Attendance: President Lucy Bennett, Principal Matt Gibson, Amy Saylor, Amy Terlecki, Jayeeta Ray, Emily Carteen, Rachel Kramer, Sandy Mahar, Erika Dawson, Alora Chirchick, Lesley Farrell
Welcome
Mr. Gibson Report
- Update on inclusivity mural on the pavilion
- Mural must be approved by School Board facilities committee
- Mr. Gibson proposed a first step of teachers and kids working together to decide theme. Would gather ideas, and then share those, along with details regarding time frame, size, etc., at committee meeting, and would request School Board committee approval. Mr. Gibson has heard general consensus this is a good idea, but he cannot speak for the School Board as to whether this would be approved.
- Plan to present to School Board early in the next School Year (2023-24)
- Mr. Gibson will discuss with art teachers and staff members to begin process
- Currently in the middle of PSSAs
- ELAs done last week
- This week is math, and at end of week science
- Moving up for 4th graders
- Bringing 4th grade students to the Middle School – 3 days, 1 for Valley Forge Elementary, 1 for New Eagle Elementary and 1 for Hillside Elementary. Prospective 5th graders will meet Mr. Gibson, guidance counselors, tour school, etc.
- On May 24, 2023 – parent night for upcoming 5th graders. Mr. Gibson will speak and answer questions. Student ambassadors to give parent tours
- Spring concerts
- 5&6 Grades – May 10 (day) and 11 (evening)
- 7&8 Grades – May 24 (day) and 25 (evening)
- 5&6 Grades Field days
- 5th Grade – May 23
- 6th Grade – May 24
- Ceiling tiles look great!
- Will be hung later this school year or this summer
- Teachers will have option to pick one to put in their rooms
- 5/19/23 – Valley Forge Relays – during school day.
- Track meet students on 8th grade track team; other 8th grade students can attend
- Various field trips coming up
- Various 8th grade activities coming up
- 8th grade graduation upcoming in June
President Update
- Introductions
- Approve Minutes from April, 2023 meeting – Approved!
- If you feel your position in the PTO needs a budget modification, please let Lucy, Anjali, and Jayeeta know
Reports from PTO members
Fundraising: Emily Carteen & Amy Saylor
- Philadelphia Union check to be issued after game on May 20, 2023
- Sold – 236 tickets- very successful!
- Handels Fundraiser on May 1 – awaiting to hear how much raised
- Considering fundraising event at Kalahari resort in the Poconos
- Obtaining quotes for locker mirrors and magnets for next year
- Ceiling tiles – sold 80, about 70 were returned
- Will need to talk with VFMS as to whether can do again next year
Volunteers: Amy Saylor
- Staffulty appreciation week – Week of May 8
- Monday – Soft pretzels & dips
- Tuesday – Bagel and Coffee Cake Breakfast
- Wednesday – Satchels of flower bulbs
- Thursday – Ice cream sandwiches from Handels
- Friday – Pizza Luncheon
- Unfortunately did not raise sufficient funds to give teachers pizza dinner
- Need Volunteer help Tuesday morning May 9, for breakfast set up 7am
- Still have various open positions for next school year
- Amy has contacted elementary school PTOs to see if interest for upcoming 5th grade parents
Treasurer: Jayeeta Ray
- Additional ceiling tile checks came in today as well as book sale check
Golden Apple Grants: Pamela Badalato – unable to attend but Lucy presented
- Parent Social scheduled for May 12
- No new Golden Apple Grant applications at this time
Cultural Arts: Amy Terlecki & Alora Chirchick
- Almost done for this year. Looking forward to next year
- Actively looking for authors to do author visits – they can be expensive
- Library is having 2 free Author visits – this Friday and next Friday
- Offered through Main Point books
- Students can sign up to go during activity period in small groups (unfortunately cannot offer for whole school)
- YMCA traveling Zoo – will be May 22, 2023
- Holocaust visit for 8th grade was well received
DEI: Erika Dawson
- Social planned for evening of May 22 – Place/time TBD – group discussion as to DEI committee for next school year
- Will discuss meetings that future DEI members should be aware of and may choose to attend, including equity team meeting at school and district’s diversity meeting
Next meeting is June 6 – Place TBD
Notes Compiled by Lesley Farrell
