Chestnutwold Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
General Meeting Minutes: February 2, 2022
Meeting held via ZOOM
ChCK Trait: Responsibility “Few things can help an individual more than to place responsibility on him and to let him know you trust him” -Booker T. Washington
Thanks- Thanks to Nina Wickersham for organizing the 10 Days of Giveaways before the holidays. Also thanks to Samantha King from CHOP and Addie Johnson for the Conversation about Gender Workshop and to all those who attended.
Teacher’s Remarks - 2nd Grade teachers Ms. Gretchen and Ms. McCusker joined the meeting via Zoom: Thank you for the 10 days of Giveaways over the holidays provided by the PTO. It really was great for the environment and made everyone feel festive and appreciated. Also they thank us for the rainbow showing support in the first few weeks after the Winter Break. The teachers were stretched thin and they thought it was really thoughtful to be appreciated in a display that both they and their kids could enjoy. They thank all the helpers and the parents in advance for keeping up with the Covid protocols and for helping to make the Valentine celebrations come together. Reminder that homeroom parents need to be vaxxed and check in with the office. Also, no candy will be allowed this year.
Principal’s Remarks - The office has a google sheet for parents who volunteer with vaccination status; anyone who volunteers must be qualified on this list or be contacted to fix the issue. School is tightening up about allergy situations. Reminder to the school community that food choices need to be considerate of allergy protocols. (again, no food for Valentine’s Day treats) Also, no dogs allowed at pickup and drop off - some people are allergic and rules that were eased in Covid need to be tightened again.
IDC Update - (Inter District Council - reps from all the school’s in the district gather once a month with the Superintendent to share feedback from the local school community’s perspective.) Tori DelMastro
Lots of talk about Covid protocols , but nothing is decided yet. Regardless of the upcoming decision, nothing would happen overnight. There will be a layered approach, complete with teacher training, etc, about how to transition from Pandemic to Endemic way of dealing with things.
There were also lots of questions about gun violence and how threats were treated in the district. All plans were situational and they can’t release the exact protocols for safety.
Look for emails coming soon about the district's attempt to merge more mental health care into the upcoming curriculums.
Will there be a Spring Open House to meet with Dr. Ruesche? - not sure
IDC committee will be coming to one of Chestnutwold’s PTO meetings soon.
Treasurers’ Report
Bank balance on 1/31/2022 ended at $23,292.05 DOWN from DECEMBER’s ending balance of $25,974.24.
Deposits totaled $1,037.51. This was mostly due to:
$250 Box Tops earnings
$150 Taddeo’s Holiday sale
$436.51 Learning Express holiday sale
Expenditures totaled $3,719.70. This was mostly due to:
Bag Bingo costs $709.55 (St. George’s Church, MC, supplies)
Year Books cost to Jostens: $2,805
Melissa reminded the group that...It always sounds like we have a lot of money in our budget, but as a reminder we are still trying to buy the school a nice playground gift. We are pricing out equipment and Mr. Denelsbeck is working with the facilities manager about options. Currently looking at some swings, a gaga ball pit, and a picnic table for the front of the school. As we continue to fundraise we really appreciate all the support and ask people to keep in mind where we hope to send that money.
Chairmen Announcements
A Conversation about Race: A virtual event hosted by Denzell Stanislaus
Look for upcoming eventbrite to sign up for link
Bag Bingo - Amy Solweki and Amy Sweeney
March 4th- Tickets will be limited to 100 and will be $40 per ticket, email with ticket form will be sent this week.
Using St. George’s for the first time but they seem to be a good fit. Other local groups have successfully used their space and they have been accommodating.
Indoor event - going under the assumption that those who are comfortable dining in a restaurant will be comfortable in this similar setting.
PTO to ask guests that masks be worn when not eating/drinking, or not sitting at table - like restaurant guidelines.
Teachers asked if help is needed - not necessary, hired help.
Telethon/Talent Show - Allison Kittridge - “Phoenix Family Showcase”, March 25th
Family Night/talent show fusion, want many types of participation. You Tube link presentation with timed slots with total of 90 minutes of talent with 30 minutes of MC stuff.
Ask the teachers to help boost the idea and help the kids find the fun in the idea
Encourage people to gather together for watch parties
Need help with the tech aspect of the slide show
Alexandra Reed (and family) offered to help!
Look for Sign up Genius coming soon
Chestnutwold Chase - May 22nd (need building approval)
Still need volunteer to spearhead the sponsorship component. Have resources and information on past donors - should be an easy job for the right person.
Also need to add a snack coordinator volunteer to handle that
Running club will begin at the end of February and lead up the Chase. Separate form for signups because no space limit - all welcome.
Will need volunteers to help
Philadelphia Union Game - April 23
Buy 1, get 1 free tickets = $31 tickets (for 2)
Upcoming Dates/Events
February 23rd- A Conversation about Race: A virtual event hosted by Denzell Stanislaus
March 2nd - PTO meeting (7:30pm)
March 4th - Bag Bingo
March 25 - Telethon/Talent Show
May 22nd (tentative date)- Chestnutwold Chase
Questions/Comments/Concerns
Kindergarten registration has 63 kids so far (less than the past year)