• LJES PTO Meeting Called to Order at 7:38 am
• Meeting adjourned at 8:42 am
Executive Board Members Present: Dana Hourani, Sarah Topol, Christal Duimstra,
Cher Jabbari, Diana Brunmark, Liz Copperman, Dorothy Tse, Kaitlin Barr, Stacey
Gubernator, Erin Sullivan, Interim Principal Juan Romo
Absent: Virginia Price, Anna McDivit, Amani Bernstein, Ashley Schell, Erin Sullivan
Approvals:
February Financials approved at 8:03 am. Dana motioned first, Dorothy seconded – All
in favor. February 2025 Meeting Minutes approved at 8:03 am. Dana motioned first,
Christal seconded – All in favor.
Co-President’s Report: Dana Hourani and Sarah Topol
Sarah Cunningham has been shadowing Ashley and has already jumped right in
helping with afterschool programs, so we just need to make it official.
A motion to add Sarah Cunningham as a voting board member to co-chair Afterschool
Programs with Ashley Schnell was made. Dana motioned first, Ellizabeth seconded – All
in favor. Motion approved at 7:47 am.
Open Positions: Two positions were filled following the PTO Coffee Morning — Family Science Night and Logowear — so thank you to those who stepped up. Current open positions include: PTO Co-Presidents, Treasurer; Yearbook Co-Chair;
Welcome Committee Chair (open house, 5th grade tours and prospective family tours).
We are hosting a happy hour tomorrow as a final push to see if we can fill these roles. If
we are unable to find new Co-Presidents, Sarah and Dana will begin planning for next
school year and bring a formal vote to the board to remain in the role for one additional
year. With a new principal coming in, continuity may help create a smoother transition.
Teacher Support – Vacuums: The vacuums for teachers have arrived and were very
much appreciated by staff.
Talent Show: The Talent Show was a huge success. Thank you to Sara Carpenter,
Kristi Gines, and Kaitlin Barr, and of course Brynne for being our
wonderful MC.
Upcoming: Family Dance + Book Fair: Our Family Dance and Book Fair will take place
on March 26 from 5–7 PM. Theme: Retro Throwback. One idea we’d like to discuss is
opening the Book Fair and the 5th Grade Bake Sale at 4:30 PM for
students who may have sensory sensitivities and would benefit from a quieter, less
crowded environment before the event begins. Nassim, our event chair, also raised a
concern that the Family Dance sometimes becomes a drop-off event, with parents leaving children at the event. Historically this has happened at some school events, so it may be worth discussing ways to discourage it. One option could be clearly stating in communications that this is a family event and not a drop-off event, and that children must attend with an adult. Another option could be requesting security through Facilitron to help contain the campus and prevent children — especially those with older siblings — from running around unsupervised and potentially putting themselves or others at risk. Nassim also suggested the possibility of charging a small $5 entry fee to discourage drop-offs.
However, the PTO takes pride in creating events that are inclusive and accessible to the
entire community without financial barriers, so I would strongly advise against this
unless others feel differently. In discussions with the board, many were interested in
trying out security for the family dance to see how it worked and decide if it is something
we want to consider for more events. The general consensus was against charging for
the Family Dance.
Treasurer’s Report: Christal Duimstra
Christal reviewed the three types of financial reports that are provided and what is
included in each one. Everyone is asked to send check requests soon as there are only
a few months left in school. PTO will fund field trips and class t-shirts for students who
need assistance.
Book Fair: Liz Copperman
The Bookfair is a week before spring break. The last time to make purchases will be at
family dance. The book fair is in need volunteers. Teachers are signing up for their slots,
so we need volunteers for class visits and afterschool hours. The Bookfair will open
from 4:30 to 5:00 pm before the family dance for families that would benefit from quiet
time to transition into the dance.
VP Communications (E-blasts): Dorothy Tse
Mondays and Thursdays are solo eblast days for the PTO. Weds is an all school eblast.
There will be an announcement that if a student is unable to purchase a yearbook, the
PTO will purchase it on their behalf.
VP of Room Parents:
New room parent chat has continued to be a very helpful resource for room parents.
Friends Liaison and VP Volunteers Report: Kaitlin Barr
The Gala is on Saturday. It is Sold Out. The Board voted to fund the hiring of a full-time
Spanish teacher. Nominating committee is still looking for a website liaison,
parliamentarian, and OAM co-chair
VP Tidings: Stacey Gubernator and Anna McDivit
Tidings would like to feature the new principal, so they will delay the next newsletter
date until after spring break to cover. It will also feature holidays over the spring. As well
as a memorial for former student David, who recently passed away suddenly.
Special Community Discussion: Kate Chadwick
Kate would like to propose making April neurodivergence month at LJES. She is looking
into finding ways to make school events more inclusive. She would also like to teach
topics of neurodivergence in classrooms, ie reading books, having discussions. She is
excited at the PTO offering of an earlier start time at the family dance to make space for
kids with sensitivities to the sound and light. A suggestion was made to consider
incorporating teaching topics on neurodivergence in the enrichment wheel through
counselor Katie Paul and also possibly involving student council.
Event Security Discussion: Dana Hourani
PTO Events have been getting very rowdy lately. Family dance is an opportunity to test
out using Facilitron to hire school security for $100/hr. There was a discussion of how to
make it work and will test out for family dance.