PTA Meeting Minutes

PTA Meeting 11/19/25

Attendance

PTA Meeting 11/5/25 on Zoom

Attendance: Matasha, Melinda, Linda, Cherelle, Wanda

1. Bake Sale – We did good! $860 raised.
2. Update financial report for next PTA meeting.
3. Lyman Pie deliveries on Nov 20th – We need volunteers to sort the pies.
4. Book Fair – volunteer forms need to be sent out. Mellili’s for dinner for the staff (72) and volunteers for Wed night. $500 budget. 9-3 M/Tu, 9-7 W, 9-5 Th, 9-4 Fri. Need DCF forms.
5. Mrs Lendler’s Fundraiser for December – next steps? advertise it?
6. 5th grade pasta night for January 16th – Donations, gift card, volunteers/committee, restaurant help?
7. Free event – Someone Special Dance Feb 7th- setup committee, supplies? DJ with DDR showing, dominoes? photo booth? Door prizes. Walmart gift card??
8. Sponsor list – running list for shout outs and give thank you cards. ADD to Mission page.

PTA Meeting 9/12/25

BINGO night at Spencer’s cafeteria.

GREAT TURN OUT! We had to add more seats because so many people came! We may need to invest in a speaker/audio system for everyone to hear.

Attendance: All board members, principal and 9 spencer staff. About 26 families came through.

1. Principal quick check in for 1st pta meeting and welcome.
2. Matasha spoke about membership $10. We have forms on hand. Introductions of our board members. VP, secretary, Treasurer and Co T, Communications, and fundraising coordinator.
3. We need support and volunteers. It’s not a commitment. Fill out the DCF form because it’s needed in order to volunteer.
4. Sliders will be the next fundraiser. Oct 9th from 6 to 9pm. A great night for sports!
5. Boo bash coming up in Oct. Donate candy. We need trunk or treats!
6. Questions? A person was not a parent so they wanted to know how they would get information. Facebook or website. Matasha will look into it.
7. Bingo begins! We had many winners!! We had pretzels, nachos and cheese, pizza and drinks for sale! At the end we gave out all the posters for free to each student who wanted one.
8. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CAME. All the money goes right back to future events.

PTA Meeting 8/25/25

Attendance: Amanda M, Angela Z, Wanda M, Matasha B, Cherelle S, Melinda G, Linda W, Cindy M. Location: Fuego Restaurant

E-board meeting 

1. We discussed who would be wearing the Panda suit. We can have different volunteers. We have two suits to use and can spray clean them in between uses. Do we need a Panda name? Should classrooms vote?
2. Do we need an incentive to join the PTA? Each staff member at Snow by contract are responsible to attend an evening event hosted by the PTA.
3. At Bingo night we will sell food. Possibly hot dogs again. It was a success last year. We need some volunteers and prizes.
4. We will hold PTA meetings during events to get communication and more involvement out to parents. 15 minutes before the event begins.
5. Cindy M will post on Facebook about all PTA events and photos.
6. We need room parents. One parent for each class to communicate to other parents. Who are we picking? Do we have enough interest?
7. Thinking about Dad’s and Dominos night for dads the be more involved. Would they be interested?

PTA Meeting 6/4/25

PTA Meeting 6/4

Attendance: Matasha B, Melinda G, Linda W, Amanda M, Tyana B, Angela, Kate F, T Morello, Elba L, Cherelle S., Cindy M, 

1. Room parent in each class. PTA communicates to the room parent then the room parent will communicate with the rest of the class parents.
2. Change lunch waves.
3. Field day- need to organize differently. Have cool down stations. Less stations.
4. Principal report – Welcoming Schools Walkthrough – will create a report for next year. Chronic Absenteeism at Spencer – 2nd, 3rd, 4th grade decreased from last year. No preschool at Spencer it will be moved to Bielefeld. Adding a new ICM classroom 3-5 grade. Could have 3 kindergarten classes next year. Adding a garden to the inside courtyard to grow food for the cafeteria.
5. Treasurer Report- Hit 75% of our booster goal! Helped pay field day shirts. Panda Jamboree made $2,097! McEducator night got us $416.
6. Year in review – Calendar of events. 41 PTA members! We raised $17,000 and spent $19,000. Thanks to volunteers! Thanks to give back nights. Money goes right back to the staff and students as well as the events all year.
7. Shout out to the business sponsors. We had so many!
8. Thank you to the volunteers for their support!
9. PTA board positions – Cherelle and Angela have volunteered to be treasurer. Voted in!!! Wanda has volunteered to be fundraising coordinator. Voted in!!! Cindy has volunteered to be a communication officer. Voted in!!!!
10. Sept 20th Hartford Athletics is the first year’s event!

PTA meeting 5/7/25

In person and zoom. Combined event with ART show from 5:30 to 7pm

Attendance: Kim E, Matasha B, Mrs Bafumi, Melinda G, Cindy M, Mrs Martinez, C Newton, R Mckee, S Bowick, K Ruede, Shannon T, Trisha B, Geraldo F, Catherine L., Mr Patel, Tasha R, Linda W

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1wBQXSiXu1Vf-hAkAm0assc7109mlIapC/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=101763539352291527682&rtpof=true&sd=true

1. Staff appreciation week – tacos, chips and salsa, yoga, nacho bar. Outstanding educator Mrs Bafumi – gave out flowers and a card! Recognizing Mrs Martinez!!
2. Last PTA meeting June 4th in person. Will vote for eboard for next school year.
3. Mrs Maritinz principal report: Thanked the community for a rough 2 weeks with what was going on. Attendance- Lowest absentee this year. Attendance incentives coming up – Pj day. State testing review which is still going on. NGSS, SBAC, and iready. 
4. Treasurer report – review of balance and costs. $3,500 the cost of field day shirts. We need more donations. Sign up for booster! 21 raffles for Panda Jamboree.
5. Apparel store May 16th to June 2nd. 
6. Booster fundraiser – our goal is $5000. Every $10 equals a raffle ticket for panda jamboree. Business sponsors -8 business so far.
7. Mceducator night May 21st on Washington st. Spencer will get %15 of the sales. DJ and raffles will be there. 5-8pm
8. Field Day May 27th – 15 activity stations – Please complete DCF form for volunteers.
9. Panda Jamboree – raffles, DJ, bounce houses, cash refreshments
10. Restaurant Night – Wing stop June 3rd 10% of the sales
11. Next years board positions – Treasurer, Fundraising coordinator and communications officer.
12. All info is on facebook, website and we send out flyers.

PTA Meeting 4/2/25

Zoom Meet only – Attendance: Melinda, Matasha, Linda, Mrs Bafumi, Mary Beth, Kim E, A Martinez, Marlena.

1. Return in person meeting on MAY 7th. June 4th last PTA meeting.
2. Attendance overall is good.
3. March recap in school – Read across America, panda pride event, conferences 95% parents participated, Junior achievement day, Wolfpack visit, DARE 5th grade graduation, spring picture day.
4. Practice Spencer CARES program. State testing is beginning for 3-5th at the end of April.
5. Staff appreciation week May 5-9th. MHS recycling club at Spencer, Kinder registration 4/24 and 4/25.
6. Treasurer Report: Money spent on Staff dinner, field trips for 1st and 5th. Teacher reimbursements. Funds raised: butter braid and cake rolls (delivery 4/9) and chuck e cheese.
7. Upcoming expenses – teacher appreciation, tshirts for field day, panda jamboree end of the year celebration.
8. Booster fundraiser Platform 4/1-5/30 – create an account to raise $ for field day. Looking for sponsors.
9. Yard Goats event 4/4/25!
10.  Ready, Tech, Go! 5/2/25. $1,500 grant. You can win a free laptop! Need to meet criteria. Food will be provided. Mary Beth (parent and local doctor) will be speaking at this event. Delay smart phones until 8th grade!
11. School wide art show with Mrs Lendler on May 7th 5-7pm. Same time as PTA meeting. Will put out a flyer.
12. Mcdonalds Mceducator Night 5/21. On washington street – games, music
13. Field Day 5/27, rain date 5/28. Coach Fairbrother is setting up activities. Need volunteers for the stations. No spectators.
14. Panda Jamboree 5/30. Rain date one week later. Last event of the year. Free!! Donate!! DJ, snacks for sale, bounce houses, tea cup raffles.
15. Next year’s PTA board positions.

PTA Meeting 1/8/25

Zoom Meet only – Attendance: Melinda, Cindy, Matasha, Linda, Mrs Bafumi, Kristen R, Kim E, Mrs Gordon, Tasha R

1. Wolfpack pricing? $25 per ticket. Will check and update.
2. Teachers have not asked about Field Trips yet
3. Datco – we have a credit with them
4. Should we do a photo booth for Someone Special Dance? Let’s get a regular photo booth. $450 with unlimited prints – We agreed on price.
5. Bingo Night – We got donated games for the prizes.
6. Next Virtual PTA meeting is Feb 5th. (Usually the first Wed every Month.)
7. Principal Report – Attendance has been great so far. 
   1. Dip Day Spirit events to boost attendance – PJ day for Feb 2/14
   2. Mid year benchmark testing – students need sleep and healthy foods to be successful.
   3. Parent volunteers to be a room teacher.
8. Treasury report – raised $4000 so far this year. Next fundraiser is Pasta. Will use month of January to raise money for the 5th grade.
9. Grant Report – tech grant $1500 to present about internet safety. We use the money for food and prizes. In person event in May. Suggestions for next event?
10. Upcoming events – Bingo Night, Pasta Fundraising, PJ day, Jersey Mikes, pasta dinner night (should the 5th graders be serving the pasta? Need more time to figure out the details, add bread, drinks, $5 or $7 each, five and under free? Need RSVP?).
11. Next restaurant night is Chuck E Cheese Feb 21st – Chuck E will be visiting the school.
12. Butter Braid and Cake Fundraiser March 3rd. April 9th delivery
13. Someone Special Dance Feb 7th, DJ, photo booth, crafts, apparel for sale
14. Hartford Wolfpack March
15. Yard Goats in April
16. Field Day in May
17. Panda Jamboree May/June
18. Booster for Field Day again. T-shirts needed.
19. Spring Book Fair in March – will need volunteers
20. Stay connected with us!! Check the website! Volunteer!

November 6, 2024

Attendance: Melinda, Matasha, Cindy, Linda, Amanda M, Erica B, Tasha R, Mavis, Donna Z, Angela, Teresa M, Kim E

1. 5th grade honor books were discussed. Make January honoring 5th grade/donations.
2. Bingo night in January? PJ day – pay a $ to donate
3. Pasta fundraiser? Five below has an Earn 10% towards the PTA on the website.
4. Shred it fundraiser at the end of the year. Combine with another school.
5. No PTA meeting in December.
6. Under 20% for chronic absenteeism. Make sure children are washing their hands due to sickness. If a child is in school for 4 hours of the day that will be considered as in school for the day.
7. School Leadership Council? Principal wants to get this up and running in 2025. Will add to the website.
8. Thank you Veterans!!
9. Bake sale $905 earned. Thank you for donating!
10.  Lyman Pie fundraising. We earned $3,550.
11. Custodian day we gave them coffee and donuts.
12. $500 for field trips for each grade. $1000 for 5th grade.
13. 5 new members in the PTA!
14. La Boca restaurant night was not a great turnout.
15. Rest Nights Sliders 11/21, Texas Roadhouse 12/2, Jersey Mikes 1/7, Chuck e Cheese 2/21
16. Book Fair Nov 27th thru Dec 6. For wed night we buy staff dinner.
17. Someone Special Dance Feb 7th.
18. Donations and volunteers!! Cash, checks, or paypal
19. Follow us on facebook. SpencerPTA

Oct 9, 2024

We had Fuego food tasting for all in attendance. They donated food to the PTA.

Attendance: 13 in attendance

1. We can use the inside courtyard for Boo Bash per Mrs Martinez.
2. We will be getting shirts from our vendor to sell at Boo Bash. We looked at 2 different designs. We are getting 20 kid and adult sizes. $15 each.
3. Cider and cider donuts (one type). For spirit week, incentive for attendance.
4. Honor books – Mrs Gindi mentioned she did not want to do them this year? Will discuss in more detail later.
5. Gallery Walk for the door contest for Spanish Heritage Month at the end to vote for favorite door.
6. Principal Report – Went over attendance. 5th grade has improved. 1st graders are highest in attendance. Dip days are those certain days that attendance is low due to half days or days near a holiday. There is a calendar for those certain events. Room Parent volunteers just to contact classroom teachers. Ford Corps at Spencer – fresh fruits and veggies to try and taste for all students.
7. Movie night was a success. Thank you!
8. Boo Bash planning, we still need volunteers and candy donations.
9. Apparel store – we will open it up soon.
10. Restaurant fundraising night. La Boca Oct 23rd. Slider on Nov 21st. 10% goes to PTA. Use the flyers!
11. Election day bake sale! Nov 5th. We need volunteers.
12. Scholastic Fall book fair. Nov 27th to Dec 6. Need volunteers.
13. Opportunities to donate. Everything helps and gets put back towards events.
14. Thank you to Fuego for donating!

Sept 11th 2024 6-7pm

Attendance: Matasha B, Melinda G, Linda W, Cindy M, Mrs Martinez (principal), Mrs Bafumi, Mrs Morello, Mrs Gordon, Mrs Gudelski, Kim E, Evelyn M, Kaitlin D, Derrick B, Wanda M, Brenda W, Kristen R, Rebekah D, Angela B, Chanelle D.

1. Spanish Heritage Month – Door decorating contest for teachers to do with their students. Parents will come in to vote on the best one to win a prize. Combining this event with International Culture Day.
2. Wallace family donation of 5,000 for art, books, assemblies
3. Need a new laminator for the teachers. Need a better microphone system.
4. Matasha presents her slideshow presentation. Instructions to PTA members, What is the PTA?, Do not need to be a parent to be involved, Mission, Meeting Dates.
5. Principals report – Great start to the year, 100% parents on parentsquare, CARES celebrations, Assessments will begin 9/16/24, attendance update.
6. Budget Report – fundraising and field trip.
7. Boo Bash event on October 18th – need volunteers and donations
8. Election bake sale
9. Restaurant fundraising events – one every month
10. Events throughout the year.
11. Opportunities for volunteers. DCF background forms.
12. Stay connected – website and facebook.
13. Apparel? Same as last year? Kaitlyn will reach out to the company. Tote bags or tumblers? Wristbands?
14. New Panda? Derrick volunteers – VOTED IN! ALL said yes
15. Fundraiser Coordinator? Evelyn M volunteers – VOTES IN! ALL said yes

August 23, 2024

Attendance: Melinda, Linda, Matasha, Cindy

1. Hartford Yard Goats next event? April 4th? May 2nd or 15th or 30th 2025?
2. Back to school breakfast for the teachers Monday Aug 26th. (Bagel Bar)
3. Popcorn Bar for the first PTA and meet the new principal meeting. PTA plans to meet on Tuesdays in hopes to get more teachers involved since they already stay for staff meetings. Mrs Martinez wants to have an event every month. She will also attend PTA meetings every month. E-board will be 30 minutes right before the general PTA meeting.
4. Filed PTA taxes and paid.
5. Believe Kids Fundraising? A shopping store geared towards a holiday for students to buy their families a gift. Parents can give kids cash or buy a gift card. Feb date? During Someone Special Dance?
6. Vendor booth fair? Is it a possibility?
7. September – Lyman Pies, October – Boo Bash Oct, Nov – Election day bake sale!!, Nov- Lyman pies delivery, Dec – Book Fair, Jan – nothing yet, Feb – Someone Special Dance, March – Butter Cake and cake rolls fundraiser, March – Spring Book Fair, March 21st – Wolf Pack, April 9th- Fundraiser delivery, May 30th – Panda Jamboree, May 27th – Field Day

July 12th 2024 – 

Attendance: Linda Wat, Melinda Gladden, Matasha Bowick, Cindy Martinez, Bethany Boyle

1. Transfer of emails for President, VP, and Secretary.
2. Updated April, May, and June statements/accounts. Updated on CTPTA.org.
3. Review of resources and calendar of events.
4. Keeping the price for membership to $10. We voted to not raise it to $11.
5. Adding in Matasha Bowick to the citizens bank account. She was voted and confirmed by members.
6. Reviewed as a team the annual budget for PTA. Signed and completed.

Feb 7th 2024 – below is the slideshow of the meeting.

Here are the meeting minutes from tonight’s General PTA meeting. There are tons of information about all upcoming events so please read!! The slides were very comprehensive (thank you Melinda), so the minutes taken at the meeting are below each slide in the Speaker notes.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1v-yyWjSeBnrcNxSCiW7rkaXYJMTCqVZWPhV9tIJ27e4/edit?usp=sharing

Jan 16th 2024 – below is the slideshow of the meeting.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1dCUXehfaeeNbAErsTgosCjcMpgMw4cGxP_2d6hCD61c/edit?usp=sharing

PTA meeting minutes (10/16/23)

Attendees in person: Melinda Gladden, Larissa Hildebrandt, Tia Vargas, Bethany Boyle, Ms. Bafumi, Trisha

Zoom Attendees: Linda Wat, Marlena Reynolds, Kaitlin D’Alesandro, Eileen’s father (sorry did not get your name), Kristen Ruede, Rebekah DiLernia, Colleen Couch

1. Welcome and introductions
2. Welcome to our new Treasurer Cindy (will be on the bank account) and Assistant treasurer Larissa (monthly audits)
3. Agenda Items
   1. Change in PTA meeting day for February to 2/7
4. PTA meeting days unchanged except for February (and next month meeting now Monday 11/13 not 11/15)
5. School request-Artist needs 5 parent volunteers to help day of (11/30); parents need DCF clearance form filled out in order to volunteer. (moved from 10/20) Reach out to Mr. Henderson or Melinda.
6. Principal Report: 

Fall Pictures

• Monday, October 23rd
• Retakes – December 7th 

New Spencer Staff Members

• Zelmirah Bond, Paraprofessional
• Sean Lenehan, Building Substitute Teacher

Outdoor Family Movie Night

• Rescheduled to May 3, 2024

MPS Volunteers – Three Tiers

Information is posted on Spencer School website: 

All volunteers must be approved before helping for any Spencer School activity.  Volunteer form is online,but paper copies are available at school. 

Level I  Volunteers:

• Defined as current Middletown Public Schools employees or students.
• Do not require formal screening or training.

Level II Volunteers:

• Engage in activities in the presence of a Middletown Public Schools employee. 
• Complete the DCF Release on an annual basis. 
• Examples for guidance: assisting in a classroom, cafeteria, or library when a staff member is present; accompanying a class on a field trip during the school day with a teacher.

Level III Volunteers:

• Provide services to students when not in the direct presence of a Middletown Public Schools employee. 
• Required to submit a DCF Release and fingerprinting (Criminal background check).
• Examples for guidance: accompanying a class on a field trip when students are divided into small groups supervised solely by the volunteer chaperone for any length of time; chaperoning an overnight field trip; working in direct contact with students without the direct presence of a Middletown Public Schools employee.

For further information, please contact MPS Human Resources Department:

Human Resources

311 Hunting Hill Avenue

Middletown, CT 06457

Phone: 860-638-1404

https://www.middletownschools.org/page/human-resources

Environment/Recycle School Event

• To be rescheduled

• In-school event for grades K-5

• Students help create life size Orca out of plastic.

• Volunteers needed to help students. 

• https://katowens.com/entangled-and-ingested/

Parent Teacher Conferences:

• December 6th, 7th and 8th. 
• More information coming in the next few weeks. 

MPS Job Openings: 

• MPS needs Reading and Math Interventionists to support students. 
• See MPS website for more information.MPS Human Resources
• Spencer is in need of one reading interventionist and one math interventionist.  Both full time positions.  Apply online. 

1. Treasurer report:
   1. Financial review completed from 2022-2023 school year
   2. Keeping budget up to date on a monthly basis. (audits monthly)
   3. Discussed expenses up to this point in the year, currently in the negative but awaiting results of Lyman pies sales. 

1. Grant requests
   1. Applied for grants through National PTA-will tell us how to spend if granted
   2. CT PTA grants-application due November 30th
   3. Need volunteers for a grant committee
   4. HVAC grant (Air conditioning in schools)-Ask MPS grant writer for help
   5. Walmart and Aldi offer grants to help with school events

1. Fundraising report
   1. Multiple donations received for Boo Bash
   2. Middletown Diner -requested a donation
   3. How to get more donations from community area businesses; all members can ask for donations to help PTA
      1. Staples?
      2. Dollar General?
      3. Shop Rite?
2.  Boo Bash
   1. Free to enter, suggested donation (cash, check, paypal) or donate goods for events
   2. Games in gym
   3. Music
   4. Haunted Courtyard-Adult supervision needed
   5. Volunteer form for Middle schoolers and High schoolers who need service hours
   6. Coloring Station
   7. Reading Station
   8. Concessions
   9. Trunks by playground-Will have prize for best trunk (Dunkin Donuts gift cards)
      1. Number the trunks and vote for your favorite
   10. Welcome table
   11. Apparel Store-manned by Kaitlin
   12. 50/50 raffle – only cash 
3. Lyman Fundraiser
   1. Orders due now! Last orders can go in by 10/20
   2. Pickup date 11/20
   3. Prize for top selling class
      1. Extra recess
   4. Prize for top selling family
      1. Ideas: Fun in jump passes, games, Wendy’s vouchers
4. Apparel Store
   1. Up and running now, hope to extend to 11/5
   2. Get your Panda Gear!!
5. Election Day Bake Sale
   1. 6am until goods are sold out
   2. Need baked goods!! And volunteers to work day of…
   3. PTA closet cleanup
6. La Boca Restaurant Night
   1. 10/25 5p-9p
   2. 10% of all dine in and takeout orders
7. Chuck E Cheese
   1. Bring Flyer for 11/17/23
   2. 3p-9p, use coupons
   3. Chuck E will visit Spencer after school
8. Upcoming restaurant nights
   1. Jersey Mikes January
   2. Mondos March
   3. Chili’s maybe in February
   4. Perk on Main in December?
   5. Dairy Queen, Rich Farms, Als Ice Cream-for hotter months
   6. Five Guys?
   7. Illiano’s?
   8. Jerry’s Pizza?
   9. Party Pizza?
   10. Newfield Pizza?
9. Upcoming events
   1. International Culture day 12/15
   2. Bingo night 1/19/24
   3. Someone Special Dance 2/9/24
   4. Field Day 5/24/24?
   5. Panda Jamboree 5/31/24, will need rain date possibility
10. Sponsor for PTA-Kelly Orthodontics
    1. Gorilla Graphics for putting sponsor name on t shirts for Field day team shirts
11. Upcoming event ideas
    1. Spencer’s Got Talent
    2. Spencer Career Day
    3. Caregiver Lead Workshops (ie: yoga teachers?, artists?)
    4. Caregiver night out
    5. Suggestions?
12. Scholastic Book Fair
    1. 11/30-12/8; 3/7/24-3/15/24
    2. Need volunteers
    3. Info meeting with representative Microsoft Teams 10/20 9:30am
13. Bylaw Committee
    1. Tia volunteered, Submission by 12/31/23
14. Spencer PTA website
    1. Working on updates monthly (Linda W.), Linda cleaned up the site
    2. Add a section to shout out to members-first names only
15. Passive Fundraiser
    1. Need ideas for more other than BoxTops

**NEXT PTA MEETING MOVED TO MONDAY NOVEMBER 13TH AT 6:30***

Emergency Spencer PTA meeting 10/3/23 via Zoom – Meeting Minutes

Members present: Melinda Gladden, Kaitlin D’Alesandro, Bethany Boyle, Sean Boyle, Denton Gladden, Cindy Martinez Larissa Hildebrandt, Glenn Mauricio, Amber Ganaros (9 members present)

*Current Treasurer stepping down. Officially resigned via written letter on 10/1/23. 

*Nomination held for open Treasurer position

• Denton Gladden nominated Cindy Martinez for the office of Treasurer.
• Motion was seconded by Sean Boyle. 
• Unanimous vote among remaining members of yay for Cindy Martinez-Treasurer.
• Congratulations to Cindy!
• Denton Gladden nominated Larissa Hildebrand for the new position of Assistant Treasurer of Spencer PTA. 
• Motion seconded by Sean Boyle.
• Unanimous vote followed among remaining members of yay for Larissa Hildebrand for the new position of Assistant Treasurer. 
• Congratulations to Larissa!

*Began review of current year budget.

• Removed items that no longer pertained/existed (ie: AmazonSmile line)
• Added in booked restaurant fundraisers
• Added in missing lines for certain grades for field trip reimbursements

Meeting concluded.

PTA Meeting Minutes    9/15/23 

6:30pm – 7:30pm

-Members in attendance in person: Melinda, Angela, Bethany, Ms. Bafumi, Ms. Cihocki, Tia, Amber, Wanda, Lauren, Mary Beth, Cindy

-Members in attendance on zoom: Linda, Marlena, Brittany, Marquis, Asmaa, Timothy, Tyana, Evelyn, Kristen, Colleen (and may have missed a few due to poor internet connection during meeting)

**Please reference meeting slides for additional meeting information

1. Agenda items reviewed (See slide)
2. Introductions
   1. E Board introductions-
      1. Will need a new treasurer for this year. Current treasurer resigning. Will need nominations and formal vote.
3. What is the PTA? Review of Mission statement (see slide) 

-We have 29 paid members as of today.

-PTA Membership discounts at some businesses.

-Year at a Glance-review of last year’s events (Sent as separate document)

1. Meeting Dates (Around the 15th of every month), Calendars will be sent out for every month (will finalize dates for events at E-board monthly)

Monday 10/16

Wednesday 11/15

Thursday 12/14

Tuesday 1/16

Thursday 2/15

Monday 3/18

Wednesday 4/17

Wednesday 5/15

1. Principal’s Report
   1. New Staff Members at Spencer
   2. Start with Hello Week-Next week, watch for daily themes
   3. Reminder Open house night 9/21
   4. Fall pictures 10/23, Retakes 12/7
   5. Outdoor Movie Night on 9/29: “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (7-8:30) 
   6. 21C afterschool program starts 9/25/23 until 5/24/23, currently full, but waitlist an option

1. Treasurer Report

-Lyman Orchard fundraiser the biggest of last year

-Starting the year with almost $9,000 in budget.

-Plan to give about $500 per grade for field trips

-$500 contribution toward an assembly

-Potential to hire babysitters for PTA meetings

-Teacher requests for supplies, teachers get reimbursed $20 per amount of days worked per week (ie: full time staff member would qualify for $100 in reimbursement for the school year since they work 5 days a week)

1. Lyman Pie Fundraiser, online ordering

-October 2-16th

-Delivered on Nov 20th

-Need volunteers to help on distribution day

1. Boo Bash: Oct 20, 2023 5:30-8

-Can we do a Haunted Courtyard?-Can it be done in the gym?

-Need Volunteers to work at it and also need donations, trunk or treat cars, candy

-Should we charge admission?

-Separate meetings for planning

-High school students to volunteer?

1. Election Day Bake Sale-Very successful in the past (tend to run out of items to sell before day is over)

-Tuesday Nov 7th, one of the biggest fundraisers for the PTA

-Committee

-Need volunteers to bake and work the table

1. Sliders Restaurant Night

-Monday Sept 18th from 5-8pm (Dine in only)

-Sliders Grill and Bar, 1265 S. Main Street, Middletown

1. Remaining Restaurant Night Fundraisers

-Still need December, February, April, May and June

-Potentials: Illianos, Sicily, Five Guys, Sonic-maybe too far, other restaurants downtown

1. Proposed Events of the Year

-December: International Culture Day-potluck with recipes, have to get permission

-Jan: Game and Chill Night

-Feb: Someone Special Dance

-March: Hartford Wolfpack game booked for March 1st

-May: Field Day (date TBD) and Panda Jamboree (May 31)

-Book fairs are booked; need volunteers to work the fair; PTA provides dinner for staff during late night

-Ms. Lendler suggested Artsonia for art fundraiser, maybe before Holidays

-Booster-fun run or walk a thon-potential sponsor for new playground for Spencer

1. How to Get Involved

-One suggestion: Flip give?-connect an account and get money back for the school

-Gift card fundraisers (Scripts)

-Box Tops App (passive fundraiser, spread the word)

1. School Requests

-PTA utilized Scholastic dollars to buy 2 brand new rugs for the classrooms.

-Apparel store: Can teachers get matching shirts/pom poms for school unity at district wide conferences? Possibly give as teacher gift for Teacher Appreciation Week

1. Bylaw Review Committee

-Need diversity and inclusion clause

-Need volunteers to help amend this year

1. Opportunities to Volunteer

-Need volunteer to update PTA website (Amber?)

-Multiple committees

-Need School leadership council members – help make decisions for the school. Currently there are only 2 members still active from Spencer on this council.

1. DCF Background clearance form

-No fingerprinting necessary for Spencer at this time. Please fill out the form in order to volunteer at future school events and PTA events.

1. Facebook: Spencer PTA group

-Information posted here frequently about all PTA events. Please join the Facebook page to stay the most up to date and involved!

ALL INFORMATION ABOVE IS FOR 2023

Spencer School PTA Regular Meeting Minutes    

Date: 9/18/19 | Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Location of meeting: Spencer School Library

Board Members Present:
President: Missy Hein
Vice President: Nick Ficaro
Treasurer: Sandy Pinero
Secretary: Lacey Weiss
Fundraising Coordinator: Annie Sansone
Staff Rep: Jen Gudelski
21 people preset including board member

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer reviewed parts of the budget and how to read the page.

President reviews activities planned for the year.
9/16 – Pie and Cookie Dough Fundraiser
9/24 – Restaurant night
10/16 – La Boca Restaurant
10/18 – Boo Bash
11/5 – Bake Sale
11/6 – Restaurant Night, Chipoltle
11/8 – 11/22 – Book Fair
December – pottery event
January – Yoga night, movie night, trivia night, STEM night etc…event not decided yet.
February – Someone Special Dance
March – Game night
April – Bake Sale, voting day
May – Panda Jamboree – end of year party, Picnic in back of school
Second book fair in spring; a New Britain Bees or Yard Goats game.
Budget Vote – Missy Hein Moved “that Spencer School PTA 2019-2020 Budget be approved.” The motion was adopted by PTA members – none opposed.
Chair persons decided for Bake sale, someone special dance and pottery event
Open Discussion topics – Fundraising ideas, National PTA – Art activity and school of excellence, Spencer School PTA applied for grants through National PTA

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 PTA Meeting Minutes: May 10, 2017
Attendance: Erin Giuliano (President), Jennine Goldenberg (Vice President), Lisa Morris (Treasurer), Christi Maiese (Secretary), Sandy Pinero (Fundraising Coordinator), Suzanne Zahner (Principal), Erica Bufumi (Teacher), Jennifer Gudelski (Teacher), Parents: Jen Hein, Jamie Bruno, Kelli Lenihan, Michelle Lis.
Principal’s Report: Check backpacks and folders every night, there are lots of field trips and concerts coming up.
Testing in progress, the smarter balance is going on now for grades 3-5 and the NWEA for grades 2-5 will be in a few weeks. Kindergarten had F&P testing to see if they meet grade level. All tests will be done by May 24th and the last 3 weeks of school there is no major testing.
Suzanne Zahner will be moving to Tennessee, her husband got a job at Eastern Tennessee State University. She turned in her resignation and will be here for the remainder of the school year. They will be looking for parents interested in being on the board for the new principal. If interested, let Mrs. Zahner know and she will forward information to the board of ed. A letter went home today notifying all families.
Fundraiser Recap: (Erin) Artwork $608; BOGO Bookfair $300 in Scholastic dollars (typically we don’t make anything so this was a bonus); United Technologies $250 (for Sandy’s volunteer work); Box Tops $179 (collection and payout 2 times a year); Shirt Sale $75; Price Chopper 50 thousand points (Mrs. Antmanis spent the points on items for recess and field day); Stop & Shop $296.
Panda Jamboree: (Erin) We are still looking for donations however we are set with the bubbles! Looking for volunteers to man the stations. Kelli said that she will sell refreshments. Our tables are reserved and won’t be loaned out to other schools for that night. Mrs. Matikowski and Mrs. Papandrea will help with face painting. Mrs. Cardella can only do one hour. Wendy Roy can help with the raffles and Jamie can face paint. We will have Henna so face painting may not take so long. Mrs. Cardinal can help with ticket sales, Amalia (High School student) can face paint, and a few other high school kids can help. There will be 3 bounce houses.
E-Board Voting for 2017- 2018 School Year: Nominations are as follows
President- Jennine Goldenberg
Vice President- none nominated
Treasurer- Lisa Morris
Fundraising Chair- Sandy Pinero
Secretary- Jamie Bruno
Mrs. Zahner nominated to vote the whole slate, Erin seconded the nomination to vote in the whole slate. It was a unanimous vote with all present to vote in the new e-board.
The E-Board typically meets over the summer, after a new principal is hired a meeting with the board can be set up. Erin said she will still do the Holiday Shopping Night and will try to plan it before the other schools do theirs. Mrs. Zahner said we can have it on Saturday but the janitor and principal need to be there.

PTA Meeting Minutes: March 8, 2017

Attendance: Erin Giuliano (President), Jeanine Goldenberg (Vice President), Lisa Morris (Treasurer), Christi Maiese (Secretary), Sandy Pinero (Fundraising Coordinator), Suzanne Zahner (Principal), Erica Bufumi (Teacher), Parents: Jen Hein, Jamie Bruno, Paul Costello, Michelle Lis, Kelly A.

Principal’s Report:  Climate survey is going to be underway and it needs parent involvement.  Grades 3-5 and staff also take it.  It is a district wide survey and our results are compared to other Middletown schools.  Our goal is to exceed last years of 54%.  An extra recess will go to the class with the most participation.  During conferences, computers will be available.

Fundraising Update: Sandy stated that our profit for Mondo was $290, Iguanas Ranas was $100 plus 4 $25 gift certificates, and Launch donated gift certificates for the Jamboree.  Chipotle fundraiser will be April 4^th and they will donate 50% of the profit.

 Movie night we will show Moana on March 31^st, 5:45-6:15 for pizza then movie.  Paul will look into speakers from work for movie and call Suzanne tomorrow.

Buy One Get One Book Fair will take place May 1-5^th and we need as many daytime volunteers as possible and we will have a night time date available.

Panda Jamboree will be May 19^th, Jeanine said we still need donations.  We will assign a theme for each grade to help out.

Nominations for 2017-2018 PTA Executive Board:  Erin stated that nominations for next year PTA will take place and we must have a President and Treasurer.  Erin said that she is not interested in being President next year.  If anyone is interested in any of the eboard positions, email the spencerschoolpta or bring the nominations to the next meeting.

Artwork Fundraiser: Sandy said the order forms for this will go home in about 2 weeks.  Mr. Callahan is tying in his lesson plan with recommendations from the fundraiser company. 

Open Forum: Sandy asked if there was a Math Night.  Yes there is on May 11^th. 

The maximum number of people for movie night is 224 people and we can bring blankets or chairs.

Middletown Emergency Management Disaster Preparedness Presentation:  Joe, Jack and Liz came to speak with the PTA. They are not first responders but they support them.  Community outreach is their focus.  Ice, flood, snow, tornado- what do you have on hand in case of emergencies.  Mrs. Zanher stated that schools and teachers are trained through FEMA.  Schools are trained to cover emergencies.

The presenters are encouraging volunteers for the Citizen Emergency Response Teams (CERT).  It is a 20-hour course in disaster preparedness, fire safety, disaster medical operations, disaster psychology.  The class will be offered soon.

Have awareness for family reunification, what the school policy is, make sure the school emergency contact information is up to date.  Know how to talk to your child after a traumatic event:  calm voice, let them know what adults are doing to keep them safe, minimize their exposure and encourage questions and reassure them.

Be prepared by knowing where to find information: city resources web page, 211 for local information, library, Red Cross, Fema.

Ready Kit Go Bag- keep a kit in car and one at home, enough supplies for everyone in household for 3 days.

Emergency List: have doctor info, medical info, insurance numbers, credit card numbers, medical equipment serial numbers.  Know the nearest shelter. Check on neighbors.

Notifications- sign up for text or email alerts at ctalert.gov

Make a plan for pets and service animals.

CERT meets every Thursday on Randolf Road 7pm.

 

 

PTA Meeting Minutes: February 8, 2017

 

Attendance: Jeanine Goldenberg (Vice President), Lisa Morris (Treasurer), Christi Maiese (Secretary), Sandy Pinero (Fundraising Coordinator), Suzanne Zahner (Principal), Erica Bufumi (Teacher), Sandra Cardella (Teacher). Parents: Jen Hein, Jamie Bruno, Scott Long, Paul Costello, Trish Roy.

Principal’s Report: The American Cancer Society Fundraiser is where the children collect spare change, kids helping kids.  Fundraiser ends 2/17.  There will be awards for whose class donates more.

The Climate Survey- last year we had 54% participation, we didn’t have translations available.  This year translations are available for families.  The survey wants to know about parent involvement in the school.  How do you feel when entering the school?  Are we a welcoming community?  Besides the parents/caregivers, children in grades 3, 4 & 5 will also take the survey.  During March conferences, the computers will be available to take the survey.  Jeanine offered to give out cupcakes to those who take the survey.

Bus loop- parents should stay out of the bus loop for drop off.  After 8:52, it’s okay, before that, it’s too dangerous.  Stay out of the loop for pick up also, there is a bus driver shortage and one of the drivers has two routes.

Officer Hurtler has spoken to parents that park in the no parking area by the gate in the parking lot.  Suzanne will see if we can get cones to put there or to repaint the no parking zone.

Jamie asked about repainting the map on the playground.  Suzanne said that goes through the district and she will ask them about repainting.  It may take a while, there is one painter for the city of Middletown and due to their union, it needs to go through them.

Fundraiser Update:  Jeanine- bingo night was a huge success, we sold out.  Thanks to all who helped and donated goodies, thanks to Domino pizza and Metro Movies for donating popcorn.  Jen stated that it was disappointing to the kids who didn’t preregister and got the message that bingo night was sold out.  On the actual invitations, we should have an RSVP.  It was brought up that in the future, we may be able to have overflow in the gym (2 bingo games going on at once).  Jeanine also said in the future we will save aside a separate area for those wanting to play other games.

Sandy mentioned the Iguana Ranas fundraiser, Feb 16th, bring the flier or mention Spencer school and they will give us 20% of proceeds.  March 3, we will have a Launch fundraiser, mention Spencer and they will give up anywhere between 10-25% back depending on how many show up.  For 50 bouncers, they will give us 25%.  And Mondo night is March 7^th 10% given, take in or eat out.  And Chipotle on April 4^th they will give us 50% back, located on the Berlin Turnpike.

Jamie mentioned, to make it more fun for the kids, create a restaurant passport.  If they can get a certain number of squares signed off on they can be entered into a drawing for a prize.

The Book fair is coming up, May 1-5^th.  Buy one get one free.  Need parent volunteers.  We can create an evening event and maybe get Mayor Dan Drew to read a book.  Suzanne said she can ask Officer Hurtler to be a guest reader.  We can have snacks available.  Jamie volunteers for the register for the evening book fair.  We may give incentives to volunteer such as scholastic dollars.

Movie night- Jamie had given Erin all her information on movie night.  We can give kids 3 options to choose from (Moana, Secret Life of Pets or Zootopia) and let them vote.  Jamie had coloring and word searches for those who weren’t into the movie.  We must be out of the school by 9pm so we need to end by 8pm to give us time to clean.  We will start by 6pm and feed pizza and popcorn.  We still need to find out the maximum number for the gym.

Sound system was asked about and Sandra Cardella said a new audio system was $2000- 2500.  Paul may be able to get a sound system from work.  PTA may be able to buy a new sound system at the end of the year after all the teacher receipts have been reimbursed and field trips taken.

Jamie suggested raffling off the movie being shown.

Sandy brought up the Spring Fundraiser.  We will be doing kids artwork on t-shirts, mugs.  We need to see if Mr. Callahan will be able to assist with this.  Jeanine will contact him.  Our goal is delivery before Mother’s Day.

Lisa brought up the need for more PTA members, we need at least 25 members therefore we will have a winter drive to get members.

Lisa also mentioned to remember to bring in box tops and enroll in Stop & Shop, Price Chopper and Shoperoo.

Trish asked how we get the money.  Price Chopper we accumulate points and we shop through a catalog and Stop & Shop we receive a check in June.  We made $19 from Shutterfly and $2000 from Scolastic.

Panda Jamboree planning has begun.  Sandy will go online to see who will donate and Jeanine will go around town during April vacation.