Chestnutwold Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
General Meeting Minutes: April 6th, 2022
ChCK Trait: Empathy “Learning to stand in somebody else’s shoes, to see through their eyes, that’s how peace begins. And it’s up to you to make that happen. Empathy is a quality of character that can change the world.” – Barack Obama
Approval of Minutes - March Minutes approved
Teacher’s Remarks - Ms. Loughlin, from 5th grade, joined us representing the teachers. She shared their various thanks to the PTO -
*Jen Migliaccio- would like to extend a thank you on behalf of 5th grade for assistance with The Fun Day arrangements.
*Amy Martin- would like to send a thank you for her classroom stools. She adores them!
*3rd grade wants to thank you for the field trip money.
*Kellie Lucas and Stephanie D’Annunzio- Friendly reminder the track meet is on Monday, May 23 (rain date of Tuesday 5/24) from 3:30-5:30ish, and that in the past we had parents attend the meet. Beth mentioned that previously, parents came earlier (around 2:30) to set up a tent in our designated area in the bleachers for students to sit under. We are in the first section closest to the middle school. Parents also brought water/soft pretzels for our athletes. Parents should please note that students will not be dismissed to leave until after the meet is over.
*Jane Dambman - three of our Reading Olympic teams had their event on zoom on April 5 and our other six teams will be having their Reading Olympics event on April 7. We have had 95 4th and 5th grade students participating this year. Thank you PTO for helping with the registration costs. Thank you parents for encouraging your students to read! The Reading Olympics is a celebration of their efforts! Thank you parents for sharing your time and support with us! Thank you to our team of teachers who coached teams and helped on the afternoon of the events.
Principal’s Remarks - Spring Break begins Friday. Mr. D will be in the building and available from Mon-Thurs. PSSAs are coming up: ELA will be 26/27/28th, Math 3/4/5th. 5th grades will also follow with the science testing on 10/11th. The end of the year picnic tradition is on; date to be announced. An attendance letter has been sent to families recently and Mr. Denelsbeck apologizes for the harsh language. Apparently there was specifically needed language, and there have been some complaints at the tone. There have also been emails with complaints about behavior issues being sent. Some changes will be made in the behavior approach after the return from the much needed Spring Break. They plan to strengthen the use of CK traits, positive supports, and responsive classroom work. The school play is coming soon - 101 Dalmatians. On 4/21 Chestnutwold will be presenting at the school board meeting. It is poetry month so they will focus their presentation on a poem, play, or humanities. They had fun and success with the Rock Your Socks Down Syndrome parade; it was covered on the news and everyone had fun. Outdoor lunch is being rotated in a controlled manner to limit crowding and supporting those who are still wearing masks. Around 60 kids in the building still wear masks everyday. The Reading Olympics final is coming up - good luck. Track & Field for 4th and 5th graded started and the kids are loving it.
IDC Update - Bridget McCormick
Thank you for submitting your questions regarding the curriculum. The meeting is available to review on the School Board YouTube channel.
Jen Saksa joined the meeting, she is the former Director of Curriculum, and the Assistant Superintendent.
Reviewing students' progress in multiple areas.
Testing, Screening, Participation, and Psycho/Social Evaluations.
10% need support (5% need resources)
Math growth is being followed by a new test (MOBI MAX) that is more adaptive to the child; this provides a more accurate score and gives solutions and recommendations to support the child. This information will stay with them to be comparable throughout various grade levels. Upper levels will be compared with class averages.
In general, the talk of students being behind because of the pandemic has NOT been a substantial issue in the Haverford District. Those who shutdown and did not have good virtual options suffered the most.
Weaknesses they are seeing in Haverford students they see so far are fractions, analytic inferences, and critical thinking.
Adjustments being made for Phonics; slowed down the lessons to keep kids more on track. 3rd grade plan was implemented this year.
Math using Eureka Math and Zearn (online options) - some love, some hate. It self adjusts to your child and lessons can be adjusted more personally.
They acknowledge the request for less screen times again. They are looking into it.
MTSS can also be used for intervention enrichment to get specific programs of enrichment to the kids that need them, without singling them out. Things switch every 6 weeks.
ACER funds - through the CARES ACT is helping get things back on track after Covid. These funds are used for in school tutoring in the secondary levels. Teachers are offered the jobs first and then they are outsourced. Can also be optional for after school tutoring.
Summer school may have an asynchronistic option available this year.
May 10th - the DCIU is hosting a parent program on anxiety. It will be available in person and online (it will not be recorded).
Check HTSD website under pupil services for parent resources.
The April School Board question is regarding “communication.”
Treasurers’ Report
Bank balance on 3/31/2022 ended at $30,790.92 up from February’s ending balance of $25,891.38.
Deposits totaled $6,235.07. This was mostly due to:
Bag Bingo brought in $1,761.19
March Madness $677.71
Bundt Cake sales $894.43
Yearbook 5th grade love lines $460
Phoenix Family showcase $2,270
Expenditures totaled $1,335.53. This was mostly due to:
Fifth grade play costumes $1,036.25
Bag Bingo expense of $201.20
Classroom enhancement of $98.08
Easy Money Announcements - Amazon Smile earned $151
“New Swings” Proposal and Vote - “We have enough of a budget surplus to afford us the opportunity to channel those funds earned towards a large gift. In the attempt to increase the goodwill of our school community, we reviewed an option frequently requested from our student delegates: additional playground equipment, specifically more swings. Swings make the perfect give back to our community because they are beneficial to ALL kids, including children with disabilities and sensory processing needs. Physically, swings help gross motor development, core strength, and can improve coordination and balance. Swinging also positively affects the growing brain's development and its ability to process sensory information. Not only that, but swinging has been found to calm and ease anxiety in children; the perfect antidote to all our pandemic blues. The combination of these social, emotional, and physical benefits represent the exact kind of investment we at The Chestnutwold PTO want to make in our well rounded students and school community at large: inclusive, enriching, and inspirational (requested by the kids themselves). We currently have two swings on the playground, which covers about 100 kids per 20 minute recess period. The new set will add 6 additional swings to the playground, including an ADA compliant seat which our current set does not have. The kids will be so excited to have this new playground equipment as it will allow for greater enjoyment of their regular school days. It will be a long term memento to a time in which we rallied and made GOOD together - Chestnutwold Strong.”
A motion was presented on a vote to approve the PTO Board’s ability to spend previously unbudgeted money to make the large, one time purchase of swings for Chestnutwold Elementary.
A few questions were posed:
Where would they be located? - in the far west corner of the playground, replacing the unused backstop
Has the school district given the approval for this project? - tentatively yes, they need the PTO approval of the funds before they can give the official yes.)
The vote was posed to the meeting: 19 people were present (in addition to 3 PTO Board members that couldn’t vote); 15 votes for YEA were recorded.
The motion passed. The PTO Board may move forward on spending the money for the swings. YAY!
Chairmen Announcements
Bundt Cake Sale - Deadline is 4/16
Union Game - 20 tickets left. Game is 4/23. Tailgate happening beforehand - look for an email.
Chestnutwold Chase - happening 5/22. Urge people to register as a “Family”. Still sponsorship opportunities - which will go on the t-shirts and signage. This is the biggest fundraiser for our swings drive. We need volunteers too!
Spirit Wear Sale - on right now. Last of the year.
Guest Speaker HTSD Education Foundation James Liou
Local Chestnutwold parent and also the President of the HTSDEF
The Educations Foundation has been around since 2004 and is a volunteer organization that raises funds to support innovative ideas that benefit our schools. They offer mini-grants at $1500, and power grants in the $10k+ range all to support Haverford School District students.
Twilight Run is coming April 30th - 5k/ 1 mile race with lots of pre/post race activities for the whole family. There is a trophy that will go to the school with the highest percentage of students racing. (Currently Chatham Park are the reigning champs.) Walkers are okay, and they still need sponsors. All are welcome and encouraged to join the fun event.
He asks for a $500 donation from our PTO to support their fundraising efforts. In exchange we will be listed on their website and t-shirt.
PTO immediately approves the request, as it is an already budgeted expense that we expected.
Upcoming Dates/Events
Yearbook Order deadline- April 15th
Mother’s Day Bundt Cake Sale- April 16th
Chestnutwold at the Philadelphia Union- April 23rd
PTO Meeting- May 4th
Chestnutwold Chase- May 22nd