PTO BOARD MEETING MINUTES - March 7, 2022
3/12/2022 12:45 pm
DCES PTO BOARD MEETING 3/7/22
Present:
Katie Makelele: Incoming President
Laura Wheeshoff: Outgoing President
Tara McConnel: Treasurer
Marissa Anderson: Secretary
Kimberly Mills: Principal
Colleen Love: Assistant Principal
Krista Kotsovos: VP Campus Improvements
Alicia Haygood: VP Communications
Holly Hooley: Faculty
Jamie McCrensky: Faculty
Melanie Frisone: VP Hospitality
Caroline Margargle: VP Hospitality
Renee Johnson: Adults’ night out
Mary Olley: VP of Technology
Celebrations
Amazing Race - raised $40k again!!
Principal Update
- Shade structure, waiting on civil engineer plans, then will submit to city, then city will get permits approved.
- Mr. Robinson Charros Teacher of the year!
- In person kinder round up this week.
President Update
Mrs. Mills will ask teachers again this week whether they are comfortable with indoor volunteers. Decision will be made by grade level
Kinder Buddy Day may be in person - Mrs. Mills will be discussing with Kinder teachers
Community Service Project - picking up trash.
Campus Improvements
Shade/ benches/ sidewalk at North Gate - being reviewed by a civil engineer/ contractor, plans then need to be approved by the city. We will share the drawing with parents and teachers once the engineer finishes it. We are hoping to have this project completed before the next school year begins.
Shade structure over basketball courts still pending - someone from the district came out to assess
District is not looking at updating the playgrounds
Area between Music and Nurses Rooms could use an update. Artificial turf is typically under warranty; any landscaping or gardening PTO plants or pays for will be maintained by PTO
Garden Club - could increase to 2 volunteers if Tina wants/ needs them. Possibly divide 3 hour slot into 2 x 1.5 hour slots.
Send out survey to parents, and teacher reps will as well, to get feedback on the years events. Going forward we can consider sending surveys after each event for immediate feedback.
Tentative new board
Will send out link to vote this week
We do still need volunteers for vp of technology - we could leave those blank to remind people they are still needed
Teachers - Mrs. Hooley
VP events:
- Fun run update: Facilities request submitted, we will be running a mile on campus. 8:30 start. Selling Krispy Kreme donuts. Mrs. Leopold put a google form together for people to sign up.
- Adults’ Night Out We have secured the wandering donkey and it is $20 for a meal and one drink. All drinks after that are cash bar. Tickets $45-$50. We are also underway with gathering donation items for the auction. We still have a lot of work to do but so far we have some nice big ticket items and several smaller items.
*** If anybody is able to donate a service or has any friends or contacts with local places that would donate a service or product, please let either Renee or Dina know. Will also auction off school experiences like the marquee or morning announcements. They
would love to get help with securing auction items from anybody who is able.
- Movie night
VP of special projects/campus improvements:
- Next year initial focus should be on maintenance - repainting mural, re doing or repainting wooden flowers in coves
- Makerspace day plan (permission slips, reserve library, probably on early release day)
- Amazing celebrations for classrooms approval
Treasurer
Amazing Race raised $40,317.75!!!
Great job, Krista!!!
For perspective, this is about twice what we were raising before Krista started doing Amazing Race. We usually spend about 15% of what we make on the race. I don't have all the numbers spent on this year's race yet. We may have gone over budget at least in part because we made more than our $30,000 goal. I will email for a vote to expand the budget if that's the case.
|
Year |
Raised |
|
21-22 |
$40,317.75 |
|
20-21 |
$43,988.05 |
|
19-20 |
$23,232.90 |
|
18-19 |
$18,824.00 |
|
17-18 |
$22,034.61 |
|
16-17 |
$19,221.11 |
|
15-16 |
$23,418.98 |
Vote for shelving units in the PTO room. $1000 approved by everyone present.
VP of Hospitality
5th grade bricks deadline March 15.
PTO BOARD MEETING MINUTES - February 7, 2022
2/12/2022 12:45 pm
PTO BOARD MEETING MINUTES 2/7/2022
Parents’ Night Out : April 22
At wandering donkey $50 a ticket , $45 ahead of time,
Successes:
Carnival: $6,647
Chinese New Year
Next year: We will offer Chinese new year t-shirt to all teachers.
Sell t-shirts at the event, consider ordering 10% extra with all spiritwear.
Also have hospitality provide New Years lunch and make sure PTO Presidents are
aware of hospitality meals/lunches planned
Principal Updates:
PTO Calendar
Charros is same day as parent night out
3 volunteers per class during field day March 4. PTO responsible for securing volunteers. Parents need to reach out to Sharon and cc Mrs. Mils if they have submitted volunteer packet but not heard back.
Trimming sidewalks
Working on schedule for shade structure and concrete. Greg is working with the city. We do not have a time for completion yet.
PTO calendar for admin by June/July with events, including family nights.
President Updates:
-Beth is helping in the front office including with social media!
-District offered to pay for basketball shade structure
1) sustainability - we will be having a grad student from ASU speak at our march general meeting on sustainability
- they have given us oodles of goodies as well - to do sustainability projects at school, which are essentially STEM projects,
- were wondering a good time for this - potentially May when testing is done?
- Mrs. Mills is working with ASU to find a time for them to come out and do the Mobile Stem Lab at school this year or next year. This is Dr. Menzel’s project. PTO will speak with our contact at ASU to determine if these are the same projects.
2) Playground helpers are not needed this year.
3) vote in March re: board - one per family- we can put name and email on the form; April is transition/training, May is new board; We will send out chair positions once board is finalized; **needs to be filled
**President (Incoming; 2 year term)
**Secretary
VP of Communications
VP of Events
**VP of Finance / Treasurer
**VP of Fundraising
VP of Hospitality
**VP of Special Projects (and Campus Improvements)
VP of Technology (App and Website)
4) Birthday Book Club / Book Fair - consider having books donated to library next year;
look at new vendor for book fair; we have added $175 for the librarian for anything from scholastic and this may be adjusted.
We may consider a different book supplier for higher quality library books.
Possibly giving books to outgoing 5th graders and incoming Kinder
5) AEL - Aggregate Expenditure Limit, state legislature must act by 3-1 or SUSD will be unable to spend 27 million dollars of its budget
Link to chaparral pto site for example of how to contact legislature for funding deadline. We can also post the district fact page.
6) Lisa Burke and Alison Stein are our community outreach - they work with Luz.
Luz is organizing specific items for our Refugees so keep an eye out for their posts/emails
And of course she has an office here for anyone in need in the community
VP Events:
1) Fun run suggested by our running club teachers. Tentatively: April 3 at 9am. Marissa will chair and work with Mrs. Leopold and Miss Tipton.
2) Amazing Race update
Treasurer
Vote for $150 to technology budget for black print cartridge for work room. Approved by everyone present.
Chase balance: $64,484.44
PayPal balance: $1,283.53
Carnival numbers:
spent:$7,842.17
Income: $14,489.56
NET: $6,647.39
Vote to give preschool/prek shared $100 grade level funds this year. Approved.
Slon will continue to get $500 per year.
Hospitality:
February 14th - special teacher treat morning
5th Grade Committee:
T-shirts will be in within the next couple of weeks
5th grade bricks deadline is March 15th
Teachers:
Chargers: Fund approved but determining if we can order them from cheaper supplier. SUSD IT wants them from a specific supplier. $2914 for 80 chargers.
Campus Improvements:
PTO BOARD MEETING MINUTES - January 10, 2022
1/12/2022 12:45 pm
DCES PTO BOARD MEETING 1/10/2022
Present:
Laura Weeshoff - Outgoing President
Katie Makelele - Incoming President
Kim Mills - Principal
Colleen Costello - Vice Principal
Tara McConnell - Treasurer
Marissa Anderson - Secretary
Holly Hooley - VP of Faculty
Jamie McCrensky - VP of Faculty
Krista Kotsovos - VP of Special Projects / Campus Improvements
Mary Olley - VP of Technology
Beth Williams - VP of Communications
Alicia Haygood - VP of Communications
Melanie Frisone - VP of Hospitality
Brenda Courtad - VP of Special Projects / Campus Improvements
Rene Johnson
Caroline Magargle
Principal Updates
Two teachers: Mr. Robinson and Mrs. Sparks re-certified for NBC!!!
North Gate Canopy is up
Fifth grade and Mrs. Sparks have drinking fountains up/functioning
January 25th meeting of SUSD board - for approval of shade/sidewalk
Are on campus tours occurring right now for prospective families - Wednesdays outside of school hours; Tina can tend to the garden; Tara can do chalkboard
President
PTO General Meeting to follow this meeting
Carnival 1/21/22
Confirmed pre planned events are ok as long as mitigation strategies are promoted (hand sanitizers at each station, encourage distance while in line, encourage masks, limit number allowed in bounce houses)
Birthday Book Club
Lisa will coordinate with the library to allow students to pick out their own books. Other items delivered to students in classroom
Chinese New Year classroom parties
No visitors or volunteers allowed at this time
Chinese New Year Celebration 2/4/22
Pre-planned and outside so ok at this time
We have a food truck and dragon ready for 5pm - so advertise start time as 4:45pm
Election: Our Community Engagement committee will create a google form for those interested in positions for next year, including: Name, grades of children, position they are interested in for next year and why, backup position they are interested in. If Election is March I think we need to get going on getting our nominations and interested parents.
Book Fair - gifted funds - $175 to teachers, 11 have finalized their orders / spent almost $1900 and Emily is following up with the others.
VP Special Projects
Teachers prioritized outdoor shade and additional funding for a part time aide for oversized classrooms. All teachers who responded wanted more shade, half of teachers who responded wanted part time aide.
Krista and Brenda met this morning to discuss shade and playground options
Tree for 5th grade - Brenda will get quote and turn it into Sharon
Permanent signs for bus lane, pick up/ drop off lane etc. before August; district may place them
VP Treasurer
- Raised $65k year to date
- Banking balances
- Chase $50,827.93
- PayPal $2,542.52
- PTO Votes from email: YES to Slon room parent funds +$180
- History of spending for aides
21/22 ($13,463)
Computer lab
$7541
21/22 ($13,463)
Playground
$5922
20/21 ($27,625)
Playground
$3710
20/21 ($27,625)
Reading intervention
$10,343
Now paid from results based funding
20/21 ($27,625)
Front desk
$13,571
Now paid by school
19/20 ($21,532)
Computer lab
$5860
19/20 ($21,532)
2nd computer lab
$2980
19/20 ($21,532)
Reading intervention
$9324
Now paid by school
19/20 ($21,532)
Playground
$3369
VP Events
- Carnival: 1/22
- On track with vendors & food
- —Organized the booth props last week and found the leftover prizes in the PTO closet so we’re in good shape
- —We have 2 sponsors so far for our sponsor booths (Mattisinko & Firemark)
- —No raffle
- —Volunteers- sent out sign ups this week - need to advertise this big time
- —Need to send lots of reminders to pre purchase wristbands/tickets - buy early to avoid the lines!
- —Need overall help promoting carnival - social media, emails, texts. We can hang flyers on campus and will send another flyer
- Family Fun Night: Papa Johns 1/29
- Gala: Need to pinpoint a day for the gala/auction since the original discussed date of 4/15 doesn’t work. Committee to be organized to help with event. New date 4/22
- Amazing Race: Krista would like a committee to help. Kick off/soft launch at Chinese New Year
VP Technology
- Update date of Chinese New Year on website with info; Update new chair of Gala - Renee Johnson
- Update parent listings
VP Communications
- Krista needs a committee for Amazing Race - please advertise
- Also Gala committee
VP Teachers
- 3s and 4s again next year
- Thanks from teachers for shade structures, donuts, and Mrs. Sparks Water Bottle fillers.
- Is it possible to replace Keurig and have additional creamers
- Clarification needed on chargers. Once we get a number, we will vote on it. District is not paying for extra chargers, so PTO will need to.
PTO BOARD MEETING MINUTES - December 6, 2021
12/10/2021 12:45 pm
DCES PTO BOARD MEETING MINUTES 12/6/21
Present:
Laura Weeshoff, Outgoing President
Katie Makelele, Incoming President
Kimberly Mills, Principal
Colleen Costello, Assistant Principal
Tara McConell, Treasurer
Marissa Anderson, Secretary
Alicia Haygood, VP of Communications
Dave McCuistion, VP of Technology
Beth Beyer, VP of Communications
Dina Engler, VP of Events
Lisa Burke, Carnival
Mary Olley, VP of Technology
Krista Kotsovos, VP of Improvements
Melanie Frisone, VP of Hospitality
Jamie McCrensky, VP of Staff
Holly Hooley, VP of Staff
Successes:
- Golf Tournament reached their fundraising goal!
- Next year remember prize for lowest score;
- Save sponsorship boards
- Consider date change to spring
Principal Updates:
- Up to 2 volunteers allowed in each classroom for the winter parties; teachers will coordinate with room moms. Encouraging teachers to select parents that have not had a chance to volunteer this year.
- Winter concerts - Band (Tues), Choir (Wed.), Strings (Thur.)
- Spelling Bee (Friday)
- Sub days for teachers
- Spirit Week Dec. 13th-7th
- Caroling - Wed. Dec. 15th (5th grade and choir)
- Baskets
- Teacher support from admin.
- Tax Credit
- Campus improvement updates. City council meeting to approve widening Dec 7. Then to SUSD board
- OE 44 Kindergarten 2022-2023
President Updates:
- Run Club
- We are paying $25/hour for Ms. Tipton for the entire year
- Site Council is paying for Ms. Leopold and both aids
- Looking to schedule 1k? Or 1 mile fun run in Spring. Should consider making it a PTO event on weekend instead of a school event due to less restrictions. Remember field day is March 4th
- Putting together Run Club t-shirts for possible fundraising (to go towards paying Ms. Tipton)
- Consider adding a fee next year to offset cost. We have done this in the past for other clubs.
- Vote $360 to pay for staff through Spring, $40 for supplies. Approved.
- General Meeting next month January 10th (March 7th) middle school cafeteria
- Possibly in the middle school library, evening meeting.
- Rena Saltzman in charge of speaker.
- We will discuss all of the positions, and email them out; at that point we have 2 months to fill a slate; Discuss the Outreach VP position - and putting the outreach group under it in the future
- Voting will be in March at general meeting.
- Possibly eliminate VP of outreach
- Notify parents of statewide ban on suspending a child 4th grade and under
- Garden Club - we have added pre-k
- Parada del Sol float - Need truck and trailer for float. Connect with Mr. Rhodes on this because he is head of Stu Go. Event is 2/12/21
- High Heat Days - Request permission to use middle school classroom. Still pending.
- Tax Credit Flyer - should PTO make this? Needs to be sent out / posted this month
- Thank you to Tara McConnel for the chalk board art
Campus Improvements/Special Projects: Krista and Brenda
- City will review at the December 8 meeting
- Shade structure for students will be installed during winter break
- Tree put in soon - water line has been installed
- Water Fountain - still pending information
Events: Dina and Kelly
- This week:
- Mom’s night happy hour on Wednesday 5-7
- Peter Piper
- Carnival - 1/21/22 - Lisa Burke
- Submit Facilities request for tables, chairs and maintenance to keep the field clean that night through Lisa Macarele at Facilities
- Field reserved
- Rides and inflatables approved
- Sports theme
- Start advertising early
- Set up sign up for parent and teacher volunteers
- Check supply closet for prizes and games
- Raffle: pre purchase tickets online or buy at carnival.
- Chinese new year celebration 28th - 1/28/22
- Outside in amphitheater
- PTO will sponsor dragon
- Need to reach out to Michelle Lightner and Kerry Lee
- Amazing Race - Krista Kotsovos
- Soft launch at the Chinese New Year celebration
- Theme: Rockin in the USA
- Prize launch session at lunch
- Teacher responses: 79% said yes to lunch with a teacher, suggestions for rewards outside of school, consider equity for all kids despite parents’ economic contribution.
- Spring book fair date set:
- April 25-29 (Fine Arts April 29)
Treasurer - Tara
- Family Fun Nights has surpassed their goal of $1000 and already has raised $1762.01
- Golf tournament surpassed their goal of $10,000 and raised $10,305.37. With costs landing at $6649.26, the event netted $3656.27
- ACTIONABLE ITEM: We need to have a vote to approve a new budget for legacy spending for north gate improvements because costs have risen since we got our original quote. Prior budget was $36,000 and we need $45,000, which is a difference of $9000. Vote to add $9000 to legacy spending budget. Approved.
- ACTIONABLE ITEM: The current budget for Run Club is $750. $300 of that is for Tara Webster to use for supplies and $152 has been spent so far. The other $450 was meant for staffing. Mrs. Mills has asked us for $810 to cover the additional staff. I’m not sure if this is for the semester or for the entire year, but we might need to alter the budget based on the difference. Once clarified, at $810, the budget will need to be increased by $400 which will cover the $810 and add $40 to Tara’s supplies budget YES
- Budget to date below:
Teachers Report - Mrs. Hooley and Ms. McCrensky
- “Chromebook” charger update: 29 charges requested, $2914.48 for 80 chargers. School is getting new chromebooks that are different from current chromebooks. Consider ordering chargers for all classrooms because of chromebook change.
- Teacher input - classroom helpers. Less than half want regular classroom helpers.
- Over 80% would like copy help. Try to set up copy help in work room starting in January.
- Teacher input - legacy spending - will be sent out this week
Communications / App - Beth, Alicia, Dave, Mary
- Are teachers getting our emails? Dave/Mary
- Make sure teachers feel welcome to attend events and are notified early
- Alicia - Update PTO board with Winter Recess
Hospitality - Melanie and Caroline
- Pies a success!
- Teacher gift baskets
PTO BOARD MEETING MINUTES - November 8, 2021
11/10/2021 12:45 pm
DCES PTO BOARD MEETING 11/8/21
Celebrations
- Fall social : success! things we liked/Things we'd improve on
- US News World Report - top 2.5 % 32/1315 az public schools
Upcoming Events:
- Family Fun Night 11/18- Panera (4-8pm). Get flyers to teachers earlier. $1000 goal reached on family fun night!
- Turkey Trot 11/23 - Candace organizing volunteers at Mrs. Sparks request, 2 from each class. Volunteers needing approval should let school/district know it’s for Turkey Trot.
- Golf Tournament 12/3 - MMR. Need sponsors and participants!! Lunch included also 2 drinks
- Family Fun Night 12/9 - Peter Piper Pizza (5-8pm)
- Carnival 1/21
- Chinese New Year Celebration 1/28 - Friday evening celebration on campus?
Presidents Updates:
- Running Club
- 1k in 2022 on campus - what month/date would work?
- Planning for next semester: funding through t shirts, tax credit, etc. PTO pays for one staff member, site counsel pays for the second staff member. If site counsel pays for both teachers, PTO could find a way to fund or support para volunteers.
- DCES Ranking Graphic on DCES Facebook page? (possibilities - separate email announcement, card with tattoo, placement on kinder roundup flyer)
- Kindergarten Roundup
- Dates: 11/9, 1/11, 3/08; last 2 will be in person in the library.
- Tours available after school on Wednesday
- Helping teachers with large class sizes.
- Can PTO fund a part time assistant teacher to help the 2-3 largest classes on campus? (say classes k-2 with more than 24, and 3-5 with more than 25)
- Or recruit semi-permanent volunteers for those teachers?
- Look into it for the future for all regular program grades that are significantly larger? (i..e this year maybe 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th- consider 2 part time aides/ one for 2nd/3rd one for 4th/5th - or long term volunteers
- Does teacher want an aid
- Each teacher can choose 1 parent volunteer
- Must be Equitable
- Volunteers in classrooms? Right now limited to one at a time.
- Holiday Shop: What do we do for holidays on campus - asked by a parent. Could we do a shop for students to purchase inexpensive items for their families. (i.e. next year, $1-5 price point, during that before school recess). Do not have time for it this year, but will look at for next year.
- Follow up on hooks for backpacks
- K-3 put backpacks in cove before school, 4-5 put them on the playground.
- Wall mounts are a concern because of scorpions. Maybe something movable?
- Book Fair was a big success!
Treasurer Updates:
- Fall social was well under budget using only $900 of the allotted $1600
- I've received a check from a management company in Utah called "KNDRS" for $715. It was made out to SUSD but notated as "Desert Canyon Fundraiser." Does anyone know what this is? And if so, can we get it reissued so that it is made out to DCES PTO?
Faculty Updates:
- Info on chromebook chargers for classrooms. Mrs. Hooley will send out email to faculty for charger requests before we order.
Principal Updates:
- Working on parking spots
- Office conference room furniture and paint is done.
- Thank you to hospitality for conference night
- Thank you for book fair and chalkboards
- Kinder numbers are excellent for next year
Campus Improvements and Special Projects Updates:
- The IGA between the city and SUSD should be wrapping up soon and Gregg Skelton is hoping to get the project on the SUSD general board meeting on the agenda for their next meeting. Also Gregg is planning on doing the sidewalk widening first to get the project moving while we wait on the shade structures to be made and installed
- North gate shade should arrive today and will be scheduled to
- Frame on chalkboard has been completed for the 4th grade cove
- SUSD will be replacing the fountain in the 5th grade cove. We are waiting to receive the quote on the water bottle filler for the PE room in order to purchase.
- Parking lot repainting is still in the works
- Mastic tree quotes- --Large one will be too big. Medium is $2500 plus tax and Small is $800 plus tax. Medium will be good sized and provide shade, Small will be home depot size. Will need to include pricing of taking down the fence, water will probably provided by district, but not sure. Vote taken and small is voted on.
Miscellaneous
- We will discuss Scholastic dollars next month! Approximately 14,000 dollars raised
- We have put in our spiritwear order for fall/winter and deliver is expected in about 4 weeks, we made a slight change to the red color due to availability
- We will meet in the library next month
- Golf Tournament - advertise the happy hour after as well. Flier
- Moms night out planned for December as well
PTO BOARD MEETING MINUTES - October 4, 2021
10/9/2021 12:45 pm
DCES PTO BOARD MEETING 10/04/21
PRESENT:
Laura Weeshoff, Outgoing President *
Katie Makelele, Incoming President *
Tara McConnell, Treasurer *
Marissa Anderson, Secretary *
Kimberly Mills, Principal *
Colleen Costello, Assistant Principal *
Holly Hooley, Teachers Board Member *
Jamie McCrensky, Teacher Board Member
Krista Kotsovos, Co VP of Special Projects *
Brenda Courtad, Co VP of Special Projects *
Mary Olley, VP of Technology
Dave Mc, VP of Technology
Dina Engler, Co VP of Events
Kelly Brown, Co VP of Events *
Beth Williams, Co VP of Communications *
Alicia Haygood, Co VP of Communications *
Melanie Frisone, Co VP of Hospitality *
Casey McCartel, Co VP of Hospitality
Maria Aldrich, VP of Sponsorships
Celebrations:
New families playdate was a success
This week: National Walk/Bike to school and In’n Out are WEDNESDAY
Principal Updates
- Dr. Menzel clarified that volunteers are allowed outside. We are opening it up to all parents that would like to volunteer and have a specific reason/event for which they are volunteering. Volunteers must have proof of vaccination and wear a mask. Application can be found at https://az50000436.schoolwires.net/Page/397. And then contact Kailey at kaileybrown@susd.org
- ROAR awards last week
- Beautiful chalk art by Tara for walk to school
- Naming Ceremony - Mrs. Suderman putting together a video with pictures
- Enrollment is up 2018/19 in 400s then, 19/20 was 505; and this year at 521!!!
- State assessment review at the governing board meeting tomorrow. Highly proficient/average growth in ELA in 2019 and again in 2021. Math Highly proficient/high growth, through Covid our school was the only one that stayed in highly proficient/high growth range.
President
- Running Club Update: Huge demand. Approval completed through district. PTO approved for paying for an additional teacher to supervise and for prizes/charms. Will break it up by grade level.
- Gardening Update - need 1 more volunteer for tomorrow 11am - 1:30pm (lunch recess)
- Volunteers: Volunteers on campus allowed. Must register at susd.org. Need proof of vaccination, masked while indoors, Mrs. Mils to determine the need for volunteers.
- National walk/bike to school day is Wednesday and reminder this week is spirit week
- Katie looking at a Moms night out and Dads night out for November
- General Meeting
- Zoom (limited at 100 people)
- Discuss events, speakers, volunteering.
VP of Events
- Fall Oct 22 at Paradise Park - logistics
- Food truck, lawn games, kids must have a parent with them
- Fall book fair
- Quick set-up book fair outside. Parents are allowed to shop as they leave their conference. Will be outside, so parent volunteers can set up, take down, and work registers.
- Consider replacement for Pastries with Parents
- Family Fun Nights - a lot coming up!
- Golf Tournament - date set for Friday, Dec 3
- Carnival
- Lisa is currently assigning tasks in her committee
VP Treasurer
- Vote to increase funds for hospitality by $400 due to specific donation vote: YES
- Up to $300 for running club for needs vote: YES
- Up to $450 for additional running club teacher vote: YES
- Current Chase account: $88,500
- Current PayPal Account: $6600
- Budget items that were previously approved via email:
- Technology budget: Proposal to add $170 to the technology bucket to cover a color ink cartridge in the teachers workroom. YES
- Accelerated Reader budget: Proposal to adjust the budget to cover the increased expenses for Accelerated Reader, which the PTO pays for every year. The cost will be an additional $625. (Last year this cost was $3600 so we'd like to get input on approving a new budget of $4225 for this program) YES
- Hospitality budget: Proposal to add $100 to the Hospitality budget as a "misc. staff fund.” We'd use part of this budget immediately to recognize the 2 nurses and Mrs. Maldonado for the hard work they are doing at our school. Mrs. Mills brought this up in our meeting earlier this month and we've exchanged a lot of emails this week trying to figure out what to do and where the money should come from. Our thought is to use $60-75 for a lunch and a small plant or flowers for each of the nurses and Mrs. Maldonado as a thank you from the PTO. This would leave us a small amount in the event we needed it before the end of the school year. YES
VP Technology
- Should we change the website contact email to info instead of support?
- New Shortcut: dcespto.org/volunteer takes you to the volunteer sign ups page that also has info on the new volunteer process. Will be updated with Dr. Menzel’s new info
- We have registered dcespto.com, so if typed in it will direct to the dcespto.org website.
VP Communications
- Mass email going out with PTO info
- PTO members please send photo and bio
VP Special Projects
Campus Improvements updates:
Entrance project: The district is working with the city on an IGA Intergovernmental agreement rewriting for the whole district –
- Is there a way to get a contact with the city of Scottsdale for a timeline for this agreement and preliminary approval
- Sidewalk widening – can we just move the fence to the other side of the sidewalk? That would potentially solve the issue
Painting the entrance wall –Mills to send contact info on approved painters
Parking lot:
- Drainage will be cleaned
- Fixing lines for fall break – they incorrectly added a handicapped parking spot and will be repainting lines so the parking spots will be roomier
Tree planting
- Greg suggested a mastic tree to replace the saguaro – Moon Valley approved vendor
- I have lots of info on mastic trees for teachers – it’s a magical story
Chalkboard
- Carpenter at SUSD will make a border for us – will bill for time and materials
Street Signs:
- Maybe we name all the gates and add signs? Contest to come up with sign names?
- Maintenance will hang signs for auction winners
- Will preschool continue current dropoff procedures post covid? Seems to work well for everyone
- Bus Lane and Dropoff lane Signs – North Gate Parking Lot signs
- Revamp the current welcome to DCES sign or make a new one?
Maintenance throughout campus:
- Need to maintain butterfly garden along with garden beds, as well as 4th grade garden (Tina)
- Butterfly mural needs another coat of poly – Krista to lead- any volunteers to help?
- Wooden flowers need a refresh: Girl scouts/Boy scouts/HS volunteers?Water bottle fillers to be fixed? Ms. Sparks asked for one in PE room too. 5th grade cove isn’t working at least, mills to find vendor
- Printer? Not working?
VP Hospitality
- Lunches for nurses and Mrs. M.
VP Teachers
- Update on chromebook chargers for classrooms. Need to make sure we have the correct charger, cord, and power supply and have the necessary outlet space.
- Thank you! for the color print cartridge!
VP Sponsorships
- sponsor signage is being delivered tomorrow
- Working on sponsorship help for the golf tournament/looking at discounted rates for members
Read More
PTO BOARD MEETING MINUTES - September 13, 2021
9/13/2021 12:45 pm
DCES PTO BOARD MEETING 9/13/21
PRESENT:
Laura Weeshoff, Outgoing President
Katie Makelele, Incoming President
Tara McConnell, Treasurer
Marissa Anderson, Secretary
Kimberly Mills, Principal
Colleen Costello, Assistant Principal
Holly Hooley, Teachers Board Member
Jamie McCrensky, Teacher Board Member
Krista Kotsovos, Co VP of Special Projects
Brenda Courtad, Co VP of Special Projects
Mary Olley, VP of Technology
Dina Engler, VP of Events
Alicia Haygood, Co VP of Communications
Melanie Frisone, Co VP of Hospitality
Casey McCartel, Co VP of Hospitality
Principal Updates
- First Responders Event was a success. First Responder guests appreciated the refreshments from hospitality.
- Dr. Menzel clarified that volunteers are allowed outside. Volunteers must go through the application process. If you are interested you should contact Kailey Brown at kaileybrown@susd.org. Volunteers must have proof of vaccination and wear a mask. Application can be found at https://az50000436.schoolwires.net/Page/397.
President
- Survey Results:
- 82 people responded
- Email and Facebook are important for communication
- Many want volunteer opportunities and social events.
- Weekday mornings and 5:30 were evenly split for meeting times
- Top 3 speakers were psychologist, IT, sustainability and self defense.
- Shade for outdoor courts received the most votes for projects
- Condense communication with one PTO/Principal email?
- General Meeting next month!
- Zoom (limited at 100 people)
- Discuss events, speakers, volunteering
- Family Dance/Fun Night Oct 22 at Paradise Park - logistics
- Food truck, lawn games, kids must have a parent with them
- New Family's Event scheduled for Oct 2 at Paradise Park
- Technology Enrichment - thoughts on sponsoring an employee in the future?
- Probably not enough time in the school day to pull kids for technology, most are getting typing through the one to one technology that began last year.
- Fall book fair
- Quick set-up book fair outside. Parents if allowed, or just kids with their teachers. Will be outside, so parent volunteers can do set up, take down, and work registers.
- Spring book fair
- Probably a few days during spring conferences.
- Boosting staff morale - ideas?
- Gift baskets again through parent donations
- Energy bus comments
- Wednesday treats are appreciated by teachers
VP Treasurer
- Working through spirit wear, if anyone has refund question, direct them to Tara.
VP Technology
- Updating sponsors and logos.
- Open chair positions can come down
- Spirit wear
VP Communications
- Mass email going out with PTO info
- PTO members please send photo and bio
VP Special Projects
- Parking signs ordered and will be installed
- Mrs. Mills to include reminder about not parking in paid spots in her email
VP Hospitality
- Work with Mrs. Mills for teacher beverage cart
VP Teachers
- Are room parents getting email lists?
- Teachers can forward friendship list google forms from room parent to class parents.
Items from meeting with Mrs. Mills
First Responders Assembly 9/10/21
- Hospitality involved for food and water
- News may be on campus
- All reports point to this being a success!
Veteran’s Day Celebration - November
- Plan is for virtual celebration that will be recorded
Running Club
- Committee has been updated
- The field does not need to be reserved, just set up beforehand
- Start with 2nd - 5th grade with a commitment of 4-6 weeks
- Volunteers allowed per new outdoor volunteer guidelines (vaccinated, masked, approved through HR)
- We will need a waiver/ permission slip to verify parents are aware of participation and so that kids see this as a commitment
- Committee will work with Ms. Leopold on a waiver
Garden Club
- Tina has been approved to be on campus to prep the garden to get the Club going!
- She will set up a system to work with different grade levels during recess once she is ready
Mandarin Special
- Currently K-3 receives Mandarin as a Special as capacity is limited
Sand in North gate parking lot
- Mrs. Mills will work with maintenance and will discuss with Greg if not resolved
Chalkboard Frame
- Mrs. Mills is waiting on an answer from Greg
PBIS Cub of the Quarter
- Set for 9/29 - it will be recorded
Read More
PTO BOARD MEETING MINUTES - August 16, 2021
9/13/2021 12:45 pm
DCES PTO Minutes 8/16/21 at 3:45pm (virtual)
2021-2022 Board Attendees:
Co-Presidents: Laura Weeshoff - Katie Makalele
Principal: Mrs. Mills
Assistant Principal: Ms. Costello
Teacher Representative: Holly Hooley - Jamie McCrensky
VP Finance: Tara McConnell
VP Communications: Beth Williams - Alicia Haygood
VP App/Web: Mary Olley – Dave McQuiston
VP Events: Kelly Brown - Dina Engler
VP Special Projects - Krista Kotsovos - Brenda Courtad
VP Hospitality: Melanie Frisone - Caroline Magargle
Secretary: Marissa Andersen (absent)
VP Fundraising: Maria Aldrich (absent)
VP Outreach: Morgan Reader (absent)
Mandarin Liaison: Kerry Dandan Sullivan (absent)
President
- August 19 PTO info session 5-5:30pm
- Curriculum night is virtual
- Should we send questionnaire instead of virtual meeting?https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdQ4f4073EZ4vKvVE9DTXNUz5I3qTJ8G-E3w8gbkuhqLE4J_g/viewform
- Board agreed to send a questionnaire in lieu of a virtual session. Board will determine best way to respond to questions once questionnaires are received back
- TASK Board to review questionnaire and send via email early next week
- General Meeting Speaker Options: (3 meetings to plan for)
- Psychologist/counselor - target Brooke the DCES psychologist potentially as a free and vested person, a timely and interesting topic that we can focus on covid and coping with anxieties.
- SUSD IT: Discuss how to keep our elementary school kids safe online and electronics. simple but useful tips that all parents should be aware of for keeping our kids safe online.
- ASU School of Sustainability: Graduate students discuss ways we can make impacts and help put perspective of why it can make a difference. The graduate students have programs specifically designed to educate and engage elementary school students. We can have them discuss with us and help set up simple programs within the school.
- Is Your Garage Filled With Items That Should Have Been Thrown Away 10 Years Ago? Robin Adrihan, Founder / Co-Owner, Smooth Transitions of the Valley Garage or home cluttered? Would you like to get organized or make some money by selling some of your treasures? Sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant Robin will give you tips on how to get through the challenge of letting go and what to do with the items that are going
- Self Defense At Any Age,Derrek Hofrichter, Chief Instructor, EVKM Self Defense & Fitness: Self Defense expert Derrek Hofrichter will share safety tips and strategies while demonstrating what to do in the most common violent situations. He has been teaching the Israeli self defense system of Krav Maga for over a decade, and can show how you can take measures to protect yourself at any age or physical ability.
- TASK Board to add to questionnaire for feedback
- Parents have asked about improved Covid mitigation strategies at pickup similar to last year
- Mrs. Mills is monitoring but it is a district decision
- Resources aren’t available to monitor an add’l gate for pick up
- Is there a need for an additional aid to assist with release?
- No interest in postings for noon aid, 3 para
- Noon aid position could be split between 2 people
- TASK PTO will post to Facebook to increase visibility
- Possible PTO sponsored quiet room in library before school overseen by librarian? (suggested by another parent from experience at a previous school)
- Tabled for now as this would need to be an extra position as the librarian does not have capacity
- Kid’s Club closed to new registration due to difficulty hiring staff
- Volunteering on campus:
- Running Club
- Parent allowed on campus in the morning once a week for running club?
- Campus is closed for August. Mrs. Mills will let PTO know when a decision is made for September. Any volunteer will need to be vaccinated and will need to wear a mask.
- Garden
- If parent is allowed on campus for gardening, can students garden with parent?
- We will find out more in September. Tina will garden during after hours. Mrs. Mills will check to see how many additional volunteers she can have.
- Running Club
- On campus activities during school day aren’t allowed at this point. Enrichment classes are allowed after school hours.
- Can we auction marquee monthly messages?
- The marquee on the South side continues to belong to PTO
- Proposed auctioning pre-approved messages (such as birthdays) on the marquee on the North side. Sharon is trained on the marque but Mrs. Mills would like PTO to put something together she can review before approving the auctioning of the North side marque.
- TASK Submit plan for North side marque auction to Mrs. Mills prior to next meeting
- Vote to accept changes to by-laws purposed last meeting
- Board passed changes by vote
- Spacing in classrooms?
- Teachers are spacing as much as they can. Mrs. Mills asks that a parent address the teacher first about possible changes in classroom
Principal Update
- Parent pickup is getting quicker - normally ends by 3:30pm and we are now done by 3:35pm, so we’re getting quicker
- Reminder that vehicles should not pull up to South gate, and vehicles should watch their speed
- Reminder that North gate parents should back up from gate to allow space for children to exit
- TASK Site council parents needed for K-1, 2-3 and 4-5. Add post to FB page advising anyone interested to email Sharon or Mrs. Mills
Treasurer
- Spiritwear Sales Update - sales have exceeded where we were this time last year!
- Peter Piper Pizza - $310
- Over $100,000 in bank account!
Special Projects
- North gate shade structure status
- Manufacturer delay; should be shipped out early November
- Once received, installation will be scheduled
- Mrs. Mills ok with installation during school hours as long as it does not affect drop off/ pick up
- City of Scottsdale sidewalk expansion and shad structure status
- Pending City of Scottsdale approval
- 2-4 weeks for drawings once approved
- 3 months for fabrication/ manufacturing
- Buddy Bench or sign at lower grade level playground
- Need to determine if we need to order a bench and a sign or just a sign
- Teacher input pending with K-1 teachers
- TASK Teacher Reps will follow up with K-1 teachers. If approved, need quote for new bench or sign
- Tree in 5th grade cove
- There has been some discussion about a replacement
- Official decision pending
- Frame for 2nd chalkboard - Brenda’s husband may be able to help
- Approved vendor would need to install once approved
- Mural at front of school
- TASK Need to find an insured vendor for quote
- Signs for bus lane/ Kids Club and Parent pickup/drop off
- School would like PTO to pay as they used some of their discretionary fund for new signage at the end of last year
- Approved Vendors in place to provide quote: Image 360 and Next Day
- Suggestion for sign to direct parents/ students to Front Office from North gate
- TASK confirm text on all proposed signs and set up meeting with vendor
Communications
- Pic and Bio of board members to help school parents know who we are and who to contact - Alicia and Beth will notify Board of specifics
- Parking and street sign auction is online on Facebook currently - marque discussion noted above
Technology
- Proposal to switch to Google Workspace for email hosting.
- With no objections, we will look into moving our email to Google and have a concrete proposal at a future meeting
- MTK now has the capability to host our domain instead of the long MTK domain name. We will try out the feature soon.
- Request to obtain a list of students with their assigned homeroom teachers from school so spiritwear items can be delivered
- TASK Email sent to PTO members with a link to update student teacher information
Events
- September 17 Back to School Bash
- Move to October 22 - may need to have a go/ no go date
- All advertisements should come from PTO so parents know it is not school sponsored
- Plan is still to hold it outdoors with Covid mitigation strategies in place
- Golf is interested in moving to November
- Family Fun Nights
- PTO planned events - mitigation strategies / having them outside
- Book fair - still unknown whether this will be in person this year
Teacher Reps
- Teacher allocations
- Lisa Lee will do reimbursements this year. She will be emailing teachers once she has been added to the bank account
- Room parents
- Candace Vodicka candacevodicka@gmail.com will be the contact for teachers
- Water bottle filler in PE room?
- We will check notes for cost as PTO has paid for these in the past
- Color cartridge for the printer in workroom?
- Requested teachers provide a quote
- 2 chargers per classroom?
- Pending quote
- Note: Different models require different wattages/power delivery besides the different ports. So we should make sure the chargers are future proof if provided
Fundraising/Sponsorship Update
- 8 sponsors so far
- Final push this week
- Planning to order signage for the fence August 30th — likely will redesign to accommodate adding sponsors throughout the year
- Total sponsorship dollars raised to date: $3800 ($3000 PAID + $800 in verbal commitments)
- Dine-out for DCES nights: who is doing the scheduling?
- Lou Malnati’s
- Thirsty Lion
- September is Vig Gives month - a portion of proceeds will go to DCES
- We will start promoting in September
- Lou Malnati’s —new silver sponsor!
- Agreed to donate $500 worth of pizzas to us this year. We can use for whatever events we’d like (TAW, Carnival, Movie Night). Could possibly donate more if needed
- Donated a gift card that we can use for an auction or prize this year. They are mailing it to me directly.
- They have an incentive program that we could leverage (think Pizza Hut Book-It)for our students. Maybe Amazing Race prize or some other fun incentive this year.
- Bottom line — they really want to be involved in the community are open ideas working with us.
Hospitality
- September 10 First Responders Assembly
- Students only, separated by grade
- PTO to provide breakfast and water
- Breakfast may be moved outdoors - if so, Facilities will put up tent
- Teacher Treat Wednesdays
- Sharon will handle set up
Read More
PTO BOARD MEETING MINUTES - July 14, 2021
7/22/2021 11:17 pm
DCES PTO BOARD MEETING 7/14/2021
Present:
Kimberly Mills - Principal
Colleen Costello - Assistant Principal
Laura Weeshoff - Outgoing President
Tara McConnelll - Treasurer
Marissa Anderson - Secretary
Jamie McCrensky - VP of Teacher Representation
Holly Hooley - VP of Teacher Representation
Dave McCuiston - VP of Technology
Melanie Frisone - VP of Hospitality
Alicia Haygood - VP of Communication
Beth Williams - VP of Communication
Dina Engler - VP of Events
- Principal Update
- Sharon Web is our new admin assistant and Leslie Ortiz is our new registrar.
- Enrollment is up for the fall with 542 students enrolled.
- Meet the teacher is 8/2, 5:30-6pm. Parents will be able to log into Parent Vue by the end of next week to identify their child’s teacher.
- Scottsdale Parent Council - Mrs. Mills to get information to board on how candidates are selected.
- PTO board to get PTO dates to Mrs. Mills by next week for the master calendar
- Bylaws edit proposal was sent to all board members. Need to wait 30 days before we can vote on it.
- Budget approved unanimously.
- Vote for membership to be free to all DCES families passed unanimously. Families will still be required to register on the website or app for membership.
- Meetings will be held the first Monday of the month at 3:45 at DCES
- $250 to the district for the 125 year celebration approved unanimously.
- Selling remaining birthday book club items, bags and water bottles approved unanimously.
- Need to get quote on friendship benches for pre K and K-2 playgrounds.
- Community Engagement Committee
- Designed to reach new and existing families and help them get involved with the PTO.
- Will fall under VPs of Communications.
- Establishment of the Community Engagement Committee passed by a unanimous vote.
- PTO membership meetings will occur once per quarter at the school, and the time will be determined based on need and community input.
- Back to School Night at Peter Piper scheduled for 8/5 5pm-8pm. Spirit wear will be sold at event.
- Hospitality will provide an early dinner for teachers on meet the teacher night.
- Tentative Carnival Date is 11/5/21
- Volunteers needed for spirit wear sales on meet the teacher night.
- VP of Outreach and Volunteers to organize sign up genius.
- Board members will be present to assist families in signing up for PTO.
- Chargers will be passed out on the first day of school. Will put them with a PTO flyer to get passed out to each student.
- Remaining open positions for PTO. These will be posted through social media and school communications.
- Incoming President (Board Position)
- Co VP of Special Projects (Board Position)
- Community Engagement Committee Coordinator
- Back to School Bash
- Golf Tournament
- Dinner Auction
- Fifth Grade Celebration
- Fifth Grade Bricks
PTO Board Meeting Minutes - May 3, 2021, 3:45pm
5/23/2021 6:36 pm
PTO Board Meeting Minutes
May 3, 2021, 3:45pm
2020-2021 Board Attendees:
Co-Presidents: Laura Weeshoff - Kiki Dupey - Teacher Representative: Holly Hooley - Jamie McCrensky- VP Hospitality: Melanie Frisone - Michelle Wilson - VP Finance: Tara McConnell - VP Fundraising: Maria Aldrich - VP Communications/App: Beth Williams - Alicia Haygood - Mary Olley – Dave McQuiston – VP Spring Events: Krista Kotsovos - VP Fall Events: Marissa Anderson - VP Outreach: Morgan Reader - SOL Liaison: Laurie Jones - Mandarin Liaison: Kerry Dandan Sullivan
Celebrations:
- TAW is here!
- Game night!
Principal Update:
- Classified staff checking with HR for running club, Morgan Clark, staff for running club
- Mr Rhodes and stugo raised funds for Foothills Animal Shelter and we will have a presentation, possible news presence
New Business:
- Spiritwear input - have a boys, girls and mandarin shirt
- Calendar - February amazing race; Carnival - october
- Kinder buddy bags ready - email went out today
- Date of Mandarin name ceremony
- Parent present for fifth grade bricks ceremony. Organize with teachers
- Started moving PTO closet
- 8 cute little bee bags left, notepads and cell phone credit card stickers
- Charging banks - give one to every student?
- To Do : Paw Partnerships and summer email
VP Spring Events : Krista Kotsovos
- Movie night coming up! Everyone welcome to attend - Friday, May 14th will be on the field at McDowell Mountain Ranch Community Center. Movie starts at 7:45pm and people can arrive at 630/7. - flyer - Text Amanda
VP Fall Events: Marissa Anderson/Lindsey Rahaeuser
- Trivia Night: Waiting on info from Trivia company for final details. We made about $100 on trivia. 50/50 Raffle brought in $202.50. We’ll know Papa Johns numbers next week.
- Chick Fil A. We have about $200 from our family fun night. Owner is looking into our food credit from last year.
- Rubios earned $68
- Panera earned $63
- Still haven’t gotten an answer from NYPD
- Papa Johns is reliably successful. Do we want to schedule our dates for next year?
VP Special Projects: Alyson Ashcroft/Kiki, Krista
- Two quotes coming through for basketball courts, being vetted
- Mural - ok to use leftover paint from exterior paint. We have to put in $ for gifting for the paint. Let Brenda know. - it needs to go to SUSD Board
- Shade structures - should be on this board meeting for approval
Teacher Representative: Jamie McCrensky and Holly Hooley
- What is the status of the 4th grade chalkboard - It should work for writing. PTO and teachers can use it.
- We have a classified employee who is interested in the running club, Morgan Clark. We are waiting to hear if she’s cleared to lead the group. Please verify with Mrs. Mills.
- 5th Grade will have Officer Pera teach the Great Program for the 2021-2022 School Year. This is an Anti-Tobacco & Anti-Bullying Program. We are asking PTO if they would reimburse us for the purchase of 80 booklets for $50.00. - Look into site council funding.
- The owners of Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea Scottsdale Shops at Raintree/101. The owners are the parents of a current 5th grader. They would like to partner with DCES/DCMS this year or next year. Elliot Greenberg 602-509-7552. - Maria Aldrich
- Touch up butterfly mural and flowers, bottle caps may need replacing - have STUGO help
VP Finance: Tara McConnell
Budget items that were already approved via email:
NOTE: Actionable item: we went way over what we thought we were going to make for amazing race and the software ended up costing more (but Krista was amazing in keeping the rest of the costs down) so we only need to increase the budget by $400o cover the membership toolkit software VOTE to increase amazing race budget by $400 APPROVED
APPROVED TO increase legacy spending from $40,000 to $50,000
What will possibly still be spent from budget:
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VP Hospitality: Melanie Frisone and Michelle Wilson
- Teacher Appreciation Week
- Monday- Lunch for Teachers & Staff Zoes Kitchen
- Tues- Chick-fil-A Breakfast all Teachers & Staff
- Wed-Panera Lunch - All Teachers
- Thurs- Jimmy Johns’ Lunch - All Teachers
- Friday - Bashas Breakfast Burritos All Teachers & Staff
- Decorated North & South Gates
- DCES Tote Bags for All Teachers & Staff
- Nurses Day - May 6th - Lunch for the 2 nurses
- Last week of School - Smoothies for Teachers & Staff
- Gift for Brenda & Carmen
VP App: Dave, Mary
- Ok to end spiritwear sales
