Chestnutwold Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

Meeting Agenda: Feb 4th, 2025

Attendees: 7 board members, 3 attendees, Mrs. Leach, 1 teacher (specials)

All clubs are up and running (bowling starts tomorrow). 150-200 kids in clubs this Spring. It is harder to get volunteers to lead clubs for the younger kids, so there are more paid clubs.
Paid club leaders have some issues understanding the logistics of dismissal facilities etc.

Just had Quizzo, that went well. Thanks to everyone who participated
We have a date for the Chestnutwold Chase - May 17. High Schoolers filled up all the volunteer slots for day-of. We could some committee members
We are looking for a Spring Social Chair
We have someone to run Bag Bingo, TBD on date. We will need volunteers for that. Possibly a new location, and some new prizes mixed in
Variety Show - debate over whether we bring it back to in-person or keep virtual. Pre-covid lead we had a strong leader/MC for the in-person event. If we have someone interested in leading, they can decide to do it in-person (hosted at the middle school in the past). Would need to look into timing. Feedback:

Some kids might not feel comfortable performing on a stage
In-person event is a community building event
First virtual event was more of a fundraising telethon with a live MC
Videos submitted has declined (20-30 last year)
In-person (Linwood) is a huge event, but takes a lot of volunteers. Options for grade-wide performances for those less comfortable performing alone
Decision to do virtual this year, but try to get a lead for in-person next year

Melissa Trempe assembly - Ladybug Launch (book). That evening, she’ll be doing a book signing before the PTO meeting from 6-7 (can purchase signed copies at that time). Need to do a facilities request for the space

Executive Board - many positions available for next year; Parent Social Event Chair; Chestnutwold Chase Committee Support

Super Bowl Box Pool - need to let people know that they need to do it on the computer, not on the phone.

Wrapping up MAP and Aimsweb assessments (we get excited about the data) - get to update Win Groups, check in on progress and student growth. Data meetings next week. 2nd grade is doing the gifted screener this month. Lots of assessments
Huge area for donations for Kindness Week - Ms. Munch ready to take that over to Cradles to Crayons
Bingo coming up on 2/26, snowdate 3/5
Harlem Wizards will be coming up again this year 3/25 in the evening (Some Chestnutwold staff + teachers)
Going fully online for PSSAs this year. There are things we need to do to prepare this year so everyone understands how to do the test format (practice questions). Network district test of the tests will be coming up. Last year Science was online.
Apple Phone update is now screening SDHT calls to spam - Chestnutwold/district calls are going straight to voicemail - may be sending language out to remind everyone to add the number saved to contacts. You can also disable the screening function
4th Grade career day - last year was the last day of March conferences, will likely do the same thing today.
Question about computers/typing - kids learn to type during library class. Do kids learn about computers generally (using the tab key). Wit and Wisdom 2nd graders are practicing using a computer

Evening of the Arts - Wed 4/29 at 6pm. Will need a signupgenius (this will go through Lauren). Last year was unclear who was responsible for matting Art in the Classroom artwork. Classroom leads will drop off art to be matted.
Mrs Naylor - 8 librarians for the day being scheduled (Phonenix fun day winners). Aiming to work around testing. For families who win, do all kids get it? Do they split up the day?
4th grade -thank for field trip funds
Will be a future opportunity for Music teacher for the day
Reminder for Bingo - Thursday this year (was a Friday in the past)

Special Ed rep was supposed to come, but they cannot anymore so topic was changed
Screen time and Social Media use is the new topic