Tag: PTO meeting

PTO Meetings

September Meeting Recap and Open Committee Spots

Thank you to the over 50 people who came out for our first meeting of the year! We are incredibly excited by your eagerness to participate and become involved in the PTO, and we know this is going to be a fantastic year.

The PTO meeting kicked off with an introduction of our fantastic Executive Board. We’ve got a strong team working behind the scenes to make sure our communications, programs, fundraisers and events are all well-executed.  Each member of the Board is available to answer your questions, so please don’t hesitate to reach out any time.

Open Committee Spots

Just as our Board functions as a team, we need your to help support (and in some cases lead!) a committee.  At the 9/20 meeting we highlighted several open committee spots, which are listed below.  The sign up is now open to join or lead a committee.

  • The O’Hara Foxes Club – (Chair and Members Needed) – We’ve set the OFC up and now we need someone to take over as Chair! The Chair will oversee the logistics of running the after school program and help identify new activities to include.
  • Family Movie Night – (Chair and Members Needed) Help Plan O’Hara’s first Family Movie Night!
  • Library Volunteer Coordinator  (Assistant Chair) Chair Stacy London will be moving on to DMS next year. Work with Stacy and Mrs. Fornari this year to coordinate library helpers and be ready when the Chair position opens up next year!
  • Assemblies  (Chair Position)  Work with teachers and principals to identify and coordinate school assemblies (1 – 2/year). This chair role does not require clearances (unless you want to attend the assemblies yourself!), and can be done behind the scenes.
  • Lunch/Recess Volunteers (Co-Chair and Members) Join Chair Melissa Troutman as the PTO works with the school to implement a new outdoor recess volunteer program. The co-chair will also assist with indoor recess bins and promoting lunch time helpers.
  • Communications Committee  (Writers) Tackle a topic of interest to be shared on our blog! You can generate your own or pick from topics identified by the Chair. Work behind the scenes on your own time schedule, or take a more interactive role by interviewing teachers/staff.
  • Yearbook  (Photographers) Calling all photographers! Help the Yearbook Committee capture the year at O’Hara! Photographers must have clearances and a camera capable of taking high quality photos for print.

Additional volunteer opportunities are detailed at oharapto.org/volunteer (click the Sign Up Genius button to see all open sign ups!) and will be shared throughout the year.  Lunchroom helpers with clearances are also welcome daily.  If you missed the form to sign up for Classroom Volunteer Opportunities, contact your Homeroom Representative or Sarah Blask.

Traveling Art Gallery (TAG) volunteers are also needed. Read more and sign up here: www.oharapto.org/TAG

VOLUNTEER

Budget Approved

September’s meeting included a review and vote on our 2018-2019 Budget.  Members unanimously approved the budget, which will be used as a guideline for PTO spending and fundraising goals throughout the year.  We are currently projecting over $5,000 in unallocated funds, after setting aside reserve funds for next year. If our fundraisers perform as anticipated, we’ll be making plans for those funds in the Spring.

PTO Representatives

At September’s meeting, we also met several of our representatives from the teacher staff, District Forum and PALS.  We’re looking forward to working with the teachers and these organizations to keep you in the know and create an open dialogue with our teachers and staff so that we know how to best support them throughout the year.

Principal’s Update

Mrs. Batis provided an introduction to classroom Themed Learning Centers, which kick off this week with 4th Grade, 5th Grade and Kindergarten.  The Learning Centers offer an opportunity for family volunteers with clearances to get a special glimpse at what their students are learning while helping to staff interactive centers based on a specific theme. The 4th grade class is learning about place values, Kindergarten is exploring lima beans, and the 5th graders will focus on preparing for Camp Allegheny. Each grade will host two learning centers per year, so look for information from your student’s homeroom teacher and volunteer if you can.

Mrs. Batis also shared that O’Hara will host a Showcase Night in April.  This evening will encompass the Art Show (and offer evening Spring Basket Raffle Ticket sales!), as well as other displays of student work.

District Update

The PTO is excited to share that each meeting will include attendance by a member of District Administration.  At this meeting, Dana Simile joined us.  An overview of information she shared is available here.  Dr. Ashley Nestor will join us in October to discuss Curriculum.

Next Meeting: October 18

We packed that all into one hour! We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at our October 18 meeting, which will be held in the evening from 6 – 7.  Detailed agenda to follow – stay tuned!

 

 

PTO Meetings

Meeting Recap: Principal and PTO Board Updates, Planning for Next Year

recap

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the last PTO meeting of the 2016-2017 school year! Here’s what was discussed at the May 19 meeting:

Principal’s Update on STAR and Class Assignments

Students have completed the last round of STAR assessments for the year. Students in all grades will be going home with a copy of their student STAR folder by May 31st. Teachers will be meeting individually with each student to review results, with a focus on celebrating growth and identifying areas of opportunity for the future.

Principals Batis and Edwards have formalized a new data-driven process for class assignments.  The process is designed to achieve balanced classrooms that meet the diverse needs (academic, behavioral and social) of all learners.  Teacher feedback, including input from specialists who work with students at multiple grade levels, will be part of the class roster process.

For more details on STAR and the class roster process, refer to the May Principal’s Update.

Budget and Construction Update

Outgoing Treasurer Tonja Condron provided an update on year-to-date income and expenses.  This year’s income/expenses effectively net out, which was identified as a PTO Board objective for the 2016-2017 school year after careful consideration of the reserve funds held in the PTO account and concerns voiced by families.

Major expenditures for the year include purchase of Chromebooks for students and new art boards.  A significant reserve amount is still set aside for the greenhouse and playground.  Payment to the school has been delayed due to the construction bid process (re-bids are still pending
public school board vote), but construction is still currently slated to begin on June 12th.

Kristina Adams will begin a two-year term as treasurer in the 2017-2018 school year.

Plans in the Works for Next Year

The PTO is working on adding some organized activities to indoor recess.  The plan currently involves several rotating carts that would house various activities, including an option for physical activity designed for the classroom.  If you would like to help,  email Dana Rofey.

Mrs. Johnson also announced plans to increase O’Hara student involvement in the Kids of Steel Marathon Program. Anyone interested in supporting this initiative for the 2018 Marathon should contact Mrs. Johnson directly.

With the school year coming to an end, the PTO Board will be planning out goals and projects for the 2017-2018 school year over the summer. We’d love to hear your ideas!  Comment below or email Sarah Shaffer with suggestions on what you think we should focus on or areas where we can improve.

Committee Chairs and Members Needed

There are several open committee chair and member positions.  Please email Carrie Work if interested in serving on or chairing a committee.

  • Yearbook – Cari Tarasi will be taking over chair position; Interested volunteers should email outgoing chair Lisa Correnti 
  • Hospitality Committee – 3 to 4 members needed
  • Thanksgiving Baskets – Chair needed
  • Book Fair – 3 to 4 members needed
  • Fifth Grade Day – multiple positions open

 

PTO Meetings

Join us Friday for the Last PTO Meeting of the Year

Please join the PTO this Friday, May 19th from 9:15 – 10:15 am in the school auditorium.  This will be our last general meeting of the 2016-2017 school year. Items on the agenda include:

  • Principal Administration Update
    • Student Data Binders – May STAR Administration
    • Class Roster Creation/Parent Requests
    • Safety Protocols
  • PTO Board Update
    • Treasurer Report (Budget Status)
    • 2017-2018 Officers
    • 2017-2018 Committee Chairs and Volunteers Needed
    • Updates to PTO By-Law
  • New Business and Committee Updates
    • Teacher Supply Closet
    • Indoor Recess
    • Ideas and Plans for 2017-2018 School Year
      • Kids of Steel Marathon Program in 2018
      • Suggestions welcome!

Attendees should sign in at the school office before heading to the auditorium. Coffee will be provided!

For those unable to attend, a recap and minutes will be shared here after the meeting.  Questions? Comment below!

PTO Meetings

Agenda for April 21st PTO Meeting

Please join us for our monthly PTO meeting this Friday, April 21st from 9:15 – 10:15 am in the school auditorium. Items on the agenda include:

  • O’Hara Administration Update (Mrs. Batis and Mr. Edwards)
    • Technology Integration Plan – Chromebooks
  • PTO Board Update
  •  Committee Updates
    • District Forum Meeting Report
    • Fifth Grade Day (fundraising, volunteers and class gift)

Attendees should sign in at the school office before heading to the auditorium. Coffee will be provided!

For those unable to attend, a recap and minutes will be shared here after the meeting.  Questions? Comment below!

PTO Meetings

Meeting Recap: Student Data Folders, Renovations, PSSA

recap

Here’s what you missed at the March PTO Meeting:

STAR Benchmarking Update – Student Data Folders

February STAR benchmarking is complete and Student Data Folders have been created as of February 28th.  Copies of the folders should have been sent home with 3rd, 4th and 5th graders (available upon request for students in K-1). Students worked with teachers to create the folders.  Students were involved with data graphing, goal setting and reflections. Mrs. Batis reported positive feedback from students.  Next year’s Open House will include a Curriculum Night and STAR benchmarking will be one of the topics covered. In the meantime, teachers are available to answer questions and address concerns.

Additional Lunch Monitors Added

Mrs. Batis shared that two additional monitors have been added for increased coverage during lunch/recess.

Renovations to Begin in June

The O’Hara Renovation project will be going out to bid (it’s really happening!!).  Mrs. Batis shared an overview of the proposed Phases and Timeline (tentative and subject to revision, of course!):

  • Phase 1 (Begins June 2017, Ends August 2017):  Office, Commons, Cafeteria,  Library, Art Rooms, Playground
  • Phase 2:  (October 2017) 5th Grade Classrooms/Hallway
  • Phase 3:  (November 2017) 3rd/4th Grade Classrooms/Hallway
  • Phase 4:  (December 2017) 1st Grade Classrooms/Hallway
  • Phase 5:  (January 2018) 2nd Grade Classrooms/Hallway
  • Phase 6:  (February 2018-August 2018)Kindergarten Classrooms/Hallway, Auditorium, Gymnasium, Music Areas

For additional information on the planned renovations, attend one of the upcoming Principal Coffee Hours (RSVP requested):

  • April 19, 2017 (9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.)
  • April 20, 2017 (4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

Please click here to RSVP.

PSSA Administration Begins April 3rd

The PSSA schedule for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders is as follows:

Mrs. Batis emphasized that the goal is to maintain a sense of normalcy throughout the testing period with a slightly modified schedule.  Testing will begin promptly at 9:10am.  Families are asked to avoid scheduling appointments during the testing periods (students arriving late are not permitted to enter their home room if testing has begun).

Sample PSSA materials are available online at the Pennsylvania Department of Education Website. 

Save the Date – The next PTO Meeting is Friday, April 21st!

PTO Meetings

Meeting Recap: PTO Budget Approved, Renovations to Begin in June

recap

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.