Valley Forge Middle School PTO

Parent-Teacher Organization for VFMS

VFMS PTO Meeting Minutes, October 4, 2022

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PTO meeting 10/4/22

Attendance: Lucy Bennett, Matt Gibson, Jenny Ham Roberts, Jen Smith, Steph Howard, Amy Saylor, Tara Donnelly, Alora Chirchick, Emily Careen, Erika Dawson, Prabhjot, Patrick McHugh, Anjali Gupta, Amy Terlecki

Lucy Bennett – Introduction and description of agenda

Matt Gibson – Principal’s report

  • School year started well, kids seem happy, somewhat returning to normalcy. Kids seem happy in the hallway.
  • Re-emphasis on cell phone restrictions. Phones must be in lockers turned off during the day. Kids seem to be reconnecting and socializing more with each other and less distracted by devices.
  • Grade level field trips are being organized. Overnight (8th grade) field trips are unlikely but day trips are being planned, mostly for the spring.
  • ERB testing next week (10/11-10/13) for 6th and 8th grades. Results should be available around winter holidays, more meaningful to school than PSSAs.
  • PSSA results should be sent to the building in the next few days and then will be sent to parents/guardians. 
  • Fall sports started – schoology dependent for communication.
  • Musical in spring – Becky Reid is still deciding on musical.
  • Dance likely to be planned for later in the fall.
  • Question: 6th grade snack break indoors only? Mr. Gibson response: Yes, no longer outside since mask breaks aren’t part of the snack break. Back to pre-covid snack break schedule. Some teachers may choose to go outside.
  • Question: Would a sign to direct parents to the back circle for pickup/drop off be helpful? Mr Gibson response: Not really, and one more thing to “own”. Reminding students/parents/guardians about safety in and around the bus circle, parking lot, and road is more important.
  • Lockdown Drill and Evacuation Drill – This is important to do (go to lower fields) in the event of an actual fire that we would require a relocation away from the school so the students aren’t in the way of the bus circle for emergency vehicles. Police were on scene to suggest improvements.
  • Mr. Gibson thanks everyone for their support and is grateful for a supportive community.

Tara Donnelly FLITE

  • “The Foundation for Learning In Tredyffrin Easttown” 
  • Support for families in T/E in need for everything from homework, tuition, musical instruments, etc. 300 programs of support 
  • Confidential and anonymous support to families.
  • In need of volunteers as well as financial support.
  • https://www.flite-pa.org/

Lucy – President’s Report

  • Minutes from last meeting (approved!)
  • Introductions all the way around.
  • Bylaws need to be revamped.
  • Clothing drive for nurse – needs donated gently used clothing for in-school clothing emergencies.
  • Donation letter to school community
    • Emily suggests making the ask earlier in the letter rather than the end.
    • Anjali suggests changing the name to the “PTO Annual Fund” or something similar since we ask for donations throughout the year for various events/purposes. 
    • Planning to go out this week or early next week.
  • Need volunteers
    • Anjali has a lead on a possible assistant treasurer.
    • Amy Saylor has a possible lead on a Halloween costume contest volunteer.
    • Still many more volunteers, but the highest priority are Secretary, Green VP, Socials VP, Golden Apple Grant (Anjali offered to field these for now), Cultural Arts VP or co-vp

Jenny Ham Roberts and Erika Dawson – DEI Report

  • First event 10/13 “Community Conversations” 7pm in VFMS Library
    • Rujuta Cincholkar-Mandelia, PHD, M.Ed., practicing mental health therapist and women’s studies professor at Temple University
  • Dr. Gusik has asked whether an evening event would be helpful at the middle school, similar to what they’ve done at the elementary school to clarify what the DEI program does in T/E. Most in attendance of the PTO meeting seemed to say Yes, that would be helpfu.

Anjali Gupta – Treasury Report

  • $2200 in donations so far.
  • Sent updated budget sheet.
  • Expense for website paid for.
  • Audion updates almost complete.
  • Golden Apple Grant from last year, Should we pay it? Lucy’s reply, No, not if it is for books because Mr. Gibson has that in his budget.
  • End of school gift discussion at next meeting.

Amy Saylor & Emily Carteen – Fundraising

  • Redesigning of logo should be ready soon. 
  • Late October Spirit Wear with a 4-6 week turnaround in time for holiday delivery. 
  • Flyers’ Fundraiser – Offered code for games, anytime during season, as well as a family night. Code good for $5/ticket back to school.
  • Ceiling tile fundraiser – family purchases a tile and paints it. Should there be a theme or freedom of choice? Amy Terlecki suggests having a theme and/or approval by Mr. Gibson, or someone else, before it can be hung in order to keep the tile design school appropriate.
  • Sweet Jasmine’s fundraiser is a maybe. They are closing shop so it will depend on their current situation.
  • Handels is moving to a new location so possibly a good spring fundraiser.
  • Restaurant fundraisers – Are they worth it?
    • Discussion about low return but viewed as a possible social event and fundraiser combo. Might be better run by socials.

Amy Saylor – Volunteers

  • Actively recruiting.
  • May have a Halloween volunteer.
  • Following up.

Amy Terlecki – Cultural Arts

  • No new updates from last week other than looking into options for 8th grade.

Blast, Technology/website, and Facebook have no new updates.

Stephanie Crill – Directory

  • 498 families confirmed
  • 360 not confirmed
  • 182 families bought access
  • There is a button to donate in the directory order form.

Next Meeting Nov 1, 2022

Notes Compiled by Amy Terlecki