October 2026

Written By Tavelli PTO

Tavelli PTO Meeting 10.7.26 – 8:30 am – Tavelli Science Room

 

DRAFT for Nov. 4 Meeting

Attendance: 

Melissa Adams, Heather Reider, Kate Walker, Ben Irwin, Andrew Hoffman, Nikki Perez, Abbe Ewell Longstein, Shawna Bratten, Andrew Mejia, Kelsey Rzoca, Emily Dusatko, Linds McKittrick, Caty Ochs, Mike Ochs, Leyla Badillo, Eric McClure, Jasmin Cox, Katie Welch, Phoebe Gaston, Jasmine Parra

Minutes

Welcome and Introductions (attendees signed attendance sheet)

Approval of Minutes

Budget Report (Melissa)

  • June-Oct $48K in revenue, $11K in expenses, Net of $37K

  • A profit and Loss Statement at end of minutes

SAC/DAB updates (Abbe and Kate)

  • School Accountability Committee - SAC (Abbe): Strong first meeting.Discussion of sprint cycles and school-specific focus areas, including belonging. SAC meets 3-4 times per year, with the next meeting in December. Tavelli scored highest in the district on performance assessments; the district is using Tavelli as a model for other schools.

  • District Advisory Board - DAB (Kate): In November, there will be an opportunity to vote on ballot measures affecting schools. Members are encouraged to review local propositions, particularly Proposition NN. The climate and culture team is sharing information in response to the school consolidation announcement. Tavelli will be receiving approximately 70-80 students from Putnam, as well as the ILS program. Discussion followed on how to welcome incoming families and support the transition given the culture they are accustomed to. Melissa noted the PTO will send out a survey. Technology updates related to AI and other issues are forthcoming. Melissa mentioned listening sessions, including one at Lincoln, and ongoing PTO conversations at Library Park.

Tavelli Administration Update (Christine)

  • Decisions and a vote regarding consolidation are expected by end of October; overall outlook is positive.

  • Current enrollment is 510-515, above the projection of 456. Reserve funding returns in December. A target of 600 students (25 per class) would allow programming to be restored, including potential additions in science.

    • Mike: It would be good to have special outreach and events for the incoming families.

    • Christine expressed a priority of welcoming and blending incoming Putnam families. Plans to bring a team to Putnam after final decisions are made. Discussion among members about special outreach events for incoming families.

    • Andrew asked about the timeframe of the October count.

      • Christine said October count is based on a weekly average, with one designated count day.

  • MAC Bus: Paint night on Oct. 19 and all proceeds will be donated to the MAC Bus. Applying for a Bohemian Foundation grant. St. Patrick’s Day parade participation is an open question given funding constraints from Unify (the foundation that sponsored last year’s parade).

  • It was Christine’s birthday!

Recent and Upcoming Activities

  • Movie Night: Very successful. No sprinkler issues. Concession stand generated approximately $1,200 in sales, with net proceeds of approximately $400 after costs.

  • Music City Hot Chicken Dining Night: Strong and steady turnout throughout the evening. Several families took food for a picnic at Greenbriar. Final fundraising total to be reported at the next meeting.

  • Barre3 Pop-Up (which occurred later on Oct. 7) open to anyone, including walk-ins. Free class led by Tavelli parent and studio owner Jennifer Arnett. Attendees were encouraged to bring a donation for the staff lounge. 

    • Kate noted that staff have expressed significant appreciation for the lounge and the drinks.

  • Spirit Gear Drive: Closed last Friday. Net sales just under $4,000. Orders will be placed next week, with items expected to arrive in late October. Volunteers needed to sort and distribute.

  • Culver’s Dining Night: Oct. 27, 5-8 PM. Students ages 8 and up may participate. Attire requirements included in the signup. Tavelli has historically been the top-earning community for Culver’s dining nights.

    • Mike encouraged early social promotion

      • That will begin soon, but the group is cognizant of not saturating the community with communication about the dining nights, spacing, etc.

Upcoming Fundraising

  • $20 for 20 Donation Challenge: Families will be asked to donate $1 per student in the class. A flyer will go home at the end of the month. The PTO will also seek a business or corporate match. In 2025, the campaign raised $6,400 plus a $4,000 corporate match; $750 was donated to the food drive for family food bags and pantry. Goal for 2026: $7,000.

  • Fence Sponsorship: Ben provided an overview of the program. Mike shared metrics on the opportunity.

Other Discussion (Melissa)

  • Tavelli Care Closet Drive: Melissa proposed a clothing and personal care drive in October to stock the Care Closet. Items needed include new and gently used clothing, hygiene items, hair care products, cleaning supplies, and school supplies. Volunteers needed.

Committees update

  • Volunteer signup results discussed. Four breakout groups convened with the following topics:

    • Teacher and Staff Appreciation: Staff holiday gift ideas and lounge donation of the month

    • Fundraising and Events: $20 for 20, donation drives for food and the clothing closet, tip jar creation for Culver’s

    • Marketing and Communications: Fence sponsorship mockups

    • Book Fair: Planning for the fall book fair

Meeting Adjourned (9:45 am)

Profit/Loss Summary June-Sept 2026






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September 2026