April 2025 - Board Meeting Minutes

PTA Board Meeting 4/8/25
Present: Alicia Cecil, Kristine Tittermary, April Lyons, Elle Lappan, Hunter Sellers, Amanda Dahl, Rebecca Smith, Jennifer Smith, Alayzia Coney, and Val Fields.
Principal Report:

  • Mrs. Cecil thanked the PTA for assisting with funds for the 5th grade field trip to Luck Stone. Parents reported still being charged and the LMS field trip will be free to avoid having to issue refund checks.
  • She has not heard back from the county regarding questions about the outdoor learning space.
  • She thanked the PTA for the new playground equipment.
  • A group of 5th grade boys met with her to discuss improvements to the baseball field. Elle asked if the field could be used by local/associated baseball teams if the PTA and/or community helped fund it. Luck Stone may be willing to donate.

President Report:

  • There are still only 2 PH scholarship applications.
  • First Days is live and the flyer will go out in the Tuesday folders starting next week.
  • The cookie dough fundraiser is complete and had $5200 in sales. A few new sales have been turned in. Amanda asked how to pay for this.
  • The Hanover PTA awards banquet is May 7th. Alayzia would like to attend. RSVP by April 30th.

Teacher Rep Report:

  • Holly and Rebecca are meeting to determine a list of things they will need for the beginning of the school year for the house system.

VP Report:

  • Since we just received the tax exempt status, we can start making purchases for the Outdoor Learning Space. The winner was the pod option with picnic tables, two of which will be handicap accessible. Tables will also have smooth tops for writing and are $600 more than the original estimate. Options are being explored to make the hammocks more permanent.

Fundraising Report:

  • No response from the VCU fundraiser yet. Val has emailed to get this information. (Update following the meeting: $365 was raised)
  • Discussed exploring Urban Airpark, The Big Scoop, and the Blue Cow as options for fundraiser nights.
  • April 23rd at Portofino.
  • May 2nd at Richmond Kickers.
  • Val recently met with Paige to discuss fundraising for next year.

Hospitality Report:

  • Office Administration week is the week of April 22nd and staff will receive lunch.
  • End of the Year lunch from Portofino will be provided by the PTA.

Membership Report:

  • Candace would like a tentative date for our summer meeting.
  • We had one new recent PTA member-the new school nurse!

Yearbook:

  • The new nurse needs a picture taken to replace Mrs. Crowder's picture.

Programs Report:

  • Harold the Magician is coming Friday and the check is in the box in the office.
  • Young Scientists visits will be done by the end of the month.
  • Jennifer will be sending out a survey to teachers for opinions on programs this year.

Treasurer Report:

  • Amanda requested clarification on the new board position so we can set forth a budget and inform the general membership. Updates from the VP of Advocacy at general meetings next year may be a draw for meetings. A committee will be needed to attend meetings and develop areas and issues for advocacy. Transparency is requested from the board member on what is being advocated as they represent the interests of the entire PTA and school community.
  • March - spent ~$3k - Playground and Benches were majority of this
  • Fun note - the rock has been booked like 11 times pretty cool!
  • Budget check in is available through the end of March
  • Currently have $17K in the bank
  • Waiting for invoice for 5th grade field trip to luck stone, estimate $18 per student - approx $1400
  • VA Sales Tax Exempt status back, we are good through 2030.
  • Note to use this you must pay through our debit card / check directly. Letter lives on drive under Treasurer folder, but of course do not use without prior approval.
  • Putting together a summer budget for general members to vote on at the next meeting - please submit expected expenses ASAP.
  • Spent almost $6k from 7/1 thru 8/31 last year
  • Possible summer expenses:
  • Open house
  • Fall festival vendors
  • Spirit Wear stock
  • PTA Supplies (finance software)
  • 1st Day of School Teacher Appreciation (shirts, meals, etc...)
  • Snacks for snack bins
  • Houses

Advocacy Report:

  • A special education teacher was asking for pre filled eggs for a separate egg hunt for those students. The board decided to ask general education classrooms for each student to contribute eggs sent in by parents for their egg hunt. This resulted in discussion to add a special education room parent next year.

Science Fair:

  • Deadline extended through tomorrow. Boards have been provided for those that need them. Judges are still needed. Set up help is needed.
  • Scheduled for April 17, 2025
  • Registration extended to Wed 4/9, this has been shared in the Scoop and on socials
  • Currently 84 registered projects (86 students) ~20ish less than last year
  • Projects are Due Monday 4/14
  • Boards for students in need delivered before spring break
  • Prizes are purchased, all students will get participation ribbon and certificates, Awards for top projects in 5th, 3-4 and K-2, science toys/kits plus tickets to science museum for 1st place.
  • Volunteers needed for judging, setup

5th Grade Day Report

  • May 28, 2025 - after promotion ceremony
  • Async committee is working on planning the day
  • Will have inflatables, lawn games, speakers with music, Spirit Rider Idol, Lunch and Ice Cream
  • Will ask kids to bring blankets / towels to lounge on for lunch
  • Will have a sign up for idol before the event
  • Will ask parents to donate pop tents for shade
  • Fundraising and donations welcome!

Spring Grams: 171 as of this morning.
Teacher Appreciation Week:

  • Monday-Breakfast and bring a flower
  • Tuesday-Trivia, popcorn bar, and donate a book for the library
  • Wednesday-lunch sand"witches" and complements
  • Thursday-Favorite treats
  • Friday- Emerald City Celebration with the punch game and wear green or pink

Science fair participants, citizenship award winners, Reading Olympics participants, Family game night, and 5th grade helpers will be given Dave and Buster's vouchers.
Next Meeting is the General Meeting on 4/22. Doors open at 5. 5:20-5:30 is the PTA meeting and 5:30-5:45 is the executive functioning talk followed by games.
Alayzia will provide Elle with the agenda.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 4:30pm.

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