P.S. 26 / Jesse Ownes

PTA September 2024 Meeting Minutes

9.17.24

5pm on Zoom

Prepared by Sam Posner

39 Parents, Caregivers and Staff in attendance

• Welcome and Introductions
  • Sam Posner, the PTA president, welcomes everyone, noting that the monthly meetings will be held remotely.
  • Attendees introduce themselves, sharing their names, their children's names and grades, and their favorite children's movies.
• Treasurer's Report
  • Michelle Choi, PTA co-treasurer, presents the report.
  • The beginning balance is $11,412.17.
  • The only transaction is a $100 membership fee for New Victory Theater.
• PTA Highlights from the Previous Year. Sam Posner narrates
  • Our PTA developed a mission statement, focusing on collaboration and inclusivity.
  • We achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, allowing for tax-deductible donations.
  • We organized several successful community events, including a Halloween Extravaganza, a Multicultural Feast, a game night.
  • We established grade-wide WhatsApp groups and a class parent program to enhance communication and community building.
  • We pledged $3,500 for class field trips, enriching students' educational experiences.
• Announcements
  • Information is shared about:
    • The PTA WhatsApp community join code.
    • Grade-wide WhatsApp groups for families to connect.
    • An all-community calendar with important dates and school closures.
    • Upcoming events, including "Dads Take Your Child to School Day," a back-to-school night with a movie screening and refreshments, and a teacher appreciation week.
    • A community school start-of-year survey to gather input from families.
• Election of Recording Secretary
  • Camelia Brogdon-Cruz, the District 16 Family Leadership Coordinator, facilitates the election.
  • Stephanie Sandeus, a new 3rd-grade parent, is elected as Recording Secretary.
• Presentation from Rise Family and Community Development Corporation
  • Deneice Gamble, Educational Director of Rise, introduces the organization's after-school program for early childhood students (3K-K)
  • The program will run from 2:15 PM to 5:15 PM, Monday through Friday, starting on September 30th. [29]
  • It will include homework help, arts and crafts, phonics, and reading activities.
  • Rise also offers a GED program for adults in the community.
• Discussion and Vote on Funding for Class Trips
  • Sam Posner proposes allocating $3,500 for class field trips and enrichments in the fall, similar to the successful initiative in the spring.
  • This funding will help cover transportation, entrance fees, and other trip-related expenses, making trips more accessible to all students.
  • The motion is approved by a majority vote.
• School Courtyard Improvement Project
  • Sam Posner introduces a project to improve the school's blacktop courtyard area, which was recently repainted.
  • He invites families to join a committee to brainstorm ideas and develop a plan for the space.
  • A separate meeting will be scheduled specifically for this purpose.
• PTA Member Donation
  • A reminder is given about the voluntary start-of-year PTA member donation, with a suggested amount of $10.
• Addressing Concerns of Spanish-Speaking Families
  • Sam Posner acknowledges the need for greater inclusion of Spanish-speaking families.
  • He commits to translating meeting notes into Spanish and exploring options for a separate Spanish-language meeting.
  • He also proposes creating a Spanish-language group within the PTA WhatsApp community.

Meeting Closes at 6:24 PM