November 7, 2022
Good morning and happy election day. Get out there and vote for the future your kids deserve!
Last night's PTO meeting was all about opportunities to get more involved. Many of our stalwart volunteers have fourth- and fifth-grade students, so the PTO's ongoing support for the school depends on new volunteers joining up.
Ravens Gameday Parking
What we do: Sell parking spots in the school lot (and grass field, when its dry enough) to raise money for the PTO. This is our #1 source of income!
We need you: Help direct traffic, hand out parking passes, and more. Every home game, starting 3-4 hours before the game. We're usually done by 30 minutes before kickoff so you can head to the stadium, the bar, or your sofa to watch the game!
Contact Ryan Wunderlich (ryan.j.wunderlich@gmail.com)
Green & Grounds
What we do: Friday morning sweeping, leaf blowing, weeding, & trash pick-up. Seasonal cleanup days. Planting and maintenance of the rain garden and sensory garden.
We need you: Fall Cleanup - 11/19; Friday morning cleanups
Contact: Carl Ziegler (zoltanz@hotmail.com)
Events
What we do: Plan two major FUNdraising events -- Spring Fling (May 13 - carnival-style event for the whole family) and Prep Winter Fest (date TBD - parents' night out)
We need you: Join a planning committee to share your ideas and make these events great.
Contact: Dan Anderson (Prep Winter Fest) (daniel-anderson@outlook.com) ; Megan Bober (Spring Fling) (meganbober37@gmail.com)
Student Experiences
What we do: Work with Ms. Thompson (Prep's IB Coordinator) to organize field trips and in-school extracurricular activities that align with the IB curriculum.
We need you: We're launching a Giving Tuesday campaign to raise funds for buses and activity fees. Keep an eye out and help us spread the word.
Contact: Julie Eugenio (juliebeugenio@gmail.com); Tina Crandell (tinacrandell@gmail.com); Chelsea Shudtz (chelsea.aryn@gmail.com)
Grants
What we do: Apply for grants to support Green & Grounds, Student Experiences, and various in-school projects
We need you: Join our team to help ID grant opportunities, write grants, and handle grant administration & stewardship
Contact: Tony Stephens (anthony.w.stephens@gmail.com)
Marketing
What we do: Keep the PTO socials fresh. Help get the word out about open houses, events, and more.
We need you: We have no committee chair right now! Please step up!
Contact Katie Wunderlich (katie.kilby.wunderlich@gmail.com)
Budget Update
PTO Treasurer Matt Eskridge provided an update on revenues and expenditures to date (see attached). The parking committee has already brought in over $15,000! Teachers, remember your Teacher Bucks! We've earmarked $200 per teacher to support your classroom needs.
Holiday Helpers
Celine Plachez provided an update on the "giving tree" project that she proposed at last month's meeting. Celine has worked with Ms. Hobson (Prep's in-school social worker) to identify families that could use our community's help to provide gifts during the holiday season. Confidentiality is being strictly protected. Celine will organize a gift list and share it soon. You can support this effort by purchasing something from the gift list or making a donation. More details to come soon. Keep an eye on Bloomz.
Traffic and Parking
Representatives of the PTO and SFC met with Councilman Eric Costello recently to discuss safety during drop-off and pick-up. The councilman had no immediate suggestions for altering traffic patterns, parking rules, or enforcement. However, he reminded us that all metered parking on Light Street is free until 10a on weekdays -- a good option for morning drop-off.
Kudos
To Crystal Santifer, for organizing a successful fundraiser with Pure Raw Juice! The proceeds will pay for Prep's registration in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
To Nick Funk (SFC Chairman) and the Classroom Parent volunteers, for getting this new program off the ground!
To Jessica Cash, for putting in some legwork to hopefully get Chess Club back at Prep soon.
To Ms. Owen and Ms. Morgan, who are getting the ball rolling for the return of the spring musical!
To all of Prep's teachers, staff, and PTO volunteers for supporting our kids' development.