Feb 2022 PTO Meeting Minutes

Chestnutwold Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

General Meeting Minutes: February 2, 2022

Meeting held via ZOOM

• ChCK Trait: Responsibility “Few things can help an individual more than to place responsibility on him and to let him know you trust him” -Booker T. Washington

• Thanks-  Thanks to Nina Wickersham for organizing the 10 Days of Giveaways before the holidays.  Also thanks to Samantha King from CHOP and Addie Johnson for the Conversation about Gender Workshop and to all those who attended.

• Teacher’s Remarks - 2nd Grade teachers Ms. Gretchen and Ms. McCusker joined the meeting via Zoom: Thank you for the 10 days of Giveaways over the holidays provided by the PTO. It really was great for the environment and made everyone feel festive and appreciated.  Also they thank us for the rainbow showing support in the first few weeks after the Winter Break.  The teachers were stretched thin and they thought it was really thoughtful to be appreciated in a display that both they and their kids could enjoy.  They thank all the helpers and the parents in advance for keeping up with the Covid protocols and for helping to make the Valentine celebrations come together.  Reminder that homeroom parents need to be vaxxed and check in with the office.  Also, no candy will be allowed this year.  

• Principal’s Remarks - The office has a google sheet for parents who volunteer with vaccination status; anyone who volunteers must be qualified on this list or be contacted to fix the issue.  School is tightening up about allergy situations.  Reminder to the school community that food choices need to be considerate of allergy protocols. (again, no food for Valentine’s Day treats) Also, no dogs allowed at pickup and drop off - some people are allergic and rules that were eased in Covid need to be tightened again.

• IDC Update - (Inter District Council - reps from all the school’s in the district gather once a month with the Superintendent to share feedback from the local school community’s perspective.)  Tori DelMastro

  • Lots of talk about Covid protocols , but nothing is decided yet.  Regardless of the upcoming decision, nothing would happen overnight.  There will be a layered approach, complete with teacher training, etc, about how to transition from Pandemic to Endemic way of dealing with things. 

  • There were also lots of questions about gun violence and how threats were treated in the district.  All plans were situational and they can’t release the exact protocols for safety.

  • Look for emails coming soon about the district's attempt to merge more mental health care into the upcoming curriculums.  

    • Will there be a Spring Open House to meet with Dr. Ruesche? - not sure

    • IDC committee will be coming to one of Chestnutwold’s PTO meetings soon.

• Treasurers’ Report

Bank balance on 1/31/2022 ended at $23,292.05 DOWN from DECEMBER’s ending balance of $25,974.24.

Deposits totaled $1,037.51. This was mostly due to:

• $250 Box Tops earnings

• $150 Taddeo’s Holiday sale

• $436.51 Learning Express holiday sale

Expenditures totaled $3,719.70. This was mostly due to:

• Bag Bingo costs $709.55 (St. George’s Church, MC, supplies)

• Year Books cost to Jostens: $2,805 

• Melissa reminded the group that...It always sounds like we have a lot of money in our budget, but as a reminder we are still trying to buy the school a nice playground gift.  We are pricing out equipment and Mr. Denelsbeck is working with the facilities manager about options.  Currently looking at some swings, a gaga ball pit, and a picnic table for the front of the school.  As we continue to fundraise we really appreciate all the support and ask people to keep in mind where we hope to send that money.

• Chairmen Announcements 

  • A Conversation about Race: A virtual event hosted by Denzell Stanislaus 

    • Look for upcoming eventbrite to sign up for link

  • Bag Bingo - Amy Solweki and Amy Sweeney 

    • March 4th- Tickets will be limited to 100 and will be $40 per ticket, email with ticket form will be sent this week. 

    • Using St. George’s for the first time but they seem to be a good fit.  Other local groups have successfully used their space and they have been accommodating.  

    • Indoor event - going under the assumption that those who are comfortable dining in a restaurant will be comfortable in this similar setting. 

      • PTO to ask guests that masks be worn when not eating/drinking, or not sitting at table - like restaurant guidelines.  

      • Teachers asked if help is needed - not necessary, hired help.

  • Telethon/Talent Show - Allison Kittridge - “Phoenix Family Showcase”, March 25th  

    • Family Night/talent show fusion, want many types of participation. You Tube link presentation with timed slots with total of 90 minutes of talent with 30 minutes of MC stuff.

    • Ask the teachers to help boost the idea and help the kids find the fun in the idea

    • Encourage people to gather together for watch parties

    • Need help with the tech aspect of the slide show

      • Alexandra Reed (and family) offered to help!

    • Look for Sign up Genius coming soon

  • Chestnutwold Chase - May 22nd (need building approval)  

    • Still need volunteer to spearhead the sponsorship component.  Have resources and information on past donors - should be an easy job for the right person.  

      • Also need to add a snack coordinator volunteer to handle that

    • Running club will begin at the end of February and lead up the Chase.  Separate form for signups because no space limit - all welcome.  

      • Will need volunteers to help

  • Philadelphia Union Game - April 23

    • Buy 1, get 1 free tickets = $31 tickets (for 2)

• Upcoming Dates/Events

  • February 23rd- A Conversation about Race: A virtual event hosted by Denzell Stanislaus

  • March 2nd - PTO meeting (7:30pm)

  • March 4th - Bag Bingo

  • March 25 - Telethon/Talent Show

  • May 22nd (tentative date)- Chestnutwold Chase

• Questions/Comments/Concerns 

  • Kindergarten registration has 63 kids so far (less than the past year)

Nov 2021 PTO Meeting Minutes

 Chestnutwold Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

General Meeting Minutes: 11/3/21

• October Meeting Minutes approved

• ChCK Trait POSITIVE ATTITUDE  “Perhaps the world will end at the kitchen table, while we are laughing and crying, eating of the last sweet bite.” Joy Harjo

• Thanks 

  • Taddeo’s Greenhouse - $400 gifted to us

  • Trunk-or-treat committee & volunteers

  • Club leaders for bringing clubs back!

  • Bake sale volunteers and contributors - over $800 raised

  • Beth Clauss for organizing the clothing drive

  • Rachel Mathias for organizing the online spirit wear sale

• Teacher’s Remarks - 3rd Grade teachers Ms. Martin and Ms. Montgomery joined the meeting in person: Thank you for the teacher enhancements provided by the PTO. Thank you for all the helpers and the parents for making the Halloween celebrations come together.  Make sure to sign up for a teacher conference for the week of 11/22 - 11/24; look for an email from your teacher with a sign up genius link.  Also Ronnie Moss has asked that we add her to Fresh Schools.  

• Principal’s Remarks - The trimester is coming to an end, and conferences are being scheduled. Report cards will be sent on Dec. 20th.  Veterans Day is coming and they will be celebrating veterans with the Hometown Heroes activity.  Today (11/3) all buses arrived by 3:45pm for the first time; hoping things will be more and more on track there.  Starting to think about options for service project ideas for the holiday season.  The school is following a lighter homework plan this year to help the kids adjust to the school pace again. They will get more eventually, but enjoy it now.  Thank you for the Trunk or Treat; it was a great school and community event.  5th graders doing the morning announcements has started.  The goal will be to record and have the announcements available on the school’s YouTube channel.  Flag football will be starting on Nov. 15th.  It will be coached by Ms. Kelly-D'Annunzio.  Homeroom delegate elections are happening this November.  Picture retakes will be Nov 17th.  He understands the concern about the few recent 5th grade recess incidents.  He sees their response not as punishment, rather as a management situation. The teachers are cohorting the children into smaller groups.  They have lost no privileges, they are just not in one large mingling group.  There have been no further incidents in the 5 days of this management tactic.  He stressed they are not short of staff, but it is a challenging job for the *5 monitors who work 2.5 hours each day. (*2 are slated to resign shortly)

• IDC Update - Tori Delmastro

  • November 4th: the district will be moving to approve a “test to stay” policy. This will help cut down on students quarantining.

  • November 9th: There will be an open board meeting at the CREC. The President and Vice President will be there informally to answer questions. 

Times: 9am - 10am and 7pm -8pm

• Treasurers’ Report

Bank balance on 10/30/2021 ended at $22,452.39 up from September’s ending balance of  $18,489.28.

Deposits totaled $10,722.50. This was mostly due to:

• Dance-a-thon donations of $4,310, 

• PFD pizza and bake sale $2,218.50, 

• Holiday Market sign-ups for tables $630

• Spirit Wear sales of $3,564 at Dance-a-thon

Expenditures totaled $6,759.39. This was mostly due to:

• Dance-a-thon DJ expense of $599

• Purchasing Spirit Wear bulk-up, hats/tumblers/etc. which cost $2,235.15

• Phoenix Fun Day Sam’s Pizza orders of $2,312.50

• We did the Coffee Station and Treats to say thank you to teachers for $245, 

• We did classroom enhancements for Mrs. Strawley, Ms. Neri, Ms. McEntee, Ms. Labrasca, Ms. Tallon, and Mr. Cox totaling $713.03.

• Chairmen Announcements 

  • Book Fair-Natalie Silver - 25% of the book fair proceeds benefit school.  Virtual set up a good way to help get the right materials to the teachers directly.   Teachers will have wish lists and eWallets that we can donate to for classroom libraries.  There will be Free Shipping for $25+; and it will arrive before the holiday break.  Look for an email with information and links coming soon.

  • Holiday Market- Pam Bogdanoff - Dec 4th.  1st Annual market.  30 vendors confirmed, a kids dance troupe will perform, the Haverford Library will be doing a storytime, and there will be kid friendly craft stations.  Flyer with schedule coming soon.  Rain date is Sunday the 5th.

• VP: Out-of-School Activities Updates

  • Lego Club has 2 sessions: Wed- 1st, 2nd, &3rd; Fri- 4th, 5th

  • Roots and Shoots starts 11/4

  • Chatter is underway

  • Dungeons & Dragons starts next week - 11/9

  • Art Club for 4th & 5th starts 11/9; 3rd, 2nd, 1st & K will start in March

  • Will be holding more clubs in the Spring

• Upcoming Dates/Events

  • Virtual Book Fair - 11/22-12/5

  • Holiday Market - 12/4

  • Virtual Talent Show

  • Next PTO Meeting Feb 2nd

• Questions/Comments/Concerns 

  • General request to share more specific details about the classroom enhancements that PTO provides.

    • Addie will make the data available and we will post on the website.

  • Parent Question: What can monitors do about the behavior of the kids at recess?  What are the defined consequences of bad behavior?  

    • The school works with a responsive classroom behavior model; problems are behaviors and not as much punishable as they are teachable. 

    • Denelsbeck does not like the idea of a sit out bench or other shaming style punishments; it is not what Chestnutwold is about.  He is, however, open to ideas and other feedback; please email him directly, he welcomes the feedback.  

  • Parent Comment: We’re all trying to do our best to get things back to normal, but the kids have been through things and are not all bouncing back right away.  Yes we need behavior repercussions, but can we come up with creative ways to boost the kids’ mental health at the same time.  Can we try something new?  

  • General discussion about the concern of communal punishment and the idea of recess as a privilege.  The effect that some of the students are feeling about the back and forth is causing undue stress.

    • Mr. Denelsbeck never wants the kids to lose recess. 

    • 3 new 5th grade teachers, it is still the beginning of the school year, and trainings are ongoing.  That being said, everyone is trying their best to keep the kids safe.

  • General comments about the idea of peer mediators, giving kids a chance to have ownership in fixing their issues.  Could there be positive consequences? (school clean up, volunteer activities, etc)  How can the “alpha” group be given consequences without punishment?

  • General discussion about screen limits and access in classrooms.  Some apps and websites are still making it through.  Parents surprised at how much screen time still being used in a post-virtual school setting.  

Oct 2021 PTO Meeting Minutes

Chestnutwold Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

General Meeting Minutes: 10/6/21

• September Meeting Minutes approved

• ChCK Trait TRUSTWORTHINESS “To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved”— George MacDonald

• Presidents’ Updates - “Thank you Teachers” Coffee Service 10/8 (House Cup will set up and manage, PTO to meet and greet - and bring a fruit tray) BIG thanks to the Phoenix Fun Day Chairs and volunteers: it was a very successful event!  We need to use Fresh Schools more in order to quantify the cost.  It is a wonderful tool, but without full participation is hard to use to its full potential.

• Teacher’s Remarks - 4th grade teachers Ms. Strawley and Ms. McEntee joined the meeting via Zoom: Thanks for the classroom enhancements and for support to the teachers. They are feeling the love.  It’s time for Homeroom Helpers to discuss with their teachers about the Halloween celebration this year.  Details are being decided and they want to make sure the kids have a fun and safe celebration.  Everyone is excited about the upcoming coffee appreciation event.

• Principal’s Remarks - Mr. Denelsbeck: School started the MTSS curriculum.  Every 6 weeks a new section will begin.  Re-evals happen 3x’s per school year.  They will not be sharing the classification levels of your students MTSS assignment.  Halloween is coming up.  He will allow an outdoor costume parade; parties are still in an uncertain state.  Details will be decided on soon.  He will also look into the option of a traditional  pajama day on the day after Halloween.  

• Treasurers’ Report - 

  • Phoenix Fun Day Results:

    • Revenue: $13,658.75/Expenses: $4232.75

    • Totals for Event: $9426.00

      • Budgeted Profit: $8700.00/Budgeted Variance: $726.00/% Above Profit: 8.34%

    • Spirit Wear Sales from Event: $3564.00

    • TOTAL INCOME for EVENT: $12990.00

  • Bank balance on 9/30/2021 ended at $18,489.28 up from August’s ending balance of  $11,763.20.

  • Deposits totaled $8,991.00. This was mostly due to Dance-a-Thon donations of $5,380.00, Spirit Wear at the Welcome Back Picnic brought in $1,481, PFD pizza orders totaled $2,060.  

  • Expenditures totaled $2,264.92. This was mostly due to Phoenix Fun Day expenses which included the bounce house slide, popcorn maker, and button making materials which totaled $1,088.49. We also bought yoga mats for the yoga club and LEGO club for $351.60. Lastly, our Fresh Schools membership cost $600.

  • Discussed running a contest for the class that has the best numbers with Easy Money Fundraising.

  • Also, a request came in from the music teacher.  She requests some help coming up with a solution for sound proofing her front windows of the classroom.  Would be interested in having some people sew some curtains (or similar).  PTO will look for interested volunteers for the project.  

• VP: In-School Activities Updates 

  • Trunk or Treat is happening - Sat, Oct 30 - 6:30-7:30 

    • Free Event, 45 cars can join in, no bathrooms will be available

  • Book Fair will be both Virtual and In person this year. 

    • Virtual dates - Nov 22- Dec 5/ In person May 10-14

    • We will be putting together teacher wish lists 

  • Election Day Clothing Drive and Bake Sale - Nov 2

    • Make sure bags aren’t too heavy 

    • ONLY - Shoes, Clothes, Soft Toys - no books, housewares, etc

  • Holiday Market - Dec 4, 10am-3pm

    • 30 businesses interested, including kid crafters

  • Taddeo’s Plant Sale - this weekend Oct 8,9,10

  • Need Host for Virtual Talent Show this year - to happen in winter months sometime

  • Artist in the Classroom is looking like it may happen in the Spring

• VP: Out-of-School Activities Updates 

  • Fall Clubs beginning: Roots and Shoots, Art Club, Lego Club, D&D, and The Chatter 

    • All will be outdoor and weather permitting

    • Clubs will cap at 15-20 students; they will need to provide a top favorites club list in order to accommodate something for everyone.  

    • Some clubs are in need of materials - *specifically we need Lego’s for Lego Club (yoga mats have arrived for Yoga and Lego club use)

  • Still waiting for start dates for Yoga, Spanish, Chess, Photo and Sketch Clubs

  • Running Clubs will take place in the spring

• Secretary’s Updates - 

  • Vote on sept minutes

  • Please get in the habit of referring back to PTO website for information unity

• Upcoming Events

  • Thank you Teachers Coffee Service - 10/8

  • Trunk-or-Treat - 10/30

  • Clothing Drive and Bake Sale - 11/2

  • Next PTO meeting - 11/3 

  • Virtual Book Fair - 11/22-12/5

  • Holiday Market - 12/4

Sept 2021 PTO Meeting Minutes

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. 

May 2021 PTO Meeting Minutes

Chestnutwold Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

General Meeting Minutes: 5/5/21

April meeting minutes approved

• ChCK Trait TRUSTWORTHINESS “The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.” Earnest Hemingway

• Thanks -TEACHERS! 

  • Parent volunteers running after school clubs! Roots n shoots, D&D, running club

  • Beth and all the plant lovers that shopped the Taddeo’s sale.

  • Nina Wickersham for organizing the teacher appreciation week giveaways!

• Teacher’s Remarks

  • Thank you for the treats and giveaways! 

• Principal’s Remarks

  • Tuesday is election day, no school

  • 5/21 is a half day (AM K is not is session, PM K reports)

  • More and more writing awards are coming each day!

  • 5th grade won top in the country in a recent competition

  • PSSA’s start next week

  • 5/27 will be field day. HOL students invited. More to come. 

  • June- grade 5 celebration 

• IDC Update 

  • Discussed how each school handles new families to the elementary schools. Chestnutwold has set the standard. 

  • Next meeting: to discuss what we have learned, what went well that we want to keep, what we want to return to, what changes we want to see. Please complete the survey that was sent in the blast! Due 5/14. 

• Treasurers’ Report

  • Bank balance on 4/30/2021 ended at $24,216.98 down from March’s ending balance of $24,322.57.

  • Deposits in April totaled $650, mostly due to love lines for the yearbook. 

  • Expenditures in April totaled $755.59 due to paying the March Madness winners $275, Brave Conversations about Race for $300, and Teacher Appreciation giveaways totalling $180.50. 

• Easy Money Announcements

  • Box tops- end of May turn in is coming. Class that turns in the most box tops will have a celebration party!

  • Support Chestnutwold through Amazon Smile! 

• Chairmen Announcements 

• Upcoming Dates/Events

  • Teacher appreciation lunch 5/7/21

  • Election day clothing drive 5/18/21

  • Chase 6/6/21- 1 mile fun run

• Questions/Comments/Concerns 

April 2021 PTO Meeting Minutes

Chestnutwold Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

General Meeting Minutes:4/7/21

March Meeting Minutes Approved 

• ChCK Trait TRUSTWORTHINESS- Trust is the glue of life. It's the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It's the foundational principle that holds all relationships.-sStephen Covey

• A quorum of attendees voted on the school board members for the 2021-2022 school year:

  • Co-Treasurer- Adeline Johnson

  • Secretary- Rachel Walker 

  • VP out of school activities- Sarah McCafferty

  • Co-President- Elizabeth Stranzl

• School board members introduction

  • Dr. Maureen Reusche

  • Larry Feinberg

  • Kristin Larsen

  • Bridget Wiedman

• Thanks 

  • To those that purchased goodies during the spirit wear sale, Thanks Rachel Mathias for all your efforts!

  • The families who participated in Quizzo, Thanks Nina Wickersham & Pam Bogdanoff for organizing!

  • March Madness, thanks to those that participated and big thanks to Domonique and Jeff for putting it together, Winners TBA

• Teacher’s Remarks

• Principal’s Remarks

  • Looking to improve the car line

  • 56 poetry winners in 5th grade, 20 winners in 3rd grade 

  • PSSA (3rd, 4th and 5th grade) is coming in May. Letter to be sent by Mr. D tomorrow.  

  • Field day planning is underway. More details to come. 

  • Will be adding student morning announcements: joke of the day, etc.

  • Questions from Mr. D (email him with any additional answers):

    • Some things that you would like to continue and not change:

      • Continue with CHck traits and SEL

      • Less homework

      • Use of computers 

      • Switching between two teachers only in 4th

      • Zoom meetings 

      • Students emailing teachers 

      • Morning meeting 

    • Some things that you miss about the old way of school:

    • Some things that you would not like to see continue: 

      • Too much screen time → would prefer screen time in moderation

      • Lugging computers to and from school

      • I do find the changing start/pickup times too confusing.  I would hope to have consistent in/out times when we get back to "normal"

      • No virtual snow days

• IDC Update 

• Treasurers’ Report

  • Our bank balance on 3/31/2021 ended at $24,322.57 up from February’s ending balance of  $23,900.04 .

  • Our deposits in March totaled $1,735.00, mostly due to love lines for the yearbook totaling $200, Quizzo deposits of $980, and March Madness totaling $450. 

  • Our expenditures in March totaled $1,312.47 due to Quizzo costing $750, Quizzo prizes totaling $239.25, a classroom enhancement for $211.45, and Dungeons and Dragons club for $111.77. 

• Easy Money Announcements 

  • Earned $200 in box tops this year

  • Continue to use Amazon Smiles!

• Chairmen Announcements 

  • Running club starts next week. Emails will be sent out this week. 

  • Cultural newsletter to be sent out by the end of the year. Will utilize the newsletter function in Fresh Schools. 

• Upcoming Dates/Events

  • Brave conversations about race 4/20 7pm

  • Taddeo’s spring plant sale May, date TBD

  • Election Day Clothing Drive - May 18th - 8am-3pm

  • The Chase- May TBD

• Next Meeting

  • May 5th 7:30 pm

• Questions/Comments/Concerns 

  • March Madness has outstanding debts, Don’t stress! if you signed up please double check that you paid so that we can announce the winners!

March 2021 PTO Meeting Minutes

Chestnutwold Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

General Meeting Minutes: March 3, 2021

• February meeting minutes approved

• ChCK Trait-“See the light in each other. Be the light for each other.” -anonymous 

• Thanks 

• Teacher’s Remarks

  • General thank you to all of the support from the parents. We know how hard this year has been. 

  • Thank you to homeroom parents for helping with parties for Valentines day.

• Principal’s Remarks

  • Kindergarten families will get an email tomorrow or friday- changing cohort schedules

• IDC Update 

  • No meeting this month

• Treasurers’ Report

  • Balance: $23,900.04 up from January which was $23,646.55 

  • Deposits $3,085.46, mainly from bundt cakes which was $580

  • Expenditures: $2831.97, mainly from bundt cake order of $2280 and buying multicultural crayons totaling $325

• Easy Money Announcements 

  • Get the box top app and scan your receipts!

  • Amazon smiles- choose Chestnutwold as charity of choice! PTO just received $185.46

• Chairmen Announcements 

  • Virtual Dungeons and Dragons club has started

  • Roots and shoots club has started 

  • Let the PTO know if you are interested in joining either club

• Upcoming Dates/Events

February 2021 PTO Meeting Minutes

Chestnutwold Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

General Meeting Minutes: 2/3/21

January Meeting Minutes Approved

• ChCK Trait: RESPECT  “A person’s a person, no matter how small”-Dr. Suess

• Thanks 

  • Nina Wickersham- Bundt cakes 

  • Faculty for the amazing signs at Chestnutwold!

• Teacher’s Remarks

  • Thank you all!

  • 5th grade team- “thank you for the author visit that will take place at the end of February”

• Principal’s Remarks

  • Upcoming Chestnutwold activity challenge- more details to come

  • 2/12 is a virtual half day

  • 2/15- no school

  • Discussion at tomorrows board meeting in regard to getting kids back into the classroom 

• IDC Update 

  • Email to come from Dr. Reusche- asking for us to advocate for our children to be in school

  • If anyone has any questions for the IDC, please out to the reps. More information can be found in the blast. 

• Treasurers’ Report

  • Balance: $23,646.55, up from $23,218.94

    • Expenditures: $108.78- classroom enhancement 

    • Deposits: $536.40- taddeo plant sale ($350), box tops ($176.40)

• Easy Money Announcements 

  • Please download the box tops app and scan your receipts!

  • Please save Chestnutwold PTO as the charity for Amazon Smile

• Chairmen Announcements 

  • Virtual roots and shoots club coming

  • Virtual dungeons and dragons club coming

  • Looking for volunteers to lead grade level running clubs

• Upcoming Dates/Events

  • Bundt cake pick up 2/12

  • Looking into having the Chestnutwold Chase (race) in the Spring

  • Valentines class parties- send in your Valentine’s

  • Chestnutwold activity challenge 

• Next Meeting

  • 3/3/2021

• Questions/Comments/Concerns 

  • Haverford Education Fund - looking into targeted ways to support BASIS

January 2021 PTO Meeting Minutes

Chestnutwold Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

General Meeting Minutes: January 6, 2021

• December meeting minutes approved

• ChCK Trait: Responsibility Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. - Williams James 

• Chairmen Announcements 

  • Cultural newsletter update-Latanya King

    • Quarterly cultural blast

    • Each blast will highlight a culture within Chestnutwold

    • Looking for parent and student volunteers- more details to come  

• Thanks

  • To the families that donated for the specials teachers and the cookies for the staff! All the extra love is so appreciated. 

• Teacher’s Remarks

  • Thank you to the PTO for the 10 days of giveaways and treats

  • Thank you for the ongoing support and for making this unconventional school year work

• Principal’s Remarks

  • AIMS testing showed the best results compared to years past

  • Reading Olympics (4th and 5th grade) will take place in the spring with about  7 teams 

  • Word masters: results still coming in, scored 185 out of 200, placing 3rd or 4th in the country 

  • Poetry contest: results still coming in, so far 25 5th graders earned publication rights within Creative Publications 

  • Valentine’s day parties: homeroom teachers/parents to coordinate. If anyone is going to bring in items for the party (no food), bring in 3 days in advance ie: bags, etc. 

  • Professional learning- more information to come from teachers, will be ½ days for the students

  • March 9th- BASIS presentation, more details to come

• IDC Update 

  • Meeting later this month

• Treasurers’ Report

  • Recap 10 days of giveaways

  • 2020 fundraising: Learning Express, clothing drive, telethon, Taddeo's x 2, bake sale = $11,022.47

  • Budget:

    • Balance: $23,218.94 up from $22,064.42

    • Deposits $3,826.45- Telethon $125, anonymous donation $1,500, spirit wear $673.93 

    • Expenditures: $2,671.93- laminator $2,329.99, teacher appreciation $244.99

• Easy Money Announcements 

  • Please use the box tops app! Will also collect box tops at the end of February and the end of the year. 

  • Please use Amazon Smile! 

• Upcoming Dates/Events

  • Looking for someone to chair a virtual game night ie: Bingo or quizzo

  • Kindergarten registration this Monday 1/11/21

  • 1/18 Everything Bundt cakes fundraiser (orders due by 1/31)

    • $25 per cake, PTO gets $5 per cake ordered

    • Pick up on 2/12. 

  • Winter activity challenge coming soon!

  • MLK day of service: in lieu of our normal event, we encourage you to donate to a local charity. More details will be sent in the PTO blast. 

  • Next online spirit wear sale coming in the spring 

  • Online art share: CALLING ALL CREATIVE CREATURES! After your young artists are finished working on some art, coloring or building, send a picture to the PTO email and we will share/post it for our Phoenix family to enjoy. If you post it yourself remember to tag us and add a hashtag! We can help the kids share their creative side with each other.  #chestnutwoldpto #chestnutwoldstrong #chestnutwoldproud

• Next Meeting 2/3/21

• Questions/Comments/Concerns 

  • Check your email on Mondays for the weekly blast for messages and events

  • Check-in anytime on Instagram and Facebook for what’s going on at CWold. 

December 2020 PTO Meeting Minutes

Chestnutwold Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

General Meeting Agenda: Wednesday, December 3rd

• Approval of minutes

  • November meeting minutes approved

• ChCK Trait: Integrity

  • “Knowing what must be done does away with fear”-Rosa Parks

• Thanks

  • Christine Shindler, Meghan Grissom,  Beth Clauss, Volunteers for Election day, Mr. Gary

• Teacher’s Remarks

  • Thank you for the laminator and laptop stand

• Principal’s Remarks

  • Planning for a winter sing a long. More details to come

  • School will remain virtual through December 9th, school board voting tomorrow 12/3/2020

• IDC Update 

  • IDC reps met with Belonging and Sociocultural Identities in School (BASIS) team. 

    • Plan to provide training for all staff in the district

    • Aim to make every student feel comfortable in school 

    • Developing an equity team for each building and a district team, etc. 

    • School board voted to attend anti racism training 

    • The district has developed a People of Color Infinity Group

  • Nearly half of the bus drivers have been out on leave → utilization of part time drivers 

    • Should be resolved come Monday 12/7

• Treasurers’ Report

  • Balance: $22,064.42 up from $16,006.90 in October 

  • Expenditures: $641.43 for our PTO Today membership of $494.00 and a classroom enhancement for 1st grade for $147.34

  • Deposits: $6,698.86, mostly due to the telethon raising $5,100, the clothing drive donations earning $827.80, and election day bake sale earning $664.54

• Easy Money Announcements 

  • Amazon smiles- last month totaled $147.34

  • Box Tops year to date earned $123.90 for the year, please scan your receipt to the box tops app!

• Chairmen Announcements 

  • Book Fair- ends 12/4

  • Cultural Newsletter- Latanya King will chair this, others have also volunteered to help. If anyone is interested in volunteering, please reach out to the PTO. 

• Upcoming Dates/Events

  • Book Fair ends 12/4

  • Taddeos winter plant sale 12/4 - 12/6 

• Next Meeting

  • Wednesday, January 6, 2021

• Questions/Comments/Concerns 

November 2020 PTO Meeting Minutes

Chestnutwold Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

General Meeting Minutes: November 4th, 2020

• Approval of minutes

  • October meeting minutes approved

• ChCK Trait

• “What is the difference between an obstacle and an opportunity? Our attitude toward it. Every opportunity has a difficulty, and every difficulty has an opportunity.” ― J. Sidlow Baxter

• Thanks: 

  • Beth Claus for the clothing drive and learning express, Rachel Mathias for Spirit Wear, Allison Kitteridge for bake sale (earned up $627!!), Christine Schindler and Megan Grissom for the Telethon.

• Teacher’s Remarks

  • “2nd grade sends our sincerest thanks for the awesome organizational bins for our classrooms!  They have been helping tremendously and have lightened the students’ backpacks too! Many thanks, awesome PTO!!!! :)”

  • Ms. Lebraska in 1st grade says “thank you for the laptop stand.” 

• Principal’s Remarks

  • Trimester ends next week

    • Report cards will be sent via email 12/11

  • Conferences as planned on November 23rd, 24th, 25th

  • Picture retakes November 18th and 19th

  • District is considering options to increase the amount of face time with students in the school

  • Board meetings:

    • Next board meeting will be to discuss the numbers and plan

      • Mr D. will share our comments/concerns with the board

    • Following board meeting will present an AM/PM split model, cohort A will be 8:35 - 11:30 and cohort B 12:50 -3:30. Focus will be on math and language arts (still have I and E and morning meeting). 

• Intradistrict council (IDC) Update 

  • IDC is a group of school reps, Dr. Reusche, and other reps that meet to discuss issues brought up by parents and PTO’s

  • Last meeting highlights:

    • Dr. Reusche Suggested there is a financial cost associated with making change to AM/PM proposed cohort 

    • Dr Reusche says “thank you parents for cooperation and support”

    • Dr. Reusche frequently meets with health officials to discuss numbers\covid data chart updated every Sunday director of pupil services is the covid coordinator 

    • Looking into additional funding for more cameras in the classroom 

    • What percent of the curriculum with the kids get through this year

      • Each teacher has a plan for the curriculum which is reassessed every 6 weeks 

• Treasurers’ Report

  • Budget: 

    • $1606.90 up from September, $1423 

      • Deposits: spirit wear $869, taddeo's $375, first day of school earnings $179, 

      • Expenditures: $1385.47 for classroom enhancements (1st, 2, 3rd and word masters)

• Easy Money Announcements 

  • Please enroll in Amazon Smile

  • Turn in box tops this week, they get mailed in this month. 

  • Please use the box tops app to scan your receipt. 

• Chairmen Announcements 

• Upcoming Dates/Events

  • Spirit wear and learning express sale happening now! Both end on 11/10/2020. 

  • Telethon: November 13th at 6 pm. Please send an act, picture, poem etc. 

  • Virtual Book Fair: November 20th - December 4th, Mrs. Dabman gets 25% of sales! Orders of $25 or more will have free shipping. 

• Next Meeting

  • Wednesday, December 2nd at 7:30

  • Next meeting Mr. D and a member of the school equity team will present 

• Questions/Comments/Concerns 

October 2020 PTO Meeting Minutes

Chestnutwold Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

General Meeting Minutes: October 7th, 2020

• ChCK Trait: Trustworthiness

  • “Children trust adults and therefore adults trust children.” - Meir Ezra

• Thanks 

  • Beth Claus, Taddeos, Teachers, Staff

• Teacher’s Remarks

  • Thank you for sending students in prepared

• Principal’s Remarks

  • Picture days- 10/26 and 10/29

    • Determining ways to involve HO students in picture day

    • This will be individual pictures with a photoshopped class picture. There will be no class pictures this year.

• IDC Update 

  • This has not yet started

• Treasurers’ Report

  • Balance $15,969.37, down from august $17,958.83

  • Expenses- $2,291.69: taxes $1,173, fresh schools renewal $600, teacher appreciation $201.85, kindergarten enhancement $126, 1st grade received white boards, chair pockets for 3rd grade, word challenge program for the school

  • Deposits- $303.23: spirit wear and masks sale

• Easy Money Announcements 

  • Amazon Smile updates 

    • Received $185 this school year 

    • Can use the regular Amazon app, the Amazon smile app or web browser and select Chestnutwold as the charity

  • Box Tops

    • The platform recently switched for box tops. You now have to scan your receipt for the reward. 

• Chairmen Announcements 

  • Approval of September’s minutes

    • Approved

• Upcoming Dates/Events

  • Secret Phoenix: ongoing 

    • Please include all Chestnutwold students, including HO and homeschool students in this fun community building activity

  • Election Day Clothing Drive: November 3rd

    • Drop off donations in front of the dumpster not the loading dock

    • List in a previous blast with details about what you can donate

  • Telethon 

    • Date TBD

    • There will be a live zoom link and donations will be accepted

• Next Meeting

  • Wednesday November 4th: 7:30-8:00 Mr. D’s remarks and general meeting at 8:00. 

• Questions/Comments/Concerns 

September 2020 PTO Meeting Minutes

Chestnutwold Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

General Meeting Minutes: September 9th, 2020

• ChCK Trait: Empathy

• “One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone.” ― Shannon L. Alder

• Thanks: Erin Ingraffia, HO Representatives, Teacher Appreciation Committee, New Families Committee 

• Introduction:

  • PTO overview 

  • Board members

  • Fresh Schools

    • Can find the information to sign up or change the classroom on the website or facebook

    • New family sponsors, please include this in your outreach to new families

    • Used as the school directory 

      • Fresh schools can help you identify kids in your child's class to coordinate classroom parties, play dates, etc. 

    • Used to communicate PTO events and updates 

  • Clearances

    • Needed for volunteering with the school

    • Good for 5 years

    • Information can be found on the Haverford school district website 

• Teacher’s Remarks

  • Thank you for: sidewalk messages, notes on the door, treats 

• Principal’s Remarks

  • Friday 18th- no school

  • Back to school night 9/21. More to come. 

  • Materials pickup

    • See Mr. D’s emailer for more details

    • May need to do a second round of pickups with more materials 

    • Can bring anything that you wish to return to school to the materials pick up 

  • New family program

    • Thank you to the chairs and volunteers

  • Community building

    • Looking into ways to include haverford online and homeschool children in our community

  • Parental involvement

    • At this time, parents are not allowed in the building 

    • Looking at ways to get parents involved. More to come. 

• IDC Update 

  • IDC is the IntraDistrict Council, which is made up of school board members and members from each schools' PTO boards.  

  • IDC meets monthly and is a great way to get information relayed between the PTO and the school board.

  • IDC has not yet started this year

• Treasurers’ Report

  • Taxes filed for 2019

  • July and August balance $17,950.83. Down from june $18,772.53

    • Deposits: $2,666.99- $700 returned from field trips, $540.27 from yearbooks and $219.60 from box tops

    • Expenditures: $3,480.69- $1493.72 to yearbooks, $266.93 first grade enhancements, and zoom $158.89

• Easy Money Announcements

  • Amazon Smile

    • Register Chestnutwold to be beneficiary on Amazon and/or amazon smile app or website

  • Box Tops

    • Can drop off the cut outs to the school (at designated times) or download and use the app. More information can be found on facebook and the website

• Chairmen Announcements 

  • Looking for homeroom Parents!

    • Please contact HomeroomCW@gmail.com if interested 

    • Plan 4 parties through the year- these will likely be virtual, ie: reading a story, sharing a craft, etc. 

• Upcoming Dates/Events

  • Telethon: date TBD

  • Ideas for future events: 

    • Silent auction through fresh schools

    • Virtual quizzo

    • Virtual bag bingo

• Next Meeting

  • October 7th, likely virtual

  • Mr. D will talk at 7:30pm

  • General meeting will start at 8:00PM

• Questions/Comments/Concerns 

January 2019 PTO Meeting Minutes

Chestnutwold Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

General Meeting Agenda: January 8, 2020

• ChCK Trait- positive attitude

• Thanks

  • Natalie and Megan- book fair

  • Beth- learning express and Taddeos 

• Teacher’s Remarks

  • Thank you for book fair, winter holiday, new rug, 4th grade zoo on wheels

  • Celebrate chestnutwold week in June- every student will present something they did on their own this year and are proud of, details to come

• Principal’s Remarks

  • Jan 17th early dismissal, AM kindergarten report, no PM kindergarten, closed on Monday January 20th

  • Service project- students made placemats for meals on wheels

  • Many students earned awards in young writers division and were published 

  • Thinking cap quizball challenge- Chestnutwold students won this year

• IDC Update 

  • Questions for School Board Members/Food Service? 

• Why are we using styrofoam trays when we run out of regular trays? 

• Next IDC meeting January 13th- food services and school board will be in attendance 

• Last IDC meeting- topic was Haverford education fund

• Grants available through this organization for parents/PTO/Teachers, applications online 

• Always looking for people to join board- meet 8 times per year

• Treasurers’ Report

  • Budget $18,250.60 down $500 from November

  • $906 deposits from spirit wear, taddeos ($150), clothing drive

  • Expenditures $1443,96 bag bingo $1064 already for bag bingo

• Easy Money Announcements 

  • $446 earned 

  • Next box top collection February 21st

• Chairmen Announcements 

• Upcoming Dates/Events

  • February 21st- Chestnutwold’s bingo, more details to follow

  • Jan 20th- Martin Luther King Day of Service 10AM-12PM, details to follow

  • Spring social will be in March, details to follow

  • Jan 31st- 7-10 Bag bingo

  • Feb 4th- Talking to our kids about race: a no practice zone, all parents and teachers are welcome 

• Next Meeting

  • April 1st

• Questions/Comments/Concerns 

November 2019 PTO Meeting Minutes

Chestnutwold Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

General Meeting Agenda: November 6, 2019

• ChCK Trait: Empathy: “If you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” – Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

• Thanks: 

  • Jen Cichowski and Kim Long (Young Writer’s Day)

  • Beth Clauss (Taddeo’s and Clothing Drive)- $100

  • Latanya King, Amanda Phily, and Lauren Moynihan (Trunk or Treat)

  • Lalasa Mohr (Bake Sale)- $500

  Jamie Hawthorn (Town Tap)- $465

• Teacher’s Remarks: Thank you!

  • American education week: week of November 18th- observe your child’s math or LA class. Details to come. 

• IDC (inter district council) Update: 

  • Theme was steam learning. Trying to improve steam and stem learning.  Audit of science las year. Engineering and computer science courses are now available. 

  • School board meeting available online to view for February and September. 

  • Math curriculum now in audit phase.  

  • Looking into a new software for lunch accounts. 

  • Facility reservations- IDC to review this further. 

  • Each school to present op 5 issues and bring to Dr. Ruchee whom will discuss this with the principal. 

  • Next meeting- haverford education foundation will be there. They host the twilight run and offer grants for PTO’s, schools, etc. 

• Treasurers’ Report

  • $20,870.67, about 1000 down 

  • Deposits- $3,863.15: art club, roots and shoots, quizzo, dance a thon

  • Expenditures- $4,394.66: young writers day around $1,000, classroom enhancements around $2000 

• Easy Money Announcements: 

  • $156 from box tops

• Chairmen Announcements 

  • Book Fair: Natalie Silver- needs volunteers to help set up! Theme is blizzard. Every kid will go to book fair during library time. Flyer with more details to come home soon. 

• Upcoming Dates/Events

  • Online Spirit Wear Sale: November 1st-17th 

  • Quizzo (an Adult Social): November 8th, 7-10pm (Sold Out)

  • Learning Express Holiday Sale Fundraiser: November 11-15

  • Brain Show (game show): November 27th, 6:30pm- need volunteers to monitor the hallways

  • Scholastic Book Fair “Arctic Adventure”: December 2-6

  • Taddeo’s winter plant sale: December 6-8, mention Chestnutwold at checkout

• Next Meeting

  • No general meeting in December. If you have any updates or questions for the board, please email us and we will discuss at our exec meeting! 

  • Next meeting January 8, 7:30 pm 

• Questions/Comments/Concerns 

October 2019 PTO Meeting Minutes

Chestnutwold Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

General Meeting Agenda: October 2, 2019 

• ChCK Trait: Respect “To be one, to be united, is a great thing. But to respect the right to be different is maybe even greater.” – Bono

• Thanks: Thank you to Amy Solwecki for Back to School Night at McSorley’s. Big thanks to Amy Mensch, Lalasa Mohr, and Christine Shindler for Phoenix Fun Day and the Dance-a-Thon. 

  • DAT suggestions for next year: end at 7:00 instead of 7:30, permanent bathroom monitor, revamping brochure. 

• Teacher’s Remarks

• Thank you for field hockey jerseys 

• Principal’s Remarks

• Thank you for PFD

• Young Author’s day next 10/11

• Friday 10/18 picture day

• Mandated lock down/shelter in place in October 

• Halloween parade 10/31, start 10:45AM

• Pajama day 11/1

• 10/14 is spirit day- dress in blue and gold!

• Guest: Abby Wright, Diaper Dry’ve at HHS 

• Goal of 8,000 diapers

• Give to a local diaper bank

• Box will be in main office for the month of October to collect diapers 

• Link for donations to be sent out at a later date 

• IDC Update 

• First meeting next Monday

• Presidents of PTO invited to attend and share concerns

• 2 concerns to be mentioned: 1. facilities reservation process needs to be streamlined 2. lunch accounts 

• Treasurers’ Report

• Balance- $21,402.18 

• Deposits DAT, PFD and spirit wear, $362 from McSlorleys

• Expenditures $720 field hockey jerseys, pop up tents $909

• Easy Money Announcements 

• Amazon smile 

• Giant rewards card

• Taddeo’s plant sale- 10% profit to PTO 

• Election day clothing drive 

• Box tops- 10/18 is next collection 

• Bake sale on election day 

• Chairmen Announcements

• Art in the classroom volunteers are needed! More details to come in PTO blast

• Upcoming Dates/Events

  • (F)allin’ for Chestnutwold: 

• Young Writer’s Day, Friday, October 11- volunteers still needed, 4th and 5th grade delegates to help

• Taddeo’s Plant Sale, Friday 10/11-Sunday 10/13

• Spirit Day, Monday, October 14

• Town Tap Give Back Night, Monday, October 14th 

• Box Tops Collection Date: Friday, October 18 

• Trunk or Treat: Friday, October 25, 6:00-6:30 decorate and 6:30-7:30 trunk or treat, sign up genius will be sent out soon, more details to come 

• Halloween Parade and Parties: Thursday, October 31, 10:45 parade 

• Adult Social: Quizzo: Friday, November 8 

• Next Meeting: Wednesday, November 6, 7:30 pm 

• Questions/Comments/Concerns

September 2019 PTO Meeting Minutes

Chestnutwold Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

General Meeting Agenda: September 11, 2019

• Welcome and Intro 

• ChCK Trait: Responsibility: “I believe it's our responsibility to show our communities the value of all people, to celebrate different, and to take a stand for acceptance and inclusion.” Julie Foudy, Olympic Gold Medalist, FIFA Fair Play Award recipient 

• Thank You to the New Families Welcome Committee, led by Jill Fisher, including Amy Solwecki and Jill McManus, and Fresh Schools Administrator, Beth Clauss. 

• Teacher’s Remarks

  • Thank you to all

• Principal’s Remarks

  • Back to school night: doors open at 6:20. Schedule: 1st session starts at 6:30 with reporting to homeroom teacher or meeting spot,  7:15 session ends. Mr. D will talk to both sessions from 7:20-7:40. Second session starts at 7:45 with reporting to homeroom teacher or meeting spot,  8:30 session ends. 

  • Officer Flynn coming to do safe tech talk this fall 

• IDC Update (Interdistrict Council)

• Meeting with Dr. Ruche and representatives from each school. 

• Topics: October- PTO president share, November- STEAM, December- education foundation, January- school board budget for music and sports, February- dual enrollment and online, March- facilities, April- BASIS update, May-welcoming and including all

• Treasurers’ Report

  • Runs on a fiscal year July-June

  • Budget: 13,980.89 

  • Deposits: 21.04

  • Expenditures: 773.84, 600 for Dance-A-Thon dj and square space 

• Easy Money Announcements 

  • Melissa Trempe

• Box tops: continue to clip and send them in or use the app to scan receipt (Scan receipt within 14 days). Be sure to connect to Chestnutwold. There will be a water ice party for the class that collects the most at the end of the year. There will be a trophy given after each collection to the winning class. October 18th is the  first collection date. Earned $1,227 last year.

• Beth Clauss 

• Giant rewards: register for A plus rewards for Chestnutwold. Earned close to $3,000 last year. 

• Amazon smile: have to shop through Amazon smile website. Select Chestnutwold as charity. 

• Chairmen Announcements 

  • Author visit: Anthony John’s  book, “Mascot,” is the winner of the Schneider Family Book Award. This event will occur on October 3rd for 4th and 5th grade.

• Upcoming Dates/Events

  • Back to School Night at McSorley’s Ale House: Thursday, September 19th, 8:00pm. Giving 20% back to PTO.

  • Phoenix Fun Day and Dance-a-Thon: Friday, September 27th, 4:30-7:30pm. Goal of $40 per kid with a goal of $20,000 for the school. Bake sale during event. Pizza sale- encouraged to order ahead of time. Will be sending out a sign up genius for volunteers. 

  • Young Writers Day: Friday, October 11th. Information to be sent in the PTO blast about how you can sign up to help. 

  • Taddeo’s Plant Sale: Friday, October 11th- Sunday, October 13th. Mention shopping through Chestnutwold. They will give 10% to the school. 

  • Town Tap Give Back Night: Monday, October 14th.  They will give 20% to PTO. Reservations accepted but not required. 

  • Election Day Clothing Drive: Tuesday, November 5th, 9am-3pm. Pick up is scheduled for 3pm.

• Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 2nd, 7:30pm 

• Questions/Comments/Concerns 

April 2019 PTO Meeting Minutes

Chestnutwold Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

General Meeting Agenda: April 3rd, 2019

ChCK Trait: - Trustworthiness

“Be true to your work, your word, and your friend.” -Henry David Thoreau

Thank You’s: Thank you for Christine Schindler and Kristina Early for running the Variety Show last week, to Yvie Fabella for helping with Family Night, and to Jamie Hawthorne for organizing the Town Tap Give Back Night. 

• Teacher Remarks - learning support specialists.

  • thanks for the classroom enhancements.  

  • thanks for support with Reading Olympics.  

• Principal’s Remarks 

  • PSSAs the week after spring break

  • STEAM project is ongoing - April 16th will be expert day.

• Easy Money Update: 

  • reminder to sign up for Amazon Smile

  • Taddeo’s spring fundraiser May 3-5 (just mention Chestnutwold at checkout)

• Treasurer Report

  • balance just over $18,000

  • money starting to come in for spring social as well as March madness

  • expenditures over $4,000 classroom enhancements, Chatter

• IDC update 

  • last meeting focus was on Guidance/Health - discussed emotional safety

  • ongoing training for sociocultural proficiency for all staff

• Board Vacancies for 2019-2020:

  • Co-President

  • Secretary

  • VP In School Activities

  • VP out of School Activities

  • Co-Treasurer 

• Current Board Nominees

  • Nina Wickersham - for co-treasurer

  • Megan Grissom - for VP out of school activities

  • Natalie Bickhart - for VP in school activities 

• Save the Date:  

  • Adult Social at Wynnewood Lanes: Saturday, April 13, 8-10. Contact Jamie Hawthorn if you’d like to be on the planning committee 

  • HTSD Education Fund Twilight Run: Saturday, April 27, 4 pm at HH'

  • Chestnutwold Chase May 19th

Next meeting: May 1 - Please attend - we need a quorum in order to hold our board elections.

Speaker Series presenter: HTPD on Bike Safety - children are invited to attend.  HMS PTO rep will visit that meeting as well.

March 2019 PTO Meeting Minutes

Chestnutwold Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

General Meeting Agenda: March 6th , 2019

ChCK Trait: - Empathy

 “Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another and feeling with the heart of another.” – Alfred Adler

• Speaker: Steph McCloskey- 5th Grade Unity Party

  • Event will be at the middle school

  • there will be an informational meeting

  • date has been set

• Teacher Remarks

  • -reminder about Bingo night, there will be no pizza to purchase if not pre-ordered

• Principal’s Remarks

  • thank you for support with Peter Pan

  • finalized submission to be considered as Nat’l School of Character

  • considering ways to build on 21st Century Schools

• Easy Money Update: Nina Wickersham

  • just submitted Box Tops, $392 check will come in April

  • we will send out a reminder about Giant A+. This is one of largest sources of easy money.

• Treasurer Report

  • $20,509 end of February.  Deposits from Bag Bingo, Art Club, Learning Express.   Expenses largely due to Bag Bingo and the play.

  • Non-Profit Update - we are now a non-profit!

  • Amazon Smile Update - only works for shopping through the website.  But you can add a shortcut to your phone.

• IDC update - school district is working with a communications consultant, there will be a survey coming out seeking information about how the district can communicate better with families.

• Board Vacancies for 2019-2020:

  • Co-President

  • Secretary

  • VP In School Activities

  • VP out of School Activities

  • Co-Treasurer 

• Yearbook Update

  • information is on the blast - for sale now!

  • please submit any additional photos from parties, clubs, school events

• Save the Date:  

  • Town Tap Give Back Night: Tuesday, March 12 4-9:30. They take reservations!  The owners are a Chestnutwold Family

  • CW Family Celebration Night: Thursday, March 28  - if interested in helping organize, please contact Yvie Fabiella or Mr. D. Forms must be submitted March 22nd 

  • Variety Show: Friday, March 29 

  • Adult Social at Wynnewood Lanes: Saturday, April 13, 8-10. Contact Jamie Hawthorn if you’d like to be on the planning committee 

• HTSD Education Fund Twilight Run: Saturday, April 27, 4 pm at HHS 

  Request from HTSD Education Fund for $500

Next meeting: April 3. Speaker- Courtney Gill, nutritionist and Chestnutwold parent 

January 2019 PTO Meeting Minutes

ChCK Trait: Responsibility:

“A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.”   

-Bob Dylan

“With great power comes great responsibility.”  -Voltaire

- Principal’s Remarks

- Teacher Remarks

- Thank You’s:

o HRP for Class Winter Celebrations

o Teachers/ Administration/Staff for Community Sing-a-long

- Treasure Report

- Upcoming Events

o MLK Day Jan 21 st 10:00-12:00 @ Chestnutwold

o Bag Bingo

- Babysitting at future PTO meetings - will have to be done by volunteers in the future due to our insurance.