• LJES PTO Meeting Called to Order at 7:39 am
• Meeting adjourned at 8:15 am
Executive Board Members Present: Dana Hourani, Sarah Topol, Cher Jabbari,
Christal Duimstra, Virginia Price, Stacey Gubernator, Kaitlin Barr, Liz Copperman,
Dorothy Tse, Rebecca Jacob, Erin Sullivan
Absent: Carolina Tiller, Amani Bernstein, Georgina Gaerin, Megan Roeske, Dr.
Stephanie Hasselbrink
Approvals:
February 2025 Financials approved at 7:40 am. Christal motioned first, Kim seconded –
all in favor.
February 2025 Meeting Minutes approved at 7:40 am. Cheryl motioned first, Kaitlin
seconded – all in favor.
Co-President’s Report: Dana Hourani and Sarah Topol
School-wide update: Elizabeth Van Clief
Elizabeth provided an update based on information she has received in her role as
Friends president, in lieu of the Principal update on school wide matters. Gate testing
for grades 2-4 were completed. 5th grade results are already out. Expect results for the
rest next month. Enrollment up 5 students. Families are encouraged to enroll early.
Teacher enrichment meeting happened recently and discussed enrichment and PLC.
VAPA not well received. District changing math curriculum and might switch. Mrs.
Lansky taking over Mrs. Nicolaidis’ class.
Teacher’s report: Erin Sullivan
The maintenance of Everyday Math at LJES is under review. Staff not yet discussed.
Consensus with staff is to keep.
Treasurer’s Report: Christal Duimstra
All looks good.
Auditor’s Report: Virginia Price
Going great. No problems.
VP Communications (E-Blasts): Dorothy Tse
Everything looks good. Last few weeks very busy, just International Festival coming up.
VP Communications (Social Media): Liz Copperman
Got art for International Festival. Will post spring fling first.
Book Fair: Liz Copperman
Scholastic Book Fair did really well, $17500 gross sales. Can take Scholastic dollars
and cash, will likely do some combo of that.
VP of Programs: Amani Bernstein, Georgina Gaerin
Filled the 2nd chair. Kinder parent.
Friends Liaison Report and Co-Chair VP Volunteers Report: Kaitlin Barr
Gala was fabulous. Spring fling on upper field coming up. Several open positions on
friends. Coffee mixer coming up to promote joining. Encourage new families to come.
VP Tidings: Megan Roeske & Rebecca Jacob
New issue came out. End of year statement from Friends and PTO presidents
requested. Aim to come out last week of school. LJ Playhouse and two author events
(Liz) can add. And then student safety week and student council can also be added
(Andrea).
Fifth Grade Committee: Laura Turrent
Annual budget has been between $7-15K. Have $12K in venmo. Would like it to be a
subcommittee in PTO so more oversight and consistency across years. Coordinate
better with PTO events. Any excess funds go back to PTO. Will be brought bring to a
vote next meeting and Elizabeth Van Clief would be chairing the committee.
Yearbook Chair: Cheryl Carino
Sold 367 yearbooks, years before brought in just under 300. Deadline met, but might
not have books until June 1st due to supply issues. If unable to get on time they will get
inserts for kids to sign. Now trying to figure out how to get them on time so she doesn’t
have to ship out. Really pushing. Will get an update in May. Tripled ad sales. Don’t have
photographers for next year.
International Festival: Cher Jabbari
Looking great. 25 countries signed up. Keep eye out for sign up genius. Parsed down
games and emphasized cultural learning. Creating LJES swag to offset costs incurred. And will also sell logo wear. Will get a canopy with LJES logo that can be reused for
other events. Tix sales will be live tomorrow. If anyone knows older kids in Muirlands or
HS who need hours, we need volunteers.