Chestnutwold Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
General Meeting Minutes: 9/14/21
ChCK Trait EMPATHY “You can only understand people if you feel them in yourself.” – John Steinbeck.
Thanks to the welcome Committee Chairs Amy & Sandy and volunteer host families. Spirit wear lady-Rachel Mathias. To all teachers and faculty for a great start back to school!
Teacher’s Remarks - 1st grade teachers - Ms. Bieter and Ms. Tallon: Thanks to all the parents for sending in school supplies; it makes things so much easier for them and they appreciate it. Also, Mrs. Gretchen sends her thanks to the PTO for purchasing her the seat sacks!
Principal’s Remarks - Mr. Denelsbeck: Back to School night in person, but limited to 1 parent. He would prefer parents would Zoom in their attendance. Details coming soon. The staff are preparing for the district's 3 strategic goals which include 21st century academic skills, social-emotional learning (SEL) and increased diversity and inclusion work. The Guidance program has changed its name to SEL (Social-Emotional Learning). It is a full school this year; new classroom has been added in the LGI. School Secretary Mrs. Hoy is moving along and we are welcoming “Ronnie” Moss in her place on Sept 24th.
Treasurers’ Report -
Bank balance on 8/30/2021 ended at $11,763.20 down from June’s ending balance of $14,829.95.
Deposits in July/August totaled $286.99 mostly due to Amazon Smile earning $109.99 and spirit wear making $135.
Expenditures in July/August totaled $3,353.74. Expenditures were mostly due to buying 5th graders yearbooks. We paid Jostens $1,274.96, 5th grade t-shirts cost $600, we paid for our Zoom and Square Space accounts costing a total of $332.74, and lastly we bought the school new recess/gym balls costing $932.43.
Budget proposed and voted on. Vote passed via hand vote with over a ⅔ approval.
Clubs & Events -
Clubs that need chair that are NOT filled: Chestnutwold Chatter, Chess Club, Trunk or Treat, Lego Club, Roots & Shoots, MLK Day of Service, Chestnutwold Chase
Possible new clubs: Spanish Club, Yoga Cub (possibility of PTO getting yoga mats to use with Yoga Club and Lego Club)
Holiday Market - outside at Chestnutwold, vendors, Hot Cocoa, possibly Dec 4
Chairmen Announcements
Homeroom Helper needs volunteers especially 1st grade
Phoenix Fun Day & Dance a Thon coming up. Some things are altered due to Covid, but fun still remains. First ½ will be “Fun Day” - games, inflatable slide, bake sale, pizza sale (pre-order to reserve); second ½ “dance a thon” - fundraiser, but can participate even if you don’t (Venmo - make sure to list your child’s name so they can be eligible for prize).
Easy Money Announcements
Amazon smile
Boxtops
Upcoming Dates/Events
Phoenix fun day 10/1/21
Fall plant sale - @Taddeo’s, info coming soon
Trunk or treat - either 10/29 or 10/30 - need chair to lead
Next Meeting
October 6th 7:30 pm
Questions/Comments/Concerns
General discussion about the rules for in school activities and volunteers regarding Covid.
Principal says that currently he is expecting limited in school options and parent in school participation will be discouraged. Chance for “proof of vaccination” volunteers on a limited basis. Everything this year is fluid and expect to see changes in guidelines as the year goes - plan to PIVOT.
Parent questions about a couple lunch issues (particularly choices being limited); question about how that affects kids with food allergies.
Issue with oven - has been fixed. All previous kinks being worked out, and should be fine moving forward.
Parent questions about 1st grade dismissal with no sight releases.
Mr. Denelsbeck will work with group next day to ensure a new dismissal plan.
Parent welcomes Mr. Denelsbeck to community (that is made up of magical special sauce!); hope he embraces this vibe and helps nurture its continuity. Shared her support of him moving forward.
He gets “it”- the special sauce; he is here for the parents and welcomes feedback and input.