Kohl PTA Meeting Notes: January 2021

In Attendance

• Geoff Sandfort: Principal
• Jan Kline: President
• Jenny Miller: Vice President
• Mandie Pallone: Treasurer
• Sarah Spoelstra: Secretary
• Heidi Siguaw
• Nancy Sifuentes
• Stacey Blicker
• Chamisa Logermann
• Becca

Open PTA Positions

President

The President is the person who writes up the agenda and makes sure there are people to run the events. The real work is done by the people organizing the events and the treasurer who pays the bills. I also like to collate.

It’s definitely a time commitment, but it ebbs and flows with the year, and with a good group of board members, it doesn’t seem too daunting. For people who are short on free hours, you might want to consider Vice President or Secretary.

Learn more from our past President Emily on what it’s really like to lead the PTA.

Vice President

The V.P. confers with and assists the President in carrying out his or her duties. They help the chairs as needed and represent the President in her or his absence or upon request. Are you interested in this position? You can email Jenny Miller to find out more.

Treasurer

Are you good with budgets and love the sound of numbers crunching? Then this might be the perfect fit for you. The PTA Treasurer records the PTA dues received to the Membership Dues Revenue account in the local Treasurer’s book. They’re responsible for submitting monthly and annual reports to the board and membership. And works with the Board to report to the federal government/IRS. Want to know more? Contact Mandie Pallone by clicking here.

Secretary

This position is a great introductory position into the PTA. As record keeper of the PTA, the Secretary attends executive meetings and participates in discussions and decision-making. He or she takes accurate minutes from both the executive session and the general meeting, and also prepares the sign-in sheet or takes attendance. The Secretary then posts the minutes on the PTA website and broadcasts it across the PTA social media channels. Did you know our very own front office staffer, Stacey Blicker once served as secretary of the PTA? Read our interview with her here to see if it’s a good fit for you.

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Events Report

Winter Celebration Bags

Jenny, Chamisa, and Heidi worked very hard gathering contents and assembling the bags. They were under budget. They setup a donation page to help pay for the items as well. The bags are at the school and will be used during the Winter Celebrations within the classrooms on January 22, 2021.

Heidi talked to Mr. Posey about doing a video on the snowflake craft. Geoff will follow up with him and check in and see where that’s at.

Restaurant Nights

Wednesday, January 27: Chipotle Night, 4 – 8 p.m.
Monday, February 22: Mod Market Day, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
There are still more in the works for spring and beyond. Thanks Jenny for organizing!

5th Grade Graduation

What will it look like this year?

Most likely it will look similar to last year’s graduation. The school is still waiting for guidance from the district and depending on the pandemic it may not know until closer to the event what will be possible. If we are in-person there may be the possibility of hosting only students and handing out certificates at the school and the event could be broadcasted virtually. Kids could be divided up by class and there would need to be an option for online only students as well. We’d still have to observe social distancing guidelines this spring. But it’s all speculation at this point.

Is it budgeted? Yes, see Mandie for the amount budgeted.

Are you still recruiting for the committee?

Yes! Heidi Siguaw is recruiting a team to help this year. And the school will be posting this in the Friday Flash to aid in the recruitment process. In particular it would be great to have help with the slideshow since this is large project and should be started as soon as possible.

What was done pre-Covid?

The history of the event is that 4th grade parents would provide the food and 5th grade would decorate the cafeteria and gym.

What about certificates?

The school typically utilizes the BVSD print shop to print the certificates. They have a template and are able to update the date and plug in the students names.

What was done last year?

Last year Chamisa headed up the 5th grade graduation committee. They made t-shirts and did a drive-by celebration.

Something to consider post-Covid.

An outdoor party in May at the pool is always subject to the weather. Take this into consideration when planning in the future. One could do a later summer date or do something like Chippers so it’s not so weather dependent.

Principal’s Report

Winter Celebration is January 22, 2021

Book Drive

We had a great book drive and filled up two bins. The teachers are currently reviewing what as received and working with Impact on Education to get books to families in need as well.

5th Grade Graduation

See above. The notes from Geoff’s report have been combined above.

Treasurer’s Report

by Mandie Pallone

The budget is doing well overall. We haven’t been spending much and our fundraisers have been doing well.

Butterbraids brought in $2177. The online ordering made things so easy, both for parents and teachers.

Spirit Wear sales were at $43 for the quarter. Mandie ordered lots of different items from Dusty and was very happy with them. Dusty made a lot of adjustments to the site and overall the PTA is very happy, she has been very accommodating. We would like to promote this more on the Friday Flash and via social media. Thanks Dusty!

Restaurant Nights has brought in lots of cash, iPie being the largest thus far.

King Soopers Cards brought in $978 in Q3 (last year) and we get two more checks before the end of the year.

Membership money is still being sorted out.

Pottery painting — we were going to do this around the holidays but didn’t. Jenny will talk to Lisa to see if she would be interested in a spring event instead. This might be good for families to stave off the winter doldrums. We will revisit at next month’s meeting.

Milk Caps for Moola! This did well! If you have a stash at home you can put them all in a plastic bag and send them with your child to school and if you’re not attending in person the school will put a box or bin out front. More information will be coming out in the Friday Flash.

School grants were spent on Help at School and the Scholastic books that went in the winter party bags.

We have brought in $6700 of the $8300 we have budgeted so far this year.

School requests. The school has requested help with color copier ink. They have ordered the copier but would like $85/month, or about $1000 annually for the ink. Geoff and Julie gave their reasoning, mainly it will support the primary grades and special education and help with timing issues. Previously color copies were outsourced to the BVSD print shop. The printer will be housed in the office to gate it’s usage. This was voted on and approved in the meeting. This budget item is intended to be reviewed every year.

Julie also asked for a paper cutter. She will be pricing it out and this will be voted on at the next meeting. Unofficially an amount of $200 was discussed.

Heidi motioned to adjourn and Mandie seconded it.

PTA Meeting Tonight

Don’t forget the meeting tonight at 6:30 pm in the Kohl Library. We’ll be holding elections for next year’s PTA board and getting updates on upcoming events. Check out the agenda below.

Call to Order (Bridget)

Welcome!

Approval of Dec. Minutes (Bridget)

Reports:

• Treasurer’s Report (Linda)
• Principal’s Report (Geoff)
• Event & Committee Updates
• Family Dance (Nancy/Kimiko)
• 5K (Jaala)
• Event Coordinator Update ( Valeri)
• District Meeting Update (Heidi)

New Business

• Nominations/Vote

Upcoming Events

• Coffee with the Principal: Monday, February 11th at 8:30AM
• KPAC: Thursday, February 14th at 8:45AM

Adjourn

March PTA Meeting Minutes

Get the nitty gritty of what happens during the PTA meetings.

Attendees:  Emily Unkefer, Julie Remington, Mike Lowe, Jackie Howard, Kelli Trenkamp, Stacey Blicker,Sarah Spoelstra, Kimiko Egy, Leslie Gaiser, Erin Pilger, Valeri Baye, Korrie Skibinski, Nancy Sifuentes, Rob Sanchez, Alissa Dorman, Wendy Holst, Heidi Siguaw, Jax Jaramillo

 

Introductions & Welcome

Meeting called to order by Emily Unkefer, PTA President at 6:31pm.  Introductions were made.  January minutes were reviewed and approved by membership. As a reminder due to the weather the February meeting was cancelled.

Budget Update

Julie Remington provided the treasurers report.  A review of the past fundraisers was presented.  Julie also proposed three changes to the budget. The payback books were a new fundraiser this year and proceeds were delegated to the Ride Store. PTA determined it would donate $1500 as an added expense for Ride store prizes. Also, it was determined that the butter braid fundraiser will provide additional money for new books.  This year we raised $2,925.  As a result Julie added the books to the budget as a new line item.  Julie also discovered that the amount in the PTA savings account was not listed in the original budget.  An additional income of $8,488 twas added to the amount carried over from the 2014-15 school year.  PTA voted to accept the updated budget revision.  Motion was approved.

Our goal for each year will be to only carry over $10k.  This money will help improve mini grants money as well as provide an additional cushion to provide options for the following year.  2015-16 was definitely a fortunate year!

At this time we are waiting for any outstanding mini grant requests.  After school clubs will be submitted to the treasurer by the end of year.  PTA also provided funding for the automated external defibrillator (AED) which is currently mounted in the office.  Next year PTA will provide Kohl staff with a “mini grant czar” to assist with any purchasing questions.  Emily Unkefer has volunteered to be this person!

Principal Report:

Mike Lowe recapped his discussion with the teachers on where to apply the additional $10,000 donated by the PTA.  Ideas included revamping intervention materials such as wiggle chairs, chrome books, charging stations, revamping book boxes, as well as refreshing the technology.  Allocations of $1,000 will go toward SPED and other specialists.  An all-inclusive list will be available once all purchases are complete. Membership moved and approved this motion. Start spending Kohl Elementary!

Elections & Candidates

It’s time to elect new PTA Officers.  A descriptive list of duties will be provided for the current open positions including president, vice president & recording secretary.

Event Updates:

Wednesday, March 16 – Noodles & Co. night

Friday, April 1 – Family Wild Thing Spring Dance – using the newly purchased audio visual equipment

Thursday, April 21 – SAC learning fair

Friday, May 20 – Moms Night Out at Whimsy Paint and Sip, there are still spots open sign up now!

 

Trivia Night /Silent Auction – big success!

48 donations from businesses, organizations and individuals provided 82 prizes — earning Kohl Elementary $3,729. Kohl earned almost 60% profit on the donations available.  Thank you letters & certificates were delivered in person where possible, and mailed to the rest of the donors.  The auction itself raised $3,729.  As the subcommittee chair for the Silent Auction, Rob thanked all the people who helped arrange donations, and a huge thank-you to Carrie Pepperdine and Julie Remington for helping run the auction itself and the checkout process at the end. Thank you to the buyers for being patient while everyone’s money was collected and items distributed.  Next year they will focus on streamlining the checkout process.

Kohl 5K

The race will be on May 7.  Currently looking for sponsors as well as volunteers to make the event a success.  Also, if anyone has seen the 3rd banner please contact Pauline Higgins.

Miscellaneous News

Girls Leadership Institute will provide a $15 discount to all families who attended.  A special shout out to PTA for helping to support families to attend.

Colorado Graduation Guidelines – Beginning with the Class of 2021, a new Colorado law requires students to demonstrate competencies within English and Mathematics either through a standardized test or Portfolio/Capstone. Kohl families are invited to attend the community information meetings to learn about and provide input toward the new state graduation requirements.  They are currently in the preliminary stages looking for suggestions for the top choices.  For more information email Valeri Baye.

DAC update was provided by Valeri Baye.  She addressed the superintendent’s report on recommendations to where to allocate money.  Basically the committee stated what areas we’d like improve such as social/emotional support, Kindergarten, tech support; however, no money is available at this time.

Meeting Adjourned 7:07 pm

 

We Want You! PTA Elections Coming in April

Do you have a passion for the education of your child and the children of the Kohl Community? Are you highly organized and a people person? Or does dominating a spreadsheet of numbers put a twinkle in your eye? Then you should consider becoming part of the Kohl PTA Board. Elections are coming up this April and several positions are up for grabs.

To express your interest, contact Emily Unkefer: eunkefer@gmail.com

PTA President

You will play a lead role in:

• Unit organization
• Meetings
• Inclusiveness
• Elections
• Programs
• Member training
• Finances
• Plan and set priorities

PTA Vice President

The vice president may be called upon at any time to temporarily assume the place of the president; therefore, he or she should study the president’s duties and responsibilities and be familiar with the work of the PTA. In the event of the president’s resignation, the vice president assumes all duties until the president’s position is filled in accordance with the bylaws.

The vice president is responsible for:

• Performing specific duties as provided for in the bylaws;
• Assuming responsibility for duties designated by the president; and
• Representing the president in his or her absence or upon request.

PTA Treasurer

The incoming treasurer should discuss with the former treasurer the status of current fundraising activities, what money is available to be spent versus what is owed, and the bylaws as they relate to the treasurer’s responsibilities.

The treasurer is responsible for:

• Ensuring that the PTA’s financial records are reviewed according to the bylaws before assuming his or her duties;
• Ensuring three authorized signatures are on file at the bank for financial transactions; these signatures are usually that of the current president and treasurer, and one other officer as an alternate (no two check signers should be from the same household);
• Obtaining two authorized signatures on every check;
• Collecting all money from persons delegated to collect or to raise funds during a local unit activity, and providing a written receipt for those funds;
• Promptly depositing all money in the name of the local unit in a bank account approved by the board;
• Maintaining an accurate record of all receipts and disbursements;
• Obtaining authorization from the board before writing a check or spending money;
• Remitting, by check, all authorized bills and statements as prescribed in the bylaws;
• Submitting a written financial statement at each board meeting and at each general membership meeting;
• Chairing the Budget Committee and preparing the annual budget as prescribed in bylaws;
• Reporting income and expenses as compared with the budget;
• Ensuring an audit, financial review or compilation is done in accordance with the bylaws, state PTA requirements, and the PTA’s business practice;
• Preparing an annual report to be used to review PTA financial records; and
• If your unit is a 501(c)(3), ensure the filing of the PTA’s 990 report to the IRS.

PTA Secretary

The secretary is responsible for keeping an accurate record of the proceedings of association meetings. These records are the permanent history of the PTA.   Promptness and accuracy are key to this job.

The secretary also may be given the responsibility of maintaining all PTA correspondence, including incoming and outgoing communications with members and notifications for all meetings. It is common for a local unit to designate these responsibilities to a corresponding secretary.

Prior to a meeting, the secretary:

• Sends an announcement of the meeting (date and time)
• Works with the president to create an agenda
• Sends out the agenda and any pertinent documents necessary prior to the meeting, including the draft of the minutes of the previous meeting

At the meeting, the secretary:

• Takes attendance (by voice vote or sign-in sheet)
• Checks for quorum
• Presents the draft of the minutes of the previous meeting
• Takes minutes
• Counts votes

After the meeting, the secretary:

• Ensures the approved minutes are included in the permanent record of the association

The secretary should have these items on hand at all meetings:

• Minutes of the previous meeting and pertinent attached reports
• List of unfinished business to be discussed
• Agenda
• Current bylaws and standing rules
• Current membership list
• List of committee chairs

Learn more about the open positions by clicking here