VFMS PTO Meeting Minutes, March 8, 2022

VFMS PTO Minutes March 8 2022

Compiled and edited by Amy Terlecki and Kusuma Muglurmath

Meeting commenced at 7:00 PM

In attendance were:

Call to order:

Principal Gibson’s Update:

Transitioning from mask to choice going smoothly, no major issues, mixed masking in classes. Teachers sometimes take masks off for instruction then put it back on for monitoring.
Lunches – outside still an option. More room in the auditorium. No concerns reported yet.
Play is coming up, if it goes well it will possibly allow more students & families in seats for upcoming spring concerts.
Spring sports starting soon – bus shortage means most games will be home games
PSSA’s next month – Dr. Turk may attend the next meeting to explain opt out changes.
Course selection will likely be electronic again. Math & Reading recommendations will be given for 5th & 6th grades, 7th & 8th world language instead of reading. If students switch languages it is usually best to do so in 7th, harder in 8th.
Graduation promotion ceremony – most families liked outside so it will likely stay outside depending on weather. June 13 or 14 likely. Goal for more traditional graduation ceremony/celebration
Audio update – supply chain issues

President’s Update: Un Kyong Ho

Direct Donations went out
Golden apple grant 2 teachers asking for reading support ~ $200 – puts us over budget but attendees voted yes
Library received chess sets from our requests in blast

Fundraising Report: Emily Puk Carteen

New logo in the works, Lindsey Strippoli doing pro bono
Spirit wear not likely in spring due to supply chain issues, but possibly do a back to school sale
Philadelphia Union Fundraiser – 100 seats, May 14th, 7:30pm, $33/ticket
Chipolte fundraiser – 4/26, 33% give back, $150 minimum, order online with code or in person
Collection for Teacher/Staff Appreciation
- 5/2-6 (off Monday)
- Suggested doing a “soft” ask starting next week and push for more donations after Spring Break

Diversity Equity Inclusion Update – Jenny Ham-Roberts & Erika Dawson

Goal to identify what the school needs rather than a 1 off event.
Middle school team SOAR “Students Organizing Against Racism” already exists and might be a good group to team up with for DEI. Diverse group of students across various grades.
Dr. Rothera said books supporting DEI would be helpful
Equity team looking for help in identifying ways to deal with issues including consequences, acknowledging issues, and parental involvement and influence when dealing with issues that come up.

Treasury Update – Anjali Gupta

A note that the direct donation letter is gone and we have started receiving donations from parents.
Direct donation almost at goal $6000 of $8000 goal reached so far.
What are we doing about magnet and sticker sales?
Employer match raised about $1500 from DD, should push more employer matching.
We received an additional $151 from Amazon smile.
In profit for now
Will issue the golden apple grant checks to Madelyn Dorville – $200, Kate mcclain – 300
Taxes filed
We should be issuing thank you note in blast or otherwise to parents for donations since Sept – Lucy and Un will work on that.

Cultural Arts Update – Amy Terlecki & Megan Edwards

Communications – Judy Reiter & Lucy Bennett

Meeting concluded at 8:30 PM

Next meeting April 5th 7pm