February 2025 PTO Meeting Minutes

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Meeting

Thursday, February 20, 6:00-7:00 p.m. 

 Harriet Bishop Media Center or Virtually 

MINUTES

1. Welcome and Call Meeting to Order (Liz)
2. Introductions- Ken, Sam, Keralyn, Translator, Liz, Chris Belmont , Betsy, Celeste
3. Old Business
1. Approve January 2025 meeting minutes (Found at hbpto.net/blog)- Sam motions, Liz approves
2. Other – School name change. Chris Belmont gave brief overview of the potential for changing the name of Harriet Bishop (Edward Neil and Gideon Pond as well). This is in the very beginning phases, just getting info out and checking in. It was recommendation from the American Indian Parent Advisory Commission. The school board is the sole decision maker for name changes, not the commission. Dr Battle will be reviewing and looking at options. Some type of engagement will be happening with community. No timeline. No cost analysis yet, but would be part of process. Side note- Harriet Island is also named after Harriet Bishop.
1. Open Board Positions (Liz) – still open and continuing promote both open positions.
1. Volunteer Coordinator(s)
   • Volunteer Coordinator Update / Volunteer Needs
1. Yearbook Coordinator
2. Read-A-Thon – Mar. 10-28
1. Conference Meal – Mar. 6 – info went out in newsletter and PTO messages. Signups will include setup and takedown.
2. Restaurant Fundraisers- none are on the books currently. Will plan on April and/or May for next one.
3. Yearbook Update- Christina Bussler will take on design. Still need coordinator help. Deadline is April 4^th for ordering.
4. Read-a-Thon Update (Liz)- Theme idea- Reading for Change. Use for yearbook too? Goal is to raise $12,500. Budgeted $13k (could be stretch goal). Incentives: read aloud, Mr Essay on rollerskates, duct tape staff at $10k (Mr Essay will check in with staff to see who is willing to be voted in), minute to win it games at $12,500, stretch goal is Kona Ice at $15k, open to other ideas for incentives. Messaging will be going out soon via flyers and email. Need help with school banner, will reach out to Becky. Could reach out to Christina too.
5. MN Twins Baseball Game – Apr. 11 at 7:10pm, buses are reserved, flyer ready to go out, $14 per ticket. $200 budgeted for scholarship. 7^th inning stretch. Do we include teacher tickets in scholarship amount?
6. Grade Level Initiative 
1. Communications Plan- can use long and short overview depending on the communication. Send to teachers first before the community, and include info at conferences and Meet the Teacher.
2. Staff Appreciation Week – May 5-9- 1^st grade taking the lead on this.
3. May Family Fun Night – May 9 – PTO handling this? But could use to get more information out.
1. Treasurer Update (Sam) – Not a lot of new info, $500 for scholarships approved. Contributed to Brainpower in a backpack as well.
1. BHS Scholarship
1. Other
1. March Newsletter (submission due date: Feb. 24)
2. Andrea is working on 5^th grade sendoffs, wants to send flyers out, include signup genius. Previous years had good turnout. Handout at conferences?

Upcoming School and PTO Events/Key Dates

• Read-a-Thon – March 10-28, 2025
• PTO Meeting – March 20 @ 6pm-7pm
• Spring Break – March 31-April 4
• Read-A-Thon Pep Fest – April 11
• Twins Game – April 11