September Board Meeting

SAES PTA Board Meeting Minutes

Date: September 9, 2025
Time: 2:30 PM
Location: SAES Library

Attendees

Alicia Cecil, Melia Motley, Kristine Tittermary, April Payne, Elle Lappan, Paige Cantor, Amanda Dahl, Rebecca Smith, Hunter Sellers, Susan Symenow

Principal's Report

The Grandparents' Day Breakfast was a tremendous success! Due to the overwhelming response, we're planning adjustments for next year to better manage traffic and logistics. We received 91 RSVPs the day before and morning of the event, highlighting the need for earlier RSVP cutoff dates. Back to School Night is scheduled for Thursday, September 11th.

Teacher Representative Report

Fundraising Priorities Discussion: Mrs. Cecil has requested additional time to gather teacher input on grade-level project funding needs. Current priorities include:

  • Shade structures for the courtyard
  • Additional hammocks for the outdoor classroom
  • Small shed and equipment for the new baseball field (funded by $1,077 remaining from Field of Dreams project)
  • Storage bins for basketball and baseball equipment
  • Grade-level ball pumps for teacher emergency bags

Program Requests:

  • 5th grade has requested two Young Scientist visits on different topics (preferably one in 2025, one in 2026)
  • Exploring the possibility of bringing Girls on the Run program to our school
  • Mrs. Smith expressed gratitude for the new teacher shirts and requested PTA volunteer support for the upcoming Bingo night house event

President's Report

Upcoming Events:

  • Back to School Night - September 11th
  • Boosterthon - September 19th
  • Kindergarten Breakfast - September 30th
  • Fall Festival - October 10th
  • Veterans Day Breakfast - November 11th (seeking new event coordinator)

General Updates:

  • Membership and budget information will be available at Back to School Night
  • Paint the Rock information will be provided for the event
  • HCC President confirmed that alcohol service at our spring fundraiser at Hanover Vegetable Farm is permitted
  • General Membership Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 22nd at 6:00 PM at Rockville Library with possible Zoom attendance option

Fundraising Update

Fall Festival Planning (Coordinators: Paige Cantor & Amanda Dahl)

  • Bounce houses and lighting confirmed
  • Volunteer recruitment underway - sign-up information will be shared in Spirit Rider Scoop
  • Better Days Bakery will provide to-go dessert packages
  • Exploring hay ride options and additional game structures
  • Investigating Rockville Fire Department truck visit

Ongoing Fundraising Initiatives:

  • Urban Air spirit night planned for Thanksgiving week
  • Charleston Wrap campaign: 2,500 items available with student incentive prizes
  • Gelati Celesti spirit night raised approximately $180, with $570 total raised so far
  • University of Richmond football ticket fundraiser details coming soon

Communications & Spirit Wear

Many spirit wear items have been sold with profit calculations in progress. The yearbook committee of four students has been established, with technical access arrangements being finalized.

Membership

We welcomed several new PTA members during the Grandparents' Day Breakfast event.

Event Planning Updates

Kindergarten Breakfast - September 30th

  • Event begins at 7:45 AM
  • Performance time to be determined
  • RSVP deadline: September 27th (QR code flyers distributed)

Staff Appreciation Events:

  • Custodial Staff Appreciation Day (October 2nd) - local business gift cards planned
  • Bus Driver Appreciation Day (October 22nd) - Chick-fil-A biscuits and gift cards

Programs

New Program Opportunity: Sportz for Life after-school program (6 weeks, once weekly, $120 cost) requiring parent volunteers. Information flyers will be distributed soon.

Popular Programs: Harold the Magician and Young Scientists remain top choices for this year's programming.

Advocacy & Community Service

  • Capitol Day scheduled for January 23rd
  • Thankful For You Grams: week of November 17th
  • Turkey Bowl can drive: week of November 10th

Financial Report

The PTA budget was unanimously approved by the board. Budget copies will be available in each classroom during Back to School Night for community review. All financial tracking systems are current and up-to-date.

Next PTA Board Meeting: October 14th at 2:30 PM

For questions about PTA activities or to get involved, please contact us through the school office or visit our website.

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