DATE/TIME: September 9, 2026, 6:00 PM
Call to Order and Welcome
Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve by Ashley Wagner, Seconded by Bryan Ennis, approved by unanimous vote
Treasurer’s Report: Ashley Ide: Current PTO balance $125,692.40- library balance of $2367.42 for difference of $123,324.98. Currently in the process of adding a new bank account to house library funds. Will also be opening account for playground funds in the future.
President’s Report: Margie Ford: Encouraged everyone to complete a committee interest form if they have not done so already. High number of online registrations this year. Committee chairs will be finalized by 9/19. Tonight’s meeting will primarily cover brief summaries of each committee.
VP Report: Amanda Halbing: Defer
Secretary Report: Beth Petro: Requested feedback on monthly email delivery of meeting highlights that was implemented last year. Based on feedback, I will continue to compile monthly highlights but will post them, along with complete meeting minutes, to the DESPTO website. Notification of posting, along with a link, will be distributed via email and/or social media going forward.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Activity Expo - Arrange local groups to highlight children’s activities; coincides with the Science Fair
Art Show - Previously Jenny Hetro, occurs in the Spring; work with art teachers to coordinate a date/time, setup, tear down, and schedule volunteers
Audit Committee - Review treasurer log from previous year
Book Fair DIS -. Defer
Book Fair WPC - Jen Rineheimer: October 19th-23rd, setup 10/16.
By-Laws - Defer - not due for review this school year
Community Fundraiser - Coordinate local businesses to hold fundraiser events for DESPTO
Corporate Fundraiser - Coordinate with large businesses for Give Back programs
Enrichment and Assemblies - Decide on and book programs for students
Family Fun - Meghan Nutsche - Chuck E Cheese 9/18 from 3-9PM
Field Day/Fun Day DIS - Schedule, plan, and coordinate activities and vendors as well as setup, tear down, and volunteers
Field Day/Fun Day WPC - Schedule, plan, and coordinate activities and vendors as well as setup, tear down, and volunteers
Field Trips: Location of field trips are determined annually and not necessarily the same as the previous year. Committee members facilitate the logistics of planning trips. Ideally, each grade committee has a co-chair with the intent of training them to become chair the following year.
· Kindergarten -
· 1st Grade -
· 2nd Grade - Leanne Mikielski : 2nd grade was booked for the butterfly farms again. I think they did it last year when they were there. I do not have the dates that were scheduled but will report back as soon as I know.
· 3rd Grade -
· 4th Grade -
Fifth Grade Committee -. Vanessa Lanfrank: Once dates are picked for events such as a Glow Party and the End of year celebration, will take care of the facility requests.
Fifth Grade Mock Senate Committee - Work with PA State Senator’s office and Mrs. Taylor to coordinate this experience.
Fundraising - Includes Race for Education, Penny Wars, etc. Park tickets and Elk Mountain. Always looking for new ideas!
Holiday Shop - Amanda Halbing: Committee organizes various aspects of the shop, including vendors, shopping, raffle, hot chocolate bar. Committee is currently recruiting members.Will occur Dec 4th from 6-8PM and Dec 5th from 10-2.
Internet Safety - Bryan Ennis: Develop a community to gather and provide resources for information pertaining to internet safety.
Junior Achievement - Brittany Shannon: Committee was added to interest form with intent of securing volunteers earlier in the year in order to begin the program sooner. Ms. Chandler requested that volunteers start earlier than last year. Ms. Williams suggested that teachers can help recruit volunteers as needed.
Library Coordinators - Jen Rineheimer: Committee chairs’ responsibilities are to obtain a list of parent volunteers and compile volunteer calendar for the year based on indicated availability
Manpower - Help with physical tasks such as fundraiser distribution, t-shirt sorting, setting up holiday store, manning raffle table, etc.
Nominating Committee - Distribute and collect nomination forms for next school year’s open officer positions. Cannot run for office if on committee.
PBIS - Rachel Oberg: Support the positive behavior program, ideally would like 3-4 volunteers per grade
Playground - Bryan and Meghan: In contact with four companies, have received one bid, anticipate receiving the remaining in the next few days. Goal to order the playground by spring and have it installed over the summer in time for start of 2027 school year.
Recess Coordinator DIS - Meghan and Kelly: will use Sign-Up Genius again this year to recruit volunteers. Volunteers may still attend on days when recess occurs indoors
Recess Coordinators WPC - See above
Recess Equipment - Communicate with each school and acquire what is needed
RiF (Reading is Fundamental) - First grade classes. Previously chaired by Jess DeAngelo. The division of UGI that previously sponsored this program has been sold; program may not be funded this year.
Science Fair - Hillary Thompson: Science fair scheduled for Thursday 3/18, confirmed with the principals. Will submit facilities request this week. Brainstorming new community participants and will begin reaching out toward the end of the year. Suggestions welcome!!!
Seasonal Decorating - Need daytime help.
Spirit Day - Responsibilities include picking dates, posting to social media, and coordinating pickup of money
Spiritwear - Vanessa Lanfrank: Spiritwear Sale is under way and if it hasn't changed to shipping to home yet, it will soon.
The orders placed for shipment to the school will be distributed to students once they come in. Typically 2 weeks after sale end date.
Suggestion offered to include unique items for the holiday store this year, such as PJ pants, cell phone cases, and squishy toys. Suggestion offered to sell t-shirts for field day volunteers this year.
Student/Teacher Appreciation - Committee responsible for teacher breakfast in the fall and luncheon in the spring, holiday gifts for classrooms, field day t-shirts, and stock the teacher lounge days.
Yearbook - Ashley Wagner: requesting volunteers to take pictures when they are involved in classroom activities.
OLD BUSINESS: none
NEW BUSINESS: none
Teacher Representative: Mmes. Williams, Park, Pitcavage, and Chandler in attendance
Principal’s Report:
Mr. Bradshaw -
Great start to the year, first 15-20 days are for establishing routines, expectations, rules
9/11 Patriot Day - combined presentation, moment of silence
DIBELS underway
9/17 Constitution Day - Will be learning about the US Constitution at age-appropriate levels
9/18 Act 80 day
9/25 Possible evacuation drill to occur
Poster Contest announcement soon, will have 10/16 deadline
10/5 picture day
10/7 Parents advisory council
10/9 Act 80 day
10/12 Teacher inservice
Playground committee is hard at work
10/19-23 Scholastic Book Fair
10/30 Halloween parade
Mr. Traver -
Smooth start to year
9/11 presentation for 5th grade only, Captain of Liberty Bell Tour Boat will speak, survivor tree activities, Fire Boat book
9/17 Constitution day
9/18 Act 80 Day
9/25 Possible evacuation drill to occur
10/13, 14, 21, 27 - 5th grade watershed activities at Frances Slocum
10/30 - Halloween parade to begin at 10:00 - bigger loop than last year. Storybook character theme.
12/10 Chorus concert
Meeting Adjourned: 7:36
Attendance: See attendance sign-in sheet.