• LJES PTO Meeting Called to Order at 7:37 am
• Meeting adjourned at 8:24 am
Executive Board Members Present: Dana Hourani, Sarah Topol, Christal Duimstra, Cher Jabbari, Diana Brunmark, Kaitlin Barr, Liz Copperman, Dorothy Tse, Stacey Gubernator, Erin Sullivan, Interim Principal Juan Romo
Absent: Virginia Price, Anna McDivit, Amani Bernstein, Ashley Schell, Dr. Stephanie Hasselbrink
Approvals:
November Financials approved at 7:57 am. Liz motioned first, Stephanie seconded – All in favor. November 2025 Meeting Minutes approved at 7:57 am. Christal motioned first, Kaitlin seconded – All in favor.
Co-President’s Report: Dana Hourani and Sarah Topol
Our first-ever PTO Winter Market was a huge success and brought our community together in a meaningful way. Staff turnout was strong, and many shared they’d love to see this become an annual tradition. Financials: Vendor fees and the 15% give-back have brought in $1,190 so far, with more on the way. The 5th grade bake sale raised $1,428. The event fully covered all expenses.
Motion: A motion was made for the PTO Winter Market to become a permanent fixture on the PTO calendar each year.
Dorothy motioned first, Stacey seconded – All in favor. The motion was approved at 7:40 am.
Website: Elizabeth is collecting quotes for a website update. Once all information is in, we’ll bring it to the board for a vote.
The directory is out digitally. Sara Carpenter did an amazing job.
Upcoming Events:
- Talent Show – February 20, will have two different days for the screening this year.
- PTO/Friends Holiday Party – tomorrow at 6pm at Stacey’s house (please bring a dish)
- PTO Staff Luncheon – 12/17, catered by Coconut Girl Kitchen. I will give a brief speech on behalf of the PTO Board.
Volunteers: We extended morning tardy-slip volunteer coverage to help buzz in families, supporting Susie and Lisa.
Teacher’s Report: Erin Sullivan
The market was loved by staff. Thank you in advance for the luncheon! La Jolla Elementary School PTO Meeting Minutes
Treasurer’s Report: Christal Duimstra
Looks great. Events are supporting themselves. She is currently working on taxes.
VP Communications (Social Media): Liz Copperman
Thanks to everyone who is contributing photos. Please know that if a picture was sent and not posted it is because one of the children in the photo may not be photo approved. Just posted on toy drive. Wants to open a little library for the school. She can manage along with volunteers. She’s connected with legacy librarians to see if there are any reasons it hasn’t been done before. Discussed the logistics with the board.
VP Communications (E-blasts): Dorothy Tse
If you have an eblast, let us know who the message is on behalf of and send it at least 3 days in advance.
VP Room Parent: Diana Brunmark
3 new room parents have been added. Of the 45 room parents 13 of them are new to being a room parent. Room parents are currently collecting donations for holiday gifts for the kids and support staff.
Friends Liaison and VP Volunteers Report: Kaitlin Barr
Annual Giving Campaign party is a great success. The theme for gala is black pearl this year. Market is going well. There’s possible plans for a spring festival at OAM.
Volunteers are going well. Parent volunteers program starting up for the playground.
VP Tidings: Stacey Gubernator and Anna McDivit
Submitted the issue this past weekend. Waiting on the proof. Hoping to get the issue out between Weds thru Friday
Allies in Action: Cher Jabbari
Allies in Action Playground Allies is in full swing. It is clear that the students can not be responsible to manage the playground conflicts on their own, so AIA has now launched a parent branch of Playground Allies, where parents will also support the lunch recess.
Parents are currently being trained and we hope to get parents out on the playground in January.
PTO Emails: Kim Custard
Everyone has new emails. They can log in to reset passwords. The benefit is that there will be google drives that can hold documents so it transfers to next successor.