February 2026 PTO Meeting: February 9, 2026

  • Welcome: 7:00 PM Virtual. Link to meeting
  • Attendance: Monica Ebert, Courtney Lee, Mr. Degman, Jen Boettcher, Jocelyn Kotrba, Nicole Detlie, Michael McCaleb, Jody Trombley, Maria Guieb, Lauren Melzer, Claire Sanders, Kayla Dudgeon, Sarah Scalia, Renad Jarzynski
  • Approval of the previous month’s meeting minutes:   Approved
  • Events to discuss:
    • Science Fair (Emily & Kayla):  
    • March 10
    • Assembly booked for school and Science Night
    • Family Bingo Night
      • We got up to 180 participants.  It went well and enough prizes were provided.
      • We may have two sessions next year and start at a later time with the gym as the location. 
    • Fun Fair (Maria and Jody):  Saturday, February 28th. Time: 1-3:30pm. All are welcome.
      • Finalize how to pay for pre-orders (Adrienne)
      • Maria created three Fun Fair stores: pre-orders, teachers/staff only, day-of sales.  Lumapay was utilized.  The event will be promoted as cashless. Finalize transfer of bank account to facilitate payment options.
      • Food: (Mr. Degman): No permit needed. Pizza, hotdogs, chips/animal crackers, drinks, popcorn.  Concessions will be sourced from Domino’s, Bulldogs Red Hots, and Costco.
      • Where are we at with volunteers?  
      • https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D49ABAA29A3F9CE9-61667861-hwsfun?useFullSite=true#/
      • Need approximately 45 more volunteer shifts covered, particularly game attendants.  
      • Send sign up genius to Watch Dogs.
      • Donations for cake walk? (Jody, Maria)
      • Need 7 more donations.
      • Start setting up on Friday, February 27th at 3:30pm.  Fun Events will deliver the games, inflatable, popcorn/machine, and prizes on Saturday, February 28th at 10am.  A Fun Events staff will be present during the event.
      • Blank Creations will be present to take orders for spirit wear.  KidStrong, Goldfish Swim School, Raising Cane’s, Rover Rescue with dogs/puppies!
      • All signs and tickets (need to print and cut) are done.  Fun Fair brochure is drafted.
      • Classroom raffle baskets are due Wednesday, February 18th.   A big thank you to our classroom parents for helping with this!  We know this is outside of scope of what you signed up for and we are very grateful for your partnership! 
    • Trivia night (Maria and Jody): Batavia VFW, Saturday March 21 6-10pm. 
      • THEME: Heroes and Villains
      • $40 per entry plus one drink ticket.
      • Silver and gold colors, same game setup as last year, will include a jail component.
      • VFW booked for 4 hours.  Emcee will be booked for 3 hours.
      • Need prizes for 4 toss up questions and overall winners.
      • Wine pull donations - We may remove this and keep donated bottles for something else. 
      • Food Truck?
      • Everything but the food truck is booked. People can bring their own food, so this may be tabled. 
  • Items to discuss:
    •  RJ- site is updated with names, (photos look odd on the site so I will work through that to see what options we have). Joe Lee has offered to take headshots for those who need them.
    • We have agreed to sunset the PTO newsletters since the HWS messengers have all the details we would include in the PTO newsletter. This will also help reduce duplicate emails and email fatigue. 
    • Jessica Blankenship to do spirit wear (Caitlin Gayton heading this)
    • Prep Meeting for Budget: April 13th
    • Budget meeting - virtual: April 20th
    • Monica will link the approved budget in the April meeting minutes so when Mr. Degman emails it out in Hawk Talk, all parents can view it.  She will also work to put meeting minutes and fundraising budget/info on the Membership Toolkit. 
  • Updates from Board Members:
    • Parent resource fair is Thursday, February 19th 6-7:30pm at Batavia high school
    • Reading of correspondence (secretary): None currently
    • Classroom support:
    • President: 
    • President-Elect:
    • Treasurer: Chase Bank or Local Bank.  Adrienne will determine if the local bank provides better service than Chase and will transfer the account to the best option.
  • Outgoing Expenses This Month:
    • Vice President:
    • Fundraising Powerhouse:
    • Communications:
  • Old Business:
    • Is this something we are still interested in doing? Put a pin in it until next year.
    • Communicate that we are waiting until next year.  Ask them to volunteer for Fun Fair.
    • Babysitters for PTO Meetings Starting in March?
  • PTO Funds Ideas from Staff
  • New Business: 
    • Send staff all communications through Jocelyn rather than Nancy to lighten her load? 
  • Adjournment: 8:18 pm, Next meeting: Monday, March 9th, 7 pm 

 

January 2026 HWS PTO Meeting: January 12, 2026

  • Welcome: 7:00 PM Virtual. Link to meeting here. 
  • Attendance:  Mr. Degman, Emily Mazzacavallo, Adrienne Adamczyk, Courtney Lee, Jen Boettcher, Renad Jarzynski, Mike McCaleb, Maria Guieb, Jessica Shields, Jocelyn Kotrba, Sarah Scalia, Megan McDermott, Katie Elizabeth, Jody Trombley, Randi Kehm, Monica Ebert
  • Approval of the previous month’s meeting minutes: Approved
  • Science Fair (Emily & Palak): 
    • March 9, 10, or 19 - not nailed down yet. Science day event - Option - pay for an all-student assembly on the same day or close to Science Night ($1600-possible split with school funds). Science night-only participants and immediate family.  Max number participants - 30? 4 kids/project max.  Register deadline two weeks prior to date.
  • Family Bingo Night at HWS-Fun and free on Friday, January 30th. Time: 5-6 pm.  
    • PTO will cover the cost of Spinner, Bingo cards, and stamps; along with $250 budgeted.
  • Fun Fair (Maria and Jody): Saturday, February 28th. Time: 1-3:30pm. All are welcome.
    • Preorders and purchases during the fair may be made via Lumapay.  Better option - Chase Zelle.  This depends on the timeline for the transfer of the PTO bank account from Fifth Third to Chase Bank.
    • Food: Mr. Degman will find out if a permit is needed for food to be distributed at the fair.
    • 100 volunteers needed for all the positions and shifts for the fair.  People can sign up for more than one shift.
    • Baked good and dessert donations needed from parents for the Cake Walk.
  • Trivia night (Maria and Jody): Batavia VFW, Saturday March 21 6-10pm. 
    • THEME: Heroes and Villains
    • NEW - Wine Pull: Donations of bottles of wine will be needed.
  • Volunteers in a pinch-Create a skillset list of parents that can volunteer. Master Volunteer Skillset List.  Megan will distribute and maintain it.
  • Spending of PTO funds:  
    • STEM activities for classrooms.  
    • Resend for more feedback.
  • Items to discuss:
    • Names and bios have been updated.  Renad is waiting on all pictures to post on Toolkit.
    • Update needed for other spirit wear store options for kickback % offerings.
  •  Updates from Board Members:
    • Reading of correspondence (secretary): None currently
    • Classroom support: 
      • Kindergarten: Teachers don’t need volunteers in class, but they would like to have someone to make copies for classrooms.  Mr. Degman will investigate systemized effort for different needs for teachers.
      • Jessica and Kayla will be taking over for 2027.
      • No Valentine’s Day parties this year.
  •  President:
    • Streamline communication about events.  PTO newsletters will only be sent out when necessary.
    • The book vending machine is ordered. Let’s get pictures of it for the newsletter once installed.
    • 2027 - Board members needed: President Elect, VP, Fundraising, Communications, Treasurer
    • 2027 - Volunteers: Classroom Support, Head Room parent, Yearbook, Community Event Planner 
  • President-Elect:
  • Treasurer: Option to start a Chase Bank Account to replace Fifth Third discussed.  2.6% fee for payments.  Zelle payments through email and QR codes. Electronic reimbursements for automatic check mailing.  Adrienne will figure out who needs to sign for the bank account.
    • Outgoing Expenses This Month:
      • Book Vending Machine -$6,570.00
      • Classroom Support -$34.1
      • Folding Tables -$900.00
      • Holiday Shop $675.09
      • PTO Sponsored Events -$191.14
      • Teacher Support -$197.70
      • Trivia Night Deposit -$175.00
      • Uncategorized $150.00 (Venmo Cashout???)
      • Yearbooks -$71.88
      • Fun Fair Sponsors $600.00
        • Ronald Murphy
        • Bulldog Plumbing
        • Accurate Door
      • Box Tops $82.30
  • Vice President:
  • Fundraising Powerhouse:
  • Communications:
  • Old Business:
    • Babysitters for future PTO meetings starting in March: Jocelyn - Discuss during the February meeting.
  • New Business: 
  • Adjournment: 8:15 pm, Next meeting: Virtual on February 9th at 7pm. 

 

 

December HWS 2025 PTO Meeting: December 9, 2025

 

  Holiday gathering only.  No agenda or meeting notes.

 

 

November 2025 PTO Meeting: November 10th, 2025

  • Welcome: 7:00 PM Virtual.
  • Attendance:  Jocelyn Kotrba, Kayla Hillerns, Maria Guieb, Megan McDermott, Kayla Skorwonski, Mr. Degman, Claire Sanders, Randi Kehm, Adrienne Adamczyk, Nicole Detlie, Emily Mazzacavalo, Katie, Villa, J Boettcher, Courtney Lee, Jody Trombley, Renad Jarzynski, Kayla Dudgeon, Sarah Scalia, Monica Ebert
  • Approval of the previous month’s meeting minutes:   Approved
  • Events to discuss:
    • Trunk or Treat (Meg): How did it go? Very fun, 300 kids attended, some more candy was needed by the end of it. Improvements: 1 hour only, PTO funded prizes (1st, 2nd, 3rd)?
    • Fall Fest (Jen B. & Mr. Degman): How did it go? It went well.  Kids enjoyed roaming around and doing activities. Extra space was great and the signs were helpful for teachers and parents. Improvements: Tables are needed, Stations should be closer for activities, Whistle for parade start.  
      • Weather issue: Indoors - Break it up in 2 sessions.  We need a committee and volunteers for the initiative; and what the event entails.  Itemized spreadsheets for organization are incredibly helpful.
    • Science Fair (Emily & Palak): 
      • Did we finalize the date? March 9, 10, or 19 - not nailed down yet. Kayla will be helping this year as Palak is on her way out.  Mr. Freeze to present - free
      • Do we need to order more tables? We need more tables.  We need to understand the number and type so that they can be utilized for the lunchroom and/or events.
      • How else can the PTO assist? Purchase tables. The budgeted amount is $2000 for Science Fair 2025. 
    • Holiday Shop: What dates? Dec. 2-4. TW 9:30 -3 pm, Th 9:30-11:30. The location is still TBD - LRC maybe - We need to run it by Degman. A secure location is needed.  5 days are needed for setup and event.  A sign-up genius is needed for the messenger on Friday for volunteers.  The display case is up.  Links will be sent to parents for the shop.  Flyers and envelopes will go home during the week of Thanksgiving.
    • Family Bingo Night at HWS-Fun and free in January. No date yet.  The end of January is being planned.  
      • PTO prize closet donations for free family events. We need to try to budget next year for some events and prizes, so we are not overwhelming people for donations in upcoming years.
    • Fun Fair: Saturday, February 28th.  Fun Events Inc. will provide 12 carnival games and an inflatable.  Maria made a master business donation list for fundraising and sponsorships. 
    • Trivia night (Maria and Jody): Batavia VFW, Saturday March 21. We’ll need volunteers and decorations.  The raffle MC is reserved.
      • Committee formed for both Fun fair and Trivia Night with tasks outlined and detailed for execution.
  • VIPs: Volunteers in a pinch-Create a list of all stars that can volunteer.
  • Spending of PTO funds: A questionnaire will be sent to determine information from teachers about what is needed for the school.
  • Items to discuss:
    • Headshots and bios for the PTO page–get those to Renad. Positions need updating.  
    • Spirit Wear update from Jenn and Caitlin: Get in touch with Jessica Blankenship for getting new HWS swag.
  • Updates from board members (if any):
    • Any updates on someone willing to take over the position? Jessica Shields will team up with Kayla Dudgeon to take over the position.  They are learning about their responsibilities to see if they will completely commit.
    • What’s on the agenda for November?  Teachersgiving idea for a potluck party on November 20th.
    • Winter holiday parties on December 19th - will follow the status quo.  May add a Valentine’s Day party if teachers agree to wanting to have one.
    • Reading of correspondence (secretary): None currently.
    • Classroom support: how’s it going so far this year? Anything not working well?
    • President: 
      • Streamline communication about events: thoughts on how to do this? Back to newsletters?
      • Book Fair recap: PTO donated $600 for books for students on fee waiver. 
    • President elect: 
      • Redo/update student handbook. BPS101/news for a questionnaire on suggestions
      • Batavia Foundation for Education Excellence - they have money to give out in the form of grants and need teachers and schools to apply for them. 
      • Need nominees for their Hall of Honor - Employees (15 yr minimum), friends, and graduates of 2011 or earlier.  Flyer with QR code posted in school.
      • STAGE (middle school and high school) fundraising is looking for all elected positions to be filled as well as volunteers.
      • BIC meeting update
    • Treasurer: 
      • Outgoing Expenses This Month:
        • Hawk Walk Supplies: -$788.36
        • October Classroom Support: -$121.10
        • Teacher Reimbursement: -$414.38
        • Total Expenses: -$1,323.84
        • Income This Month:
        • Chicago Steel: $1,520
        • Fundraiser Overview:
        • Chicago Steel
        • Donations: $1,520
        • Expense: $687.50
        • Revenue: $832.50
        • Hawk Walk
        • Donations: $8,630
        • Expense: $788.36
        • Revenue: $7,841.64
        • All Fundraisers Combined So Far 
        • Total Donations: $10,150
        • Total Expense: $1,475.86
        • Total Revenue: $8,674.14 
    • Vice President: 
    • Fundraising Powerhouse:
    • Communications:  
      • Update bios to reflect new board members. 
      • Monthly PTO Newsletter tabled because the weekly letter by Degman has been great in providing all info for the school and PTO.  Renad needs requests for messages on a Monday or Tuesday for a Friday message rollout.  Hawk Talk and the monthly PTO newsletter may need to be the only communication so there isn't an overload of messaging.  Degman, Renad, and Nancy can align to make sure that the information doesn’t get repetitive.
  • Updates from principal:  
  • Questions, concerns, comments from Teacher Representative:
  • Old Business: 
    • Room parent for self-contained classes for communication & support of teachers: update? They have a homeroom and that is the main place. Feedback -  It would not be beneficial for the teachers.  Parents with issues can reach out to Jocelyn or Degman directly. 
    • A google form was made to distribute to teachers to fill out for their likes/hobbies that can be shared to parents.  It will be redistributed in an email to stay current.
    • Babysitters for future PTO meetings starting in March: Jocelyn will reach out to HS mentors, national honor society, best buddies, leadership, education pathways. 
    • Maria to create spreadsheet with hierarchy of donation locations – DONE
  • New Business: 
  • Future Business: 
    • Dads/father figures event - Needs to be spearheaded
  • Adjournment: 8 pm, Next meeting: December 8th: Mixer, in person–Sturdy Shelter

 

October 2025 PTO Meeting: October 6th, 2025

  • Welcome: 7:00 PM at Hoover-Wood.
  • Attendance:  Mr. Degman, Katie Villa, Kristin Vallaro, Jen Boettcher, Mike McCaleb, Jocelyn Kotrba-Special Ed Resource, Claire Sanders, Kim Sciata, Maria Guieb, Jody Trombley, Randy Khem, Sarah Scalia, Erin Wallace, Monica Ebert
  • Approval of the previous month’s meeting minutes: Approved
  • Events to discuss:
    • How many cars have signed up? 9, potentially 2 more - push communication for candy donations.
    • Could there be a basket prize or gift card for the trunk that is voted the favorite at the event? Working to get a donation basket for the winner.
    • Hawk walk (Maria and Jody): How did it go? It went well.  Thank you to all volunteers. $8600 in donations.  Donations open until  Wednesday, 10/8/25.  Bubbles were a hit.
    • Fun Fair (Maria and Jody): Bring it back - last one was 2020. Indoor carnival-inflatables in the gym, cake walk, activities/games in each classroom. Fundraising - Raffle baskets, 50/50 raffle, food sales.  Free entry for adults, but tickets will be purchased for meals and refreshments. Raffle activities ($1). Schedule for Saturday February 28th. 1-3 pm.
    • Fall Fest (Mr. Degman) A location and station map will be made once everything is reserved and set up.
    • Trunk or Treat (Meg): happening on October 24th from 4:30 - 6pm
    • Family Bingo Night at HWS-Fun and free in January.  Get donations for prizes from local places.  Hit up toy shops and Pokémon stores for kid’s prizes.
  • Spending of PTO funds: SLT - book vending machine for 2025.  (This was voted on and approved tonight). Beefe is giving a one-time donation for $1700 (This will be used to stock the machine with books).  
  • Items to discuss:
    • Room parent for self-contained classes for communication & support of teachers: update? 
    • Celebration books for LRC–funds from PTO for waiver kids–how does that work? Free in myschoolbucks for students with waivers.
    • Art Appreciation revamp (Kristin Vallaro): Kim and Kristin had a meeting with Art Attack - disappointed in offerings and lessons.  It is too expensive and doesn’t solve the problem of parent engagement.   May not be necessary as art is a part of the curriculum for all students as of next year.  This initiative will end.
  • Guest reader may be a better option for engagement.
    • A survey will be done to understand what people are willing to volunteer for.
    • Headshots and bios for PTO page–get those to Renad. -
    • Spirit Wear update from Jenn and Caitlin: Get in touch with Jessica Blankenship for getting new HWS swag.
  • Updates from board members (if any):
    • Reading of correspondence (secretary): Thank you from Gina 
    • Classroom support: how’s it going so far this year? Anything not working well?
      • We may have someone willing to take over this position.  Ask Jessica Shields as well.  She is great with engagement.
      • Snacks and appreciation: Apple theme October 17th
    • President: Nothing on my end
    • President-Elect: 
    • Treasurer: 
      • Hawk Walk T-Shirt Fundraising
      • Gross Revenue: $4,100.00
      • Expenses: $3,850.20
      • Net Profit: $249.80
      • Hawk Walk Donations
      • Total Donations: $8,630.00
      • Processing Fees: $328.86
      • Net Donations: $8,301.14
      • PTO Expense for September/August - 
      • Restaurant Night: $106 Chicken Salad Chick
  • Vice President: Budget meeting can be moved up and drafted early, but we’ll finalize in March.
    • Fund raising powerhouse: how did restaurant night go on September 17th? Next one is this Thursday, October 9th. 
      • Maria will make a spreadsheet for hierarchy of businesses for donations to fund specific events.  
    • Communications: Push communication for following items.
      • Final donations day is Wednesday 10/7/2025 for Hawk Walk - promote using it for the book vending machine. 
      •  Send communication for Push next restaurant night - Windmill Grille and Pizzeria, October 9. 
      • Coffee with the principal was rescheduled to October 17th. 
      • Trunk or Treat on the 24th and candy donations - A box is in the main office for collection. 
      • Facebook page postings as well for the events as well if access has been gained.
  • Updates from principal: Coffee with principal October 17th.  
  • Questions, concerns, comments from Teacher Representative:
    • Jocelyn Kotrba, jocelyn.kotrba@bps101.net
  • Thank you for everything that was done.  Howie was a hit with the children.  
  • Old Business: 
    • Lunchboxes: got hampers for those. How’s that going? Once we have all six, they will be set up.  We need more bins to make it better so everything can fit.
  • New Business: 
    • Anyone have a contact for high schoolers interested in babysitting during future PTO meetings? Mentors, National Honor Society, Best Buddies, Leadership, Education Pathways.  Jocelyn will reach out to existing contacts.  This will start being a necessity in March 2026.
  • Future Business: 
    • Holiday Shop - Randy, Deena, Mandy lead this - December 2-4 in school.  Volunteer opportunities are available for parents.
    • Space that was used last year (Co-Lab) can no longer be used as it is now a resource classroom.  Keep in mind that not all students can afford this.  Main issue - the money is set aside, but parents don’t know they are available. Solution - A coupon pass would be provided or a gift card for a specific amount for the students.  It will be provided by Mr. Degman.  
  • Trivia Night (discuss in November)
  • Science Fair (hopefully Palak and Emily are on board again!)(let’s discuss in November)
  • Bingo? January -free at HWS
  • Dads/father figures event - Needs to be spearheaded
  • 39 dads signed up for Watchdogs. 
    • Data from questionnaire - dads will be able to divide time and may want to do things in their children's classroom only.  There is a good amount of info to sift through. October 24th - first event.  AM: dads in classrooms, PM: four stations.
  • Adjournment: 8 pm, Next meeting: Virtual on November 10th at 7pm - Jocelyn to set this up on Google Meet.

 

September 2025 PTO Meeting: September 9th, 2025

  • Welcome: 7:00 PM at Hoover-Wood.
  • Attendance:  Mr. Degman, Maria Guieb, Courtney Lee, Jen Boettcher, Giana Ayers, Jody Trombley, Jocelyn Kotrba-Special Ed Resource, Adrienne Adamczyk, Lauren Schneider, Nicole Detlie, Katie Joern, Kayla Dudgeon, Sarah Scalia, Sara DiDomenico, Mike McCaleb, Renad Jarzynski, Monica Ebert
  • Approval of the previous month’s meeting minutes: Approved
  • Events to discuss:
    • Hawk walk (Maria and Jody): Sponsors for t-shirts attained, need logos.  Jody dropped off a check to the treasurer.  Bubble Theme - Rental Invoice for bubble machine: $84.89 - need bubble juice -70 oz.  $20 on Amazon. Flyers printed. Prizes: 1 student for each class, Cane’s achievement award for students.  October 3rd, schedule:  9:30-10:25 - 5th, 9:30-10:05 - Kind AM, 10:30-11:25 - 4th, 11:30-12:25 - 3rd, 1:05-1:40 - Kind PM, 1:05-2:00 - 2nd, 2:05-3:00 - 1st. The Police, Fire Department, and Mascot will be there. Volunteer - signs for encouragement, ticket cutting, shirt organization.
    • Fall Fest (Mr. Degman) Presentation shared.  The whole school is outside for a giant fall festival.  Each room parent creates a class station, theme and game - prizes allowed - no food.  Make games transferable to go inside for inclement weather.  Kindergarteners and 1st graders come out for the first 10 minutes.  Then all students go outside.  The parade is done outside for all kids.  There will be stations with books and coloring for kids that don’t want to partake in games.  Parade is everyone (kids and families), volunteers needed for set up.  Starts at 2:25, parade at 3:10.  Timing still needs to be figured out with the parade route.
    • Book Fair November 3rd.  PTO will give $$ to LRC and Librarian runs this. PTO will provide funds.
    • Trunk or Treat? (Meg has a plan in action) - must be after school hours.  
      • Please choose a date and time. These are the possible dates based on Batfest, local football/cheer, etc. There might be conflicts with the Friday dates, but Mr. Degman thinks we would have the best turnout on those dates.
        • 10/17 or 10/24 (both Fridays), thinking 4:30 - 6pm?
        • 10/19 or 10/26 (both Sundays), 11-1PM or 3-5 PM?
        • STILL TBD
      • Will the PTO buy a backdrop for photos? Yes
      • Could PTO offer a $20 reimbursement for cars who participate in trunk or treat? This depends on the number of cars participating.  Let’s promote having people donate candy so trunk or treat cars don’t have to be responsible for buying all candy.  We will not give cars money for decorations.    
      • Sean will reach out to staff to determine who is interested in decorating a car or two with the “School of Rock” theme (Jocelyn can help with this if Sean needs)
      • Could there be a basket prize or gift card for the trunk that is voted the favorite at the event? TBD
      • Ideally how many cars do we want to have as Trunks? TBD
  • No access to outlets after hours.  A generator can be borrowed for an inflatable.
  • Use the big parking lot and small lot for the trunk or treat cars.
    • This needs to be after school.  Ask Watchdogs if they would be willing to volunteer.  
    • Dads/father figures event? Update from Meg: Nick Nagele will assist but we will still need volunteers to pull it off. All would take place at school, ideally outdoors. Ideas for what type of event:
    • Chalk Walk - each group would be assigned a square of the sidewalk and draw a picture around a certain theme such as books, hobbies, nature, etc.
    • Scavenger Hunt - Families could be matched up to create teams and be given a set of challenges such as taking a photo of your group with something yellow, taking a photo of someone doing xyz on the playground. Silly stuff but easy. Very cheap event.
    • Obstacle course - like Tough Mudder but not that tough and not muddy. It is relatively cheap to set up a course and add a few challenges along the course of the path out back. We could have stations set up where they must stop and stack cups to make a triangle and then knock them over with a ball or something. It is just meant to make it fun for everyone.
    • Dodgeball 
  • Watchdogs - Options:  ½ day, full day, lunch and recess to give flexibility.  Help with classrooms, provide support, or create a station for dads to set up.  Mr. Degman will get sign-up sheets and feedback and determine the best steps to allow for more interaction. 
  • Spending of PTO funds (Mr. Degman can lead)
    • Book vending machine: Need Quote - speak with Treasurer.  It is tied in with Howie Heroes.  For every 50 kids, randomize 10 for kids to get a token for a free book.
    • Story walk: Need more time for planning.
    • Lunchroom tables: Needed, amount will be determined.
    • Sign for out front: LED screen for advertising - Very Pricey.  It was quoted before and was not purchased.  Alternative - We can buy tv’s to go around school.  The district will be responsible for running data and electricity.  PowerPoints and announcements will be shared by Mr. Degman around the school.
    • Buddy Bench suggested
  • Items to discuss:
    • Kids have been forgotten in the past and we want to advocate for them.  Mr. Degman will communicate to them about this.  Parents should be a room parent for the homeroom teacher to make sure that everyone is involved and in the loop.
    • Get the self-contained teachers to provide feedback on solutions.
    • Room parent for self-contained classes for communication & support of teachers.
    • Art Appreciation revamp (Kristin Vallaro discussed this)- Art Appreciation Program: $200 - 7 pieces of art.  $$$ for 24 pieces and supplies.  Parents can come in for art appreciation where they bring their own art and supplies (we cannot provide reimbursement for anything parents bring in) unless we fund the artwork.  We need volunteers for this, and an additional person to champion this.  There is a need to coordinate supplies and get an inventory on what supplies are already on hand, and how they are separated age appropriately.  
    • Move budget meeting up to February - Needs to be after Trivia night since that is our biggest fundraising event. 
    • Update PTO page with board member pictures and bios - Headshots needed - Please provide them to Renad for uploading to the page.  Let us know if you need a headshot done.
    • Spirit Wear: Caitlin and Jen Arnett are interested in working on this together–Katie to connect them to Sean’s contact at previous school. Jessica Blankenship - Wants to take over the spirit wear for future creation and design. (Blank Creations).

 Updates from board members (if any):

    • Reading of correspondence (secretary): None provided at this time.
    • Classroom support: how’s it going so far this year? Anything not working well?
      • Welcome Back goodies for teachers - Hoover Wood Coozies and stocked fridge with drinks. Renad will put the update in the Newsletter, and we will put pictures on social media as well. Theme: We hope you had a “refreshing” first week.
      • We are currently brainstorming our next theme. We try to do one about every month. Any ideas, feel free to pass along! 
      • All room parents have been notified and in contact with their teachers.
      • Currently looking for someone to “shadow” me, because I will not be able to continue to do this volunteer role next school year. Spread the word!  We still need to address this. 
    • President: Nothing on my end
    • President-Elect: 
    • Treasurer: BIC update. Make it uniform across districts for teacher reimbursements for the future - TBD.  This year is $250/teacher.  They need to fill out google form for reimbursement.
    • Vice President:
    • Fund raising powerhouse: Everything is set up for Hawk Walk; volunteers will be needed as discussed earlier.  The restaurant list for fundraising is completed.  First night is Wednesday September 17th from 4-8 pm at Chicken Salad Chick on Randall.  
    • Communications: how’s it going? When will the next newsletter go out? 
  • Updates from principal:
  • Questions, concerns, comments from Teacher Representative:
    • Jocelyn Kotrba, jocelyn.kotrba@bps101.net
  • Thanks for refreshing beverages and koozies!-WE HAVE THE BEST PTO!
  • PTO Reimbursement amount and procedures 
    • This year, staff will continue to get $250 and should request reimbursement through the Google Reimbursement Form
    • Next year this amount might change as the district is trying to determine a way to make this more equitable district wide as there are discrepancies between buildings Reimbursement discussed earlier. 
  • Bookfair and Trunk-or-Treat access for all. PTO will provide funds for the Bookfair.  Trunk or treat will have access to all for the start of the parade and trunk or treating.
  • Old Business: 
    • lunchboxes: got hampers for those. How’s that going? Still needs to be discussed.
    • Boy scouts: was there interest? Monica was talking with the pack leader–any feedback from him?  There was definite interest.  We have 5 students recruited from Hoover Wood in pack 112. 
  • New Business: 
    • Mentors, National Honor Society, Best Buddies, Leadership, Education Pathways
    • Does anyone have contact details for high schoolers interested in babysitting during future PTO meetings? (discuss in October)
  • Future Business: 
    • Holiday Shop (discuss in October)
    • Trivia Night (discuss in November)
    • Science Fair (hopefully Palak and Emily are on board again!) Let’s discuss in October
    • Fun Fair? (let’s discuss in October)
    • Bingo? (discuss in October–shoot for December/January)
    • Babysitters for PTO Meetings-Jocelyn has some ideas to share at next meeting
  • Adjournment: 8 pm
  • Next meeting: 9/29: Tentative special meeting to talk about Hawk Walk and see where Maria and Jody need help (if any). Meeting and location TBD.
    • 10/6: PTO meeting for everyone at Hoover-Wood