least one HM family identified in need of assistance; staff have already intervened as appropriate
• PTO as a board could ask people to voluntarily donate money through Membership Toolkit to be given to families in need…Mark and staff to be responsible for vetting and distributing
  • Be specific about how funds will be utilized
  • Ensure it is voluntary
  • Be clear in email that if it is not used for immediate COVID relief if could be used for other purposes
  • Set it up as a more generic assistance fund so it can be carried over and administered by future boards
  • Mark would prefer to buy grocery store gift cards and/or pay a bill directly vs. giving cash

Staff Appreciation

• Had to cancel Ms. Rosen’s parade (mostly a 3^rd grade plan) due to privacy and equity issues
• Teachers did love the video

Graduation

• In good shape; donation details going out to 5^th grade families only

Talent Show

• Mark is uploading a couple more video snippets now
• Put Mark’s bike tricks before Pearl’s bike tricks
• Adam’s guy is ready to go; Mark will let us know when the videos are uploaded and MM will finalize files and then send to Adam for compilation
• Probably will distribute via YouTube and Google link…want to show it live as a scheduled event still

Building Update

• Last meeting canceled to see sink and wall move designs…plans were not done
• RDA and Art have not yet confirmed a meeting for tomorrow
• Mark believes the sinks will go in no matter what as well as Bonzey’s room changes
• Wall moves will be based on budget and contractor availability
• Budgetary issues are looming…preschool and Lincoln Elliot are now canceled; Oak Hill is TBD

Fall Distance Learning

• Fleishman said he was quite certain there would be distance learning in the fall
• Newton needs to prepare for all scenarios; right now we’re at the mercy of the state’s decisions and announcements
• Can’t focus on fall until school ends this year
• Teachers also need trauma training
• Should end up with a closing of the year opportunity for families with teacher; no formal program report

End-of-Year Building Access

• Plan should come out Monday
• Kathy already has lockers bagged up

Board Elections

• Jacqueline to amend bylaws to skip elections this year
• Right now we don’t know the role of the PTO yet as we aren’t sure about school at all next year

New Parent Night

• Not scheduled yet; Mark waiting to have meeting until he has enough information to share, otherwise it will be pushed a bit

Committee List

• Do need everyone to check committee listing and see if people are still viable for next year

PTO Meeting

April 30, 2020

Building Access

• Pick-up likely to occur in two phases:
  • May: teachers can pack-up lockers, bag items and families will pick-up on some staggered schedule
  • June: teachers go in and pack up materials and close up classrooms
• Questionable if parents can assist as only two people are allowed in a room simultaneously due to social distancing…Mark will check

5^th Grade Graduation

• Ceremony for each classroom will take place via Zoom
• Modified version of past graduations including:
  • Slide show
  • Speeches
  • Video msg clips
  • Songs
  • Goody bags for each child with t-shirt, etc.
• Mark will announce official plans once they take more shape
• Mark will find out about costs as well and PTO will write check (usually $350)
• Yearbook printing still to take place at NNHS

Talent Show

• Mark going to review video files and record segments
• Adam working on production and how best to show to community…determine if “live” event is possible
  • Worst case is YouTube link distributed
• MM to send list of participants to Jacqueline and she will pull addresses for goody bag distribution
• Shooting to have event third week in May
• PTO will buy gift card for Adam’s student assistant as thank you for helping

School Supplies

• >50 people have purchased at this time

Teacher Appreciation

• Monetary gifts not needed
• Picture submissions for video recommended

Student Grading/Evaluation

• Teachers don’t have information/data to complete grading of any kind
• Potential for some type of “conference” for families…looking into viability of that at scale

Building Update

• All long-term designs/plans on hold (includes preschool construction, Lincoln Elliot, etc.)
• Building is empty so other committed work (walls, sinks) will still happen

March 9, 2020

Previous minutes approved

Budget

• Owe $320 to IRS
• Rose expenditures—Megan and Jacqueline to meet with Rose and Mark and discuss equity guidelines again
  • Purchasing clarification
  • How can PTO assist with funding gap?

Auction

• If NNHS is open we can play through; Adam to follow up
• Communications to HM community
  • If on: Send an email that says we are having it and recognize feelings and precautions…have Mark send?
  • Getting more data from vendors, Amy, Marks, DJ, etc.
• Greg from DAD to donate SPACE camp gift card

Building Update

• Meeting tomorrow is cancelled
• Mark has had good meetings with the architects

Board PTO

• Jacqueline meeting with Wendy Vietor later this week
• Mike Fox was spoken to Mark; no word back per Jacqueline’s email
• Cathy Amos?
• Phil Golando?

Spirit wear

• On pause; will go out before April vaca so it’s in for Fitness 4 Life

Newton Serves

• Rock garden needs to be set up
• Gaga ball pit needs stone; PTO will buy and Ashley Dewing will pick up from Home Depot

Talent Show

• Ms. Guzzi for finale? Jacqueline will ask
• Adam will have equipment for 4/2 at HM

Liaison Check-in

• MM to update list

Mark Agenda

• Building
• Covid-19
• Newton Serves
• Auction and communication

PTO Meeting Minutes

February 6, 2020
Minutes from 1/6/20 approved Budget Update

• 􏰀  Taxes filed for Sept 1, 2018 through August 31, 2019; always filed on 1/15
• 􏰀  School pictures came in similarly to last year ($1,158) Mystery Dinner

􏰀 Date change? Still a great turnout this year so it could be fine where it is. o Sarah to ask committee if they want to change the date

• 􏰀  Was a recommendation to start a little bit earlier but that will be tight
• 􏰀  Nametags were good addition Building Update

• 􏰀  Movers come Saturday to move classrooms into the modular
• 􏰀  Issue with student access (cards, pin pads, etc.) to be rectified
• 􏰀  Playground shades are being looked at (like Gath); PTO should pay for annual take up and down

o Checking with other PTOs to see if they are paying too

• 􏰀  Melissa spoke with David Koses of Newton traffic and directed him to Mark to discuss parking
• 􏰀  Architecture firm presentation was great and contract going for mayor approval Science Night

• 􏰀  Kari’s last year doing it; turning over to Beth Cronin for next year
• 􏰀  MM will ask Beth to see if there is someone else to assist her Auction Update

• 􏰀  $7000 in donations so far; $1600 in sponsorships so far
• 􏰀  Things moving along
• 􏰀  Offer a cash donation option vs. buying
• 􏰀  Say a set goal and tell people what it is and communicate pre, during and post
• 􏰀  More visual displays Screenagers Update

• 􏰀  Promotion happening now and should be happening at other schools too
• 􏰀  Adam has DVD
• 􏰀  We do not have insight into attendance
• 􏰀  Adam will restrict seating to the front and open up back of the house as needed Food Drive Update

• 􏰀  Really engaged the 3rd graders this year in bag prep
• 􏰀  Kelly Cummings is going to take over the Food Drive and Clothing Drive going forward

• 􏰀  Wanted 4th graders to come count and tally the donations for reporting
• 􏰀  Sarah may need more cars for delivery…TBD Talent Show Update

• 􏰀  Preview date is 4/2; verified with Tynes, Erba and Lotz
• 􏰀  Probably no video; maybe still shots—Sarah asking Brooks if he can take still shots
• 􏰀  Melissa going to send Jacqueline a blurb for NewsNotes post-Feb break Committee Check-in

• 􏰀  Bulk of work is done for this year so now is a good time to check in
• 􏰀  Need someone to do social committee still
• 􏰀  Greta leaving so Liz Mendicina will take over mixed bag/gift wrap fundraiser
• 􏰀  PTO board: If committee person is moving on, ask them to find replacement
• 􏰀  K playdate will be run by Cara Salmon and Erin Kapoor
• 􏰀  Erin Gamboa will do school pictures
• 􏰀  Greta is looking for someone to take over pretzels
• 􏰀  Staff Appreciation is Sarah Pollock and Lena Zuckerwise
• 􏰀  Staff Appreciation week is still Jessica but she will find someone to hand off to Board Update

• 􏰀  An odd number is best
• 􏰀  Need to bolster the board now so we can prep for transitions
• 􏰀  Need a new co-president and new co-treasurer for next year (Jon and Adam must change positions)
• 􏰀  Jacqueline to talk with Wendy Vietor directly Garden City Soccer

• 􏰀  Kristy to find a HM family to be involved
• 􏰀  HM has not collected fall check as of yet

PTO Meeting

January 6, 2020

Budget Update

• DJ, bartender, Roxy’s, etc. deposits are paid
• School pictures raised $1200 this year
• Wrapping fundraiser raised $2000
• Confirmed we are not overpaying for web hosting
• Dues is at $12,186 now

Building Oversight Meeting Update

• Talk about bumpers around the modulars because the corners are sharp
  • Some concern about the plows
  • Planters by the corners may be an option in the spring
• Tiles are making progress
• Meeting on Thursday at City Hall to decide designer selection

Auction Update

• Solicitation letters going out soon
• Adam to look for disco ball at NNHS

Spirit Wear

• Jacqueline to transfer spirit wear to another resource (asking Wendy V)

Science Night

• MM to ask Kristine if she will donate to the auction this year
• MM forwarded Kari’s email to Jacqueline (Mark request email)
• Need to speak to Mark about location in the building

Mystery Dinner

• Need hosts (let email sit for a couple of days see what happens)
• Maybe email past hosts?
• Maybe pick a different date next year?
• Invite maybe lost in the shuffle…maybe a graphic? MM will mention all to Cathy A.

Screenagers (2/11)

• Funding from PTOC
• HM will need to pay for some and submit receipts for others
• Pierce, Franklin, Lincoln Elliot and HM will all jointly host
• PTOC gives all schools $25 each
• Mark will moderate
• Adam will take care of AV
• Jacqueline will do printing
• Decided not to worry about registering/signing up as NNHS seats 600

Food Drive

• Scheduled 2/3-2/7
• 2/11 will be delivery day
• Kids will be engaged in prep and sorting process
• Sarah to put something in next NewsNotes
• K-2 will help staple the bags
• Older kids will help sort boxes

Calendar

• NNHS 2/28 is open for basketball night if we wanted it; decided to keep it at HM instead

Talent Show

• Adam’s videographer doesn’t charge for his time only the DVD himself (Adam will talk to Steve)
• TV studio will be cheaper…put on thumb drive instead?

Website

• Elisabeth Zimmer is working on the website now

Mark Agenda

• Albermarle Acres
• Science Night location in the building
• Book Fair money
• Food Drive dates all set?

PTO Meeting MinutesPTO Meeting Minutes

December 20, 2019

Lost and Found

• Pull out HM gear that cannot be donated to wash to keep at school

Science Night

• Ribbons need to be purchased…maybe it was Kari?
• MM to ask Kari if she can purchase

Screenagers

• Permit is in for 2/11 at NNHS for a 7 PM start and should end by 9 PM
  • Doors can open by 6:30
• PTOC is TBD re: payment right now…some issues with “sponsorship”
• Adam wants to get DVD the day before to test it out

Student Drop-off

• City has had people out back blocking the parking lot during drop off which is working
• When the weather is poor people don’t obey the rules
• Mark can update the policies and send out before school begins in January
• Sign out back that says Staff Parking Only-Do Not Enter During School Hours
  • Adam could have them made at NNHS; Mark will get him the language
• Mark to see if we have a sandwich board made up too
• Linwood intersection is also problematic and being analyzed now by the city

Scholastic Bucks

• Mark had some teachers review and nothing popped but giving it to Mike F and Lisa M to look and see if they want anything for the modulars
• Mark still needs to look at the subscriptions; need to have Helen the new librarian take a look

Food Drive

• February 3-7 with delivery on 2/11; drop off coincides with early release
• Can accommodate 10-12 kids to do delivery; grades 4-5
• Sarah can open it up to first come, first served
• Need about 5 parents with cars for delivery
• Need to determine food storage; Mark to determine
• Can sort and box in the cafeteria
• Some PTO funds to purchase bags and boxes if needed (have some left over)
• Sarah has met with Kelly Cummings of Service Stars and she has some ideas of ways we can engage the kids more (i.e., grab the younger kids one day to make flyers; sort and box, etc.)

Building Updates

• Ceiling tiles will be completed tonight on second floor
• Huge impact to all rooms and makes a significant difference
• City will be here 4 days over break to do 1^st floor but will finish after school if needed
• Design team still needs to come for certain rooms (e.g., music room)
• Interviewing companies now for renovation designers…scope of work is anything that we might need and they contract out to do the actual work
• Alex Zimmer and Mike (?) will be sitting in on the decisionmaker team as they have experience in the industry
• Move into the modulars over February break
• Lisa Moore’s room will have a wall down…will move Hoover into that room and that will become a break-out space for literacy and reading groups
• Tentatively talking about an addition of 3-6 classrooms; 2-story structure
• Playground committee met with Stephanie yesterday; propose to leave current playground as is and add a second structure over by the gaga pit with something for older kids in the shaded area
  • Goal is to get it done this summer
  • Shade for the little playground is also on the table

Cell Phone Booster

• IT told Mark that they need to be installed both inside and outside the building and don’t know if it will cause interference with the wireless network
• IT will need to be involved and they would need their network people involved
• They are currently rewiring HM modulars so we can’t take them off that task now
• Revisit in the summer

November 26, 2019

• School Kits
  • Mark to follow up with principal group to see what people plan to do; we have already lost our discount at this point but unclear if we should use them or not
  • Do we need a school supply fund drive? We could do it.
  • To purchase all of the kits is $12K…too much for us to purchase; city can get a better deal using their volume discount…but not currently a city budget line item
• Principal Discretionary Fund
  • We have two line items today (one for Mark and one for teachers)…need to know which ones have funds today
  • We have replenished the principal fund and the teacher stipends…so that is the funding for the year complete (principal fund usually spent on food for events, METCo conference fee, book purchases for professional development, program-specific supplies like software or equipment, etc.)—not used for curriculum-related materials
  • Can fold the two accounts together if we choose; Mark and Rose just need to be sure they have enough funds between the two accounts to cover expenses
• Book Fair
  • We have scholastic dollars in the account now…about $8K
  • Mark will take a first look at the products (e.g., online science subscriptions, Bluetooth speakers, furniture, rugs, etc.); Jacqueline will email to Mark to review
  • We will keep some to fund scholarships next year
  • Fair dates next year would change to October 18-20, 2020 and they would deliver the books on 10/16 and then need permit to get into gym on Sunday to clean up…only adding a half-day permit
• Student Evacuation Drill
  • Mark coordinating with Zoe to schedule the lockdown and shelter in place
  • Dates would be either 12/10 or 12/13
• Traffic Update
  • Parking lot is dangerous in the AM; no sidewalk area
  • Megan spoke to Liam and he indicated that it was not wide enough for traffic posts or anything that could obstruct emergency vehicles
  • Linwood and Broadway is dangerous today…kids are just running across the street and because of parked cars it needs to be fixed
  • Modulars will be out back which will impact everything; 1 by library and 1 by cafeteria door…dumpsters would have to move over by the fence
  • Without a person or cones it won’t keep parents from pulling into the parking lot during drop off
    • Also, what to do about the illegal parking in the lot?
    • The current 2-hour limit outside makes it more difficult even though there are no cars there…would have to go to traffic council to fight that
  • Could install a fence by the grassy strip by the bus loop to deter people from dropping off; Mark having a sign made for bus loop access
  • Mark sending parking email update
  • Also issue with dog waste…PTO to purchase clean up after your dog signs and buy pet stations
    • Sarah M. has a contact
  • Could also have go slow kids signs
• Patti Karam Retirement
  • Jacqueline will ask Rose about how much money they have today
  • We could do a gift to the library (bench, etc.) or something more permanent
  • Maybe Karam’s Corner for a spot where kids can go relax
• Cell Phone Booster
  • IT and Buildings determining now
  • IT says it needs to be installed both outside and inside and need to know if there would be interference with outside equipment
  • Needs to be scouted out to determine whether or not it is practical (Jon M. will take that on)
    • Location?
    • Vendors?
• Building Committees
  • Mark would like 1 person from PTO to be on oversight committee
    • Purpose is to take information from all other working groups and then that group is charged with keeping the pressure on the city, coordinating communications, not spreading misinformation, etc.
      • Playground (Cedar, Jenna, Wendy and Christina) group meets for first time after Thanksgiving
      • Modular (just teachers)
      • Oversight (Chris, Mike H and Julia, 5-6 teachers, and we need 1 person from PTO)…can we get other parents in the group with younger kids? Alison Mirman (4^th and 5^th) would be a good addition, Carla/Steve (1^st and 3^rd) may work too; meeting will probably be 2:30 on Tuesdays about once per month (Megan A could do it…MM will be back-up to MA)
      • Committees should have notes taken, protocols, norms, etc.
• Screenagers
  • We could do it again but would need to be in conjunction with other schools
  • Cost about $500 so would need to look into the spring with other PTOs
  • Maybe a Title I night?
• Mystery Dinner
  • Instead of giving wine they are giving AMEX gift cards to hosts
  • Will cover app party costs
  • Adding a dinner that is vegan/vegetarian and one for no +1’s
  • Using a hashtag to promo on Instagram
• Square
  • Pricing changed and Jon M. recommends we drop it now because he thinks they removed the “pause” option
  • Should be able to use Venmo for auction this time instead (Jon to investigate)

October 7, 2019

Approval of 9/16/19 minutes; approved

• Use of Membership email system for outside groups
  • Ask Somchay to send email to her directly for any such requests and she can approve; additionally, we must remind they should not abuse the email system
• PTO role in organizers of the rally for HM to get what is needed
  • PTO has to remain non-sectarian, non-political, etc. Our mission is to advocate for HM at the district level when necessary (which we have done); bylaws are posted
  • Jon can draft a position blurb and send to Sarah for review and edit; key points:
    • We are also parents
    • We have been working for over a year with Mark and HM staff regarding the challenges with teachers (packing, supplies, support, etc.)
    • We have been helping out with the following…
    • And here is how we work together going forward…
    • We have and will continue to meet with Mark, teachers, school committee and new parent advocacy groups (here’s how to opt in…here are links to the school committee meeting schedule, write letters, other options, etc.)
    • October 28 meeting happening and please attend
• CAS
  • Stacy Moriarty runs CAS for city and she approves all bookings
  • We have an issue with the marionette booking she wants us to book
    • We need autonomy with our CAS booking
• Budget
  • Current cost is $22K…trying to get down to $21K
  • Mark discretionary fund is $3K
  • Looking to make $2K on wrap fundraiser
  • Dues are close to $10K we think…usually we get to about $13K annually
• Website
  • Adam is updating
  • Need pictures of HM kids (got releases per Mark’s approval)
  • Adam would like pictures on site at HM
  • PTO email is incorrect
  • Elizabeth Zimmer can assist with website and willing to learn WordPress to update the site (can we put FB page on website?)
  • Danielle Callanan may also be a resource
• Fundraiser
  • $1600 as of right now
• Food and Culture Night
  • Positive night overall
  • Receipts given to Megan for reimbursement
  • Remind the to check PTO closet and do printing through NNHS
• Building Issues
  • Cafeteria smell
  • PA system not working?
  • HM did not go through safety training as of yet…how come?
  • Cutting holes in the fence…still not done?
  • Jacqueline asked Helen and Ashley to purchase bulbs through Newton Serves to plant a garden
• Cell phone booster for HM building?
  • MM to investigate how they work and costs
• Book Fair
  • All for Books: Sarah recommends supporting Cradles to Crayons
    • Sarah to write a blurb so we can buy new books off the fair and donate them to C to C (books ages 8-12)
  • Adam to bring pole with base; stanchions; 

PTO Meeting Minutes August 6th 2018 to September 16, 2019

PTO Meeting Minutes August 6th 2018 to September 16, 2019

September 16, 2019

Budget

Kristy gave us GCS check for ~$2,100 for fall

Can promo GCS next season…Jacqueline needs a reminder in November

Money for Teachers

$3,000 deposited into Mark account

Typical year is $3,000 in Mark/Rose account and teachers are $4,500—always in our budget

All money should be used for purchases that are not supplemental to city budgets/purchases

Volunteer help for website

Jacqueline to advertise for someone that knows WordPress 5.2.3

Mayor and Building/Playground Update

Jacqueline met and toured HM with Mark and 3 School Committee members

Then Mayor, Liam, Josh Morse, Stephanie, etc. came for the tour

Steering committee to be formed

addressing the fence ASAP

acoustic panels to be ordered ASAP

Curriculum Night PPT

Mark will cover building update

Open House

Bookmarks should be ready and Adam will pick up

MM to find raffle item for donation for paying dues

Back to School Night

Jacqueline has signage

Cedar will present CAS

Charlestown Wrap Fundraiser

Changing to this vendor

Food and Culture Night

10/4

Basketball Night

9/27–Permit pulled

Jon getting Gatorade and basketballs

Volunteers

Delcamp to help with flexible seating?

Vietor family wants to help with school as a sponsorship; Wendy would also like to help possibly on the board or with Mark on the playground?

Permits for Jacqueline to pull

AuctionTalent Show

PTO Meeting 6/3/19

Meeting minutes approved from 5/7/19 meeting

Budget

• FFL is looking good
• Equity cap requirements have a new format that we need to adhere to 
  • Keep CAS at $20K
• Agenda item for Mark: is the city going to buy school supplies in year 2020-21?

Calendar

• End of year picnic is 6/17…weather permitting
  • 5:30-7:30
  • DJ is booked
• Basketball is done…next year maybe we add other event types
• 6/18 is a grab-and-go lunch for teachers
• Draft calendar to Rose this week

Website Update

• Dave is working on it now; Keith’s work is complete but we need to change passwords, etc.
• Still waiting for transfer of information

Committees

• Will do social committee events on the fly next year

Carr Update

• Sarah moving things out on Friday for C2C
• Some teachers may need more boxes but on hold now

Fundraisers

• Food truck idea

Gift Cards

• Jacqueline got the gift cards for all staff and crossing guards

MSA Switch

• MySchoolAnywhere has been acquired and moving to new platform
• Jacqueline has started watching video for new features
• Guaranteed a 2-year contact at our current price

Survey Results

• Outstanding survey results
• Road race an option

Board Elections and Committees

• No volunteers for board seats
• Melissa Meyerowitz voted in again as PTO secretary for 2019-20
• Jacqueline Freeman voted in again as PTO president for 2019-20
• Megan Annapolle voted in again as PTO treasurer for 2019-20 
• FFL and UOD requests for committee members
  • Kristen Daley for UOD grades 4-5

Street Sign

• Sign from auction at Carr…Liz Klienerman
• MM to ask LK what she would like to name it

Incoming K Letter

• Welcome letter to incoming K from PTO…with information re: NewsNotes, etc.

PTO Meeting Minutes

May 7, 2019

Minutes from last meeting approved

Budget

• Megan and Jon are going to reformat the budget to make it more user-friendly first in Excel and then Google Docs
• CAS has spent $17K and we have a budget of $21.5K
  • Do have checks outstanding now and Megan needs to true up the budget line item
  • Ruby Bridges has been partially paid
• Auction numbers in the budget are not accurate right now so the budget needs to be adjusted and that line item will be fixed
• Equity cap could impact future CAS speakers if they are in higher range
  • May change the way CAS speakers bill schools so it can be fair for all (Stacy Moriarty is the city’s designate to figure that out)
• Teacher discretionary fund: Megan gave Rose $1500 earlier this year to cover Mark’s fund
• Newton Serves didn’t ask for any money for donuts or mulch; will see if Ashley has receipts

2019 Calendar

• Consider pulling basketball off for the year (injuries and scheduling issues)
• Jacqueline not pulling permit but Jon may find another activity to replace it
• FFL
• Luncheon
• Graduation
• Year-end picnic (6/18)

Talent Show Recap

• Went well; $2100 was the net revenue
• Did reimburse the teachers that paid at the door
• Melissa has some tweaks for next year

Carr Move Update

• Packing days; Mark hasn’t asked for more days but we need to see if the teachers want help
• We need to put the boxes some place else if they are not needed
• Cradles to Crayons wants us to move the stuff piece by piece but Sarah will manage the moving of the boxes from HM to C2C through Avalon’s philanthropic group
• More than Words and thrift stores will take VHS tapes if teachers want to donate them

Website Update

• MM will get credentials from Adam to start editing the website if possible

METCO Donation

• They request a donation to their scholarship fund
• We ask Mark if he wants anyone to go and buy a table; if no, we just make a donation
• Jon is proposing that we could make a larger donation of $500 (vs. $250) since we do have excess cash right now…we will ask Mark

Graduation

• PTO board is unsure of our role and responsibilities
• Adam needs to update the calendar on the website and link it to Mark’s calendar so it is up to date
• Committees handle everything from flowers to volunteers
• Jon tried to talk to Rose and Mike Feldstein about budget but is awaiting information…should bring it up to Mark on Friday
• Need to ask Mark about no longer tying the graduation to the last day of school
• Mark does not want it outside because the custodian does not want that
• Jon would like to ask Mark again

Luncheon

• Jess is managing the Teacher Appreciation food for the entire week (solid donations coming in)
• Not doing a full luncheon as the gym will be taken
• We can get food for the teachers even if it’s take-away…need a date from Mark

FFL

• Using water bottles again this year and we need to get the bottles earlier from Joanna Mantell
• All bottles need to be washed first
• Gaga ball pit is rented
• Truck is secured

Gaga Pit

• Landscaper, carpenter and city are meeting tomorrow
• Foundation is being donated by local landscaping company
• Jon can take a picture of them putting the foundation down and we can do some kind of announcement and thanks
• Permit is not an issue
• Suspect that the gaga pit may be donated by Christa Delcamp

Spirit Wear

• John Paul got the order for 105 items and we’re all set
• We usually lose money on Spirit Wear but it is still very low cost
• Still need to pay $1500 to John Paul

End of Year Picnic

• Scheduled for 6/17 at 5:30 PM

Board Elections

• Truly don’t need any additional board members, but we do need more committee members
• Bylaws say we have to have elections but typically no one is running

Committee Check-in

• PTO board members must check in with all of the committee members and check back for next meeting
• 4^th and 5^th grade Understanding our Differences and FFL are what we need people for…those are the priority
• We also could use 2^nd and 3^rd grade parents for UOD so they can grow with the program

2019-20 Calendar

• Need to submit the calendar with dates to Mark
• MM to update the current calendar files with 2019-2020 dates and get to Jacqueline for Mark’s review
• Sending a survey out re: PTO events and will see what the responses look like
• Can send survey feedback to Jacqueline if we have any
• Bingo in May is better…Friday before Teacher Appreciation Week works best…MM to move on the calendar
• Could swap the C2C events and the Food Drive so the kids are exposed to the needs a bit more…MM will swap the two events on the calendar after Sarah M. sends the dates over
• Need to get Talent Show and Auction dates from Adam…have discussed doing the auction and the Mystery Dinner…decided to leave it where it is; Jess would prefer the 3/21 date
• Move Spirit Wear to after the Book Fair…move to after the last week of October
• Mark will provide the ed night dates

Fundraising Changes

• Mixed bags, coffee cakes, etc.; should we continue doing it all?
  • Mixed bags still works for a minimal lift
• Could do door prizes at the Talent Show
• Book Fair was the same
• Auction was the same

PTO Meeting Minutes

 April 1, 2019

 Minutes approved

Budget Update

• Spent $221 for Open House
• Staff Appreciation Breakfast and bagels for Valentine’s break we over spent by $475 but that was planned
• Coffee paid for through April and Jacqueline to turn off…can discuss keeping it on or going to new place in September, etc.
• CAS speakers are now being paid so we’re drawing down there
• Distress fund still in place but hasn’t been used as of yet

Event Calendar

• Basketball is 4/12…potentially a June 7^th date at Carr? Jacqueline can switch permit from HM
• Bingo is on May 3^rd and will start after 6:00 (6-7:30 permit)
  • Bingo is technically our last meeting

Talent Show

• So many kids…how can we make up time?
  • Let’s keep Mark’s pieces shorter
  • Scrap the video
  • Keep the flow of the show going and transitions fast and smooth
• Do a bake sale…money will go to the PTO…invite will go to the entire HM community
• Adam will talk to his guy about video
• Shoot for 200 people…Jacqueline will get veggie sticks, pretzels and waters at BJs
• Adam thinking of switching out piano to upright…we can decide later
• Video could be uploaded to YouTube or distribute thumb drives with video…unsure of payment and distribution right now

Auction Recap

• Auction comparison sheet from Jessica showed 2017/2018/2019 results; 2019 raised $15,317 to meet $15K goal
• Online auction had the same items this year as previous online and silent combined so it should have been up; however, it seems to be just the economic feeling now
• Although it is a ton of work, the event piece is actually an important component to retain
• Hotels in the past have not been worthwhile/cost effective
• Is the amount of work worth the result?
  • Used to have the online auction coinciding with the live event but it was too labor intensive
  • If we can get the WIFI up at NNHS and do “commercial breaks”? Some feel that people would not be open to that
  • A walk-around raffle is also too much as we already charge at the door
  • Many attendees feel that just showing up is already enough support
• Jessica was saying we could do the event first and then the online auction
  • Used the system to get the information out there in advance but no one reads the email
  • We have had a lot of different formats in the past…the online format works
  • May be smarter to let it ride for a year so we can see if the format works and let people know what they’re getting into
  • We had 30 less items this year at the auction which also contributed to the lower dollar amount
• Need to send out a survey regarding fundraising in general…Jacqueline to send
• Adam noting that NNHS is already sorting out the calendar now

Carr Move Update

• Open house was good
  • It was apparent that the walls need paint
• Three of us signed up to help 4/2 with first teacher packing Tuesday
• Jacqueline to email MM the information and she will bring to HM in the afternoon (boxes and tape will be in the lobby)
• Principal’s office at Carr is concrete and old; has been an afterthought so far
  • Jon wants to be sure the PTO gets him appropriate furniture
• Ms. Rose’s classroom will have a handmade parquet floor that they want to retain but it needs work

Website Update

• Jon sent a demanding email to Keith
• Adam had a call with Keith on Friday and he finally will hand over all the controls and codes to Adam this Friday so we can move the URL, etc.
• Keith will now get out of the loop, and Adam then needs to get Keith’s code info over to Dave
• We already have our own hosting and our own URLs, etc. so we won’t be dependent on anyone going forward

Spirit wear

• Sales stop Friday
• Everything will be blue HM colors despite some teacher requests for red

Election Overview

• What calendar items do we keep?
• What fundraising do we keep?
• What do we like doing…what works and what doesn’t?
• Need to bring up committee positions open at the bingo event
• The bingo night acts as our last community meeting where we circulate what we’ve done
• According to our bylaws you can stay on the board as long as you like, but you need to change positions for some of the roles
• 9 is the biggest we could be
• We need to let everyone in the community know what positions are available
  • Understanding Our Differences has a new committee member (Jose) and have him be the point person for all grades
  • GCS is still open
  • Greta Ryan is in the last year of pretzels and wrapping paper

Fundraising Thoughts

• Pretzels: we make money and it’s a community builder
• Mixed Bags: does well
• We can do a survey to ask about fundraising
• Should dues stay the same? Yes, keep at $50.
• Should we bring back the road race? Let’s ask in survey.
  • Could we have a block party on Nevada St right after?
  • Cabot’s maybe sponsoring food?
  • Get Movin does facilitate road races
• Move coffee cakes to the spring maybe? Keep it on the holidays? Make $560 net annually and it’s a small lift
• Social Committee ran the events and the trivia night was not well attended while the Paint Bar had about a dozen people
  • Maybe we can do a social activity between fall and winter sports or between winter and spring sports?
• Maybe less basketball and do a softball night instead…maybe a PTO softball league
  • Jon could email the PTO presidents and ask about this concept
• Let’s start a new tradition for having graduation outside at Carr
  • Let’s talk to Feldstein about moving the graduation outside this year
  • Adam has the sound system and piano
  • Would need a tent

Next Meeting with Mark

• Megan and MM will be late; Sarah will not be there
• Let’s talk to Mark about graduation outside
• Date for a picnic/event so teachers can pack?
• Carr move/packing help

March 2019

PTO Meeting Minutes

• 2/5/19 minutes approved

Budget

• $1500 check written to Rose per her request (her account was down to about $2k
• Rose sometimes needs to front money for some events, field trips, etc. so she needs a cushion; Jon is recommending that if she asks to replenish again, we should ask Rose for some further detail on the expenditure
• Pizza twice was $1400 (just FYI)
• Mark paid for mascot to come to school for Dr. Seuss Day

Auction Planning Update

• Square app is still working on Megan’s phone so we think it’s still up and running
  • Jon recommends having one iPad that we keep at the desk to swipe cards on
• Adam would like to know what PTO needs from him at NNHS
  • There have been issues this year with permits through the district office so Adam met with senior custodian to go through the calendar…he didn’t have the auction down with the permit on his calendar, but it was in the computer but it didn’t get kicked to him (talent show is confirmed in there too)
  • PTO needs pipe and drape again, coat racks; Jessica would like to go look around the theater space and see what props they may be able to use that night
  • Jacqueline did say how many tables and chairs we need specifically…we don’t need much so she would rather have most of the stuff put away for the night (last year we had an issue with chairs night of)
  • Issues with the lights…last year it was too dark but we couldn’t change the lights due to the timer they were on
  • Jon can help with set up and break down on the day of the auction but cannot attend the event
  • Jessica said we have about $23K in donations so far (last year we had $26K)
    • We have some new parents involved this year so we can transition
    • Have sold 57 tickets online so far in the flash sale (last year we sold 80 at this point)
  • Having issue finding teachers to run the casino games…heard that they liked it in the past, but no one volunteering now
    • Maybe have a sign-up sheet in the teachers’ lounge?
  • Unsure how chips will work just yet; maybe you get some chips when you arrive and can buy up to get more
  • There needs to be some “prize” like a trophy for a winner…person with most chips wins the trophy
    • Casino company will send us the pit boss but won’t send any dealers; if we give away chips maybe it will make a difference?
  • Online auction goes live on Sunday; do the street naming live and maybe Patriot’s game? BC sent an “event” package but you don’t know what the event is
  • Adam will do workshop again…should do it online although the past winner didn’t fulfill it

Talent Show Update

• MM to send registration link on Friday of this week for Jacqueline to distribute
• Reg link will go out twice before auction and then we won’t send more to dilute auction communications
• Sarah to assist in “holding room” video
• Can do a movie screen if we want teachers to make videos (one in beginning and one at end)
• Adam will attend preview day
• MM to ensure we cap acts at 30 because of time; look to eliminate repeaters
• MM to set up email for Jacqueline to send out ability to buy tickets electronically…will go out the same Friday of this week

Carr Move

• Saturday, March 30^th from 9-12 is Carr Open House at Nevada St.; whole family gets to do a walk around
• Transportation Meeting is at 6:30 PM on April 4^th at HM

Equity Committee Meeting

• March 20^th meeting sponsored by PTO; waiting on some language from the committee so we can send the same messaging but no word back as of yet
• Meeting is at HM; will have school committee member and two equity committee members will attend
• Will post the PPT to the website after the fact

Dan Zane Concert

• Concert can’t take place because he’s out of the country
• He could come in May but it’s too busy then to have a concert at HM in the middle of the week
• We would like to do something since we didn’t do the picnic but we are losing time; unsure what to do and when
• Could do the picnic still and just do the free ice cream that we still have and get the DJ
  • Mark to pick a date for the picnic
  • Bingo in April? Move basketball to 4/12 and do bingo 5/3 starting at 6:30…Jacqueline will handle permits for both

Understanding our Differences

• Have gotten two people to sign up to take that on

GCS

• No leads there as of yet
• We are willing to split with Lincoln-Elliot if possible; Jacqueline needs to talk to Kristy to figure this all out

• Talent Show
• Picnic date
• Carr Move and Open House and playground
• Equity Meeting

PTO Meeting Minutes

February 5, 2019

Attendees: Megan, Jacqueline, Sarah, Jessica, Melissa

Minutes Approved

Budget Update

• Money keeps coming in: $2800 from GCS for example…keep making money on school pictures as well
• For Science Night we actually spent $200 for pizza (we paid for METCO kids and teachers, families, etc.)
• Second order of K-cups went through…we ordered for 50 people and that seems like the right number
• Social Committee was budgeted at $500 but we made a few dollars there as well
  • Maybe another bingo night? Let’s move basketball from 6/7 and change to bingo; will wait until we’re closer to the date.
  • Just a casual night out? PTO could buy food to help.

Carr Move

• Possibility that move could be delayed by construction…move could be delayed to December, 2019 break instead
• Architecture plans are back and Mark is getting positive responses
• Overall student size is diminishing which is great

Science Night

• Solid night overall
• Online pizza ordering was good
• MM to ask Kari if they used the paper goods from PTO closet and if they have any receipts

Mystery Dinner Wrap Up

• Maybe change the format?
• Group texts to the hosts for time checks to get people on their way to dessert
•  PTO is open to any format so we should let the committee be creative
• Shouldn’t be making money and yet we still do…let’s drop the price next year
• Sarah communicating thank you, dessert reminders, budget and costs, open on format, receipts to committee chairs

Auction Planning

• Jess said planning is going well and there are enthusiastic volunteers involved
• Discounted tickets for volunteers to attend the auction? Sounds like a good idea…approved.
• Roaring 20’s speakeasy theme

Talent Show Planning

• May need to spend some more money this year on items that Melissa will talk to Adam about
  • Could show start a little earlier; thoughts on music files, tables, TV in holding area? Kids for video and photos?
• Sarah to help Melissa with coordinating behind the scenes

GCS

• Chair got FT job and needs to step down
• We need a new chair; there is a new person from Lincoln-Elliot that is interested
  • We would need to relinquish control if LE took over and so we’ll make less money than usual
  • Need a young family to take over
• Kristy Moore can talk it up well so we need to spread the word as much as possible

Understanding our Differences

• Meg Gallucci will continue for 5^th grade
• Sharon Russo is leaving
• Need incoming 3^rd grade parent to come in and take over
• We need 3 committed people in total; need recruiting
• 3^rd grade is 3 programs; 4^th and 5^th are 2 programs each
• Volunteer needs 3 hours of training once and they secure the speakers, etc.
• Jacqueline is sending out a volunteer-specific email to everyone re: GCS, UOD and Talent Show help

Carr Move Meeting on 2/6/19

• Mark has not notified us of needs
• Doesn’t seem like there are a lot of concerns

Meeting Minutes: 12/11/18

Previous meeting minutes approved

Budget

• Budget is strong; had $14,000 in PayPal that Megan transferred
• Staff appreciation breakfast went well…subsequently took in more dues as well thanks to breakfast and coffee cake sales
  • We really have $495 left…take $300 out and there is $195 left for K cups
  • Can move the stickers to swag and we can still do the K cups…set it up for 75 cups through April auto delivery to Rose for $300
• Little library can’t be dug in right now due to frozen ground but we’ll try again
• Sold 102 coffee cakes where we make $4/cake (up 25 cakes from last year)
• Unsure if Adam has a website update
  • Jon will find out; if no change, Jon will write up a demand letter
• Trivia Night…haven’t gotten receipts yet so will wait to see on those
• Book Fair line item: We have a lot of money but its sitting in Scholastic dollars…so we had to pay them for the books…we owed them more this year because we didn’t take the cash but we do have $6,500 Scholastic dollars
• Square just released a Square terminal…offering for $399 with $300 fee credit that is good forever
  • New terminal can be purchased and the small box will print an actual receipt (current system only emails receipt to person today if they are already in the system)
  • We use PayPal for everything else and although we paid them $1,000 last year it was still well worth it
  • We do use it for two events annually…pay 2.75% now on everything transaction
  • Jon will investigate purchase and get details
• Should we lower prices for remaining events (mystery dinner and auction)?
  • Should we do more and cheaper flash sales?
  •  Last year we made $4,000 for mystery dinner…spend more on alcohol this year for hosts?
    • Ticket sale decision:  flash sale at $29.99 per couple for mystery dinner; $35 is full price (motivate more people and make more accessible) 

Science Night

• MM needs to check in with Carrie Jensen and Rachel Viscomi
• Jacqueline is checking into the permit
• Need to know what kind of tables to set up
• What is pizza situation? Do they want to do it online? That’s the easiest…just tell Jacqueline if they want to go online
• PTO closet has plates and napkins, utensils, etc. to see what we have before they buy it

Mystery Dinner

• Jon and Sarah are chairs and will email dinner chairs to check in

Auction Planning

• Upcoming planning meeting coming
• Need to consider restructuring the live auction; some thoughts:
  • Eliminate live auction
  • Auction only 1 or 2 items and keep everything else online
  • Put some big items online first and if minimum isn’t met move to live auction
  • Tell a story (e.g., short video that highlight Creative Arts and Sciences program) so people feel emotional tie to what they are giving too and dollars go up

Basketball

• Next night is 2/8 (gym is not usable before then due to gymnastics)
• Jon may ask Adam if we can do a night sooner at NNHS

Equity Update

• Jacqueline will go to another update meeting in January
• Group has offered to come present to us…we could do that and ask Mark to come as well
  • They are the PTOC co-presidents; the school committee does have to vote on it as well
  • One idea of equity they are considering is to follow the current guidelines or should we put everything into one pot and divide across schools
  • After Jan meeting Jacqueline will report back to PTO and then we can determine if we need another meeting to discuss

Food Drive

• Went well; pantry very happy
• Next year we need to organize student volunteers better, clear up communications with teachers, and manage it a bit more

Move to Carr

• Teachers are not happy with room size and some other “fixable” issues
• Will carve out meeting with Mark to discuss move specifically in more detail

Gift Cards

• Cards for Rose, custodians, and crossing guards: approved

Mark Agenda

• Separate Carr meeting
• Breakfast recap
• Jon working on list of things to keep
• Calendar review
• Equity meeting with someone from PTOC option

Meeting Minutes  11/6/18

• Minutes approved

Budget update

• We have a lot of money right now but we owe Scholastic $4K
• Have about 70 items going out for order tomorrow…a couple of thousand dollars
• Jon looked at the budget
  • $4k books
  • $2k spirit wear
  • $4500 for teacher support, etc.
  • Have about $30K in big expenses less which leaves us with $9k in spending money if we didn’t get anything else in (plus $15k in savings); Dues and coffee cakes could drive in another $1K
    • Gaga ball is only expense not listed (around $5k)
    • City said as long as we use a similar design to those at Angier we can install them at Carr
    • Spider web is being moved from HM…but Stephanie said there is zero chance of moving anything from HM…we need to get clarity

Calendar

• Food drive
  • Sarah ordered bags…600…we will have 200 extra due to bulk ordering
  • Boxes for food are also all set
  • 12/3-7
• Coffee cakes
  • Megan will talk to Seth about dates
• Spirit wear
  • Will be done tomorrow and distributed first week of December
• Teacher breakfast
  • Jessica is the liaison and Jenny is running that with some new moms
  • Jacqueline will set up something to pay online
  • Takes place at 7:30 AM on early release day
• Thank-you breakfast
  • Got free plates from Stop n Shop
  • Going to buy bagels and lay them out the day before Thanksgiving
• Parent social
  • Michelle running with Ellen
  • Need to book a bar with trivia for the first one
  • We only need to let people know about the time and place

Book Fair

• Successful event with best selection of books by far
• Rose would like it in the gym next year at Carr
• Spent $4500 on books and will have a bit more than that in the account

Police detail

• Not successful
• Cop showed up too late most of the time
• Did see him ticket a couple of people one day; other days people still doing bad things
• Do we move on to just us painting?
• ID 10-20 parents to contact Fleishman’s office have them take care of it (Adam emailing Dave Stickney)
  • Need to determine what to say
  • Hand out contact information for people to reach out

POW request

• Parent told Jacqueline that there is a group called Preserve our Winters that has snowboarders that come to the school and talk about why winter sports are good for kids…also talk about saving the environment
• Maybe they come in…need to be sure there is no selling involved…maybe a Mr. Tynes thing?

Naming Meeting

• Recommendation was that we keep the HM name
• Ask parents to send in email and recommend HM name is kept
• Carr was the principal of HM at one time
• Have room parents send out email to classes and ask them to send emails/fill out forms
• Megan talked to Margaret Albright afterward about HM not getting a new school
  • Does not seem that the committee knows anything about the move
  • Spending $8M to renovate HM for preschool

Itemization for Carr items

• Jon will talk to specialists and go around the school and look at things, etc.
• Jon will make the list

Mark Agenda

• Dates
• Police detail/letters
• Book fair
• Carr questions

PTO Meeting Minutes

10/3/18

HM Stickers

• 4Imprint was the company that did the bags and Bluebee did the stickers and magnets (stickers were $0.50 each).
• $417 was the cost of the bags…about $1.25/bag

Previous Minutes Approved

Budget

• $11,555 raised in dues (goal is $13,000); (399 students; 278 families in total)
• 3-139 are the numbers for the raffle prizes; numbers picked:
  • 47
  • 133
  • 8
• Have about 60% participation (difficult to discern due to some paying more and less than $50/student)
• Rose showed Megan a spreadsheet that had dollar allocation for teachers; amount is going down (last year we gave $7200 to the teacher pool)
• $5K+ is in the bank right now for Mark that hasn’t been used
• PTO is not planning to give the teachers more this year; Rose usually gets the $ in and then teachers submit receipts. Rose needs to approve it but it’s up to her.
  • Megan doesn’t have the spreadsheet but could see that not all teachers have spent the $
  • We don’t know if there is $ in the teacher account right now

Upcoming Events

Parent Basketball night

• 7 people registered right now; need at least 12 people to make it work
• Someone needs to bring water, clear floor, etc.
• Permit is already done and paid for…if we aren’t doing it we need to cancel the permit ASAP to avoid the $120 charge

International Night

• MM to email International Night committee and be sure they don’t need help
• PTO had a table last year but not needed this year

Book Fair

• 17^th -18^th
• Books arrive on the 16^th and ship back out on the 19^th
• Megan needs the stanchions from NNHS (asking Adam)
• Two metal stands and 3 poles in basement that belong to Adam, but they can use them for the book fair; should be pipe and drape curtains down there…can’t locate them
  • Adam will bring a curtain…Sharon may have one from graduation
• PTO payment options is usually Scholastic Dollars but we may use it to buy for Carr
  • If we pull the money out of Scholastic we are penalized. Have done that in the past and done teacher gift cards, etc.

Mark Discussion Points

• Teacher Pool Account: Rose getting nervous…this is the last year that the equity rules don’t apply, but we need them to spend it
• Title I night: topic…what does he need?
• Parking: Do we need a video? What could we do? Pay for a police detail?

New Business

• Science Committee Teachers: Asking for $ again this year…giving them $500 for Science Night prep…approved

Unfinished Business

PTO Specialist Night

• Very light; mostly new parents
• Ebbs and flows
• Participants were super engaged…low volume but great time for participants to talk to specialists
• Market it next year as an event for new families, etc.; more like an orientation

Back to School Night

• Clip boards for Title I sign up…needs to be more clear  
  • Door greeters from committee would be easier and we could have the papers signed at that time
• Presentation: Day does a funny video
  • Video is great but it takes time to create
• A projector remote would be helpful (clicker)
  • Jon has some at work and will bring in some

Little Free Library

• Jon will install it if we buy it
• Jacqueline checked to be sure it’s big enough for picture books
• Cost is about $500; post is extra but they sell them
• Going to install it by the bench between HM and B and G Club

Website

• Move to Carr Form: Adam getting form up and live tonight/tomorrow AM
• Keith is now the hold-up
• Adam will send Jacqueline the link to go into NewsNotes
• Lesson learned is that we should have gotten a local resource instead
• He still hasn’t been paid in full (has gotten $3k so far but other half only comes when he’s done)

Carr

• Adam talked to Emily Norton about AC; she asked him to make her a list of specifics
• She did question why we can’t move the existing structure to Carr from HM
  • Playground is too young
• Need permit before contractor will even go look at gaga pit; do we want to have a concrete slab or just grass?
• Megan to ask Ainger about purchasing the shades and the water fountain for outside…we need something similar at Carr
• PTO C meeting next Tuesday PM about equity at Ed Center
  • Jacqueline could go; Megan can also be there

Blue Zone Video

• Video should be shorter than the MR video
• We have fewer parking issues at HM so we can accomplish it in a shorter amount of time
• Jon has a 10S so we could use his phone
• Jon can rough out the script but lets see what Mark wants to do first

PTO Meeting 9/5/18

Supply boxes

• Kids still registering for HM as of day 2
• School kits supplies were distributed today but the 5^th grade is sharing…not a change…always been that way. In the older grades they used to have their own boxes but now upper grades are communal
  • Don’t normally have any issues with supplies…about 300 of 400 kids actually buy the kits and the PTO buys about 20
  • Should communicate the communal aspect more clearly next year
  • Let’s talk to Mark about how the distribution takes place

Minutes Approved

Budget

• Jon has changed the layout for readability
• Adam bought the canopies and they were a good buy
• Next year we may need ice coffee vs. hot depending upon weather
  • Only two Box of Joe were left over
• Signage looked great…printing was a NNHS and it went well so we should use them again
  • Have a lot of signage at HM still; some could be updated and others are editable
  • Jon suggestion of making note that people’s donations are making the event/item possible
  • Amazon Echo will be donated from MM for PTO donation incentive/raffle

Event Calendar Review

• No calendar changes that we know of as of right now; will find out if Mark has edits at our first meeting
• Mixed Bags fundraiser may be delayed due to the company changing ownership

Unfinished Business

• NewsNotes
  • Starts this week: Welcome, picnic, OH, pay your dues with raffle, pretzels
    • Need volunteers for pretzel sales…have listed ingredients as well for allergy purposes
    • DAD buys a box of pretzels…all are normally gone by 12:40
  • Have about 50%+ in confirmations for Directory and about $3K in dues paid as of today
  • If check or PayPal are options, PayPal has a small fee but it’s minor and worth the increase in payments
• Move to Carr—things to discuss with Mark
  • AC
    • Anything else for Mark’s conversation: AC—what is the AC status for Carr? Jon feels there is no chance it will happen, but we should discuss with Mark getting confirmation on that…it would be offensive to HM to not install
    • Official move to Carr stated that AC would happen
    • We can’t wait until March to start pushing for AC…need to have confirmation and action plan now for school committee and parents to take action
  • Gaga Ball
  • Water fountain
  • Lending Library
  • Shade over playground
  • Reach out to Cabot PTO and see what the pros and cons are to the building right now
    • MM will call Eric Sprung and see what we need to know about the building
  • Also check PTO OH timing (6-7) and location (Music Room) with Mark

Events

• Picnic is first event: Tuesday, 5-7
  • DJ Mike is coming at 7…will come early; needs to be paid in advance
  • Jess is making posters that talk about Cabot’s ice cream…he said that if we don’t have enough they will just run back to the store and get more
  • May get another box of popsicles, etc. for kids with allergies…Sarah to buy
  • Unclear exactly what Cabot’s is giving to us…just want to ensure we don’t run out
  • Ice cream should be served at 6 PM…DJ will announce and remind them to finish dinner
  • Jon is making new name tags for all
  • Adam noted that they use them at the theater and how easy they are to use; could be a good investment…he will investigate and order 1 for the PTO that is the same as his existing
  • Jess going to print 2 signs 30X44 to fit into Adam’s sandwich board…OR should could make a bunch as 8.5X11 and put that on the sandwich board instead just to draw attention
  • Jacqueline to send an email reminder on Friday and a reminder on Tuesday
  • HM tattoos for the picnic are good…should we bring stickers?
• PTO OH
  • Last year the OH was 6-7 in the Music Room; have information on events and committees that we need to push (i.e., this year’s focus = social action, pretzels, auction, teacher appreciation)
  • Adam is working on the PPT deck now and will update and send to Jacqueline
  • Specialists have their own tables too
  • Jacqueline will print out listing of committees
  • Sell dues at OH as well…Jon and Adam will make a “Pay Dues Here” sign
    • Need to update the form to force email data entry
    • Megan could print a form and have people write in their names for the raffle
    • Need to log into PayPal and MySchool Anywhere on the night of
    • Adam will have bookmark ready for that night…he’s drafting it now
    • Will have HM magnets on site too
  • Optics: Jon recommends the PTO seems less like a “clique” by splitting up that night
• Mark Meeting Agenda
  • Carr (see notes above)
    • Tiny Free Library…at Carr only or HM too
  • OH time and venue
  • Updates on FORJ
  • Calendar for September/October
    • Bingo night
  • Tech goals
    • Tech purchasing for Carr
    • Tech and phone policy at HM
•  Meetings for the rest of the year
  • Scheduled all meetings through the end of school year
• Website
  • Belson is back in the picture…he needs to give the new website provider information to allow Keith to switch the site over and he is not responding
  • Adam will talk to Megan at NNHS tomorrow about the code
  • Megan cancelled MailChimp
• Parents complaining about AC
  • What can PTO do? Complaining to HM doesn’t help…tell them to complain to Fleishman…tell them to call Fleishman’s office directly
  • Adam reiterating need to rally parents for Carr AC needs…need to better understand our needs from Mark and then we can figure it out
  • Newton School Committee has the final say on all things
  • Maybe have Adam talk to teachers about move so they know what to expect?

PTO Meeting Minutes

August 21, 2019

• June minutes approved
• Budget Update
  •  Last year’s budget–Amazon link feed low…maybe communicate again
  • Next year’s budget
    • GCS is down but waiting on spring check
    • Box Tops may go away; need to confirm and communicate
    • Gaga ball pit put us spending over last year but it’s not a roll-over budget so no issue
    •  Should we spend more money on the talent show for students participating?
• Website
  • Can’t use new website unless its repointed and Dave is not responding
  • Can we get it done for Curriculum night? Unclear when it will be completed.
• First day of school
  • Coffee-Jon
  • Balloon guy-Adam
  • Sound system-Adam
  • Table/cloth-Jacqueline
  • We can do a sign to cover Carr School if it won’t be up in time…Jacqueline to ask Mark
  • Kathy Highlander is the new custodian
• MySchoolAnywhere going away
  • Membership Toolkit is new app…need to communicate new app to download and remind switch
  • Can we get calendar into the system?
  • Room parent email can be done through the app…but we would need a push email notification
• Committees
  • MM to update and sent to Adam for website
• Calendar
  • MM drafted and JF sent to Mark
  • Back to school picnic will happen but no DJ
• Playground
  • Not moving the Neptune and it is unclear if they will add anything
  • Cedar and Jenna are spearheading the push to HM families
• Umbrellas
  • 25 golf umbrellas for teachers on rainy days
  • 12 for HM staff and the rest we will sell

August 6, 2018—PTO Meeting Minutes

Attendees: Megan, Jessica, Sarah, Adam, Jacqueline, Jon, Melissa

Start Time: 8:10 PM

Intros: 3 minutes

Review of minutes: punted…couldn’t recall them

Ongoing Review

Budget: start 8:13; end 8:29

• Budget is organized now into buckets for tax reporting purposes
• Overall budget is that we’ll be standing pat with the move. We can buy things we will move and take, or if we are certain that the city will not move it.
• Only large expenditure is the gaga ball pit (JM to begin working on it in September…wants to break ground in May)
  • Need to get approval for pit at Carr. City is aware…should get permit approved…want to pour a foundation as it will be permanent. Permitting will take long time; construction will be faster
  • Location of pit is TBD
• 2017-18 final: last year we spent $6-7K more than we brought in but we had an excess (2016-17 technology was in wrong budget and we had to put it in 2017)
  • Target coop is italicized because we didn’t make $ in 2017-18
  • Increased teacher stipends by $2500…so in reality we actually made $2K last year
  • Red font is what we hope to spend (i.e., mystery dinner and talent show we actually make money)
  • Staff Appreciation we plan to spend zero $ on as we will fundraise to pay for that event
• Natural “out” expenditures will be in red…Jon and Megan will get rid of the parenthesis in next revision
• Currently $15,060 in checking; $27,029 in savings
• Jacqueline recommends dumping Mailchimp (hold onto iPower (old website hosting vendor) until we get the new website up and running)
• Always conservative on the income side of the budget…but we did make more $ than anticipated
• Last year we started doing things for free…more opportunities to make $ should be considered
• HM spent a lot more $ using PayPal last year but it was worthwhile as so many paid dues that way, etc.
• Need to move $1310 to the new budget and carry it over
• For new PTO members:  Currently have 4 debit cards and we do have checks; prefer to pay out of accounts when possible
• Jessica: reimbursement form…could we have a form? Megan is happy to take receipts via phone but maybe a form is better? Jon will make an expense form.

Calendar

• MM has updated the calendar in new format; will further update to eliminate August and improve readability
• Adam will have a calendar for each month online; bookmark is separate
• Events:
  • K-playdate under control
  • Back to School Picnic moved to 9/11
  • New Social Committee (Ellen and Michelle)…those November and January Parent Nights are held right now; Jon will contact Social Committee and solidify dates
  • Jon would like an October Bingo Night…October 19 or 26 and Jon will run it; need to ask Mark N. about it and see if he will call for a bit that night
  • MM to send out updated Committee Listing from Jacqueline email
  • Talent Show date should be solid, but Adam needs to confirm

Unfinished Business

My School My Buddy and FORJ

• FORJ: Adam gave overview of FORJ; Adam has been thinking that the PTO needs to be inclusive of everyone; doesn’t feel like we need a FORJ Board person.
• Jacqueline said there are two views: some feel HM needs a special role; others say it is a Newton city initiative
  • How can we be supportive without wasting anyone’s time?
  • Two HM parents are very active in FORJ now; could they come to PTO meetings routinely for updates?
  • PTO needs to discuss with Mark and ensure needs are met; should have a social event as well
  • Want whole community involved…METCO issue is one due to transportation and location; proposing a cocktail party for METCO specifically…maybe first in Newton and then host in Boston
  • My School My Buddy is new and we are unsure where it stands
    • Mark gets info from teachers and follows up…but we need to better understand the goals for these initiatives
    • Science Night example is a good one…gave teachers some $ so they could help some students work on a project and participate in Science Night if they otherwise would be unable

Website

• Having an issue getting PTO website completed with current consultant
• Adam is going to call developer 8/7 and tell him it needs to be completed; Jon is saying he could ask him for the $
• Site must be live for September…he needs to switch it all over

New Business

Start: 8:50; End: 9:45

Goals

• Website (see above)
• Equity: Jacqueline would like a separate meeting on Equity only
• Inclusion (see above); also, would like to see some diversity work beyond race…more socioeconomic issues could be addressed
• We should err more on the side of inclusive vs. diversity…inclusion hits on so many other things (bullying, etc.)
• Cell phone example: getting kids to wait until 8 for cell phones; Screenagers, etc.…Need to discuss with Mark N.
  • How do we have support and discussion groups for things like using technology responsibly?
  • Why are schools letting kids have phones in school?
  • Maybe a workshop around technology with a sharing of ideas?
  • Need to have communication around cell phones
• New volunteers and recruits to events
  • Accessibility
  • Word of mouth
  • Room parents could reach out after Curriculum Night if they missed it
  • Buddy program for new families to HM?
  • Coffee for people at K pick-up and drop-off?
  • Nametags for PTO members
  • PTO pictures, names and contact information on board
• Board responsibilities
  • Liaisons have been helpful
  • Committee Listing is updated and should be distributed to group
• Opening Day Logistics
  • Table on day 1 with coffee and donuts? Adam and Jon are on it.
  • Adam trying to see if NNHS can print a sign that says Parent Coffee Courtesy of HM PTO
  • Need to pass out the bookmark calendar on Opening Day and PTO members should be working the crowd
  • Need signage in front and back; music is good too
• PTO Open House
  • 9/17…PTO has quick PPT on what we do
  • Volunteer sign-up sheet
  • Specialists were there
  • Maybe just printouts and PPT (Jacqueline and Adam on it)
• Meeting with Mark Schedule
  • Morning meetings for PTO? Jon would prefer at night.
  • Mondays at 8 PM will be the meeting night
  • Need to schedule first meeting with Mark and need full hour…need to meet with on or before 9/14
    • Picnic
    • Mark’s agenda
    • Open House
    • FORJ and Inclusivity
    • Book box
    • Bingo Night
• Table for next meeting:
  • NewsNotes
  • Move to Carr