WAMSPO Monthly Meeting

August, 2023

August Meeting Agenda Items

** Inform parents of the videos found on the middle school webpage.

Please check out the videos for new parents on our middle school webpage.  In our district listening sessions this past spring it became apparent that a need existed to inform parents of common routines and school practices.  Topics covered in the video include arrival time, school supplies, clothing restrictions, smartphone and smartwatch policies, extra and co-curricular offerings, health class, school counselor roles, field trips, camera footage, and pickup locations.

I.  Review "Westby Mudder" Fundraiser

The “Mudder” was a great success.  Strong positive feedback from staff and students.  We will run a similar event in the upcoming year.  Mike will contact Living Waters to see if we can put a date on the calendar.  Plans to schedule an official date will take place in the upcoming September meeting.  We are grateful to our community for supporting the fundraising efforts of our parent group.  We raised $10, 327.25 from community donations.  Deductions will include $1,500 to Living Waters for developing and staffing the obstacle course and $275 for filing a federal tax exempt application.  Remaining balance for programming is $8,552.25

II.  Discuss tax-exempt status

Tax exempt status has been filed and approved.  WAMSPO is a federally recognized tax exempt organization.  

III.  Discuss programming for 23-24 school year

      - Back to School Night

      - Welcome Back Messages

      - Guest Speakers

Discussed using a table at Back To School Night to promote our parent organization.  Mike will create brochures and Lori is going to staff the table for some of the night.  We could use some additional help if anyone is interested.  Lori will post information on the WAMSPO Facebook Page.  

We invite parents of our middle school students to help write encouraging messages, inspirational comments, and words of kindness on the sidewalk to the middle school and fieldhouse entrances to greet our students to start the year.  If you’re interested in helping out, please contact Lori Pedretti.  

23-24 Programming - We are looking for a connection between the community kindness campaign and upcoming guest speakers during the school year.  No official plans have yet to be made, but a combination of a school wide book read and guest speaker was discussed.  

IV.  Parent Involvement Drive

We discussed creating a questionnaire or survey of middle school parents to get feedback on parent involvement and other pertinent school information regarding parent engagement.