Takoma Park Elementary School PTA

Draft Meeting Minutes, June 5, 2018

7-8 pm, APR

Secretary: Allyson Piazza

Attendance: 17 members, 4 non-members

Welcome and Updates: PTA President Lia Goldstein

• Hip Hop Hope Poetry Slam: June 6, 7 at TPMS 7pm
• 2^nd Grade Promotion and picnic June 13 at 10am, TPMS
• Last day of school June 15, dismissal at 1:20pm
• New families play date: August 18, 10am-12pm at the TPES playground
• Back to school celebration: August 30, 5-7pm at TPES playground
• Kindergarten back to school night: August 30, 7-8pm (adults only)
• Open House: August 31, 3-4pm
• 1^st day of school: Sept 4
• 1^st and 2^nd grade back to school night: Sept 5, 7-8pm

Erin Kelley, Treasurer’s Report

• Dolphin Drive raised $9,400, almost twice the amount we budgeted
• Basketball game raised over $800
• Readathon raised almost $17,000
• Budget amendment to increase the Readathon expenses from $300 to $400; amendment passed unanimously
• Paper shortage at school was due to an ordering error, the PTA is helping to provide paper to make it through the end of the year
• Summer budget: Marissa Walker requested to add $200 for Health and Wellness for refreshments during a teacher training they are hosting in August. Summer budget approved unanimously.

Supply kit update, Sasha Johnson and Ally Piazza

• Once the supply lists are approved, order forms will be sent out and notices will go out on the listserv/website/Facebook
• Kits that are ordered will be delivered to your child’s classroom and can be picked up at Open House in August.
• If you have a student at PBES next year, you can order a kit now. educationalproducts.com/shoppacks (school ID: PIN226)

Volunteer Recruitment, Lia Salza Goldstein

• There are several committees that need volunteers
• The 1^st PTA meeting in September will include a Volunteer Fair to give new and continuing families the chance to learn about all of the volunteer opportunities within the PTA.

STEM Robotics Program, Tracee Matthias

• MD Department of Education is offering grants to schools to support robotics programs
• Tracee wants to submit a $10,000 grant application on behalf of the TPES PTA this month to bring a robotics program to TPES that all students (including K students) will benefit from.
• Gadsden supports the initiative
• Motion to approve the application submission passed unanimously.

2018-19 Executive Committee Elections, Nominating Committee (Meg McDonald, Rachel Sturke, Ally Piazza)

• Proposed slate approved unanimously

President: Lia Salza Goldstein

Executive VP: Rachel Sturke (Meg McDonald)

Treasurer: Erin Kelley

VP Communications: Sasha Johnson

VP Membership: Lindsay Harrison (Jonna Hamilton/Kawsar Talaat)

VP Fundraising: Whitney Phend

Membership Secretary: Claire Andrews

Executive Secretary: Emily Merolli

Staff changes for 2018-19, Dr. Gadsden

• Croft, Ms. Grossman and Mrs. Boggan are leaving TPES

Takoma Park Elementary School PTA
Meeting Minutes, April 3, 2018
7-8pm, APR
Secretary: Allyson Piazza

Attendance: 30 members, 11 non-members

Welcome and Updates: PTA President Lia Goldstein

• Monday 4/9/18 is early release;
• Principal Coffee Friday 4/13 at 3pm;
• MCPS and MCCPTA Mental Health Wellness forum in Gaithersburg 4/22 open to teachers and parents. Register at https://goo.gl/forms/eHVPgj6erLeoXxSW2;
• TPES/PBES Basketball Game 5/3;
• K Orientation (no school for K) 5/3,5/4, and 5/7.

Treasurer’s report: PTA Treasurer Erin Kelley just had a baby, will report next month.

Health and Wellness Committee: Lia Goldstein presented for Marissa Walker, Committee Chair

• Starting next week, every Wednesday in April and May a coach from the YMCA will lead games for students during recess to get them moving and having fun. Part of the funds the PTA gets from the TPK5K are being used to support this program. Volunteers are needed to help, so please see the sign-up sent on the listserv.
• Sign up for the TPK5K 5/6 – it raises money for all 5 TP schools. tkpk5k.com

Equity Committee, Shana Sabbath

• The after school homework club is very successful. Teachers are donating their time to run this club, but the committee would like to use part of its budget to provide stipends to the teachers.  ($2100 of the $3000).  Shana put this to a vote and there was unanimous approval for the committee to use the Committee budget for teacher stipends.
• Love Takoma Event on 4/14: please spread the word. *see attachment*

School Security, Jumana Musa (parent of 1^st grader)

• The recent news about the assault of a KA employee at TPES, combined with news of school shootings, prompted a group of parents to meet with Dr. Gadsden and KA to discuss security issues at TPES. The APR door remains unlocked before and after school which is a security concern and the door should have a locking mechanism like at other schools.
• KA Executive Director (Drew Philips) spoke about the door: 3 years ago requested a lock from MCPS but was told it would cost KA $20,000. They have not made another request since then and does not know if the cost has changed.  A parent spoke up making note that she was familiar with key pad systems that are much less expensive, $1500-2000.

Readathon update, Lee Fogel-Anderegg and Maiko Callister co-chairs

• 24 teachers had over 50% participation
• Goal is to raise $15,000. Raised $5,900 so far.  Deadline for donations is 4/13.
• Need volunteers for popcorn party this Friday 4/6.

Download the PEP Presentation on Positive Discipline

Takoma Park Elementary School PTA
Meeting Minutes, November 7, 2017
7-8pm, APR
Secretary: Allyson Piazza

Attendance: 23 Members, 17 non-members

Welcome and Updates: Lia Goldstein, PTA President

Early release days (11/9, 11/10) dismissal at 1:20pm

Next PTA meeting December 5 will be an International Night holiday celebration at Takoma Park Middle School in conjunction with PBES.  It will be potluck so families are encouraged to bring food to share and to wear ethnic attire.

Fundraising update: Ingrid Carter, VP Fundraising.

Dolphin Drive started last week and will end on 11/22.  A letter went home in dolphin folders last week requesting donations for the PTA. Please give generously and encourage family and friends and neighbors to support the PTA as well.   Send donations using envelopes provided or donate online via PayPal through the PTA website. https://tpespta.net/dolphin-drive/ Our goal is to raise $5,000

Treasurer’s report and audit of last FY (copies provided).  Erin Kelley, Treasurer

Budget amendment for Dolphin Den (sensory rooms) – an additional $400 to account for equipment spending.  Unanimously approved by members present.

Budget amendment for an Artist in Residence to help facilitate the creation of a mural inside the school.  The idea is to have the theme of the mural related to equity/inclusion/friendship, and a celebration of the diversity of TPES students.  Passed a sign-up sheet around for parents interested in being involved with the mural design/planning.  Unanimously approved budget amendment for $5,000.

Before/after school enrichment update: Virginia Davis and Annelies Echols

Successful fall (exceeded enrollment), fulfilled all the scholarships requested.  They appreciated the input from the survey responses to make the next session go smoothly. Two more 8wk sessions (begin in Jan and April).  Enrollment forms and schedules will go home later this month.

Volunteer needs:  Lia Goldstein

Art teacher needs help on Wednesdays to hang art around the school.  Literacy volunteers needed for Junior Great Books program and homework club, basketball game committee members/coordinator, supply kit coordinator, NAACP parent rep (along with Ms. Dyroff who is the teacher rep).

Grading and Reporting Presentation: Pat Smith, Assistant Principal

MCPS PowerPoint presentation and handout provided.

Other business: Lia Goldstein

A TPES family had a house fire this morning.  The family needs size 6 boys clothing.  There will be a collection box in the front office for donations.

September 7, 2017
6:30-7pm, APR

Secretary: Allyson Piazza

Attendance: 34 members, 26 non-members

Welcome: PTA President Lia Goldstein

All future PTA meetings will be on the first Tuesday of the month 7-8pm in the APR (cafeteria)

Budget: PTA Treasurer Erin Kelley

Brief overview, few questions.  Budget approved unanimously by members present.

Volunteer opportunities: Lia Goldstein

There are many events and committees that need volunteers, please contact Lia Goldstein if you are interested.

Anyone volunteering at the school needs to complete the volunteer training certification online.  There is a link on the PTA website (www.tpespta.net) and on the school website.

Justine Lassman, Room Parent Coordinator: teachers need at least one Room Parent so please consider volunteering.  Let Justine know if you are a Room Parent so you can join the yahoo group and connect with other Room Parents.

PTA Before/After School Enrichment Programs: Virginia Davis

Online registration started today, please visit the PTA website and yahoo group for more information.

Meeting adjourned, 7pm