September 2026
Tavelli PTO Meeting 9.2.26 – 8:30 am – Tavelli Science Room
Approved at 10/7/26 PTO Meeting
Attendance:
Melissa Adams, Heather Reider, Monica Smith, Ben Irwin, Heather Nydahl, Rachel Grupp, Abbe Longstein, Bridget Mcauliffee, Mike Ochs, Katy Ochs, Samantha Finke, Kelsey Rzonca, Shawna Bratton, Allie Hale, Melissa Gracik, Isabel (Izzy) Bramhall-Heck, Brittany Ferrans, Nikki Perez, Grace McClain, Katie Welch, Andrea Mejia, Francisco Africano, Beth Ray, Emily Dusatko, Drew Hoffman, Jasmine Cox, Jasmine Parra, Leyla Badillo, Anna Wright
Minutes
Welcome and Introductions (attendees signed attendance sheet)
PTO Officers (Melissa, Heather, Ben, Kate, Monica)
Tavelli Admin (Christine/Shirley)
Members in the room
Remarks from Melissa - welcome, appreciation for attendees, and the value of participating in the PTO.
School Updates (Christine)
Enrollment was projected for 456. Currently, 511 are enrolled. Budget “true-up” in October based on increased enrollment. Positive funding impact in December
Excitement around fence marketing
Appreciation for Staff Lounge and Media Center projects
A future need/project is updates to the cafeteria
School Supply Kit was a convenient service for families, should do again next year,
MAC Bus a big success this summer
Successful lock-down rehearsal
School academic performance data from last year was the best in Tavelli’s history! Superintendent Kinglsey and Tavelli admin to hand out golden tickets to staff and students
2026/2027 Meeting Schedule (Melissa)
Calendar of events (high level), including Movie Night, Book Fair, $20 for 20, Tiger Trek Walk-a-thon, Kona Ice Party, Countdown to Summer, etc.
Dining nights (Kate)
Look for announcements in PTO’s instagram and newsletter
Member Handbook (Ben)
Available as a QR code. Print copy available by request. Provides overview of PTO purpose, details of meetings, schedule, contact info, bylaws, and talking points to help others understand why the PTO matters
Committee Overview and Structure (Heather)
Events
Fundraising - smaller fundraising, $20 for 20, spirit gear, dining nights
Walk-a-thon - separated from events because it is a significant undertaking in and of itself
Marketing - example of a team that met more informally last year, building on previous support for more consistent branding from Leyla, to generate ideas for increasing awareness, participation, and fundraising on behalf of PTO.
Grant writing
Sign up for interest in a committee: https://forms.gle/46YzRrk1GtWK4LC88
Leyla asked whether last year’s discussion within the marketing team had been shared with the board. While the documentation had not been shared broadly, the thinking behind it informed additional structure and approach this year.
Tavelli Merch designed by PTO (Brittany)
Spirit Gear Drive will kick off early September. Will preview some items during Back to School Night for Sale
Budget (Monica)
Presentation of budget and key components
Heather discussed openness to ideas and assured that details start to make sense once you get involved.
Discussion of the value of various levels of giving and volunteering.
P&L statement attached at the end of document.
General Q&A
Samantha encouraged people to look for emails asking for volunteers
Heather reminded people to sign up for PTO newsletter and watch for PTO info in Thursday notes
Melissa encouraged people to sign up as a volunteer with the district
Christine mentioned other ways to give and take care of the community, loan closet, food drive, etc.
Adjournment and School Tour