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PTA Board Minutes

Whittier PTA’s full library of all official meeting minutes.

PTA Meeting Minutes: 10/8/24

PTA Meeting Minutes: 10/8/24

BOARD MEMBERS / CHAIRS IN ATTENDANCE

  • Kate Lindsay Scher – Co-President 
  • Allie DeLong Thomas – Co-President 
  • Renee Hartnett – Vice President / Spirit Gear (zoom) 
  • Melissa Ivancevich – Co-Secretary 
  • Emily Robertson – Co-Secretary 
  • Michelle Nemeth – Treasurer 
  • Meg Herscher – Communications Chair 
  • Ashley Schiavone – Fundraising Co-Chair 
  • Jess Templeton – Fundraising Co-Chair 
  • Kathleen Donahoe – Hospitality Co-Chair 
  • Jess Twardzik – Hospitality Co-Chair 
  • Meg Pietz – Events Chair 
  • Emily Schweiger – Family and Community Engagement
  • Outreach Chair Laura Zingg – Programs Co-Chair; Student Directory 
  • Jen Foreman – Programs Co-Chair 
  • Jon Overman – Legislative Representative 
  • Anjean Vanden Bosch – Membership Chair  
  • Kiana Swearingen – Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Co-Chair 
  • Jill Muscatel – Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Co-Chair 
  • John Shaw – Tech Support 
  • Brie Gardner – Back To Business Co-Chair 
  • Anika Anand – Yearbook Co-Chair 
  • Jared Cortese – Fall Festival Chair 
  • David Peabody – Move-a-thon 
  • Elan Simonson – Spring Fling Chair 
  • Sara Lukas – Room Parent Coordinator 
  • Nicole Kaczmarek – Member at Large 
  • Courtney Sievers – Member at Large

COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

  • Principal Watters 
  • Collin Provence – 5th grade teacher 
  • Julia Massey – IA 
  • Ms. Steph – specialist 
  • Lauren – Social worker 
  • Brianna Mercker (PTA member) 
  • Ashley Sullivan 
  • Dafna Amster Kahn (PTA member) 
  • Aisling McCarron (PTA member) 
  • Therese Miranda-Blackney (PTA member; a Math Agency coach) 
  • Rena Giannoulakis 
  • Haydee Wali 
  • Tanya C 
  • Gustavo Franco 
  • Melissa Caviezel (PTA member) 
  • Katie Stiver (PTA member) 
  • Gretchen Snoey (PTA member) 
  • Rachel Wold (PTA member) 
  • Brian Wold (PTA member) 
  • Lindsay Murphy 

Meeting Called to Order at 7:03 PM 

WELCOME

  • Welcome and Call to Order 
  • Link to Agenda 
  • Link to meeting presentation 
  • Belonging Practice (EDI led) Belonging & Othering

“The More You Know” Panel + Q&A with Principal Watters, Ms. Lauren, Mr. Collin, and More

  • Communication: be clear in the purpose of the communication 
  • Teachers & staff have a commitment to respond in 24-72 business hours 
  • Important communications (i.e. change in pick up that day) should go to the front office as well because they are monitoring those communications throughout the day
  • Life events should be shared in terms of letting staff know about how these things may impact the child at school. Cc Lauren if you would like some assistance. Again, caregivers should indicate the desired results – what are they looking for as far as actions and next steps. 
  • Important to let the front office know if your child comes home and shares that they were hurt at school and didn’t notify staff, want children to know that they should go to the front office – it’s a safe space. Smart devices should be used after school (students shouldn’t be communicating with parents about being sick and needing to get picked up, etc.) 

Q: Playground incidents – how do we handle them? Try to connect with the other parent if you know them? 

A: We’re in a community, and if you know them, yes you can start there. Also, sometimes it’s good just to let the staff know about the story that came home, just as an FYI for the staff. Ask your kid, “how would you like me to help you solve this?” 

Q: So, should I be asking my teacher what extension my scholar is getting who tested advanced learning for reading? 

A: Ask your student, “how are you feeling challenged at school?” Then communicate with the teacher about areas your child might need more of a challenge. Curricula is good at differentiating. Please advocate for more funding to support advanced learning. 

Q: Coming (election) season – what kind of age appropriate conversations might be happening at the school to prepare for that and support kids? 

A: We want to promote dialogue not discussion. Allowing multiple perspectives to live in the same space. We’re going to bring core values into the classroom about respect, responsibility and safety. We have opportunities to practice democracy in the classroom. Expression without harming others. 

Q: How can we better support teachers? 

A: Whiteboard markers. Having respectful dialogue is the best way. The more information “team wildcat” has, the better they can support students. Say hello to staff and acknowledge them. Write your legislatures (engage in advocacy, stay engaged). Tell the school board that making budget cut decisions on the backs of schools that already don’t have enough is not an acceptable solution. What is the “minimum floor” for education?

PRESIDENT UPDATES

  • Overview of what happens at PTA meetings 
  • Dashboard Review 
    • Have raised 43.7% of overall fundraising goal so far 
    • 161 members today 
  • Standing Rules 
  • Math Agency update 
    • Approved funding for 30 students, 50 students identified as needing intervention/extension 
    • The Math Agency providing the services to the extra 20 students for $0 
    • scholarships 
  • Well-Resourced Schools Update & Advocacy Opportunities 
    • Advocacy page on the Whittier PTA website 
  • Book Fair update 
  • Annual Give party check-in/opportunity 
  • November 22nd – will the PTA help?
    • Need an event lead, volunteers day of 
  • 10/1 Work Session results + 11/5 poll 

PRINCIPAL WATTERS UPDATE

  • Words of affirmation and kindness important for teachers and staff 
  • Any questions about well resourced schools, Cindy is happy to answer questions
  • Would like advocacy to include Principals in discussion about well resourced schools 

TEAM AND CHAIR UPDATES

  • Fundraising 
    • Annual Give has raised $99K, but goal is $140K 
    • Campaign extended to 10/14 – should we extend further? 
    • Class-specific messaging planned next 
    • Possible that the potential school closures/redistricting is impacting families participating in annual give 
  • Advocacy 
    • Lots of good information on the Advocacy webpage of our PTA website on Well Resourced Schools (thanks, Kate!) 
    • Jon will be attending the WSTPA Legislative Assembly at the end of October. At the 10/8 meeting he’ll update the PTA on the state PTA’s legislative agenda 
  • Events 
    • Chucks happy hour for 4th and 5th Room Reps  
  • Communications 
    • Weekly Wildchats are in effect! Quick, easy to digest information allowing us to proactively communicate and rely less on constant Konstella blasts. 
    • Weekly format allows content to run multiple times and can be updated with more relevant info as we get closer. 
    • Please submit publish-ready content and images using the Submission Form 10 days in advance. 
  • Volunteer opportunities 
  • Treasurer 
    • Will send an email with financial information 
    • Financial review committee update will also be sent out via email 
  • Fall Carnival (10/25 from 5-7pm)
  • Working on the ability to pre-purchase concessions tickets 

VOTING FOR PTA MEMBERS

  • Revised Standing Rules 
    • Sara Lukas Motioned to Approve 
    • Rachel Wold Seconded
    • Approved 
  • September Meeting Minutes 
    • Anjean Vanden Bosch Motioned to Approve 
    • Ashley Schiavane Seconded 
    • Approved 
  • Revised 2024-2025 Budget – accounts for paying bookkeeper
    • Meg Pietz Motioned to Approve 
    • Renee Hartnett Seconded 
    • Approved 

Meeting Adjourned 9:01 pm

PTA Meeting Minutes: 9/10/24

PTA Meeting Minutes: 9/10/24

BOARD MEMBERS / CHAIRS IN ATTENDANCE

  • Kate Lindsay Scher – Co-President 
  • Allie DeLong Thomas – Co-President 
  • Renee Hartnett – Vice President / Spirit Gear (zoom) 
  • Melissa Ivancevich – Co-Secretary 
  • Emily Robertson – Co-Secretary 
  • Michelle Nemeth – Treasurer 
  • Meg Herscher – Communications Chair 
  • Ashley Schiavone – Fundraising Co-Chair 
  • Jess Templeton – Fundraising Co-Chair 
  • Kathleen Donahoe – Hospitality Co-Chair 
  • Jess Twardzik – Hospitality Co-Chair 
  • Meg Pietz – Events Chair 
  • Emily Schweiger – Family and Community Engagement – Outreach Chair Laura Zingg – Programs Co-Chair; Student Directory 
  • Jen Foreman – Programs Co-Chair 
  • Jon Overman – Legislative Representative 
  • Anjean Vanden Bosch – Membership Chair 
  • Kristin Laughlin – Volunteer Coordinator 
  • Kiana Swearingen – Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Co-Chair 
  • Jill Muscatel – Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Co-Chair 
  • Megan Wildenradt – Website Editor 
  • John Shaw – Tech Support 
  • Brie Gardner – Back To Business Co-Chair 
  • Leah Lansberry – Back To Business Co-Chair; Yearbook Co-Chair Anika Anand – Yearbook Co-Chair 
  • Jared Cortese – Fall Festival Chair 
  • David Peabody – Move-a-thon 
  • Elan Simonson – Spring Fling Chair 
  • Sara Lukas – Room Parent Coordinator 
  • Nicole Kaczmarek – Member at Large 
  •  
  • Lana Sturmer – Member at Large 
  • Courtney Sievers – Member at Large

COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

  • Principal Watters 
  • Bonnie Smith (PTA member; Kraken ice skating event) 
  • Katie Stiver (PTA member; Mariners event) 
  • Sarah Ruben 
  • Josie? PTA member 
  • Therese Miranda-Blackney 
  • Anna & Gabriel Bond 
  • Rena Giannoulakis 
  • Mike K 
  • Brian Wold (PTA member) 
  • Haydee Wali 
  • Bingbing Zhu 
  • Rosario Sethi 
  • Nichole Maiman Waterman 
  • Jessie 
  • Rohit Rege (PTA member) 
  • Jeanette 
  • Hanni Pichel (PTA member) 
  • Bri 
  • Tanya Cunningham 
  • Jessica Rigby 

Meeting Called to Order at 7:35 PM 

WELCOME

  • PTA Dashboard (slide presentation) 
  • Board & Member Introductions

PRESIDENT UPDATES

  • 2024-2025 Goals 
  • Dashboard Review – 118 members today 
  • Meeting Structure Overview – 2nd Tuesday of the month PTA meetings, with an optional work session on the first Tuesday of the month at 7. Next month’s topics are brainstorming a future potential goodbye to Mr. Pule. Open to all 
  • Standing Rules Updates – Kate will pass around, will vote on next month
  • Curriculum Night (9/19) Table: Ideas & Volunteers  

TEAM AND CHAIR UPDATES

Chair Updates

  • Hospitality report on pre-school start activities and upcoming (tears and cheers, curriculum night staff dinner, October 5th grade staff appreciation sign-up)

Programs 

  • We’re adding a Lego robotics club to our fall lineup for grades 4-5!
  • Kong Academy for grades 1-2 
  • View all fall programs here: https://bit.ly/whittier-after-school-programs
  • Registration opens 9/23 
  • Clubs begin week of 10/7 (M,T,Th; ~2:15-3:30/4pm) 
  • Clubs conclude 12/9 
  • Various promos going out over the coming weeks (thank you, Meg!)

Room Rep Coordinator: 

  • Room Reps full! Need to support Faith and Rose and other extended resources.
  • Training & Get Together scheduled for 9/17 

Elan – Spring Fling Co-Chair – 

  • Seriously looking for a co-chair 
  • Rena Giannoulakis wants to help 
  • Start thinking about donations and connections 

Communications 

  • Still working on refining the process. Support family participation in Whittier and PTA activities by providing relevant information through accessible channels at a sustainable frequency. 
  • Monday: (Community Update – Watters) 
  • Tuesday: Take Home Tuesday – PTA Channel / (Infrequent Konstella)
  • Wednesday: WildChat – PTA Channel 
  • Thursday: Konstella – PTA Channel 
  • Friday: (Teacher Weekly Newsletters) 
  • Submit all requests through the Submission Form 10 days in advance – can be found on the website 
  • Plan Your Communications 
  • Example One 
  • Example Two 
  • Make a Copy of the Examples to use for Yourself! 
  • Meg Traveling 9/9 – 9/13; first Wildchat will be 9/18 or 9/25 

Annual Give 

  • $38,715 (28% of goal) – great for first week 
  • Doesn’t include employer matches 
  • Most participation gets Sharkcat 
  • Trying to wrap up by end of September 

Membership: 

  • Board members all renewed memberships 

Treasurer’s Update (michelle) 

  • New bookkeeper – Courntey with Day By Day Bookkeeping
  • Approved budget from last year will have changes and those will be reviewed at the next meeting. 
  • Michelle will email everyone what their approved line item budget number will be. People will send reimbursement requests to Michelle 
  • 6 people on Financial Review Committee – still in progress, will have update in October 

KUDOS AND THANK YOUS

  • Brie and Leah – Back to Business Chairs 
  • Angie – Visual design 
  • Ashley and Jess – Annual Give Kickoff 
  • Laura and Jennifer – Programs Planning and flyers 
  • Emily – Popsicle Playdates, Kinder Pizza and Shirts 
  • Campus Clean-up Volunteers 
  • Back to Business Volunteers 
  • Staff Lounge Restock Donors 
  • Kathleen and Jess – Staff Lounge, Staff Welcome Treats and Gifts, Kinder Tears & Cheers
  • Anika – Back to Business Info Copyediting 
  • John – transition and Google Accounts support 
  • Angie – incredible visual design! 
  • Laura – Student Directory planning and flyers 
  • Megan – Website updates 
  • Anjean – Great early membership push! 
  • Sara – Great drive for Room Reps! 
  • Meg – Working with Bonnie over the summer for Ice Skating, Grade-level Happy Hours 

VOTING FOR PTA MEMBERS

  • Approval of Executive Committee Addition – Allie Delong Thomas
    • Katie Stiver motioned to approve
    • Sara Lukas seconded
      • Approved 
  • (Executive Committee) Approval of Board of Directors 
    • Allie DeLong Thomas motioned to approve
    • Sara Lukas seconded
      • Approved
  • Approval of May and June 2024 Meeting Minutes 
    • Kate motioned to approve
    • Sara Lukas seconded
      • Approved 


PRINCIPAL WATTERS UPDATE

  • Curriculum Night next week – students will be your guide
  • School closure options will be provided tomorrow at 3:30pm
  • Will include an interactive website
  • Whittier could potentially add 3 or 4 more homerooms in the building
  • Custodial budget got cut, now we don’t have the late evening shift. Cindy is taking out the garbage 


Work Session Round Up – Minimum Floor Definition

  • Minimum Floor Definition 
  • Objective, Current Results to Review 
  • Use and Next Steps (Please add to it before 9/29!)

Conversation: EDI & Belonging

  • Book recommendations including Design For Belonging 
  • PTA group activity prompt: What is a moment in your life when you felt like you truly belonged?
  • Discussed moving this topic up in the agenda for subsequent meetings

Meeting Adjourned 9:01 pm

PTA Meeting Minutes: 6/11/24

PTA Meeting Minutes: 6/11/24

BOARD MEMBERS / CHAIRS IN ATTENDANCE

  • Renee Hartnett – Co-President 
  • Courtney Sievers – Co-President 
  • Jess Templeton – Vice President (running reflections contest) 
  • Michelle Nemeth – Treasurer 
  • Melissa Ivancevich – Co-Secretary (attended vida Zoom) 
  • Emily Robertson – Co-Secretary 
  • Meg Herscher (New communications chair) 
  • Kate Scher – Communications (Website/Wildchat) 
  • Kiana Swearingen – Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Chair 
  • Anjean Vanden Bosch – Volunteer Chair & Membership Chair 
  • Meg Pietz – Family and Community Engagement – Events Chair 
  • Emily Schweiger – Family and Community Engagement – Outreach Chair 
  • Jen Foreman – Programs Co-Chair 
  • Laura Zingg-Wadsack – Programs Co-Chair; Student Directory 
  • Kathleen Donahoe – Hospitality Co-Chair 
  • Emily Grosse – Hospitality Co-Chair 
  • Nicole Kaczmarek – Director at Large 
  • John Shaw – Tech Support 
  • David Peabody – Move-a-thon 
  • Jess Twardzik – Fall Festival Chair (shared with Melissa Ivancevich and Laura Zingg)
  • Sara Lukas – Room Parent Coordinator 
  • Brie Gardner – Spring Fling 

COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

  • Kristin Laughlin 
  • Kellie Pecoraro 
  • Anika Anand 
  • Allie Thomas
  • Leah Lansberry Austin 
  • Jared Cortese Elan Wang Simonson

Meeting Called to Order at 7:29 PM 

SIGNERS NAMES AND ROLES 

Check signers for this year (2023-2024): 

  • Renee Hartnett, Co-President 
  • Michelle Nemeth, Treasurer 
  • Courtney Siever, Co-President 
  • Jess Templeton, Vice President 

Check signers for next year (2024-25): 

  • Kate Scher, President 
  • Emily Robertson, Co-Secretary 
  • Renee Hartnett, Vice President 
  • Michelle Nemeth, Treasurer 

PRESIDENT UPDATES 

  • May minutes to be approved in August 
  • Highlighted the year’s successes 
  • Anjean volunteered to organize the book fair in 2024-25 
  • David Peabody will do Move-a-Thon next year 
  • Anika will do yearbook next year 

Meeting Adjourned 8:40 pm

PTA Meeting Minutes: 5/7/24

PTA Meeting Minutes: 5/7/24

BOARD MEMBERS / CHAIRS IN ATTENDANCE

  • Renee Hartnett – Co-President 
  • Courtney Sievers – Co-President 
  • Jess Templeton – Vice President 
  • Michelle Nemeth – Treasurer 
  • Stacy Rose – Assistant Treasurer 
  • Melissa Ivancevich – Co-Secretary 
  • Emily Robertson – Co-Secretary 
  • Meg Herscher – Communications chair (zoom) 
  • Kate Scher – Communications (Website/Wildchat) 
  • Kiana Swearingen – Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Chair 
  • Glenda Elley – Fundraising Co-Chair 
  • Ashley Schiavone – Fundraising Co-Chair 
  • Anjean Vanden Bosch – Volunteer Chair & Membership Chair (zoom) Meg Pietz – Family and Community Engagement – Events Chair 
  • Emily Schweiger – Family and Community Engagement – Outreach Chair Jen Foreman – Programs Co-Chair 
  • Laura Zingg – Programs Co-Chair; Student Directory 
  • Jon Overman – Legislative Representative (primary) 
  • Molly Firth – Legislative Representative (secondary) 
  • Kathleen Donahoe – Hospitality Co-Chair 
  • Emily Grosse – Hospitality Co-Chair 
  • Nicole Kaczmarek – Director at Large 
  • John Shaw – Tech Support 
  • David Peabody – Move-a-thon 
  • Mendy Minjarez – Spirit Gear 
  • Jess Twardzik – Fall Festival Chair (shared with Melissa Ivancevich and Laura Zingg) Sara Lukas – Room Parent Coordinator 
  • Brie Gardner – Spring Fling (zoom) 

COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

  • Melinda Nett 
  • Lana Sturmer
  • Kellie Pecoraro 
  • Katie 
  • Yifat 
  • Amaya 
  • Dre
  • Emily

Meeting Called to Order at 7:02 PM (recorded) 

WELCOME

  • Core Values 
  • Approval of April PTA Meeting minutes 
  • Jess Templeton motioned to approve the minutes, Courtney seconded the motion
  • Approved, no objections or abstentions

APPRECIATIONS

  • Move-a-thon – huge thanks for a big draw, hype videos 29K (shout out to communications, Anjean, Ashley helping with volunteer sign ups, Ms. Monica and Rebecca for helping with logistics) 
  • Budget Committee (Renee, Ashley, Kate, Annika, Michelle) 
  • EDI Committee Staff Appreciation Week (Emily and Kathleen)

NOMINATING COMMITTEE 

2024-45 Slate of Executive Officers 

  • Kate Scher will be co-president (need co-president) – Kate does a lot of lifting with comm
  • Renee VP 
  • Secretaries – Melissa and Emily 
  • Treasurer – Michelle will be assistant 
  • Communications – Meg will continue 
  • EDI co-chair needed

Vote: Motion to approve the executive officers (I missed who this was), Courtney seconded the motion 

Results: Approved, no objections or abstentions 

TREASURER’S REPORT (MICHELLE NEMETH) 

Financials 

  • 262K bank Balance end of april 
  • Main income annual 3700 
  • Main expenses about 1200 finishing gaga ball and party for annual give 

Committee – 5 people, 4 hours, line items on budget 

  • Prior to meeting, Michelle asked line item owners about this and next year
  • Majority of line items stayed about the same 
  • Some went up, some went down 

Highlights 

  • Income – biggest numbers were what do we expect for the fundraisers (annual give, spring fling and move-a-thon)? 
    • Spring fling 75K 
    • Move-a-thon 20K 
    • Annual Give a bit of a question mark, but we know we have to go up a bit more to support staffing grant and math agency – around 130K 
    • New line item for programs (a bit extra) 
  • Expenses – 
    • Next year we’re planning to pay for an accountant 4650 for accountant and quickbooks $1100 
    • Line item 4800 Taxes 
    • Line item 7750 Wild Cats Read increased for “Book Break” – has a different author come online every month. Plus some $500 to $1800 
    • Whittier support grant, similar to last year (includes 4th quarter from this year) 
    • Math Agency 
    • Fragile families, item 7150 
    • Massive Monkeys 
    • Author Visits 
    • There’s a number of items that are zeroed out 

Bottom Line – assuming we follow this budget, our net income puts us at around -22K. Last year we thought we’d be at -24K and we were positive 70K. End of year bank should be at around 230K, so we may have to dip into this a bit. 

Budget Proposal 

Vote: Ashley motioned to approve the proposed budget, Jess seconded the motion 

Results: Approved, no objections or abstentions 

TIMELY CHAIR UPDATES

 Spring Fling 

  • 195 tickets sold so far 
  • Friday, catalog will be available 
  • Art preview Friday 
  • Next week huge communications push – thank you, Meg and Sarah for reaching out
  • Volunteers needed, gaps for clean-up etc. 
  • Push for tickets 
  • People need a bid number 

EDI Committee 

■ Drag Queen Story Time

Hospitality 

  • Showering staff with love and attention – flowers, barking dog lunch, smoothie bar, custom tumblers, donuts, dress like your teacher 
  • Celebrating 5th graders 
  • Microwave broke, Michell helped coordinate replacing it 

Membership 

  • No membership updates, end of school year 
  • Memberplanet platform changing to Giftbags Jun 30, 2024 migrated over. More user friendly, similar to Konstella. Lots of capabilities for coordinating volunteers, spirit gear sales, etc. 
  • Look out for renewal notification in July or August 

Outreach (Emily Schweiger) 

  • New kindercat June 12, 5-6p – going to have a question table 
  • Popsicles 
  • Pizza party 

Jess – Golden Acorn 

  • If anyone has nominations email Jess 

PRESIDENT’S UPDATES

  • Transitions 
  • Job Descriptions – will share out document 
  • Trainings

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

  • Spring Fling day/night of help 
  • Kinder welcome event

Meeting Adjourned 8:04 pm

PTA Meeting Minutes: 4/16/24

BOARD MEMBERS / CHAIRS IN ATTENDANCE 

Renee Hartnett – Co-President 

Courtney Sievers – Co-President 

Jess Templeton – Vice President 

Michelle Nemeth – Treasurer 

Stacy Rose – Assistant Treasurer 

Melissa Ivancevich – Co-Secretary (zoom) 

Emily Robertson – Co-Secretary 

Meg Herscher – Communications chair (zoom) 

Kate Scher – Communications (Website/Wildchat) 

Kiana Swearingen – Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Chair 

Glenda Elley – Fundraising Co-Chair 

Ashley Schiavone – Fundraising Co-Chair 

Anjean Vanden Bosch – Volunteer Chair & Membership Chair (zoom)

Meg Pietz – Family and Community Engagement – Events Chair 

Emily Schweiger – Family and Community Engagement – Outreach Chair

Jen Foreman – Programs Co-Chair 

Laura Zingg – Programs Co-Chair; Student Directory 

Jon Overman – Legislative Representative (primary) 

Molly Firth – Legislative Representative (secondary) 

Kathleen Donahoe – Hospitality Co-Chair 

Emily Grosse – Hospitality Co-Chair 

Nicole Kaczmarek – Director at Large 

John Shaw – Tech Support 

David Peabody – Move-a-thon 

Mendy Minjarez – Spirit Gear 

Jess Twardzik – Fall Festival Chair (shared with Melissa Ivancevich and Laura Zingg) Sara Lukas – Room Parent Coordinator 

Brie Gardner – Spring Fling (zoom) 

COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE 

● Sarah Hartsfield 

● Katie Stiver

● Kellie Pecoraro 

● Rachel Sidles 

● Melissa Caviezel (zoom) 

● Todd Simonson (zoom) 

● Rachel & Brian Wold, PTA members (zoom) 

● Elan Wang Simonson (zoom) 

● Jamie Dunckley, PTA member (zoom) 

● Megan Wildenradt, PTA member (zoom) 

● D Curran, PTA member (zoom 

Meeting Called to Order at 7:02 PM 

WELCOME 

● Core Values 

● Ice Breaker 

● Approval of March PTA Meeting minutes 

○ Jess motioned, Meg P. seconded 

■ Approved, no objections or abstentions 

APPRECIATIONS 

● Morning coffee – Emily Schweiger 

● Spring Fling Committee 

● Exec Committee 

● Programs – Laura & Jennifer 

TIMELY CHAIR UPDATES 

● Spring Fling 

○ 101 tickets sold 

○ Cool items 

○ SignUp Genius coming out 

○ Looking for good donations, vacation home stays, etc. 

● Move-a-thon (David Peabody) 

○ 10 days away!! 

○ Need some cleanup volunteers, water, snack 

○ Need chalk stick 

○ $9,899 raised so far 

○ Transportation permit obtained 

● EDI Committee 

○ Events 

■ 1000% Me Growing Up Mixed film screening 

■ Drag Queen Storytime 

■ 4/18 Racing to Equity Workshop (at Loyal Heights Elementary)

● Hospitality 

○ Lots of events and staff appreciation underway 

○ Supplies, events, hosting graduation (solidifying going forward) 

● Other Events 

○ 209 Mariners tix sold so far 

PRESIDENT’S UPDATES 

● Math Agency recap/discussion if desired 

○ Had a special session April 1st, sent recording 

■ Question from Sarah L: What happens if we don’t meet our fundraising goals? ■ Kate Sher: did we share the treasurer bookkeeper role? Should be about 3K ● Budget committee still needs to come together to establish goals (in the coming weeks) 

○ The following question was put to vote (by paper ballot and online via google forms): Do you approve the Whittier PTA Executive Committee recommendation to fund the Math Agency in the amount of $60,000 for the 2024-2025 school year? 

■ Kathleen motioned, Jennifer seconded 

● Results: Approved (31 yes, 2 no, including votes from Google Forms poll 

sent out through Zoom) 

TREASURER’S REPORT (MICHELLE NEMETH) 

● March 2024 Financial Report 

○ Money Spent 

■ $2500 EDI 

■ $1500 School Celebration 

■ $6200 Massive Monkeys 

○ $259K balance currently 

PRINCIPAL WATTERS 

● Thank you to Ashley and Glenda for the School Celebration – received very positive feedback

● Massive Monkeys – success, working on layout/viewing for next year (maybe in the round?)

● Bike Week starts next week 

● 2 minute talent show coming up in June, no parents: 

○ K/1 

○ 2/3 

○ 4/5 

○ Live or video 

● Wildcats Wonder (in place of a Career Day) – probably a day in June 

○ Ask the kids what problems they want to work on, sort in topics, then source from community/connections people that are working on those problems to come in and talk about it 

○ Needs some co-conspirators

○ Cindy needs another week or so to put thoughts together 

● First Enrollment numbers are in: 340 kids on rolls – missing 8 kinders of incoming families. Will probably land around 350. May 8 school board meeting, they’ll announce plans for closures and consolidations for 2025-26 school year. Cindy’s hope would be that there would be boundary shifting to increase enrollment to around 375. Won’t be getting teachers back no matter what the numbers will be. 

● 5th Grade overnight trip (next year) 

○ Probably going to Islandwood on Bainbridge, in December 

○ It’s closer and they have more purpose-built facilities 

○ 3 nights instead of 2 

○ Need to “accrue points” to get in with them, maybe get a better spot 

○ Accommodates neurodiversity, kids can come out for the day 

● Reimbursement for 5th grade families from this year’s trip 

● 5th Grade Adventure Day 

○ Private movie screening @ Majestic Bay (walk from Whittier) 

○ Popcorn, Soda 

○ Salmon Bay Park 

○ Pizza 

○ Year Book 

○ Specialists come for the last hour 

● Math Agency – thank you for support, we’ll have some great opportunities next year, and likely some extension (advanced learning). 

Meeting Adjourned 7:59 pm

PTA Meeting Minutes: 3/12/24

PTA Meeting Minutes: 3/12/24

BOARD MEMBERS / CHAIRS IN ATTENDANCE

  • Renee Hartnett – Co-President
  • Courtney Sievers – Co-President
  • Jess Templeton – Vice President
  • Michelle Nemeth – Treasurer
  • Melissa Ivancevich – Co-Secretary
  • Emily Robertson – Co-Secretary (attended via Zoom)
  • Kate Scher – Communications (Website/Wildchat)
  • Kiana Swearingen – Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Chair
  • Ashley Schiavone – Fundraising Co-Chair
  • Anjean Vanden Bosch – Volunteer Chair & Membership Chair
  • Meg Pietz – Family and Community Engagement – Events Chair
  • Emily Schweiger – Family and Community Engagement – Outreach Chair
  • Jen Foreman – Programs Co-Chair
  • Laura Zingg – Programs Co-Chair; Student Directory (zoom)
  • Jon Overman – Legislative Representative (primary) (zoom)
  • Molly Firth – Legislative Representative (secondary)
  • Kathleen Donahoe – Hospitality Co-Chair
  • Emily Grosse – Hospitality Co-Chair
  • Nicole Kaczmarek – Director at Large
  • John Shaw – Tech Support
  • David Peabody – Move-a-thon
  • Jess Twardzik – Fall Festival Chair (shared with Melissa Ivancevich and Laura Zingg)
  • Sara Lukas – Room Parent Coordinator

COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

● Gift Wango (zoom)
● Kellie Pecoraro (PTA member)
● Brian W
● JP Emery
● Rachel Wold (PTA member)
● Lana Sturmer
● Therese Miranda-Blackney (PTA member)

Meeting Called to Order at 7:04 PM

WELCOME
● Review Core Values
● Ice Breaker
● Approval of January & February PTA Meeting minutes
○ Sara Lukas motions, Jen Foreman seconds
■ Passed, no objections or abstentions

APPRECIATIONS
● Meg Pietz & Michelle Nemeth – Game night
● EDI Committee – Coordination of event this Thursday
● Kate Scher – gaga ball

TIMELY CHAIR UPDATES
● VP – Jess Templeton – Nom Com & Reflections Updates
○ Reflections Updates
■ No one from Whittier made it to the State level, coming to a close
○ Nom Com
■ Still in need of a Treasurer – anyone know someone with a financial background?
● If we can’t find one we’ll have to pay for this
■ Also need an EDI co-chair – will put it in the Wild Chat
● Hopefully someone from the BIPOC or LGBTQIA+ community

● EDI Committee (Kiana Swearingen)
○ Supporting & Raising Mixed-Race Children – Thursday, March 14th, 6-8pm
■ Sent out to other schools to join as well
■ Planning on doing some additional events this school year to include children as
well
● Move-a-thon (David Peabody)
○ A little less than 6 weeks away – Friday, April 26th, 9am-1pm
○ Will be on 13th instead of the blacktop this year
○ Need volunteers to guide classrooms out to 13th – room reps can at least send out that
request
○ Will need volunteers the week before (fill swag bags, pick up items, etc.)

○ Will need volunteers day of
○ 99 pledges pages in the next 2-3 weeks
● Spring Fling
○ Communications going out tomorrow requesting donations
○ Sara meeting with staff about staff experiences
○ Tickets go on sale on March 18th
○ 2 classes that still need buckets and 2 that need art
● Hospitality – Staff Appreciation
○ Staff Appreciation Week May 6-10
■ #1 priority is low family involvement
● Flowers for teachers on Monday – room rep to collect but otherwise not
collecting funds/gifts/cards
○ Next week granola/breakfast bar
○ School supply drive in April
○ Graduation – PTA will keep organizing/paying, $500 for cookies and water

PRESIDENT’S UPDATES
● PTA Roles & Descriptions
○ Everyone make sure you update your roll/responsibility by end of week
● Survey Update
○ Small sample (50) – maybe 20% of households
○ Programs – in order of importance (1&2 had a big lead over 3-5, 3-5 all very close)
■ 1st – Enrichment (massive monkeys)
■ 2nd – Academic enhancement projects (maker’s space / lego wall in library),
science fairs, student leadership
■ 3rd – Community events (ice skating, fall carnival) (5th in a weighted rankings
analysis??)
■ 4th – field trips for all kids (4th in a weighted rankings analysis??)
■ 5th – EDI events (3rd in a weighted rankings analysis??)
■ Maybe the ranking is skewed – should these be weighted rankings? Some
question about how to interpret results

○ Staffing grant – do people continue to support? Literacy, Specialists, nurse. Currently
spending about 60% of our budget.
■ 88% of people do support
■ 12% of people who did not select yes or no wonder why SPS isn’t funding these
positions

○ Fundraising events – remain the same? One more substantial ask? Multiple small
fundraiser
■ 66% of people would like fundraising events to remain as they are
■ 20% interest in bigger annual give
■ Others – different comments and ideas
■ Not a lot of interest in multiple smaller fundraisers

○ Open ended questions
○ What do we do with the survey feedback? For example last year there was a push to
bring the 5th grade outdoor camp back. Will honor the next class (4th graders) in terms
of asking them about this. Cindy’s priority would be that if they do it, it has to be in the
fall to maximize bonding. No one was denied the opportunity because of cost. Cindy was
able to obtain an outdoor ed grant, so families will have a choice about what to do with
the funds they (over)paid. Costs included stipend/teachers

● Staffing grant request – VOTE
○ Current State of Budget
■ In bank as of 2/29/24: $259,839.19
■ Remaining expenses for 2023-24 school year: $110,457.07
■ Remaining projected income for this school year: $75,000 ($15k from annual
give, $60k from spring fling)
■ Likely going into next school year with ~$230k
○ Staffing Grant Request
■ Request from Cindy is $117,000
● Keep 3 full time (PCP) specialists & Ms. Trilby at 0.8FTE (current level)
● Keeps Nurse Marissa at 2 full days/week (current level)

○ Received an extra 0.1 LAP (Learning Assistance Program) fund which funds Ms. Trilby –
may be getting additional LAP funding in the future.
○ Discussion/Questions for Cindy
■ Q: Is the staffing request comprehensive? A: Yes, for this year (though in a
perfect world the social worker would be full time and there would be more
nurse services). When we use money to pay for staffing with a grant we pay the
actual cost, vs. the average cost.
■ Q: How are we calculating staffing costs ? A: The more experience you have the
more money you make… For example Ms. Trilby is expensive due to her level of
experience. We’re not displacing or losing anyone, and no one has taken a
position elsewhere, so far.
■ Q: There are feelings about PTAs not funding staff positions at all, there is a
tension and a push for revenue at a state level next year, but the question is why
would they do anything when PTA is funding. A: State has reduced budget from
61% to 43% of the state budget (might be more dollars, but equate to fewer
resources). State pays 1⁄4? of teacher salaries, rest is from property taxes. 4th
most regressive tax system in the country. If PTAs don’t fund staff, schools will
implode.
■ Cindy: Needs are greater due to covid
○ Kathleen moves to approve the Staffing Grant Request, Jess Templeton seconds
■ Approved, no objections or abstentions

TREASURER’S REPORT (MICHELLE NEMETH)

● February 2024 Financial Report
○ Income: $1,100 (annual give)
○ Expenses: $541 (outreach – helping hand gift cards)
■ Helping Hands – about 120 gift cards, received all the gift cards that were asked
for

○ Overall balance: $259,839.19 (as of 2/29/24)

PRINCIPAL WATTERS
● Math Agency
○ A few coaches in the room & on zoom
○ This year it was a pilot program / test to see how it went. It has gone “extremely well”
○ In order to keep the Math Agency next year, there would need to be a funding request
○ Looking ahead at (potentially) how to fund the Math Agency Next year
○ Likely there will be a survey put put out
○ Cindy
■ $80K – 150K range
■ Social entrepreneurship – Mike believes in closing math gaps faster and better
than schools typically have
■ Model
● Site coordinator Kate Frost
● Recruit and train volunteers/coaches
● Coaches work with 2-4 students at a time, working with Khan and IXL,
and the align work with curriculum in classrooms
● Encourages at-home practice, use stickers for motivation and other
items like socks for prizes
● See 1-3 years growth in 1 year time
● Incorporate into the school day, no after school tutoring
● 3 days/week of intervention (started with 4, but doing really well, so
decreased to 3)
○ During time that is already set aside for intervention
○ About 45 minutes of intervention 3x week
● School only has to provide the space and supplies
● The extra day is now dedicated to enrichment for about 15 third graders
with high-math skills – same model
● Cindy does meet with the site coordinator regularly and gets consistent
updates
● Bellevue has made significant investments into the Math Agency
● Able to serve about 3x as many kids than reading interventionist

○ Question: any students in K-2 who need math assistance?
■ Answer: we don’t have the data
■ Literacy tends to be more of a K-2 intervention, this allows for intervention in
3-5 when you start seeing the need for math intervention

○ Most of the volunteers are not parents at Whittier
○ Demographically we don’t meet the standards for most grants available
○ If anyone knows a company who would like to donate/fund
○ Suggestion that if we fund the Math Agency to make it clear to parents at the beginning
of the 2024-25 school year on how much it costs
○ Would like to know how much we could increase the fundraising goal for Spring Fling in
order to help secure funding for Math Agency

● Gaga Ball – 5th graders working on “house rules” and will go to each classroom to share out
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
● Yearbook
● Spring Fling

Meeting Adjourned 8:50 pm

PTA Meeting Minutes: 2/13/24

Whittier PTA Board Meeting

February 13, 2024

7:00pm In Person & Zoom
Meeting ID: 817 3911 8250
Passcode: wildcats

Meeting link

BOARD MEMBERS / CHAIRS IN ATTENDANCE

  • Renee Hartnett – Co-President
  • Courtney Sievers – Co-President
  • Jess Templeton – Vice President (running reflections contest) 
  • Michelle Nemeth – Treasurer 
  • Melissa Ivancevich – Co-Secretary
  • Emily Robertson – Co-Secretary
  • Meg Herscher – Communications chair (zoom)
  • Kate Scher – Communications (Website/Wildchat)
  • Kiana Swearingen – Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Chair
  • Ashley Schiavone – Fundraising Co-Chair
  • Emily Schweiger – Family and Community Engagement – Outreach Chair
  • Jen Foreman – Programs Co-Chair
  • Laura Zingg – Programs Co-Chair; Student Directory (zoom)
  • Kathleen Donahoe – Hospitality Co-Chair 
  • Emily Grosse – Hospitality Co-Chair 
  • Nicole Kaczmarek – Director at Large
  • David Peabody – Move-a-thon Chair
  • Sara Lukas – Room Parent Coordinator

COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

  • Kellie Pecoraro
  • Anika Anand
  • Maureen Nothum
  • Katie Stiver (zoom)
  • Bonnie (zoom)
  • Rachel Wold (zoom) 

Meeting Called to Order at 7:02 PM

WELCOME

  • Ice Breaker
  • Core Values and goals

APPRECIATIONS

  • David Peabody – Move-a-Thon
  • Brie Gardner – Spring Fling kicked off
  • Laura Zingg & Jennifer Foreman – Programs for Winter
  • Kate Scher – Gaga Ball
  • Kathleen & Emily – ongoing Staff Appreciation!

PRESIDENT’S UPDATES

  • PTA Roles & Descriptions
    • Done by 2/16 if possible
    • Goal of having smooth transitions
  • Survey to community on budget

BUSINESS

  • Yearbook
    • Annika Anand looking for a partner to help
  • PTA Table at Family Dance & Game Night
    • Need volunteers to be involved at PTA table 
  • Potential Shift with Move-A-Thon to 13th Ave NW
    • Location shift because of bike week
    • Need stanchions, flags, cones
    • Freezer pops Town & Country 
    • Frankie and Joe’s for volunteers 
  • Wildcats Wonder (instead of career day)
    • What problems do you want to solve? 
    • Crowdsourcing / engaging community / parents on what problems they’re working on 
    • April / May 
    • Moments of failure along the way / perseverance 

TIMELY CHAIR UPDATES

  • VP – Jess Templeton –
    • Reflections Updates
    • Nom Com
      • Survey Assistant Treasurer – Stacy not returning 
      • EDI co-chair, ideally someone representing communities not currently 
      • Volunteer co-chair recently vacated – going into a busy time 
      • Fundraiser co-chair 
      • More to come 
  • Kiana Swearingen EDI
    • Supporting & Raising Mixed-Race Children – think of someone that can go with you
      • Childcare will be provided
      • Neighborhood schools have been contacted

TREASURER’S REPORT (MICHELLE NEMETH)

  • January 2024 Financial Report
    • $7,277 income from annual give
    • $3,936 gaga ball expense
    • -$372 for month 
    • $265,276 overall balance
  • Budget Committee
    • Need 5 volunteers

KATE SCHER 

  • Gaga Ball – Lots of volunteers 
  • STEAM lab – grant opportunity with WA Arts
    • $5000 materials equip, $5000 training etc
    • Must be non-profit, so funneled through the PTA 
    • Grant submission due by Feb 23
      • If instated, would be housed in a pre-identified room in the building, staffed by volunteers, and potentially rolled out and
        • Need a state wide vendor number
        • Unique entity ID – may be washington state UBI 

ASHLEY SCHIAVONE

  • School Party scheduled March 29th
    • Activities, dance party in the cafeteria 
    • Unicycling in the gym with Mr. Pule 
    • Gaga ball, 4-square
    • Popcorn for all
    • Will need volunteers

PRINCIPAL WATTERS UPDATE 

  • Entering budget time and it’s terrible
    • $10,000 – $12,000 for this year for supplies (vs. $20,000 – $22,000 last year)
    • Enrollment projections within 6-8 of what office staff thinks
    • Next year we will likely have (2) 5th grades, (2) 4th grades, (3) 3rd grades next year (most covid impacted cohort – current 2nd graders), (2) 2nd grades, (3) 1st grades, (3) kindergarten classes
    • Won’t know about staffing until August 
    • Split-level grade level classes aren’t good generally
  • Partnership with the Math Agency in grades 3 and 4 going well
    • On track for kids to grow 1.5 grade levels
    • Scaling back intervention from 4 days a week to 3 days a week
    • Pilot with 3rd graders 1 day x week to focus on task complexity 
    • High numbers of HC kids in 3rd grade 
  • 5th Grade trip next year might be Island Wood
    • Should be in the Fall for bonding
  • Prides of March
    • Food Pantry 
    • Hygiene kits for high schoolers
  • Pints with the Principal / Coffee – to talk budget 
  • Looking for new school board member for our area 
  • Highly Capable Services / Advanced Learning Program (unfunded mandate)
    • Got rid of HC / Advanced learning opportunities for 5th graders going into 6th grade (everybody still gets to same place at the same time) 

FINAL WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT

  • NA

Meeting Adjourned 8:14  pm

Note for March meeting agenda: Mariner’s Game update

PTA Meeting Minutes: 1/9/24

Whittier PTA Board Meeting

January 9, 2024

7:00pm Zoom
Meeting ID: 817 3911 8250
Passcode: wildcats

BOARD MEMBERS / CHAIRS IN ATTENDANCE

  • Renee Hartnett – Co-President
  • Courtney Sievers – Co-President
  • Jess Templeton – Vice President (running reflections contest) 
  • Michelle Nemeth – Treasurer 
  • Melissa Ivancevich – Co-Secretary (attended vida Zoom) 
  • Emily Robertson – Co-Secretary
  • Meg Herscher (New communications chair)
  • Kate Scher – Communications (Website/Wildchat)
  • Kiana Swearingen – Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Chair
  • Glenda Elley – Fundraising Co-Chair
  • Ashley Schiavone – Fundraising Co-Chair
  • Anjean Vanden Bosch – Volunteer Chair & Membership Chair
  • Meg Pietz – Family and Community Engagement – Events Chair
  • Emily Schweiger – Family and Community Engagement – Outreach Chair
  • Jen Foreman – Programs Co-Chair
  • Laura Zingg – Programs Co-Chair; Student Directory
  • Jon Overman – Legislative Representative (primary) (attended via Zoom) 
  • Molly Firth – Legislative Representative (secondary)
  • Emily Grosse – Hospitality Co-Chair 
  • Nicole Kaczmarek – Director at Large
  • John Shaw – Tech Support
  • David Peabody – Move-a-thon
  • Mendy Minjarez – Spirit Gear
  • Sara Lukas – Room Parent Coordinator

COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

  • Kellie Pecoraro
  • Brianna Mercker 
  • Suman Pradhan
  • Andrea Pungoti
  • Tanya Cunningham
  • Rachel Wold
  • Meena Lenn
  • Lana Sturmer

WELCOME

  • Meeting Called to Order / Land Acknowledgment at 7:01 PM
  • Intros – fave book or movie and PTA role, kids and grades
  • Vote to approve November PTA meeting minutes
    • Jess Templeton motioned to approve 
    • Emily Grosse seconded
    • Approved

APPRECIATION

  • Thank you’s:
    • Kraken Ice Skating Event
    • Literacy night 
    • Helping Hands/Mittens
    • Anjean – membership education & communication.
      • Now have around 136 members up from 70 something at beginning of year 

PRESIDENT’S UPDATE

  • Board Update
    • Meg Herscher – Communications Chair
    • Brie Gardner – Spring Fling co-chair (needs second)
      • Date: May 18th. 
      • Theme: Follow the call to the disco ball. 
      • First meeting this Thursday, 1/11. 3 responses to volunteer asks. Still looking for procurement team. 
      • Same format as last year minus wine wall and aviator photos
  • Surveying for preferences 
  • Budget
    • Budget conversations starting in February 29th 8am coffee, Feb 29th pints with principal, zoom option on March 7th.
  • Mariners Event in spring – date TBD

BUSINESS

  • Land Acknowledgement update from Kiana
    • Current practice
    • Why does SPS have different language than Whittier? 
    • Evolution
    • Land acknowledgements can be token, not meaningful
    • Still relevant if doing a specific call to action. Generally not recommended for standing meetings, etc. Only if relevant to actual meeting, possibly with local tribal members present
    • The monthly PTA meetings do not meet the parameters of when a land acknowledgment should be used. So we should not use land acknowledgements at every board meeting. 
    • We should use an acknowledgment if there is clear connection in the meeting activities or actions toward native sovereignty or the native land back movement
    • Recommendation for policy to be reviewed annually as part of EDI role.
      • Renee recommending we vote on recommendations from EDI
        • Glenda motioned to approve EDI recommendations
        • Jen Foreman seconded
  • Approved
  • Standing Rules
    • Renee motioned to approve standing rules as revised
    • Second Glenda
    • Approved
  • Update on Gaga Ball
    • Estimated delivery Feb 20th
    • Working on getting donated lumber
    • Octagon 20-30 kids
    • ADA door 
    • 5th grade fundraiser, co-creation of rules 
  • Lana Sturmer – whittier parent. Idea for what to do with lost and found
    • Non-profit that creates inclusive communities for kids with disabilities.
    • Northwest Center – The Big Blue Truck – Value Village
    • Cindy is a big supporter of this. Wants the big blue bin inside Whittier with signage explaining what it means. Lana will help manage program. Not throwing things away but giving things new life. Strategically find place for it.
      • Renee motions to approve implementation of program. 
      • Melissa seconds 
      • Approved. New program to implement 

TIMELY CHAIR UPDATES

  • VP – Jess Templeton – Reflections Updates
    • Lessons learned 
    • Next year directing messaging to kids, maybe through Mr. Buck
  • VP – Jess Templeton – Nom Com
    • End of Jan. let folks know if continuing to next year
    • Mendy – reminder: nom com process is supposed to be confidential. Notes should not be open to board. Internal discussions should not be made public etc. 
  • Events – Meg Pietz
    • Family Dance and Game Night – Michelle Nemeth helping. Friday the 1st of March – DJ Ms. Steph 
  • Spirit Gear – Mendy
    • Now that we have a communications chair, we should keep sending out link about ordering spirit gear on-demand. 
    • Haven’t updated many designs recently – classic and modern. Can create new things! Survey to see what people want/need.
  • Move-a-thon Chair David Peabody
    • Sponsorship Trader Joe’s, Swansons, Brook’s, Fred Meyer
    • Stuff – fidgets, water bottles, stickers
    • General note that sweat bands are a good option for swag

TREASURER’S REPORT (Michelle Nemeth) 

  • Review of Financial Reports from 2023
    • November
      • Income: $38,375.35
      • Expenses: $635.53 (fall festival) 
    • December
      • Income $14,079.32 income
      • Expense $27,828.80 expense
    • Fundraising $82,766 annual give 
    • Reports weren’t sent out yet 
    • Huge shout out for annual give! 

PRINCIPAL WATTERS UPDATE

  • Thank you for land acknowledgement update
  • How do we bring people into the PTA? 
  • Mike Clay – old school sweatshirt design “Whittier Established 1908” second bld added 1929. Both demo’d 1998. New building opened in 1999. 
  • Staff love gear gifts
  • Thank you for support of Fragile Families
  • Annual Give in school party – keepin’ it simple. Fun, different. Popcorn party?
  • Massive Monkeys in March

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

  • Sped classroom rep
  • Spring Fling Co-Chair
  • Tax person

Meeting Adjourned 8:39 PM

PTA Meeting Minutes: 11/14/23

Whittier PTA Board Meeting
November 14, 2023
7:00pm In Person & Zoom
Meeting ID: 817 3911 8250
Passcode: wildcats

BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

  • Renee Hartnett – Co-President
  • Courtney Sievers – Co-President
  • Jess Templeton – Vice President (running reflections contest)
  • Michelle Nemeth – Treasurer
  • Melissa Ivancevich – Co-Secretary (attended vida Zoom)
  • Emily Robertson – Co-Secretary
  • Kiana Swearingen – Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Chair
  • Ashley Schiavone – Fundraising Co-Chair
  • Leah Lansberry Austin – Volunteer Chair & Membership Chair
  • Anjean Vanden Bosch – Volunteer Chair & Membership Chair
  • Emily Schweiger – Family and Community Engagement – Outreach Chair
  • Jared Cortese – Programs Co-Chair
  • Jen Foreman – Programs Co-Chair
  • Laura Zingg – Programs Co-Chair; Student Directory
  • Jon Overman – Legislative Representative (primary) (attended via Zoom)
  • Kathleen Donahoe – Hospitality Co-Chair
  • Emily Grosse – Hospitality Co-Chair
  • Nicole Kaczmarek – Director at Large
  • Members at Large
    • Brie Gardner
    • Kellie Pecoraro

Non-Board Members in Attendance

  • John Shaw – Tech Support
  • David Peabody – Move-a-thon
  • Mendy Minjarez – Spirit Gear
  • Sara Lukas – Room Parent Coordinator

Community Members in Attendance

  • Emily Geyer
  • Maureen Nothum
  • Rachel Wold
  • Katie Stiver
  • Brianna Mercker
  • Liz Young
  • Jessica Young
  • Kate Scales
  • Will Scales
  • Sean Ritchie
  • Megan Herscher
  • Tony Toppenberg

WELCOME
● Meeting Called to Order / Land Acknowledgment at 7:01 PM
● Approval of September & October PTA Meeting minutes & May Community Meeting minutes
○ Kathleen motioned to approve, Sara Lukas seconded
■ Approved, no dissension

APPRECIATION
● Thank you’s:
○ Fall Festival
○ EDI Committee – Coordination of gender-diverse youth workshop
○ Fundraising – Annual Give
○ Hospitality – Monthly staff appreciation (Kathleen and Emily)

FUNDING PROPOSALS
● Garden Beds, proposed by Elsie Smith, Ada Scales, and Rowan Ritchie (Poppy Tallarico Ross not
present) – $1300
○ Planter pots, flowers, wood chips, soil
■ Wood chips so it will be less muddy when it rains
■ 7 planters ($31.89/each from Home Depot) – 1 planter for each grade
● Will get plants/flowers (native focused) from Swansons Nursery
● Each class will get to pick 2 flowers for their planter box
● Resin planter boxes

■ Will take an aerial photo, then grid off, then cut out planter boxes to move
around
■ Will ask for volunteers to maintain plants
■ Would like to do in the spring
○ Old planter boxes removed
○ Conversation:
■ There may be some money in a conservation budget for the school that could be
used for this
■ Can also ask for a donation from Swanson’s
○ Vote to support this project, likely don’t need to provide any funds
● Gaga Ball Pit, proposed by Lucas Young-Frankowski, Theo Young-Frankowski, Denali Swearingen,
Ben Toppenberg, Henry Gudmastad, Nash Lyden
○ Explanation of how to play gaga ball
■ 15-20 students can play at a time
■ Use a kick ball type of ball
○ Inclusive, minimum equipment/maintenance needed
■ Whittier Kids also will benefit – Whittier Kids can no longer play using the
school’s mats because too destructive
■ No team picking; can quickly get back in the game
○ Would likely be in the top right (NE) corner of the blacktop
■ A concern expressed about location because the lower hoop better for smaller
kids is located there
○ Sweat equity & fundraisers
■ Going to explain to the other classrooms
■ The 6 students presenting will help build it
○ Two options (both have ADA access door & a soft base):
■ One: prefab, cut, ready to go
■ Two ($3500): purchase precut lumber, stain & build it
● Preference of the student group
● A dad is willing to do some fundraising
● Other parents will help build

○ Vote to fund the second option with a request that they fundraise $1000:
■ Approved, no dissension

● Opinion expressed that this bucket of money be prioritized for student-led efforts/requests
○ Cindy hasn’t heard anything else bubbling up from students
○ Feel a loyalty to the 5th graders after going through Covid

PRESIDENT’S UPDATE
● Meeting Structure
○ Finding that we need more than an hour, but trying to keep it as short as possible
● Board Update

○ Two board members have had to resign: Joa Pope (Director at large) & Mandy Nelson
(Communications) – goal to fill these two positions by the end of the year

● Communication Plan for Board (Konstella owned by individuals)
○ In the meantime, Courtney monitoring communication requests coming in
○ Ask that the roles post Konstella announcements
■ Make Communications an owner of the message as well
○ Request for guide on how to post on Konstella and what is acceptable to post on the
various channels/guide on the role for Communications

BUSINESS
● Standing rules updates
○ Going to share more broadly and then vote in January
● Insurance (Emily Robertson)
○ Unless any objections, going to add a media liability endorsement in amount of $25k,
adds $70 to our annual premium
○ Motion on vote to approve
■ Kathleen motioned, seconded by Jared
■ Approved, no dissension

● NomComm – VOTE on Committee for 2024: Jess Templeton, David Peabody, Kathleen Donahoe,
Mendy Minjarez
○ Approved, no dissension

TIMELY CHAIR UPDATES
● Legislative assembly update – Jon Overman & Molly Firth
○ Entirely virtual, Jon & Molly split attendance
○ Two issues, six resolutions discussed to vote on
■ Two issues:
● K-12 education funding
○ Included language about PTA’s not using funds to augment staff
positions

● Traumatic brain injuries – a proposal on a ban on helmets used
■ Two issues & two resolutions were passed with amendments
■ Four resolutions that weren’t debated at all but passed
○ Next year will be the full resetting of priorities, so hoping it will be in-person
○ There will be a focus on legislative/advocacy in January/February
● Annual Give – Glenda & Ashley
○ Have a little over $54k (~60% of the goal, ~50% participation)
○ A comment that there should still be an opportunity
● Membership Goals – Anjean & Leah
○ Next year will start the membership drive (a 4-week “information campaign”) earlier (in
June) so it doesn’t overlap with Annual Give

○ Started out communications with what does it mean to be a PTA member, then what is
the value/why the PTA? Next week will be what does the PTA actually do.
■ Up to 115 members (started out with 77)
■ It was really effective to just remind people that they have to sign up again every
year

○ Going to send out more emails to just members about what we’re voting on at upcoming
meetings
■ Maybe have “PTA spotlights” – who they’re here and why they’re here
■ Add a “membership corner” or a “membership spotlight”
○ Want to be able to offer scholarships to families to be able to offer memberships to a
certain number of families
● Outreach – Helping Hands, Emily Schweiger
○ Helping Hands gift card drive starts tomorrow
● Room rep & holiday gifts – Sara Lukas
○ Would like ideas about text to send to the room reps
○ Need to determine if/how to give to all staff
● Program’s
○ This is Jared’s last day/meeting as Program’s co-chair

TREASURER’S REPORT (Michelle Nemeth)
● Review of Financial Reports from October 2023
○ Income: $32,786.75
○ Expenses: $34,743.54
■ Paid for $17,003.89 grant for school
■ Paid $5,516.61 for instructional support
■ Paid $2,800 for curriculum enrichment
○ Need to add a line item for Mr. Buck for money for bookmarks
○ Need to add a line item (~$2000) to pay for our 990 (reports our income & expenses)
■ Vote to approve, seconded by Jared
● Approved, no abstentions

PRINCIPAL WATTERS UPDATE
● Really crowded 3rd & 4th grade classrooms
○ They only made staffing adjustments at schools that needed two or more teachers and
we only needed one
○ Question from a parent: how can we better support the 3rd & 4th grade classes?
■ Not sure, don’t have an answer yet
■ There aren’t IAs for gen ed kids, so can’t use IAs to do small cohort work

● Math agency has kicked off, serving ~30 kids
● Need to convey that we have a responsibility to fund intervention and that new cuts shouldn’t
be layered on schools who have already experienced cuts
○ We’re seeing a shift in the student/family makeup of Whittier due to upzoning
● We’re doing more inclusion at our school than the majority of any other school

○ Spending a majority of their time in the gen ed session instead of independently in their
own classroom

● Want to know from the district, what is the floor for our school – what is the minimum amount
of support/etc. we will have?
● No resources being provided for advanced learners
○ Trying to push the math agency to explore this
○ Ms. Trillby trying to provide some support to 3rd grade
● Would like to add student representation/participation in PTA events
○ Cindy making sure activities are occurring during the school day at the school so that no
one is excluded

● Cindy working on a presentation that could be shared with the PTA to help with the
messaging/advocate
○ Letter writing to our school board (before budget season that starts in February)
○ If we have contacts in the media to help get the message out/tell our story that
resonates and doesn’t disenfranchise other schools/families

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
● Sped classroom rep
● Reflections Art Contest Committee
○ Theme: “I am hopeful because”
○ Request to get students involved – no submissions yet
■ Submissions due this Friday

● Nominating committee
● Science Fair/STEM Night Coordinator
● Spring Fling Co-Chairs
● Tax person
Meeting Adjourned 9:14 PM

PTA Meeting Minutes: 10/10/23

Whittier PTA Board Meeting
October 10, 2023
7:00pm Zoom
Meeting ID: 817 3911 8250
Passcode: wildcats

BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE
Renee Hartnett – Co-President
Courtney Sievers – Co-President
Michelle Nemeth – Treasurer
Emily Robertson – Co-Secretary
Mandy Nelson – Communications Chair
Kiana Swearingen – Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Chair
Ashley Schiavone – Fundraising Co-Chair
Anjean Vanden Bosch – Volunteer Chair & Membership Chair
Emily Schweiger – Family and Community Engagement – Outreach Chair
Jen Foreman – Programs Co-Chair
Laura Zingg – Programs Co-Chair; Student Directory
Jon Overman – Legislative Representative (primary)
Molly Firth – Legislative Representative (secondary)
Kathleen Donahoe – Hospitality Co-Chair
Emily Grosse – Hospitality Co-Chair
Nicole Kaczmarek – Director at Large
Joa Pope – Director at Large
Members at Large
● Nichole Maiman Waterman
● Brie Gardner

NON-BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

  • David Peabody – Move-a-thon

COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: N/A

WELCOME

● Meeting Called to Order / Land Acknowledgment at 7:00 PM

APPRECIATION

● Thank you’s:

○ Meg Pietz – Grade level Happy Hours at Chucks

○ Kate Scher – Wildchat

○ Emily and Jess for cleaning out PTA closet!

BUSINESS
● Standing rules updates and questions
○ There was a question about fees in section 3.3. Renee Hartnett clarified the due
breakdown, stating that they were correct as previously written. Secretary to revert back
to original language.
○ There was a question about what a quorum is. Renee Hartnett clarified that a quorum =
half of roughly 20 board members (10). There is a question regarding whether we should
make the language more clear? Executive committee has to be majority. Number of
board members at tonight’s meeting is 16.
○ Mandy Nelson – generally it’s a %, or flexible number that matches. 50% plus 1?
○ Decided to review in November meeting – not exactly sure
○ Add language in for digital records
○ Add language about harassment prevention procedure policy – reference National PTA
website

● Financial Review (Michelle Nemeth)
○ 2022-2023 – review – thanking team on Financial Review Committee (Emily Robertson,
Jeannie Lee, Megan Herscher, Tyler Gaspard and Michelle Nemeth)
○ Background about process/results:
■ Why?
● General transparency
● Requirement for bond insurance – legal requirements
● Good business practice
■ What?
● Looked at Financial Review Checklist
● Separated work into 5 sections
● Accessed various docs on google drive and sometimes hunted them
down

■ Findings
● Books look good
● PTA has few accounts (3) – which is easier to manage
● Quickbooks, online banking easily accessible
■ What to work on for next year
● Organize docs on google drive for next year’s Financial Review (Michelle
Nemeth has started this already)
● Report is an 8 page document – what we need to look at every year –
was a pretty big task for the group
● Michelle is official treasurer but there is another person doing most of
the accounting – Stacy Rose, which sometimes makes things tricky
● One item of note is that we should be reviewing insurance policy every
year and recording this in the minutes in order to maintain certain
insurance.
■ Summary
● Above board, able to check yes on most items.

● Insurance (Emily Robertson)
○ Review of current policy:
■ Commercial General Liability: $1 Million limit – $110
■ Extended Medical Payments: $5,000 limit – $0
■ Professional Liability: $1 Million limit – $65
■ Fidelity bond: $25,000 limit – $125
■ Inland Marine: $10,000 limit – $115
■ $415 total
○ Emily Robertson suggested potentially adding Media Liability
○ Adding Media Liability Endorsement would add costs as follows:
■ $25,000 – $70.00
■ $50,000 – $90.00
■ $75,000 – $120.00
■ $100,000 – $160.00
○ Find out if Media Policy covers PII (inadvertently sharing personal info)
○ Review at next meeting
● Legislative assembly update – Molly Firth
○ 2 weeks from now
○ Jon and Molly feel like most issues are not controversial such as:
■ Addressing issues around multi-language and heritage
■ Preventing and reducing gun violence and suicide
■ Resolutions such as high quality preschools
■ However, there are 2 Resolutions that are trickier:
● Resolution #3 K-12 Education Funding
○ What is Whittier’s position? Whittier’s PTA position?
○ What would Cindy say?

○ How is the school actually funded?
● Resolution #4 Traumatic Brain Injuries
○ This one seems has potential to amplify equity issues.
Historically helmet laws were enforced targeting mostly people
of color.
TREASURER’S REPORT (Michelle Nemeth)
● Review of Financial Reports from September 2024
○ As of $243,617 (about a $200 change). Paid PTA dues WSPTA and Seattle PTA
○ Evidently Mr. Buck raised $1000 from selling bookmarks. There is a question about
whether Stacy Rose can create a line item for this. It was discussed that these individual
pots of money are complicated from a tracking standpoint. It was pointed out that Cindy
should be looped in

TIMELY CHAIR UPDATES
● Annual Give – Glenda & Ashley
○ Kicked off today? $80,000 ask. $1500 so far. In lieu of gifts we’ll do an experience. School
party – disco. Our time to shine! More details to come. Gym, dance, disco ball. Saves
money for gifts = point of fundraising. Thermometer poster board. New thing asking for
volunteers. Pick something to volunteer for.

● Fall Festival – Jess Twardzik
○ Not present. Event is October 27
● EDI November Event – Kiana Swearingen
○ Gender Diversity Event in November. Free childcare provided by Whittier Kids. Confirm
date.
○ Beyond Black and White at Salmon Bay
● Outreach – Emily Schweiger
○ Coffee morning October 20th. Help? 7:40-8:10 on 14th Ave
○ Starting work for helping hands. Office working on mitten idea? November 18th-ish
● Programs- Jared Cortese/Laura Zyngg/Jennifer Foreman
○ Afterschool programs launched Oct 2nd – Nov 16th.
○ 7 programs
○ Met minimum for all programs.
○ Not all sold out
○ 3 scholarships were awarded. The $10 enrollment fee goes towards scholarships.
○ Winter programs will start after holiday break
● Hospitality – Emily Grosse/Kathleen Donahoe
○ Next Thursday setting up for fall breakfast
● Membership Goals – Anjean & Leah
○ Why not marry fundraising and membership drive?
○ 75 members currently. Goal is 200/
○ Had 88 last year Sep 20, and 133 by end of school year

○ How to generate more members?
■ Signage
■ Specific communication out to adults and caregivers
■ Don’t have a lot of staff participation
■ Student memberships?
■ Value message for Whittier – Going back to Kiana’s comment about what is
equity to us?
■ #1 reason people don’t join is because they’re not asked. Put something in next
wild chat. Reach out to inactive members…?
■ Lots of great ideas.
■ Enrollment is down and post-covid numbers are down.
■ Participating board and community members can send ideas to Anjean – by the
end of the week
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
● Sped classroom rep
● Fall Carnival Committee
● Reflections Art Contest Committee
● Nominating committee
● Science Fair/STEM Night Coordinator
● Spring Fling Co-Chairs
● Tax person
Meeting Adjourned 8:27 pm