Birney Beekeeper Alliance

Parent Organization Meeting — Thursday, August 27, 2026

Join or renew your PTA Membership now

View today’s agenda and access links

Thanks for coming! Help yourself to some pizza and snacks!

Welcome!

Birney Beekeeper Alliance (BBA)

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

• President: Michelle Whipple
• VP, Communications: Matt Murphy
• VP, Membership: Peri Silverman
• Secretary: Stephanie Slagle
• Treasurer: Anna Graham-Meyer
• Auditor: Catherine Bates
• Historian: Vacant
• Parliamentarian: Vacant
• Teacher Rep: Ms. Johnson

Friends of Alice Birney Elementary (FOABE)

• President: Travis Pentz
• Vice President: Jennifer Storm
• Secretary: Dom Bounsall
• Treasurer: Mark Wang
• At Large: Sarah Pease Crockatt
• At Large: Kim Cooper
• At Large: Vacant
• At Large: Vacant

Announcements and Resources

Join BBA by joining PTA

Have a question?

Start at birneybees.org

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View today’s agenda

and access links

Important Dates

Friday, August 28

• English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC), 1:20, Auditorium
• Family Friday, 2:20-3:20: Meet the teachers & class
• Shave Ice for Sale on Joint Use Field, 3:20-4:30pm

Monday, September 7

• No School: Labor Day Holiday

Thursday, September 24

• SSC Meeting 5pm on site/ Teams Hybrid
• Birney Beekeepers (BBA) Meeting, Auditorium, 6 pm, dinner/childcare
• What Are We Investing In? A Community Conversation About IB

Friday, September 25

• Morning Buzz Coffee/Treats, Joint Use Field, 8:30-9:30
• English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC), 1:20, Auditorium
• Family Friday- International Peace Day 2:45-3:20

Saturday, September 26

• UHCA Movie Night at Trolley Barn, 5pm Showing “ET”

Thursday, October 22

• Birney Beekeepers (BBA) Meeting, Auditorium, 6pm, dinner/childcare
• Is Roosevelt a good fit for my kid? Roosevelt Principal Stacey McGee and IB Coordinator Mary O’Malley presenting

Treasurer’s Report

As of July 31, 2026 --

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Business Savings: $4,902.04

Business Checking Balance: $10,528.55

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Deposits - PTA membership dues via Totem:

5/26/2026 $25.50

7/27/2026 $465.25

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Payments:

6/10/2026 $30 PTA Meeting Expenses

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PTA Budget for this fiscal year will be presented for approval at the next BBA meeting.

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Review of Foundation Finances

What We Make Possible

Our community helps fund the enrichment that makes Birney special

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• Our Specials: Spanish, Garden, and Arts
• Community and fundraising events
• IB enrichment and field trips

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These programs are a significant part of the Birney experience and depend on community support beyond the school’s regular funding.

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We make them possible together.

The Reality

Full programming costs around $250,000 per year

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$34,000 deficit

Our traditional fundraising model isn’t enough to sustainably fund everything we currently provide.

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Average yearly family fundraising is typically around $150,000

What Can We Make Possible

$250,000: Full programming

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$220,000: Most programming, with some adjustments

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$190,000: Significant program adjustments

The more we raise, the more we can provide

Our goal isn’t simply to hit a number. It’s to build a sustainable model for the programs our community values.

I want to be involved. How can I help?

Donate

• One-time or recurring donations
• Participate in fundraising
• Talk to your employer about matching donation (or sponsorship!)

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Volunteer

• Day-of event volunteers
• Regular shifts in the Garden
• Lead the planning for an event
• Grade-level parent coordinators
• Join the BBA Board

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Currently Planned Programming

Grants (ongoing)

• We’re looking for leadership.
• We have inexperienced people willing to try but needing someone to provide direction and coordinate efforts.

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Running Club (ongoing)

• Highest need for volunteers is on Wednesday when they do the timed mile

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Currently Planned Programming

Garden (ongoing)

• NO district funding of the garden
• Maintenance is the responsibility of the Birney community
• TK/K playground area will be restored to garden space next year when the permanent playground is complete
• Because it’s an outdoor classroom, classroom volunteers are needed to ensure a better and safer educational experience for students
• Workday volunteers - notice about workdays will go out via BBA Digest, Instagram, and direct email from Kelsey Brown (Garden Volunteer Coordinator) and WhatsApp grade-level threads (when possible)

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Currently Planned Programming

Mutual Aid (ongoing)

• Help provide Birney families with opportunities to address food scarcity and access free clothing

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UHCA Movie Night (September 26)

• Sign up to sell merch and refreshments or staff the kids’ craft table
• Watch ET at Trolley Barn Park!

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Currently Planned Programming

Fall Festival (October 17)

• We’re looking for Captains for the following areas:
• Communications
• Food & Beverage
• Setup
• Takedown
• Vendor Market
• Volunteers
• More day-of roles will be posted in mid-September

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Currently Planned Programming

Co-Chair Roles are posted for the following:

• Parent’s Night Off (traditionally in November)
• Read-a-Thon (November-December)
• Star Party (December)
• Bedtime Stories (January)
• Open Mic Night (March)
• Pi Day Run (March 14)
• Run for the Green (March)
• Passport to Adventure (April)
• Bookfair (November and March, during Conferences)
• Field Day (May)

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Other Ways to Help

English Learner Advisory Council

• Open to all, not just English learners
• Looking to increase participation this year!
• Contact Ms. Sims to join

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School Site Council

• Limited number of parent community spots
• Contribute to the discussion about how the school site is managed

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Thank you!

Join BBA by joining PTA

Have a question?

Start at birneybees.org

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Volunteer!

Find us on Instagram @birneybees