DMS PTO Meeting

August 26, 2020

Virtual Zoom Meeting 7 pm

Attendees: 

(Sign in sheet not available as meeting was virtual.  Secretary recorded names that appeared on Zoom call)

Tiffany Marr, Ginger Kockentiet, Elaine Spielberg, Jennifer Talley, Amanda Aring, Nandana, Amy Starnes, Helena Richards, Jason Snyder, Joshi Kushagra, Monika Willis, Ann Perez, Asch Mikhail, Gretchen, Nastassia Clarke, Natalie Rich, Melaine, Vinit, Tony Falco, Gayathri, Marsha, Martina Karina, Dana Berger, Venus Klochak, Jessica Sauter, Tammy Hatfield-Smith, Angel Abernathy, Tripti.

President’s Report – Tiffany Marr

Intro & Agenda/Teacher Appreciation/Newsletter/Spirit Wear/UNFundraiser

Tiffany reviewed the meeting agenda.  We will be doing virtual meetings for the time being and also conducting all PTO business electronically to limit cash transactions.  This will include our biggest fundraiser of the year which kicks off September 1 and will be run by Elaine Spielberg – UNFundraiser – More details to come.

The PTO provided Teacher Appreciation treats to teachers on the first day of school (Nothing Bundt Cakes and Edible Arrangements) and lunch from Sunny Street Cafe on the third day of school.

We are currently investigating how to provide Davis Spirit Wear online as well.

Principal’s Report – Dr. Ann Perez

Dr. Perez introduced Assistant Principal, Jason Snyder and Administrative Intern, Helena Richards to the participants.

She thanked the PTO for the sweet treats which the entire staff received on Monday August 17 and for the Edible Arrangements that we sent to the new staff.  Both items were a hit.  Another big thank you to the PTO for providing the Sunny Street Cafe catered lunch on Wednesday August 19.  It was delicious!

Davis enrollment is right around 1100 students.  365 students have selected the Remote Learning Academy for the first semester.  This will make social distancing easier when Hybrid students return to school.  The start back to school has gone well.  Only a few small glitches with Google on Monday which have since been resolved.  

Please make sure you are checking the back to school newsletter editions.  They will continue posting each week.  Additionally, Zoom calls are ongoing to respond to questions.  The new call is Monday 8/31/20.  You can submit your questions ahead of time.

Davis will be holding a virtual open house this year.  You will be able to find the links on the Davis website and follow the link to your child’s team’s website.  The links will be available on Thursday September 3 at 5 pm.  You can watch at your leisure anytime after they are posted.

Secretary’s Report – Jennifer Talley

Jennifer provided a quick list of ways parents can keep informed about PTO activities.  Best method is to sign up to receive email updates from our PTO website – dmspto.org

You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  Links to those social media sites are on our website.  We will also be publishing monthly newsletters that will be distributed by the school and will be posted on our website under “Newsletters”.

She also highlighted easy ways to support the PTO financially by choosing Davis PTO as a supported charity with Amazon Smile, Kroger and Giant Eagle.  Our codes can be found on the website under Fundraising.  Remember to update your supported charity each year as grocery store selections expire after one year.  Also, as your children change school, you will need to update as well.

Treasurer’s Report –  Ginger Kockentiet and Asch Mikhail

Ginger shared her screen with the group and reported that we have $8,564.12 in checking and $31,429.22 in savings.  All outstanding checks have cleared.  Our goal is to maintain a reserve equal to one year’s normal PTO expenses in Savings.  We normally spend between $30,000 – $35,000 per year supporting a variety of programs at Davis.

Asch commented that we are still finalizing our budget for 2020-21 as many events have gone virtual or will not be happening.  We will publish our budget and vote on its approval at an upcoming meeting once it has been streamlined.

Elaine Spielberg then commented on our upcoming UNFundraiser which will begin September 1.  The UNFundraiser is sweet and simple, also safe and efficient.  There’s no need to sell products, go door-to-door, or tally reading minutes.  Simply choose an online donation site (Square or 99Pledges) and select the dollar amount you wish to donate.  Your tax-deductible donation will be added to Davis’ total.  More details will be emailed out soon and posted on our website and social media sites.

Q & A – moderated by Jennifer Talley

Questions were posted to the Chat box on Zoom.  

“How can we help?”  

Look for opportunities on our website, read newsletters for upcoming events and you can always email the PTO if you are interested at ptodavis@gmail.com.

“Does PTO get involved with community nursing and rehab centers?”

We are always looking for opportunities to support our community.  Some events that have occurred in the past include after school trips to food pantry, annual Give Back Week in November and PTO adopts families at the Holidays through Welcome Warehouse.  Dr. Perez also mentioned that Davis has an in school pantry that is coordinated by Mrs. Dues.  

Please send your ideas to our email address – ptodavis@gmail.com

“Is Orientation still happening?”

That is the goal!

Meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm.