Meeting minutes

H & S Minutes

7.23.24 Meeting

1. Call to Order

2. Opening Prayer & Pledge of Allegiance- lead by Mrs. Walsh

3. Welcome and Introduction of Committee Members

Emily Johnson- President

Cassie Stoeser- Vice President

Ashley Arnold- Treasurer

Erin Herr- Secretary

4. HandS Mission- presented by Emily Johnson

While one of our major goals is to build community at St. Joseph School, we are also charged with supplementing the school budget to help keep tuition costs down.

5. Treasurer Report

6. Discuss Back to School Info

7. Discuss School Year 24/25 Cookbook 

8. Extravaganza / Book Fair / Carnival

   1. Establish Dates and any updates

9. Other Fundraiser Updates

   1. Scrip

   2. Dakotamart

   3. Box Tops

10. Principal’s Report – provided by Mrs. Walsh

11. Other

12. Move to adjourn

H & S Minutes 

4.16.24 Meeting 

1. Call to Order 

2. Opening Prayer & Pledge of Allegiance- led by Mrs. Walsh 

3. Welcome and Introduction of Committee Members 

Emily Johnson- President 

Cassie Stoeser- Vice President 

Ashley Arnold- Treasurer 

Erin Herr- Secretary 

4. HandS Mission- presented by Emily Johnson 

While one of our major goals is to build community at St. Joseph School, we are also charged with supplementing the school budget to help keep tuition costs down. 

5. Treasurer Report 

 Balance as of 4/15/24: $65,140.94 

6. Discuss Fundraiser Survey 

-Emily Johnson 

Approximately 50 families responded to the survey 

People are happy with the things that are happening with the carnival and Extravaganza 

7. Discuss School Year 24/25 Cookbook 

Introduced by Emily Johnson 

It has been 16 years since the last cookbook and it has been suggested to bring it back.  This would replace the cash raffle for the carnival.  Morris Cookbooks (out of Nebraska) did the last cook book and are willing to put this one together too.  The company uses an online system to upload recipes.  Cookbooks will sell for $20 each,and families can reserve copies.  Plan is to order 500 to sell.  Asking each student to submit 2-3 recipes each.  Recipes will need to be submitted by Sept. 1, 2024 so they are ready to be sold at the Extravaganza in November.  Emails and letters with information will be sent to families. 

8. Extravaganza Report 

Given by Emily Johnson 

The committee has already met to begin planning the event for the first weekend of November.  The Ramkota (for the next 5 years) and the auctioneer has been booked (returning from last year). There will be NO Qtego for online bidding, and will be using paper bidding (will include this in the mass announcements and bulletin).  The committee has decided to use SQUARE for all credit card users (this can also be used for the carnival).  Jill Rounds will begin the class projects as soon as school begins in the fall.  The committee will be working on gathering donations this summer.  There will be a hat raffle for the gun (like previous years) and a cookbook raffle for a kitchenaid mixer. 

Paper tickets will be used for the extravaganza this year. 

9. Book Fair Report 

10. Carnival Report 

Attendance was lower than usual - many events going on around town.   

The cash raffle raised $5500 this year - see above for the plan next year. 

With the cash raffle being replaced the subcommittee will be used as the set up and tear down crew. 

People did like the small sized pop instead of the 2 L bottles 

Baked goods for the cake walk were down - many things from the kitchen.  Next year ask each family for two donations and open up to the parish members (bulletin) 

Need to monitor the sign up next year - lots of booths did not have volunteers and closed early 

New face paint is needed - it is getting old and needs to be organized  

Karaoke machine was MIA this year - any ideas of the location - please let Emily know 

Mrs. Ehrenfreid needs a new sound system - could also be used for BINGO in the cafeteria during the carnival 

11. Other Fundraiser Updates 

1. Scrip 

2. Dakotamart 

5 bundles sent in April 16 - $500 to be returned 

A review of the year will be posted at the end of the school year on Facebook 

3. Box Tops 

12. Teacher Appreciation Week planning 

Given by Emily Johson 

Flyers will go out the week before to include the days 

Monday: Bistro - coffee/rolls 

Tuesday: Yellow 

Wednesday: Snacks and drinks 

Thursday: Movie theater popcorn and a gift 

Friday: Lunch and a gift 

13. Principal’s Report – provided by Mrs. Walsh 

Families have been invited to attend church and a classroom activity throughout the month - good turn out so far.  5th grade families were invited for GaGa ball and prayer on April 10th.  

Looking at doing a family night activity for the whole school in May (email went out April 19). 

5th grade has been meeting with GMMS ambassadors this month and will go visit GMMS next week. 

Testing began this week for classes 3-5, dates can be found on the website 

Spring Concert is on April 24th at 6:30 pm (Riggs Theater) 

Business Fair (presented by the 5th graders) on April 25th from 2:30 - 4 pm in the lunchroom. 

Broken slide is almost fixed - luckily it could be rotated and rescrewed  

Contracts have gone out and been signed.  Looking for a 1st grade teacher and a managing cook.  Interviews have begun.  Managing cook will be contracted for 7 hrs a day - ad is on Facebook, bulletin, and plan to put it on the radio 

Tornado and lockdown drills will be done before school is out. Notes will go out to parents. 

Town hall meetings have been held with Mrs. Walsh and the students to ask what they would like to help them grow in their faith - have gotten lots of good ideas.  Fr. Joe will be doing an get together with them to talk about different symbols used in the mass.  

14. Other 

Gifts for the accompanists for the concert 

June meeting - unsure of date at this time. 

15. Move to adjourn 

H & S Minutes 

January 17, 2023 

1. Call to Order 

2. Opening Prayer & Pledge of Allegiance- lead by Mrs. Braun 

3. Welcome and Introduction of Committee Members 

Julie Hand- President (not present) 

Emily Johnson- Vice President 

Becky Wald- Treasurer 

Cassie Stoeser- Secretary 

4. HandS Mission- presented by Emily Johnson 

While one of our major goals is to build community at St. Joseph School, we are also charged with supplementing the school budget to help keep tuition costs down. 

5. Committee Members – Openings/Terms Ending 

Julie Hand’s term as president will be coming to an end at the end of the summer, so Emily Johnson will take over as President. The terms of both Cassie Stoeser and Becky Wald are up at the end of the summer. Terms are for 2 years, with the exception that the vice-president steps into the president role so serves for a total of 4 years. If you are interested in serving as Vice-President, Treasurer, or Secretary, please contact a current committee member or Mrs. Braun. 

6. School Council Update 

School year is going well, everything on track. Working on filling positions of the 2 resignations – Mrs. Braun and Mrs. Pickner 

7. Treasurer report- presented by Becky Wald 

Funding is used for tuition, technology, and other school needs 

1. 22/23 School Year- $66,000 to tuition; $10,000 for technology 

2. Balance of approx. $49,000 at the beginning of 2023 

8. Extravaganza + Raffle tickets 

The Extravaganza in November was a success. This was Dana Holben and Ursula Waack’s final year as co-chairs. Please let a member of the H & S Committee or Mrs. Braun know if would be willing to serve as a chair or co-chair of the event. Most of the Extravaganza subcommittee chairs are willing to continue their work into future years. The event raised over $77,000. Several new ideas were mentioned for silent auction, as well as items that did or didn’t work well for the event. The facility has been secured for next year, and the date will be Nov 4, 2023. 

9. Book Fair Update – Update by Bridget Coppersmith 

The book fair went well again this year. Any money earned is used to purchase new books for the school. Online sales and the ability to use a credit card for payment allows for more opportunities for people to purchase. Jasper Diegel will join Bridget as co-chair next year.  

10. Carnival – Update by Amanda Work 

Carnival planning going well. Volunteers needed for the day of the event, specifically for spots in the afternoon.  

Kitchen planning is on track. Still looking for the set-up blueprint for the gym, and for someone to be the lead on gym set-up. Raffle tickets have been sent home with the kids, and to parishioners. 

11. Year-Round Fundraising 

1. Scrip – Income is much lower this year. Looking for a volunteer to help with communication and promotion. Please let Mrs. Braun or a member of the committee know if you are interested.  The email for questions regarding Scrip:  myscriporder@gmail.com 

2. Dakotamart Receipts- $1000 this year 

3. Amazon Smile- $119 this year. Amazon recently announced the end of this program, so this will not continue into the future. 

4. Box tops - $52 

5. School Toolbox (School Supplies) - $942 

12. SJS Clothing Order 

All Around Graphic has been contacted regarding a new clothing order. It was decided to do an order now, and again at the beginning of next school year. Watch your email regarding details on how to order.  

13. Principal’s Report – provided by Mrs. Braun 

Reports school year going well. Catholic Schools Week is January 30 – February 3. 

14. Open for general questions / concerns / input before closing 

15. Move to adjourn 

H & S Minutes

April 18, 2023

1) Call to Order

2) Opening Prayer & Pledge of Allegiance- lead by Mrs. Braun

3) Welcome and Introduction of Committee Members

Julie Hand- President

Emily Johnson- Vice President

Becky Wald- Treasurer

Cassie Stoeser- Secretary

4) HandS Mission- presented by Emily Johnson

While one of our major goals is to build community at St. Joseph School, we are also charged with supplementing the school budget to help keep tuition costs down.

5) Committee Members – Openings/Terms Ending

Julie Hand’s term as president will be coming to an end at the end of the summer, so Emily Johnson will take over as President at that time. The terms of both Cassie Stoeser and Becky Wald are up at the end of the summer. Terms are for 2 years, with the exception that the president-elect steps into the president role so serves for a total of 4 years. Nominations were made to elect Cassie Stoeser as President-Elect (who will take over as President when Emily Johnson’s term is complete), Erin Herr as Secretary and Ashley Arnold as Treasurer. No objections were heard, so motion carried.

6) School Council Update

School council accepted 3 resignations at their last meeting, and approved offering contracts on 3 new hires. This leaves 3 openings still.

7) Treasurer report- presented by Becky Wald

Funding is used for tuition, technology, and other school needs

a. 22/23 School Year- $66,000 to tuition; $10,000 for technology. This has been paid.

b. Balance of approx. $57,000 currently.

8) Turf Project

Scott Rounds has been working on putting together a project to install artificial turf in the playground area for a better place for the kids to play outside. He has obtained some bids earlier this year for a rough estimate of what we need to raise for the project. He is exploring fundraising opportunities. A meeting is planned for Thursday, April 27 at 5:30 in Good Shepherd Hall (basement of the church). If you are interested in helping or in helping fundraise, please attend! You can also contact Scott directly at scottrounds@ymail.com or 605-280-9661.

8. Extravaganza Volunteers

Katie Bartholomew has volunteered to be one of the co-operations coordinators. We are still looking for one more. If you would be interested in helping with Extravaganza operations, please contact a H & S committee member or Mrs. Braun. Subcommittee chairs have been secured, and most are prior chairs that have agreed to continue their work into future years. The facility has been secured for next year, and the date will be Nov 4, 2023.

9. Book Fair Update

The book fair went well again this year. Concerns were heard regarding using Scholastic as the vendor. Mrs. Braun has talked with a few different companies regarding this and will pass on information to Mrs. Walsh for next year.

10.  Carnival – Update by Amanda Work

Carnival went well. Looking for an additional co-chair. If you are interested in being a co-chair, contact a committee member.

11.  Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 8 -12. Plans are underway to celebrate school staff that week. A luncheon for staff will held off and be done on the last day of school instead of during that week based on input from prior years.

12.  Year-Round Fundraising

a. Scrip – Income is much lower this year, around $1000 (May 1- April 30) before tuition paybacks. Looking for a volunteer to help with communication and promotion. Please let Mrs. Braun or a member of the committee know if you are interested.  The email for questions regarding Scrip:  myscriporder@gmail.com

b. Dakotamart Receipts- $500 this year Note: we are looking for an individual (or more) to take over Dakotamart slips. Please let a member of the committee know if you are interested in volunteering.

c.  Amazon Smile- $170 this year. Amazon recently announced the end of this program, so this will not continue into the future.

d. Carnival netted approximately $12,701

13. Principal’s Report – provided by Mrs. Braun

School year is wrapping up well. The whole school took part in Amelia Rounds’ celebration of completing treatment. Standardized testing is going on now. Spring concert will be held April 26.

Note: Mrs. Braun’s retirement celebration will be held April 30 in Good Shepherd Hall (church basement) from 2:00 – 4:00

14. Open for general questions / concerns / input before closing

15. Move to adjourn

H & S Minutes

7/19/2023 Summer Meeting

1)     Call to Order

2)     Opening Prayer & Pledge of Allegiance- lead by Mrs. Braun

3)     Welcome and Introduction of Committee Members

Julie Hand- President

Emily Johnson- Vice President

Becky Wald- Treasurer

Cassie Stoeser- Secretary

4)     HandS Mission- presented by Emily Johnson

While one of our major goals is to build community at St. Joseph School, we are also charged with supplementing the school budget to help keep tuition costs down.

5)     Committee Members – Openings/Terms Ending

Outgoing committee members – Julie Hand as President, Becky Wald as Treasurer. We thank both Julie and Becky for their years of service to the Home & School Organization.

Committee members for the 2023/2024 school year are as follows:

President – Emily Johnson

Vice President – Cassie Stoeser

Treasurer – Ashley Arnold

Secretary – Erin Herr

6)     2023/2024 Home & School Meeting Dates

The Home & School committee meets 3 times each school year, at 5:30 in McGuire Hall in the Church basement. We welcome all parents to join us! Dates for the upcoming school year are as follows:

October 17

January 16

April 16

7)     Treasurer Report

Because of the change in committee members, the bank account needs to have new authorized signers. Motion was made by Emily Johnson and seconded by Cassie Stoeser to remove the current authorized signers and add Emily Johnson, Ashley Arnold & Becky Walsh as authorized signers to the account. 

8. Fundraising & Volunteer Opportunities

We only do 2 large fundraisers each year, and each take many volunteers. Please reach out to chairs of the fundraising activities if you have an interest in volunteering. Emails will be sent out throughout the year for sign ups for the events.

9. Extravaganza

Planning is well underway for the Extravaganza! The date this year is November 4 at the Ramkota. Operations co-chairs for this year will be Katie Bartholomew, Ashlee Rounds & Courtney Jordan. The theme this year will be “Circus,” and we have the opportunity to secure a magician for the evening. An email with a vote was sent out on 7/21 (from Mrs. Charlson) to all parents to authorize the cost for the magician soon – please be sure to vote.

10. Principal’s Report – provided by Mrs. Walsh

Mrs. Walsh provided an update prior to the school year regarding hiring. Interviews are being conducted for a 3rd grade teacher and ASP director. She is very excited to start the new school year as Principal.

NEW this year: Watch your emails for a Back-to-School ice-cream social to be held after 5:00 mass on Saturday September 9. Details will be forthcoming!

11. Move to adjourn

Home & School Agenda

10.17.23 Meeting

1)     Call to Order

2)     Opening Prayer & Pledge of Allegiance- lead by Mrs. Walsh

3)     Welcome and Introduction of Committee Members

Emily Johnson- President

Cassie Stoeser- Vice President

Ashley Arnold- Treasurer

Erin Herr- Secretary

4)     Home & School Mission- presented by Emily Johnson

While one of our major goals is to build community at St. Joseph School, we are also charged with supplementing the school budget to help keep tuition costs down.

5)     Vote on 2 New School Council Members

John Gutenkauf and Kystal Johnson were nominated by Becky Walsh for the open seats for the school council.  Both were voted in unanimously.

6)     Treasurer Report

Total income: $13,130.57 which includes $222.35 from Amazon Smiles, $3000 from Dakotamart Recieipts, $9,850 from Extravaganza, and $43.12 from Interest

Total Expenses: $8,807.71 including $6000 for Education (technology, supplies, and testing), $1395 for Extravaganza, $1241.66 for Teacher Appreciation, $171.05 other ($137.10 for ice cream social, $33.95 for checks)

Total Balance: $61,892.69 (as of 10/16/2023)

Will present a big check to the school at Christmas time

7)     Extravaganza Update

(given by Emily Johnson)

2 weeks out

There has been a restructure to include subgroups who are in charge of specific tasks.

New donations have been added – both to the silent and live auctions.

Still have volunteer spots open

Ticket sale – 9 tables have been bought so far

Sponsor tables have 2 or 4 tickets donated per table

Pat Ludwig was staying after mass on Saturday (Oct. 21) and Sunday (Oct. 22) to see tickets

Idea for next year – include an advertisement in the Capitol Journal and the Reminder with the QR code to order tickets?

Emily Johnson and Wren Hollingsworth will be on KCCR Radio on Monday, Oct. 30 in the morning to talk about the Extravaganza

It is posted in the bulletin both at St. Johns and Ss. Peter and Paul

Serving a pasta bar this year starting at 6 pm

Suggestion to raise ticket prices to $50 each to offer a better dinner option?

Magician – Magic Joe – will be from 7-8 pm with the auction to begin at 8 pm.  The hat raffle will be midway through the live auction items

Photo booth with photo challenges

Timeline for the evening:

Doors open at 5:30pm

Dinner begins at 6pm

Magic Joe 7-8 pm

Live Auction 8 - ?

Request for extra speakers by the dessert table – so the volunteers do not miss out on the action

8)     Other Fundraiser Updates

a.     Carnival Planning

Also being restricted to have smaller subgroups.  Will be on Feb. 3, 2024

b.     Book Fair

November 28-29, 2023

Contracted with Scholastic for this year but looking into other vendors for next year – currently 3 possibilities

Bridgett Coppersmith and Jasper Diegel are the co-chairs for the event

Suggestion to move the book fair to the spring to kick off summer reading?

c.      Scrip

Leah is looking for someone to take over in the next few years – willing to train  before she hands it over. She is hoping to send out a newsletter before Thanksgiving to push for script purchases before Christmas.

d.     Dakotamart

Submitted most recent receipts on Oct. 10th.  Should be getting about $700 back.  *Reminder it is $100 for every $10,000

9)     Principal’s Report – provided by Mrs. Walsh

Ice cream social went very well and looking to do it again next year

Conferences were held on Oct. 5th, close to 100% attendance, teachers have reached out to those who were unable to attend and will be meeting with them if possible.

Mrs. Harris resigned effective Oct. 13.  Mrs. Walsh has taken over as the Language Arts teacher for both 5th grade classes and Mrs. Kraft, retired teacher, will be teaching Social Studies, as part time aide.  She is not looking for a quick fill for the position so will be taking her time to find someone suitable.

End of Quarter on Oct. 20, report cards will go home on Friday, Oct. 27.

Early dismissal on Oct. 18, so teachers can meet with the PES Sisters to focus on behavior management and teaching subjects using the Catholic Doctrine. They will also meet with the 2nd graders to talk about Sacrament of Reconciliation as well as the 5th grade class for lunch.

Teachers will serve the banquet on Oct. 19, they are having walking tacos.  Staff donated the meat and bars, students were asked to donate $4 each

Students from the children’s choir, led by Mrs. Jacob-Bowman, will be singing at Friday masses.

2nd grade Science Diorama in the gym on Oct. 20th at 2 pm.  Anyone is welcome to join.

10) Adjourn

H & S Minutes

1.16.24 Meeting

1. Call to Order

2. Opening Prayer & Pledge of Allegiance- lead by Mrs. Walsh

3. Welcome and Introduction of Committee Members

Emily Johnson- President

Cassie Stoeser- Vice President

Ashley Arnold- Treasurer

Erin Herr- Secretary

4. HandS Mission- presented by Emily Johnson

While one of our major goals is to build community at St. Joseph School, we are also charged with supplementing the school budget to help keep tuition costs down.

5. Treasurer Report

6. Extravaganza Report

Given by Emily Johnson

Lots of conversations at the last meeting about how the event went including the cash raffle - who is purchasing those raffle tickets, do parents end up paying for them? Should we continue to use the Qtego app for the raffle, it is a lot of work to set up with pictures and prices, very few online bidders this year, pay a 3.5% processing fee for any credit cards, or should we look into other options (ex. Square: can be turned on and off when needed, only a 2.5% processing fee to run credit cards).  Would the raffle benefit from just going back to paper bidding at the event - some people do not care for the online bidding.  Best way to purchase tickets - online are a little more confusing when checking in. Magic Joe had good feedback but wondering if entertainment is needed, have looked into having a music filler (Moriah Gross and Kim Jacobs-Bowman play) instead.  Auctioneer also had good feedback and said he was happy to come back in the future.  Still discussing ticket prices (keep or raise) to offer a “better” meal option. Dessert table change to cash only or the square for purchases to avoid any issues.  

7. Book Fair Report

Looking at doing two book fairs - a Christian based book fair in the spring and an online scholastic book fair in the fall

8. Carnival Planning Update

Radio spot to talk about the carnival ($50 for the spot) - since Mrs. Walsh is taking kids to speak about Catholic Schools week, they are going to talk about the carnival as well.  We will be ordering extra dumpsters for clean up - payment will go through Michelle in the parish office.  Still looking for volunteers for the second shift but the first shift is filling up fast - more involvement this year than last at this time.  Talked about asking the 10th grade confirmation classes to fill those spots that are open for the second shift as well.  Everything in the kitchen is looking good. Moving blankets? Used Snappy Delivery in the past to hang the blankets between the games and along the back, but since they are out of business does anyone know of other options?  Jerome Beverage is making a donation of 2 liter pop and Coke also made a donation at the extravaganza time of mini pops that will also be given out as prizes.  Bankwest has given donations to be used for the bingo tables.

9. Other Fundraiser Updates

   1. Scrip

Not many people using script - should it be moved to online only? Do we need to promote more? What types of local providers are online?  Any ideas or comments welcome 

2. Dakotamart

Just submitted another 8 batches on 1-16-24, so $800 will be coming back to the school from Dakotamart.  ($100 for every $10,000) 

3. Box Tops

need to remind people this is an option to give back to the school as well

10. Principal’s Report – provided by Mrs. Walsh

There have been 20 students signed up for kindergarten at this time

The sign has been purchased by Fr. Joe for around $3000 - a vote has been sent out to the parents of St. Joe’s to use funds from the Home and School to pay for the sign.  It will be placed outside the main entrance

Catholic Schools week is approaching at the end of the month - the Bishop will be here on Monday to celebrate mass with the students

11. Other 

Teacher appreciation week - need a kindergarten parent who would be willing to help the other parents come up with ideas for the teacher appreciation week.  Teachers like the Guadalajara lunch at the end of the year so they can eat together and have time to socialize.

Survey Monkey will be going out regarding the carnival and extravaganza

Next meeting will be April 16, 2024 at 5:30 pm in the church basement.

1. Move to adjourn