Feb 2023 PTO Meeting Minutes

Chestnutwold Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

General Meeting Agenda: February 1, 2023

(*Haverford High School student Marie was the available sitter)

February ChCK Trait- Positive Attitude

“You can often change your circumstances by changing your attitude.” —Eleanor Roosevelt

  • Armen Chevrolet “Back to School Program” Recipient -

    • $1,000 Donation to our PTO

  • Recording Secretary Remarks

    • Proposal for last month's minutes to be passed, as they have been posted and no one has come forward with corrections.  - Minutes Pass!

  • School Board Remarks - Bridget Wieideman and Latanya King -  visited our meeting to introduce themselves and share what kind of work they do for the school district as members of the school board. (Apparently our turnout of parents at the meeting was the largest they have seen so far!)  Both are (were) Chestnutwold parents and they love the culture and climate of our school.  The school board consists of 9 elected members whose goal is to establish, educate, and support the 6600 students in the Haverford School District.  Their primary function is to establish policy and be advocates for public education.  They run a 138 million dollar budget which is funded 80%  by township taxes.  Lately this has also included some major facility projects throughout the district.  They will continue to interpret and update the recently done facility study to keep up with the growth of our community.

  • Superintendent Remarks - Dr. Maureen Reusche - visited our meeting to speak with our community and introduce us to her role in the school district. She also gave an update to some main points of interest within the district: registrations for next year are open and the numbers are returning to a more steady 2019 pace; facility study will take all growth data into consideration when planning out whether there would be a need for redistricting or current school expansion projects; the possibility of being able to offer full day kindergarten one day will also be considered in this.  Dr. Reusche also answered a general question regarding the absence of Principal Denelsbeck.  She confirmed that she could share no further info on the absence at this point, but will be open if and when the situation changes.  She also confirmed there is no reason to think that the children were in an unsafe situation connected with this absence.  She also specifically squashed a rumor that she had heard was going around about the situation, and reminded the community to remember this is someone’s reputation; and while she understands the curiosity, it’s best not to jump to conclusions without the facts. Finally she was thanked for attending the MLK Day event, to which she reciprocated by saying what a great event it was.  

  • Principal’s Remarks - Assistant Principal Jerry Ummarino - assures us that his and the staff’s number one priority is to take care of the kids.  He thanks Mr. Kleinhans for filling in for Ms. Kasmer in art; everyone really liked him.  He also thanks the PTO for the upcoming Feb.10th  assembly; they are all looking forward to it.  Looking ahead, PSSA’s are coming up in late April-May for 3rd grade and up.  

  • Teacher’s Remarks - Ms. Migliaccio and Ms. Ryan (5th Grade Teachers) - They are happy to announce they are hosting an upcoming school Bingo Night, Mar. 3rd (snow date Mar. 10), 6-8:30pm. 2 5th graders will win the Mary Borman award for $500 towards their educational e  Proceeds will benefit the CHOP Cancer Center in honor of some of our school community affected by the disease.  Teachers are also asking when to look for the Spring Classroom Enhancements - Addie says May. 

  • IDC Update - Tori DelMastro - This month’s subject was the computer curriculum used in the district.  The entire group was concerned with the higher use of screens, especially in elementary schools.  They also questioned waiting till the higher grades for having internet safety training.  

  • President Update - 

    • Volunteers needed for Variety/ Talent Show (which is not a fundraiser this year) and for next year’s PTO Board

    • School Counselor Ms Munch will be giving a talk on the topic of Anxiety before our April meeting

  • Treasurers’ Report - 

PTO Treasurer Report - January 2023

Bank balance on 1/31/2023 ended at $24,775.13 up from December’s ending balance of  $24,397.72

Deposits totaled $6,024.78. This was mostly due to:

  • $4,160 Bag Bingo Registration

  • $1,250 Donations (Chevy Give Back and Family Donation)

  • $230 Lovelines

Expenditures totaled $5,647.37. This was mostly due to:

  • $2,434.94 Bag Bingo (Reimbursement, MC, Supplies, Hall Payment)

  • $341.25 Deposit for 5th Grade Fun Day

  • $2,290 Assembly

  • $260.33 Yearbook Deposit

  • Chairmen Announcements 

    • VP of After School Activities

      • Over 50 people have volunteered so far this year…and we still need more!  Running Club is coming up and we will need a lot of volunteers: specifically for grades K, 4,and  5. Signups will be in March, clubs start in April, and it ends with the Chase on May 21st.  

    • VP of In School Activities

      • Civil Rights Thru Hip Hop Assembly coming up next Fri, Feb 10.  One for K-2, another for 3-5. Message is about love, peace, and unity.  

      • Art Show (1st back in person) will be May 18th - we will need volunteers.

  • Upcoming Dates/Events

    • Bag Bingo - February 10th- Sold Out!  This will be a fun event and there are new (non-bag) prizes too.  Advice for next year, sign up early because the demand was really high and there is a strict limit of tickets.  

  • Next Meeting- March 1st