PTO Meeting Minutes 1/13/26- Pending Approval

PTO meeting 1.13.26-pending approval.docx.pdf

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Tuesday January 13, 2026 6:30pm in person

Meeting called to order at 6:34pm 

1. Welcome & Introduction:  

   • Rachel Levine, Steph Gerber, Sara Bowers, Tiffany, Joanne Hentz, Liz Kavanaugh, Erin Checchia, Ruth Wagner, Sara S., Devon Reichl, Taylor Good

2. Approval of minutes from last meeting— November 11, 2025

   • 1st: Steph Gerber

2nd: Taylor Good

3. Principal’s Report:

   • Clubs

     1. Started new in 2025-SY in the Fall

     2. This is a PBS reward

     3. Upcoming Examples: Dance Off, Escape Room, Service Dog Meet and Greet, Kickball. 

   • Calendar 26-27 school year

     1. Up for board approval, coming soon

   • International Night

     1. As of today, 14-15 different countries represented

     2. January 28, 2026

   • Act 44

     1. Governor Shapiro signed into law for 2026 anytime there is a weapon or “weapon-like” item is brought into school a notice needs to be sent home. 

     2. We are part of a campus so we will get notified for any event that happens on the campus (Neff Elementary, Landis Run, and High School)

   • Potters

     1. Open to ideas

     2. Mr Good is hoping for sculptures 

   • School Assembly:

     1. Mt. Gretna Theater does a science program in March

4. Joanne Hentz School Board Update:

   • Calendar:

     1. More parent involvement this time

   • Facilities Committee Meeting:

     1. Now open to the public to attend

     2. Minutes will be available

     3. 1/14/26 Town Hall Meeting

        1. Nitrauer Town Forum 5:30-6:30

        2. Campus masterplan, Stadium planning, 6:30-7:30

     4. Lease of MTSD Bus garage is in process

5. PTO Update: Rachel Levine

   • Past Events:

     1. Pottery Night

        1. Sold 171 pieces of pottery, Profit $185

     2. Food Drive

        1. Collected over 924 items

        2. Prize: Students got food related charms to add to their Lion’s Quest Bracelet, IU classes got food plush keychains; Grand Prize: Kindergarten had a special movie viewing with popcorn provided. 

        3. Expense: 

           1. Charms: $61.43

           2. Plush: $21.80

           3. Popcorn: 

     3. Teacher Conference Meals

        1. Chik-fil-a Dinner

        2. Breakfast Buffet

   • Passive Fundraising

     1. Restaurant Nights-  Sara Bowers

        1. HoneyGrow: $66

           1. Note: Not all the orders used the code

           2. Maybe we need to explain where to add the code?

        2. UPCOMING: The Sandwich Factory- 1/26/26 11am-11pm

           1. Hilary Haskins offered that the Job Training class might be able to help with restaurant delivery. 

           2. BJ Brewery

           3. MOD Pizza

     2. Spiritwear- Sara Maysilles

        1. Will add option to add names to shirt

        2. Some new Spring items

   • Upcoming Events

     1. Go ‘N Bananas- changes in pricing and package inclusions

        1. Since purchase is through Go N’ Bananas we don’t know how many people are coming. 

        2. Last year to have the place exclusively 

     2. Talent Show

        1. Flyer coming soon- Sign up due 1/30. 

        2. Electronic Sign up

        3. 4th Grade Stage Crew will write an essay as an application

        4. Auditions: 2/10

        5. 2 Rehearsals 

        6. Thursday 2/26, 6pm

        7. ? Student Show during the school day 

• Spring Fest!

  1. Need volunteers for arranging bounce house, balloon twister

  2. Erin C: Willing to do theming of donated items

  3. Steph Gerber: Will help with Food Trucks recruitment

  4. Rachel: Business donation reach out

  5. Grade Baskets: Ruth Wagner

• Closet Cleanout

  1. Possibility of a Saturday

  2. Will need clearances

6. Treasurer Report:  Steph Gerber

   • See attached report

   • Issue with PayPal Account

7. Principal/Staff Report:  Devon Reichl

   • Gratitude for meals provided at Parent-Teacher Conferences

8. SAGE (Superintendent Advisory Group For Education)  Report: Lori DeTemple, Liz Kavanaugh, Matt Kavanaugh

   • Brought to the table Student Directory question

     1. Reidenbaugh: fizzles out

     2. Nitrauer: fizzles out

     3. Bucher: Grew,  QR opt-in for an excel sheet, Kindergarten bus day

   • Discussion of Boiler Plate PTO Bylaws

   • Presentation about the service dogs

   • Meetings: March 9, May 11

Next Meeting:  Tuesday March 10, 2026

Adjournment—I move that we adjourn the meeting at 08:12pm

1st: Ruth Wagner

2nd: Steph Gerber