Tavelli PTO Meeting 11.4.26 – 8:30 am – Tavelli Science Room
DRAFT for Jan. 6 Meeting
Attendance:
Melissa Adams, Jasmine Parra, Kate Walker, Hazel Morales, Tom Nydahl, Andrea Mejia, Emily Dusatko, Mike Ochs, Caty Ochs, Kelsey Rzonca, Nikki Perez, Drew Hoffman, Ben Irwin, Britney Ferrans, Heather Reider, Amanda Lager Gleason, Leyla Badillo, Christine Hendricks
Minutes
Welcome and Introductions (attendees signed attendance sheet)
Guest: Hazel Morales, PSD Medicaid Program
Hazel shared information on helping families understand, apply for, and renew Medicaid. Families with higher incomes may still qualify for children’s coverage under another branch of Medicaid.
She noted that many families are one step away from financial pressure due to medical costs, and that Medicaid and hospital discounted care can help.
Hazel distributed flyers with a QR code that connects to services and a referral form, and asked for help spreading the word. The materials are available for download from a Google Drive.
The PTO will include this information in the newsletter and other communications.
Approval of Minutes
Minutes are located on the PTO website.
SAC/DAB updates
District Advisory Board - DAB (Kate): Following the school closure announcements, Tavelli is a receiving school for Putnam. Breakout groups reviewed the climate and culture committee plan and packet. Kate met with members of Putnam and Dunn, which is also receiving Putnam students. Kate heard and countered a rumor that Tavelli does not want the ILS program, noting that Tavelli does want it.
Christine explained the timeline for rolling out information. The school is in a holding pattern until it receives approval for more outreach and promotion, and the district is focusing on equitable transitions.
Christine is starting a transition committee. Feedback included holding open houses at equitable times, such as weekends, and organizing a field trip for Putnam students to visit Tavelli. Concerns were raised about which staff will move with students, such as the ILS coordinator.
The District is moving the school of choice window back approximately one month to allow more time for decisions (Nov. 30).
Heather asked whether additional students would bring Tavelli into Title 1 funding.
Christine said that was unlikely.
Christine is pushing for the district to follow transitioning students for a year to provide support, including mental health and academic support, and is working on a transition plan. She noted that Putnam and Tavelli have a lot in common, and wants to honor Tavelli while learning from Putnam’s experience. Leyla asked about the opt-in timing; Poudre sent an email about it the night before, and opt-in opens November 30.
Nikki asked about a Tavelli liaison attending Putnam PTO meetings.
Melissa is meeting with the Putnam PTO president.
Christine plans more open houses, including one for the ILS program.
Tavelli Administration Update
Christine shared that enrollment is nearly at 600. Kindergarten is projected at 95, with 12-17 more possible from Putnam, which could mean five sections.
The school is operating on a tight budget, with additional funding arriving in December due to increased enrollment.
Leyla asked about the future status of the preschool program.
Christine said she is unaware of plans to close or move the preschool. As far as she knows, there is space and funding for next year.
Kate will attend a policy meeting and gather more information.
Budget Report
Melissa shared the Profit and Loss Statement, which is also located at the end of these minutes.
Recent Activities
PTO Merch Drive (September) - Thank you to everyone who purchased. Spirit Gear expenses were $1,751.24, for net income of $2,189.74.
The previous spirit gear company generated around $300. This approach required more labor from the PTO but was worth it.
Music City Hot Chicken Dining Night (October) - Raised $305.
Culver’s Dining Night (October 27) - Great night with some amazing student volunteers. The PTO made $662 from sales plus $222 in tips (Venmo and cash).
Tavelli is a top school for Culver’s, with strong participation and polite students.
Tavelli Care Closet Donation Drive - The school received many donations. Sorting began the day before the meeting.
Tom volunteered to assemble an additional rack.
Ben encouraged messages of gratitude with an image of the collected donations in upcoming communications and will include a thank-you message in the next newsletter.
Book Fair - Underway this week. Monday’s Family Shopping Night was very successful at $4,485.98. Thank you to all of our volunteers!
Members are welcome to visit the fair after the meeting.
Upcoming Activities
Canned food drive: The PTO would like to repeat last year’s drive, starting in December.
A portion of the $20 for 20 funds will also go toward Thanksgiving meals.
Christine noted the drive was a big success last year, and everything left over was used during winter break.
Heather is looking for a number of families to support to help determine whether to purchase food, King Soopers gift cards, or both.
The Turkey Roundup for the food bank will also return, with details in progress.
Penrose Dining Night: Monday, Dec. 7.
Winter Social: Dec. 17 at Odell Brewing (winery side), 6-8 pm. RSVP using this online form.
Upcoming Fundraising - $20 for 20 Donation Challenge
Began November 1 and runs through November 30.
Pizza parties will go to the classes with the most participants and the most money raised.
As of the meeting, $565 had been raised toward the $7,000 goal (online payments only).
Committee Updates
Teacher and Staff Appreciation - The committee is planning staff holiday gifts, likely a gift card plus something else, since staff like gift cards but they could be combined with another item. Ideas included staff-favorite gift cards, a festive winter lounge theme, and a lunch or snack and beverage bar depending on budget, potentially a catered lunch.
Fence Banner Sponsorship Project - The Marketing and Communications Committee is finalizing materials to share with prospective sponsors. Once materials are final, the team will meet with Christine to gather final feedback.
Other Discussion - Walk-a-Thon
The event takes place in March, and the PTO shares what it is raising money for in advance.
Christine is advocating for the cafeteria, which is old and needs a refresh, including taking down the basketball hoops.
Kate shared that Mr. Deakin noted laminate on classroom bookshelves is falling apart, and that teachers would benefit from a larger stipend due to larger classrooms.
Melissa mentioned blinds.
Christine would like capital improvements to come from the district, for example desks from closed schools but noted that blinds are a significant need and unlikely to be replaced soon.
Ben suggested involving Putnam families in co-creating priorities.
Kate suggested improving the basketball court behind the Spark Lab, which Christine said has been on the list for a long time with a long-term plan.
Melissa invited members to share ideas at TavelliPTO@gmail.com.
Committee breakouts
The Events Committee had a productive meeting. Members discussed the December food drive and Walk-a-Thon fundraising priorities, and noted that planning for the Countdown to Summer event will begin in January.
The Staff Appreciation Committee developed its plan for staff holiday gifts, including who will handle decorating the lounge, arranging a catered lunch, and purchasing the gifts.
The Marketing and Communications Committee focused on next steps for the fence banner sponsorship program. Ben is finalizing flyer content and taglines for five preliminary themes, and Leyla will complete preliminary designs next week. With those materials in hand, the committee can brief Christine.
Adjourn and Book Fair sneak peek (9:45 am)
Next PTO Meeting: Jan. 6 at 8:30 AM