PTO Meeting Minutes Tuesday, August 18th

  • Opening & Introductions

    • The meeting was called to order at 3:35 am.

    • PTO President Lexi (first year); board members introduced: Mackenzie Debow(VP), Ashley Garcia (Treasurer), Collette Smith (Secretary), Mr. Todd (Primary Grade Rep), Dana Jones (Upper Grade Rep).

  • Budget Approval

    • Final vote on proposed budget held (based on prior year, with adjustments).

    • Increases for teacher extra duty, collaboration days, Leader in Me, intervention, and classroom supplies.

    • Field trip funding increased to $7,200; per-student allotment changes to $20.

    • Motion to approve: moved, seconded, and passed unanimously.

  • Principal’s Update (James Snyder)

    • Thanked PTO for support (time, fundraising, volunteering).

    • New staff introductions: Jack Anderson (new 4th grade teacher), Cheyenne Peck (new 5th grade teacher), Tiffany Cooper (new Librarian), Kim Newsome (Attendance Secretary), Eric Marsh ( new PE), Erin Lee (new Counselor), Lauren Goucher (new Special Education teacher).

    • The school climate is described as positive and collaborative.

    • Leader in Me program: focus on staff this year, full student rollout next year (maybe 6th grade sooner.

    • Volunteer Needs (outside of PTO)

      • Crossing guard needed (morning slot).

      • Volunteer meeting scheduled for August 19th at 9 am.

      • Noon duty is less urgent this year.

  • Member Introductions

    • Attendees shared names, students’ grades, and brief personal notes.

    • Many new families in attendance

  • Treasurer Report (Ashley Garcia and Lexi Evans with Spirit wear recap)

    • Spirit wear fundraiser: just under $11,000 spent upfront; $3,748 has been recouped in sales so far, with strong sales at Catch a Wave.

    • Additional pop-ups and online promo planned

    • Student Success Campaign: 500 emails and snail-mail thank-you notes to local businesses requesting donations/sponsorhsips. So far, $3,865 raised as of today, with a few more $1,000+ pledges pending; donors will be recognized in a newsletter mention, on banners, and in social media posts.

      • Fast Signs of San Luis Obispo - offered an in-kind donation for a banner to feature the sponsors.

        • Fast Signs is working on a one-sheeter to give to donors to collect approved logo and business information for banners.

  • Fundraisers & Events

    • Popcorn Fridays: Positive feedback from meeting attendees; talked about popcorn donations from moving theater for efficiency, volunteer help needed, sponsorships available.

    • Goodies with Grandparents: September 14th, community-building event; volunteers needed; RSVP encouraged; SignUpGenius for food donations; small budget of $390 for supplies.

    • Apex Fun Run: September 8th–19th, with the fun run on September 18th. We selected the tier in which SBE retains 75% of the proceeds, thereby minimizing APEX staff involvement. Lisa Platt to take on APEX again this year, and volunteers needed to help Lisa.

    • Movie Night (Proposed): Fun new outdoor event this year with an alternate indoor option in December discussed instead; decision tabled for now due to September being busy with other community events.

    • Fall Festival: October 23rd, added more inflatables, added more food trucks, $25 wristbands, volunteers needed, discussed leadership team from middle schools help, and table and chair donations for this year's event.

    • Boo Grams: Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine's Day holiday cards with candy, $1 each; volunteer sign-ups available.

      • Boo Grams and Popcorn Fridays were mentioned as having high demand for volunteers throughout the year.

    • Night at the SLO Museum: Sponsored by SESLOC Credit Union; ticketed event; sales benefit SBE PTO; date selected: November 18th, 5 pm - 7 pm; low effort required.

    • Parents Night Out: Hosted at Central Coast Gymnastics, quarterly (dates pending), PTO earns 10–20% back.

    • Name Bubbles: Ongoing fundraiser via custom name labels, PTO receives 20% of sales.

  • Other Updates

    • Nothing planned for assemblies as of now, except the Walkthrough performances in social studies.

    • Give-back nights at local restaurants (first: Avila Valley Barn).

    • Newsletter and social media were praised for timely updates.

  • Closing

    • Next meeting: November 3rd, 3:30 pm, Library.

    • Spirit wear pop-ups planned; positive outlook for the year.

    • Board and community collaboration emphasized; focus on fun, connection, and student support.