Topic

Presenter

1. Welcome

Becky

Becky welcomed everyone to the meeting.    

2. Guest Speaker

N/A

•  There was no guest speaker for this meeting,

Events & Activities Overview

• Teacher Appreciation Week

• The office coordinated a "Wicked" theme for the week. PTO supported the efforts by providing lunch and dinner for staff, along with donated cinnamon rolls and a raffle of various gifts throughout the week.
• Looking ahead, coordination with the Sunshine Crew earlier in the planning process would be beneficial. There is interest in ensuring all staff feel appreciated and that PTO can take on a larger role. The goal is to make the activities easy and enjoyable for teachers.

• Dine and Donate

• Current funds raised stand at $848, though this may not include the most recent event’s contributions. A great result for the year–thanks Michelle!!  

• Westview Scholarship (Erin)

• The winner has been selected, but not yet been notified. They are planning to study biomedical engineering at the University of Minnesota.
• The plan is to invite the scholarship winner to an end-of-year assembly to accept the award and speak briefly (2–3 minutes) about their experience at Westview. This will take place on the last day of school, from 10:30 to 10:45 AM.
• Teachers serve as reviewers, and the PTO acts as a facilitator. The process this year included:

• Date changes updated in the shared spreadsheet
• Lisa posted information on the website and relevant Facebook pages to advertise for applications
• Applications were compiled, identifying details redacted, and sent to Molly for teacher distribution and review

• There is a need to revisit the scholarship criteria for next year, as the current “Bulldog STRONG” framework may no longer align with school messaging. Tami will take back feedback to the teachers on developing a new rubric.
• Next year’s process may also involve collaboration with the PBIS and/or the new leadership team.

• Carnival

• The event was well received, though two activities were canceled, and there were some challenges with volunteer attendance.
• Feedback and ideas for improvement:

• Have volunteers wear “Security” shirts to help monitor student behavior
• Reinforce that this is not a drop-off event—parent presence is required
• Consider inviting local rangers again for visibility
• Some attendees felt the event was too expensive; consider switching to a wristband model. Clarify that while some activities have a cost, others (like popcorn) are free.
• The prizes for free games were appreciated.
• Consider eliminating popcorn due to the mess, but offer an alternative free snack
• Explore sponsorships for food and drinks in exchange for advertising at the event
• Improve enforcement of rules around the bounce house
• Walkie-talkies were a helpful addition for coordination

• The final total raised was $12,587, with a net profit of $8,500—a strong result, especially given the rainy weather.  

Upcoming

All

• Fun run

• The course will be shorter this year (just under half a mile), finishing on the playground.
• Freeze pops (supplied by the PTO) are currently being frozen in preparation for the event.
• Consider Jonny Pops for next year—they may offer free popsicles for fundraisers.

• Summer Opportunities

• Help with outdoor spaces

• A parent sign-up will be created for those willing to help maintain plant boxes over the summer.
• Benches in the science court have been stained. While a few couldn't be restored, replacements were found, and storage is now available for the outdoor cushions.

• Playground playdates

• Dates have been set for just before the school year starts. The kindergarten playdate will take place on Monday, August 25.
• An all-school “Chalk the Walk” is planned for the day before teachers return.
• A donation table will be set up with a Venmo code for optional contributions during the playdates.

• New Fundraiser

• The chocolate bar fundraiser discussed in the last PTO meeting was the only fundraiser shared by meeting participants
• The group discussed the timing of the chocolate fundraiser. It was proposed to hold it in October, before Halloween and during MEA break. Distribution could occur on a data day or at a playground playdate.
• A motion to schedule the fundraiser for October was made, seconded, and unanimously approved.

• Next year Read-a-thon timeline

• The group voted to move the Read-a-Thon to the weeks leading up to spring break to avoid the busy February schedule.
• A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously approved.

Other Business

All

• Budget for 2025-2026

• Minor adjustments were made from the version reviewed last month.
• A vote was held to increase the school support allocation from $18,600 to $30,000 due to higher-than-expected fundraising from the Read-a-Thon and other events.  This change would still leave the PTO with six months’ worth of operating funds.
• The motion passed unanimously.

• Officers for 2025-2026

• Rebeca was nominated for President, Maggie for Vice President (continuing), and Jen Mills for Secretary.
• No nominations were received for Treasurer. Per the bylaws, exceptions can be made for current officers to continue if needed. Maggie is willing to discuss the role with potential volunteers. The position remains vacant for now, with the hope that someone will step up before the September vote.
• The motion to approve the nominated officers was seconded and unanimously approved.

• The following PTO roles remain open or were filled:

• First Grade Music Author Day – Chrissy
• Spirit Wear – [Open]
• Art Adventure – Jen
• Bulldog Bingo – Suzanne
• New Fundraiser Lead – High priority
• Box Tops – [Open]
• School Beautification (PTO liaison) – [Open]
• Student Directory – [Open]
• Welcome Tables – [Open]
• Kindergarten Mentor Coordinator – [Open]
• Playground – [Open]

• Reflection and Looking ahead - The group expressed appreciation for the year’s accomplishments and everyone’s help and participation—"We did it!"

Principal Updates

Tami

• Teachers have faced many changes this year, including new learning systems, new curriculum formats, and a shift away from the “Bulldog STRONG” framework. Many of these changes left little room for teacher input or personalization.
• PTO’s support—whether through treats, events, or gestures of appreciation—has had a significant impact. Staff truly feel seen and valued.
• Teachers presenting at PTO meetings has been a meaningful way to stay connected with the broader school community, and this practice is encouraged to continue.
• Several teachers are expanding their families, and all have expressed a desire to remain at Westview—a testament to the strong school culture.
• While a few teachers are leaving for a newly opened  elementary school, many long-standing staff members remain. Some internal grade-level movement is occurring, and a few special education roles are still being filled.
• The school expects an update on the new principal appointment soon. Staff have been involved in the interview process.
• A groundbreaking ceremony for nearby Apple Valley developments will take place Thursday evening.
• This Friday is the final spirit day: “Peace Out!”
• Celebrate Learning Day is also coming up for kindergarteners.
• Next year, once grade-level calendars are finalized, there will be opportunities to coordinate events (like playground time) with the PTO.  

Closing

Becky

• Becky thanked everyone for coming and for everyone’s contributions over the year.
• Meeting was adjourned.