WELCOME & CALL TO ORDER
President Abby Lewis
Attendees:
- General: Katie Benoit, Barbara Burke, Sarah Fox, Mary Kennedy, Lori Klawitter, Erin Noonan, Principal Sean Satterfield, Kate Schmeckpepper, Kate Whorf
- BOD: Abby Lewis, Madey Poss, Kristen Pratt, Karla Strobel, Molly Teets
BROWN SCHOOL UPDATE
Principal Sean Satterfield
Teacher Representative Aimee Sheppard
- PTO presented Sean Satterfield with a FL Woods Buoy wind chime that echoes the sounds of Marblehead harbor. This gift was presented in gratitude for his years of service to Marblehead Public Schools.
- President Abby Lewis read the following statement written by Teacher Representative Aimee Sheppard as she could not attend in person.
I just want to say on behalf of the teachers, thank you!
It has been a great first year at the Brown School. We have felt supported by the PTO from the very first day. Whether it was our green shirts, delicious breakfasts and lunches, plants or the generous vests, the PTO has gone above and beyond.
The Enrichment opportunities have been amazing. I think the google form with feedback was very helpful. The only wish I’m hearing from teachers is to try to plan events during non-allied arts times so kids feel as though it is an additional event and classroom teachers can join. As soon as next year’s schedule is confirmed, I’d be happy to sit down and go over the schedule and figure out ideal times.
Thank you so much for supporting the garden. It is so wonderful to add this component back into our curriculum. I can speak for second grade when I say that it has aligned perfectly with our science curriculum and a blast for the kids!
Thank you again for all the things you do, and the many things I am forgetting.
YEAR IN REVIEW
President Abby Lewis
This first year in the new school has been full of accomplishments: Monster Mash, Holiday Shops, Giving Tree, year long enrichment and teacher appreciation efforts, new spirit wear, and the launch of a new garden.
FUN RUN REPORT
Vice President Karla Strobel
- Raised $28K+ via 5 different races across the day and grades. More than 100 parents volunteered and we passed out 450 popsicles to runners. Prizes have been allocated and distributed, with the top prize (a kayak) going to the student with the most number of individual donations. Thanks to Mud Puddle, Island Roots, YMCA and Marblehead Sports Shop for the donation support!
FINANCIAL UPDATE
Co-Treasurer Molly Teets
PUBLIC COMMENT
- Vote on budget – passed unanimously with the above attendees voting
- The budget was put together by the treasurers with input from the Executive Board and committee chairs and is based on lessons learned from our first year in the new school.
- The budget reflects funding for a full calendar of fun events and programs for students, Enrichment and Garden programming, support for teachers and staff, technology and facility assistance, and PTO fundraising and operating expenses.
- Thanks to the generosity of our donors and school community, the PTO remains in a strong financial position.
ENRICHMENT COMMITTEE RECAP
Enrichment Chair Erin Noonan
- We had a great recap of enrichment events from Joppa Flats, to Ooch, Brazilian Beats, mindfulness sessions, author visits and more!
MAGIC HAT SUMMER PLANS
Magic Hat Representative Kate Whorf
- This year we received our large gift allocation.
- Funds are contingent on our meeting our volunteer hours (half yearly minimum of 149 hours)
- Next volunteer weeks are Jul 12-16 and Aug 16-20
STAFF APPRECIATION COMMITTEE REPORT
Co-Secretary Madey Poss
End of Year Yeti-type Coffee Mugs with Brown School logo
BROWN SCHOOL GARDEN REPORT
Co-Secretary Kristen Pratt
- Harvest of the Month Barbara Burke
- Discussion around the fact that both Mindfulness and Garden tend to be curriculum based. While coordination occurs to ensure the curriculum ties to the grade level and teacher’s curriculum, it was suggested that the PTO make a request to the district to fund the teaching hours associated with these two items.
VOTE EXECUTIVE BOARD 2022-2023
Co-Presidents Abby Lewis & Kate Schmeckpeper
Co-Vice Presidents Karla Strobel & Madey Poss
Co-Treasurers Jess Chamberlin & Danielle Bulger
Co- Secretaries Kate Whorf & Liv Dolce
Advisors Kristen Pratt & Bit Coppola
Teacher Representative Aimee Sheppard
The vote passed unanimously with the above attendees voting
OTHER EVENTS
- Discussed school moving on event that PTO is organizing with volunteer participation for June 21 at the school
- Field Day – June 22 will include children wearing tie dyed shirts provided by the PTO that they will tie dye in Art in advance.
Our sincerest thanks to all of the parents who have pitched in to make this a successful year for our school community. Whether you chaired a committee, volunteered at an event or came to our meetings, thank you!