November

NOVEMBER MEETING MINUTES

MOUNT SCOTT ELEMENTARY PTO

LOCATION: MOUNT SCOTT ELEMENTARY LIBRARY

DATE: November 08, 2023

TIME: 2:30 pm

ATTENDANCE:

IN-PERSON: Tracey Kebede-Berhanu, Rob Michaud, Melissa Pfaff, Megan Erb, Amy Pederson, Alyssa McKillip, Jenny Schmidt, Tasha Cruz, Karen Ricoy, Jeremy Black, Jennifer Goodrich, Jeff Green and Sarah Baker

VIRTUAL: Khristina Powell, Gareth Hood, Bianca Vuittonet, Adrienne Corso and Casey Killinger

Meeting called to order by Tracey Kebede-Berhanu at 2:36 pm.

Approval of Minutes:

October 2023 minutes were reviewed, motion to approve made by Tracey Kebede-Berhanu. Melissa Pfaff seconded. October 2023 minutes were approved. 

Old Business:

1. Eagle Run:

   1. Presented by Tracey Kebede-Berhanu

   2. Eagle Run was a huge success. Final amount raised was $23,836. The goal of $16,000 was exceeded. PTO will be sure to allocate that money to good use for the school, teachers and students 

   3. A post-mortem has been started. Tracey Kebede-Berhanu asked if any meeting attendees had any feedback. Tracey Kebede-Berhanu stated that this Eagle Run was the first time that the current committee was able to hold this event outside. Amy Pederson reported that she loved having it outside. Amy Pederson suggested having band-aids due to lots of biffs. Jennifer Goodrich suggested that it would be nice to have a designated section to allow other classes to cheer on students running on the field. Megan Erb suggested that 15 minutes was not enough time for the students to participate. Tracey Kebede-Berhanu reported that the whole block of allotted time was for 30 minutes with 20 minutes of running time. The teachers felt that the 30 minutes running time is perfect and it should not be shortened. Karen Ricoy asked if the 30-minute time block covered the entire process (classroom to field and then back to the classroom). Tracey Kebede-Berhanu stated that teachers were given a 30-minute block from the time they arrived on the field, they were given instructions as a group, dismissed to their designated areas, 20 minutes of running, returned to their tables, given popsicles and then returned to their classrooms. Tracey Kebede-Berhanu stated that she liked the cheering on that happened organically. Tasha Cruz stated that the assumption was that the Eagle Run committee did not want the event to be too intrusive to the students’ learning day so that is why they thought that the 30-minute block time was sufficient. Amy Pederson stated that she loved the balloon arch. Amy Pederson suggested to have classes come down the ramp instead of using the balloon arch so that other classes could have enough time to take pictures. Tracey Kebede-Berhanu stated that the weather was perfect, pizza parties have been scheduled and popcorn parties are in the work

2. Garden Club:

   1. Presented by Rob Michaud

   2. Rob Michaud presented a google document about the garden club (see attached handout). Rob Michaud stated that the committee had a ground’s keeper from the district come and look at the best possible spot to have the garden. There is about 600 square feet. The spot will receive a decent amount of sun, it has water access and power as there is a street lamp. The power might be helpful while building. Basic dimensions, it is 15 feet x 40 feet roughly. Currently, there is a memorial stone which will need to be carefully moved and find another place for it. Rob Michaud stated that we are in the beginning of the process, there is a lot of interest and people are very excited. Rob Michaud stated that teachers are talking about growing starts in their classrooms. Rob Michaud’s students are going to work on area and arrays. They are going to try to develop some nice and interesting garden beds that will work in the designated space. Tracey Kebede-Berhanu stated that at the kick-off meeting, the team talked about March 1st being the ground breaking date. Karen Ricoy asked for clarification as to whether March 1st would be the ground breaking as in putting plants in or is it the date to start actual construction. Rob Michaud stated that the beds would be built before March 1st and that the ground breaking would mean putting plants in the ground. Tracey Kebede-Berhanu stated that it still needs to be determined on how the event will be organized (during or after school hours). Tracey Kebede-Berhanu requested that Rob Michaud be the chair of this committee. She feels that it would be great to have this co-chaired by a teacher and a parent from the PTO that could help to organize the actual event part. Rob Michaud agreed to co-chair. PTO will still seek a parent co-chair for this committee/club. Karen Ricoy asked what level of input would Rob Michaud want from the parent/PTO. Rob Michaud stated that the club still needs to find out what plants are we allowed to grow and what plants do we want to grow. This will determine the size of the boxes and what type of filling we need in them. There are still a lot of questions and we are in the planning phase. Rob Michaud would love feedback and to be able to work with more people. Gareth Hood asked if we could still keep the memorial stone and work around it. Rob Michaud stated that it is possible. Karen Ricoy asked the group if anyone remembered the stone. Amy Pederson stated that memorial stone was with a tree but the tree is no longer on the property. Amy Pederson feels that the point of the stone was the tree and that if we place the stone next to the garden it will still be next to something that is living and growing. The group mentioned that we could re-dedicate the garden. Tracey Kebede-Berhanu stated that a committee is needed for this club. She asked that word go out to any other teachers or staff that would like to be involved and PTO will put the word out to see if any other parents would like to get involved. Karen Ricoy stated that having more teachers involved would be smart because it is their lab

Board Position Reports:

1. President: 

   1. Presented by Tracey Kebede-Berhanu

   2. Tracey Kebede-Berhanu announced that PTO has secured food for parent teacher conferences from Olive Garden. It will be a salad, breadstick and three different types of pasta. PTO will make sure to have a veggie option and a white sauce option. Please let PTO know if there are any specific requests

2. IT:

   1. Jeremy Black asked if Donnie will be contact with Jesus Cruz. Tasha Cruz stated that Jesus Cruz will be discussing a couple of topics with Donnie

Committee Reports:

1. Rummage Sale:

   1. Date: February 10, 2024

   2. This event will be chaired by Rachel Wullbrandt. Tracey Kebede-Berhanu stated that this is a new event for the PTO and it will be replacing the auction. PTO has already reserved the gym and cafeteria. Tracey Kebede-Berhanu reported that the idea is like a community garage sale, rent a table and sale your stuff

2. OMSI Night:

   1. Date: January 30, 2024 6 pm – 8 pm

   2. Tracey Kebede-Berhanu reported that this will be a shared event with View Acres. It will be a free event for all of the families and staff

3. Dining For A Cause:

   1. Tasha Cruz reported that PTO made $451.65 from Café Yumm. Casey Killinger stated that PTO has already received the check

   2. MOD Pizza (Sunnyside Location) is scheduled for 11/16/23. Tasha Cruz requested that families state they are from Mount Scott Elementary so that we can receive the funds. It is an all-day sale

4. Yearbook Committee:

   1. No report

5. Glow Party:

   1. Date: January 19, 2024

   2. Melissa Pfaff reported that she will start organizing a committee. She stated that she needs to contact Jesus Cruz regarding the set-up of the lights. Sarah Baker stated that she would help with the committee. Lex Black has already secured the NHS (National Honor Society) to help to volunteer. Tasha Cruz reminded Jeff Green that the FMM (Friday Morning Meetings) are set to correspond with PTO events so that it helps with spirit wear

6. Big Splash:

   1. Date: February 23, 2024

   2. Casey Killinger to chair this event

7. Teacher/Staff Appreciation:

   1. Date: May 6-10, 2024

   2. Lex Black to chair this event

8. Carnival:

   1. Date: May 31, 2024

   2. Lex Black to chair this event

9. Field Day:

   1. Date: June 7, 2024

   2. A committee chair is still needed for this event. Karen Ricoy asked if Mr. Edwards was happy with the last years’ experience. Tracey Kebede-Berhanu stated that he was very happy to have PTO involved

New Business:

1. Black Top Recess Equipment Requests: 

   1. Presented by Adrienne Corso

   2. Adrienne Corso requested a new tetherball. The school has two tetherball poles but only one pole has a tetherball. Adrienne Corso stated that the kids play with the one tetherball a lot. The other requested item was for a spike ball. Jeremy Black suggested that the PTO also purchase three spike ball sets. Tracey Kebede-Berhanu motioned for $100 for extra recess equipment. Members approved the motion for $100 for extra recess equipment. Kelsey Bennett may order and PTO will provide a re-imbursement

2. Eagles Nest Funding Request:

   1. Presented by Adrienne Corso

   2. Mount Scott will be opening an “Eagles Nest” after Thanksgiving. The Eagles Nest is a regulation room. Staff will be selecting students to come to the regulation room to learn different tools to down regulate on their own or to stay regulated before they escalate. The goal is to take or have these skills that they learn in the Eagles Nest and take them into their classroom to help create these regulation spaces throughout the entire school. It is a work in progress and there are many other schools that have done this for years that have shown incredible outcomes with kids needing less work from counseling staff and psychologist when we teach kids about their emotions. Adrienne Corso stated that she will be the main person in the room and that there are certain things that are still required. For example, shelves or certain fidgets that will be used at stations. Adrienne Corso is requesting the $250 teacher stipend. Tracey Kebede-Berhanu proposed $250 to launch the Eagles Nest. Jeremy Black motioned to approve the proposal. Tasha Cruz seconded the motion. Members approved. $250 will be provided for the Eagles Nest

3. PTO Elect Roles Requests:

   1. Presented by Tracey Kebede-Berhanu 

   2. Tracey Kebede-Berhanu stated that the PTO board is still seeking elect roles for treasurer, secretary and IT. PTO is also seeking a secondary role for the teacher liaison position. This position was designed to have two positions: a newish teacher and a more experienced teacher. Amy Pederson volunteered for the experienced teacher role. Amy Pederson requested more information regarding what the role entails. Tasha Cruz gave the example of getting information to teachers. Tracey Kebede-Berhanu stated that it is a way to communicate between PTO and staff

4. OBOB Requests:

   1. Presented by Jennifer Goodrich

   2. Jennifer Goodrich reported for the last two years, she has written Donors Choose grants to raise the money herself to fund OBOB. In the past, OBOB was ran by the library but the library has not been able to purchase the books with library funds. The district put a stop last year on purchasing new books. Jennifer Goodrich has stated that it is not a sustainable way of funding for OBOB and it is not feasible for kids to check out the books from her room. Jennifer Goodrich would like the books to be purchased by PTO and then placed in the library for proper accessibility, checking out and tracking. The last few years, the amount of money has been $900-$1200 for the books. Amy Pederson suggested that Bev Dixon would love to help volunteer with OBOB prep with reading questions. Jennifer Goodrich emphasized that she does not want OBOB just to be for kids that are good readers. Students may listen to audiobooks. This is for everyone and for kids just to read books and to enjoy books. The actual competition is May 17, 2024. Jennifer Goodrich stated that the kids last year did not want to go to the regional competition in Salem. Due to this decision, Jennifer Goodrich decided to move the date to May 17th because it allows students more time to complete all the books. At the current time, PTO budgets $500 for OBOB. Tracey Kebede-Berhanu stated that she sees this as a two-prong request: increasing the line-item budget for OBOB books to $1200 and then to organize a committee. Tasha Cruz suggested that this type of project is something that the school librarian should be involved in. Tasha Cruz asked Jeff Green if the books could be placed in the library and be checked out like the regular library books. Jeff Green stated that he can discuss this with Macy Bishop. The list of OBOB books for the next school year comes out in the spring. Tasha Cruz stated that if we made OBOB a PTO event then there would be volunteers and PTO could do a sign-up genius and it would be a great partnership. Tracey Kebede-Berhanu asked if it would help to have a parent volunteer to help with OBOB during specials starting in February. Melissa Pfaff suggested having a parent volunteer in library on the day that there is are no specials. Jeff Green also suggested having a parent volunteer available for asking practice questions. Tasha Cruz suggested partnering OBOB with the PTO’s Read-A-Thon which is scheduled for March. Jennifer Goodrich and Tasha Cruz to be the committee chairs for this event

5. Time Capsule:

   1. Presented by Khristina Powell

   2. Khristina Powell has brought up an idea that would bridge the gap between our current elementary kids and any graduates. The concept is really for 5th graders to create a time capsule every year. The students would fill it with items that are significant for that school year or calendar year. Khristina Powell stated that the time capsule would not be buried in the ground but instead displayed in the school library. Then seven years later, the now seniors of high school, would be invited back to Mount Scott for an open the vault ceremony with the current 5th graders. Jennifer Goodrich mentioned that at one time, Mount Scott did do a time capsule but it was for the whole school. Karen Ricoy stated that the time capsule is buried by the new addition. Jennifer Goodrich thinks that this is a fun idea and she likes the idea of displaying the time capsule. Tracey Kebede-Berhanu asked if there was a way for students to do this during school time. Khristina Powell would like to put together a more comprehensive proposal and send it to Jeff Green, Tracey Kebede-Berhanu and the 5th grade teachers

Principal’s Report:

1. Jeff Green reported that student leadership just met today. This year, each student leader has been paired up with a teacher. A new system has been developed to notify student leaders when they are needed to help with the leader board and sign thank you cards. Jeff Green reported that he had the kids brainstorm ideas for spirit days. He mentioned having a full week of spirit wear which would be fun. Jeff Green expressed that he is really excited, impressed and proud of our students about making mistakes. In general, giving the kids the space and time for SEL learning pays off.  He feels that it is right for kids to feel heard. He shared that he is grateful to be at Mount Scott

Closing/Meeting Remarks:

Thank you to the parents and staff for attending. Thank you to Jeremy Black for the IT assistance. Thank you to Tracey Kebede-Berhanu for the home-made cookies.

Garden Plot Proposal

Mount Scott Elementary is thinking about installing a school garden. An elite group of garden enthusiasts met on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. The group consisted of several members of the PTO and a few staff members. We met and rolled around some ideas. Here’s what we’ve got…

Position: Where are we planning to place the garden?

Dimensions: How large is the garden?

Features: What features are currently there that might need to be changed or can be used?

Position

Dimensions

Updated 11/8/23

Northwest boundary by ramp down: 12’ 6”

Southwest boundary by ramp down: 38’ 6”

Southeast boundary (no natural boundary): 15’ 1”

Northeast boundary by sidewalk: 38’ 6”

Roughly 15 x 40 = 600 square feet

The southeast boundary can be extended if needed, which will alter the southwest and northeast boundaries.

We are planning to install several raised garden boxes (size will depend on plants) with pathways between for easy access. We also mentioned a possible compost tumbler and drip irrigation.

Features