2016-2017 Budget Approved
At Friday’s PTO meeting, Treasurer Tonja Condron reviewed the 2016-2017 Budget. The budget, which was unanimously approved by those present, includes allocation of over $100,000 to the renovation of the school playground and greenhouse, as well as $16,000 for the purchase of two Chromebook carts to be shared among grades. These expenses will largely spend down the “reserve funds” carried over from prior years. Tonja also shared allocation of funds to several new programs, including: a mini-grant fund for teachers, a scholarship fund for extra-curricular activities, and the creation of a teacher supply closet that will be stocked with Kleenex, hand sanitizer, paper towels, and other consumable items.
The beginning bank account balance at the start of the school year was $128,808. The anticipated ending balance will be $17,539. The remaining balance will include reserve funds held for the library and Shawn Neville Character Award, as well as $5,000 in operating expenses to start out the 2017-2018 school year.
Additional Lunch Monitors Added
Mrs. Batis shared that two additional lunch monitors have been added to the staff, with two more anticipated. She also noted that concerns raised at the January PTO meeting have been addressed, and the lunchroom is notably less chaotic (a sentiment echoed by several other attendees).
Schedule Changes Implemented
Changes to the master schedule that were announced in January have been implemented. The changes have resulted in an additional 10 minutes of valuable instruction time as well as an uninterrupted 60 minute block for math.
Renovations Slated to Begin in June
Construction is tentatively set to begin the day after school ends and will follow a phased approach culminating the following summer. Phase 1 will include the Commons Area, Library, Art Rooms, Administrative Office Area and some soundproofing for the cafeteria to reduce noise in the computer lab. The current plan for the Commons Area is to create a flexible learning area to better utilize space available. The Art rooms will be moving to the lower level so that all homerooms (where students spend the most time) will have classrooms with windows. The classrooms will be receiving less visible but much needed improvements, including updates to the mechanical/HVAC systems and lighting. While this will result in the need for “swing spaces” as classes are temporarily relocated, every effort will be made to minimize the disruption to student learning environments during the renovations.
The playground and parking lot will be included in the renovations. Facilities representatives will be providing additional details at the March Principal Coffee Hours (dates/times to be announced).
Online Spirit Sale Begins February 13th
A two-week, online Spirit Sale kicks off Monday, February 13th. Sales will be open through February 27th and items ordered will be delivered before the end of March.
Volunteers Needed
The Hospitality Committee is seeking new members. The committee is responsible for organizing refreshments for Open House and planning the Teacher Luncheon. Contact Faith Moser or Tonja Condron for additional information or to express interest.
Library Volunteers are always appreciated (clearances required)! Find open time slots at signupgenius.com (search by the email “TheRehakFamily@gmail.com”).
Upcoming Events
PALS – The next PALS meeting will be held February 22nd at 9:30am at the Market District Café. More info at palsinfo.org
District Forum – The next District Forum will be held Tuesday, February 14th at 9am in the LGI room at the Fox Chapel Area High School. The topic will be technology. More info at foxchapeldistricforum.com
Click here for a full list of upcoming events and the district calendar.
O'Hara Elementary PTO 