• LJES PTO Meeting Called to Order at 7:30 am
• Meeting adjourned at 8:55 am
Executive Board Members Present: Dana Hourani, Sarah Topol, Christal Duimstra,
Virginia Price, Kaitlin Barr, Liz Copperman, Dorothy Tse, Stacey Gubernator, Anna
McDivit, Erin Sullivan, Dr. Stephanie Hasselbrink
Absent: Cher Jabbari, Diana Brunmark, Amani Bernstein, Ashley Schell
Approvals:
Budget approved at 8:12 am. Liz motioned first, Stephanie seconded – All in favor. May
2025 Meeting Minutes approved at 8:13 am. Christal motioned first, Stacey seconded –
All in favor.
Co-President’s Report: Dana Hourani and Sarah Topol
Back-to-School Picnic: Huge thank you to Sarah for organizing such an incredible first
PTO event of the year! Everyone had a fantastic time—the 5th grade bake sale, teacher
coloring competition, and Logowear booth were all big hits! Financial Aid Fund: The
PTO has started a small account to provide financial assistance for class shirts and year
book for students who want to purchase them but parents are having financial struggles.
If you know of a family who may benefit, please reach out to Christal confidentially.
Event Equipment: The PTO has purchased new folding tables for school events so we
no longer need to rent them! The PTO voted to co-fund a mural in memory of Mrs.
Nicolaidis alongside Friends. Art & Wine Festival: Volunteers are still needed to meet
our commitment and help LJES receive its portion of the event proceeds.
Principal Report: Dr. Stephanie Hasselbrink
We welcomed a new BSS Esther! Enrichment Wheel started! Short staffed in the
cafeteria and putting stress on the current staff. Need another person but has to be
hired through the district.
Treasurer’s Report: Christal Duimstra
Last year, a few extra expenses, but the budget ended well balanced. Reviewed the
new budget.
Auditor’s Report: Virginia Price
No problems. Dr. Weiss’ programs are continuing. You don’t need to go to all of them.
Need more volunteers for LJAWF.
VP Communications (Social Media): Liz Cooperman
Due to requirements by LJAWF to post a certain amount in order to get funds from the
event, you will be seeing a lot of posts related to that. If you get any content to share
send over. If you have something like an event that needs to be posted, please send it
early so posts can be timed appropriately. Half way through the year need a new
shadow.
VP Communications (E-Blasts): Dorothy Tse
Eblasts are sent out Mondays and Thursdays, up to twice. Need eblast content at
minimum 3 days in advance, earlier is even better.
PTO Membership: Rebecca Jacob
Off to a good start. So far 80 people have contributed. Brought in $3200. She will be at
the Picnic. All Board members are required to pay membership dues. Bags were made
for those that contribute.
Friends Liaison Report and Co-Chair VP Volunteers Report: Kaitlin Barr
Emergency board meeting to fund an additional teacher for first grade, which avoided a
combination class. Also hired a temporary ed specialist to help with the backlog of IEPs.
Enrichment wheel started. AGC also started. LJAWF needs volunteers!!
A lot of interest for kindergarten recess coverage. Inquiry brought up regarding parent
volunteers for other recesses. Need clean up crew volunteers for Picnic. Nicole has
been shadowing and helping.
VP Tidings: Stacey Gubernator and Anna Mcdivit
Already have a lot of content. Deadline for content is the 19th. Publication date 10/6. Will
have a feature regarding the memorial for Ms. Allison.
VP Room Parent: Diana Brunmark (update provided by Dana Hourani)
What’s app system working really well. She created a room parent support chat.
Allies in Action: Stephanie Silverberg
Content is being tailored for our school. Presentations went well. Will be starting
Playground Allies. New presentations starting in October.
Science Night – October 15 (Wednesday): Zainab Khan
A fun, Halloween-themed evening featuring student projects, hands-on activities, and a
snack bar with burgers and pizza for dinner. Spread the word—it’s always a favorite!