• LJES PTO Meeting Called to Order at 7:43 am
• Meeting adjourned at 8:40 am
Executive Board Members Present: Dana Hourani, Sarah Topol, Christal Duimstra,
Cher Jabbari, Diana Brunmark, Kaitlin Barr, Dorothy Tse, Stacey Gubernator, Erin
Sullivan, Interim Principal Juan Romo
Absent: Virginia Price, Liz Copperman, Stacey Gubernator, Anna McDivit, Amani
Bernstein, Ashley Schell
Approvals:
December Financials approved at 7:59 am. Kaitlin motioned first, Dorothy seconded –
All in favor. December 2025 Meeting Minutes approved at 8:00 am. Stephanie motioned
first, Kaitlin seconded – All in favor.
A motion was made to add Nicole Chowdry as a co-chair for VP of Room Parents and
to take over the position completely next year. Dorothy motioned first, and Stephanie
seconded – All in favor. The motion was approved at 8:02 am.
Co-President’s Report: Dana Hourani and Sarah Topol
Hospitality & Staff Appreciation: We extend a sincere thank you to our Hospitality
Committee. The holiday luncheon was warm, inclusive, and impactful. As a continued
boost for staff morale, many teachers and staff are currently preparing for the 100th Day
of School, which lands on Friday, January 23. To help make the day extra fun and
celebratory, the PTO will be ordering 100 pop-up bagels along with coffee for staff to
enjoy.
Support Staff Gift Cards: We thank Christal for managing staff donations in real time
and keeping the board updated throughout the process to ensure equitable distribution.
As a result of this coordination, we were able to provide all 42 support staff members
with a $50 gift card.
Interim Principal Meeting & Recess Support: We met on Monday with Interim Principal
Romo and Rachel for a productive and thoughtful discussion. One key area identified
was the need for additional parent support during 5th grade recess to ensure proper
coverage. In response, a SignUpGenius will be created to recruit parent volunteers.
Stephanie Silverberg will share this with 5th grade families to help ensure consistent
support during recess moving forward.
Upcoming PTO Event – Talent Show: Our next PTO event is the much-anticipated
Talent Show, led by Kaitlin Barr and Sara Carpenter. The screening is scheduled for
February 4, the dress rehearsal will take place on February 18, and the full Talent Show
is scheduled for February 20. We are grateful for their leadership and excited for what’s
ahead.
Website Update: We thank Friends for generously covering the full cost of a third-party
company to build a new website for both PTO and Friends. Once completed, the site
will be handed back to the PTO for in-house maintenance. We are grateful for this
partnership and investment.
Communications & Outreach: A solo e-blast will be sent to the school community
highlighting all open PTO positions for the 2026–27 school year to encourage early
interest and involvement. Additionally, the bulletin board outside Building 9 is being
used for a full PTO information display, featuring open board and chair positions,
upcoming events, and an overview of PTO programs and initiatives.
Teacher’s Report: Erin Sullivan
Thank you for an amazing Holiday Luncheon!
Treasurer’s Report: Christal Duimstra
The taxes have been submitted and completed. Had $5K more this year. Money Market
brought in $1700. Starting 1099 filings. Added a tidings page to the website.
VP Communications (E-blasts): Dorothy Tse
Getting everything out. Please get in a few days in advance. PTO eblasts come out on
Mondays and Thursdays
VP Room Parent: Diana Brunmark
Thank you to Christal and Dana for helping purchase the gifts for support staff.
Friends Liaison and VP Volunteers Report: Kaitlin Barr
Friends voted to approve 3 teachers and 4 part time support teachers for next year.
Gala is moving and has exciting things to come. Market is doing great. Talent show
added a second screening date, so it will be on Tuesday and Wednesday.
VP Tidings: Stacey Gubernator and Anna McDivit
The next issue will go out the week before spring break.
Allies in Action: Cher Jabbari
Allies in Action Playground Ally Parent program is in full swing. We are still in need of
parent volunteers. Please spread the word and sign up if interested.
Other Updates:
Girls on the run is starting March 3rd for 10 weeks. Girls, grades 3-5. Coach Katie will be
helping.
Legacy day will be on Feb 20th. Invitation going out to extended family. Only show and
tell for 20 minutes in the classroom. Student council will do tours of enrichment.
Calendar meeting will be scheduled before the end of the school year. The presidents
will communicate with event chairs to get input on timing of calendar.