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Riverglades Elementary PTA

General Meeting

March 19, 2024

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Agenda

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  • Pledge of Allegiance
  • Introductions
  • Thank you & sponsor raffle: Grace Roofing
  • Approve January Minutes
  • February & March In Review
  • Volunteer Spotlight Awards
  • Financial Update
  • Upcoming Events & Reminders
  • District Update
  • SRO Update
  • Principal Update

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Pledge of Allegiance

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Introductions

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2023-24 PTA Executive Board

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Danielle Hoffman

President

Parsiri Stelnik

Executive Vice President

Trisha Feldman

Treasurer

Hallie Bader

VP Communications

Marsae Fazekas

VP Special Events

Maria Jewell

VP Fundraising

Lauren Pecaut

VP Outreach

Maritza Kandersack

Recording Secretary

Jen Solf

VP Volunteers

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How to Reach Us

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Join us at monthly PTA general meetings�Offered in-person or via Zoom

Visit www.rivergladespta.comEvents, store, volunteer opportunities, resources, PTA calendar, PTA directory, and more

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram�@rivergladespta

Sign up for PTA email newsletters�Automatic when you buy a PTA membership, or click “Sign up for email” on our website

Email us�Reach the PTA executive board at hello@rivergladespta.com

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Thank you to our meeting sponsor!

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PTA Members-only Raffle

Chipotle & Panera gift cards!

Thank you!

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January Minutes

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February & March

In Review

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Recap: Bingo Night

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PTA Chairs: Stephanie Javarone, Julia Hill, & Marsae Fazekas (bingo@rivergladespta.com)

347 tickets sold, net $3.4K raised!

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Recap: Valentine’s Day Teachers & Staff Treat

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PTA Chairs: Lorin Kowal & Kate Moreno (appreciation@rivergladespta.com)

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Recap: Day of Service & Love

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Thank you for your donations!

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Recap: Math Night

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PTA Chair: Taneka Lawrence (mathnight@rivergladespta.com)

100+ students came out to flex their math skills - thanks for coming!

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Recap: Literacy Night

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PTA Chairs: Rachel Rodack & Robyn Selner (bnnight@rivergladespta.com)

Thank you to our brave student readers!

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Recap: McTeacher Night

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PTA Chair: Maria Jewell (fundraising@rivergladespta.com)

$287 raised!

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Recap: Parkland Day Parade

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Thank you to our walkers and volunteers!

PTA Chair: Parsiri Stelnik (evp@rivergladespta.com)

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A few volunteer shirts still available!

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Show your Riverglades volunteer pride and take it back to 1993 (our founding year!) with the 90s Throwback Volunteer Shirt.

Order now: www.rivergladespta.com/store

PTA Chair: Jen Solf (volunteer@rivergladespta.com)

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Volunteer Spotlight Awards

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The Volunteer Spotlight Program

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What Is The Program?

  • Recognizes and celebrates the amazing parents who volunteer their time to the PTA.
  • 3x a Year : Fun awards to honor dedication and hard work.
    • Certificate of Appreciation
    • Bracelet with medallion
    • Invite to Volunteer Spotlight end of year celebration in June

Why It Was Created:

  • You Deserve the Spotlight
  • Highlight Your Contribution
  • Acknowledging Your Impact

PTA Chair: Jen Solf (volunteer@rivergladespta.com)

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PTA Volunteer Impact

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From November to March, we had…

PTA Chair: Jen Solf (volunteer@rivergladespta.com)

event signups

volunteer hours logged

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Star of Dedication

Remarkable individuals who radiate commitment, enthusiasm, and a tireless willingness to contribute. This recipient is the shining star of our volunteer community.

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Kim Ertag

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Award Name: Star of Dedication

Nominated by: Jen Solf

Outstanding Contributions:

  • Shines the Light on Others
  • Dedication
  • 42 Volunteer Hours
  • Willingness to Help
  • Positive and Inspiring Influence

PTA Chair: Jen Solf (volunteer@rivergladespta.com)

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Lina Barakat

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Award Name: Star of Dedication

PTA Program: Math Night

Nominated by: Maria Jewell & Marsae Fazekas

Outstanding Contributions:

  • Willingness to Help
  • Positive Attitude
  • Hard Worker
  • Delight to Work With
  • Dependability

PTA Chair: Jen Solf (volunteer@rivergladespta.com)

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Lisa Subko

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Award Name: Star of Dedication

Nominated by: Danielle Hoffman

Outstanding Contributions:

  • Consistent and Dependable
  • Multi-Event Participation
  • Supportive
  • Unwavering Commitment

PTA Chair: Jen Solf (volunteer@rivergladespta.com)

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Event Dynamo

Celebrates the extraordinary efforts of individuals who breath life into our events. They enhance the overall experience, leaving a lasting impact on the success of our events.

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Yailen Chenlo

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Award Name: Event Dynamo

PTA Program: Bingo Night & Math Night

Nominated by: Stephanie Javarone, Jen Solf & Marsae Fazekas

Outstanding Contributions:

  • Multiple Event Contribution
  • Made Bingo Night Shine with Her Efforts
  • Math Night Worksheet Design
  • Goes Above & Beyond
  • Amazing Attitude
  • Always Willing to Help Out
  • 34 hours Volunteer Time

PTA Chair: Jen Solf (volunteer@rivergladespta.com)

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Claudia Olarte

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Award Name: Event Dynamo

PTA Program: Bingo & Math Night

Nominated by: Stephanie Javarone & Danielle Hoffman & Marsae Fazekas

Outstanding Contributions:

  • Multiple Event Contribution
  • Made Bingo Night Shine with Her Efforts
  • Math Night Volunteer Extraordinaire
  • Consistently Beyond Expectations
  • Brings a Smile to Everyone
  • Signs-Up for SO Much
  • Over 30 Hours of Volunteer Time

PTA Chair: Jen Solf (volunteer@rivergladespta.com)

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Literacy Luminaries

Honors those who successfully plan and host literacy events, encouraging our young authors and readers.

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Rachel Rodack &

Robyn Selner

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Award Name: Literacy Luminaries

PTA Program: Barnes & Nobles Literacy Night

Nominated by: Danielle Hoffman & Marsae Fazekas

Outstanding Contributions:

  • Stepped-up for a New Event
  • Flawless Execution
  • Inspired Literacy

PTA Chair: Jen Solf (volunteer@rivergladespta.com)

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Architect of Joy

This architect creates designs that sparkle for our Riverglades family. Because of her strong dedication, she pours countless hours into our events.

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Claudia Ardila

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PTA Chair: Jen Solf (volunteer@rivergladespta.com)

Award Name: Architect of Joy

PTA Program: Bingo Night & Harvest Drive

Nominated by: Stephanie Javarone & Marsae Fazekas

Outstanding Contributions:

  • Hardworking
  • 65 Volunteer Hours
  • Outstanding Design and Guidance on�All Decor
  • Always Willing to Help
  • Dedicated to Riverglades

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Bingo Night MVP

This individual’s hard work, and dedication goes above and beyond.

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Chrissy Liebeskind

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PTA Chair: Jen Solf (volunteer@rivergladespta.com)

Award Name: Bingo Night MVP

PTA Program: Bingo Night

Nominated by: Stephanie Javarone & Maria Jewell

Outstanding Contributions:

  • 2nd Year Helping Bingo Night
  • Pizza Delivery Extraordinaire
  • Fed Over 400 People with Ease
  • Hard Worker

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Bingo Brilliance Award

Celebrates the exceptional leadership and dedication as event chairs. Their brilliance in organizing and executing this event has truly illuminated our school community.

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Julia Hill &

Stephanie Javarone

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Award Name: Bingo Brilliance Award

PTA Program: Bingo Night

Nominated by: Danielle Hoffman & Marsae Fazekas

Outstanding Contributions:

  • Planned and Hosted A Perfect Event
  • Detail Oriented
  • Thoughtfully Focused on Family Fun

PTA Chair: Jen Solf (volunteer@rivergladespta.com)

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Dedicated Dazzler

Honoring a person that is helpful, dedicated and sparkles in helping to create enchanted decor.

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Vijaya Madhira

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PTA Chair: Jen Solf (volunteer@rivergladespta.com)

Award Name: Dedicated Dazzler

PTA Program: Creative Arts Night Decor

Nominated by: Jes Bailey

Outstanding Contributions:

  • Top CAN Decor Helper
  • 37 Volunteer Hours
  • Bright and Shining Attitude
  • Just Started Volunteering and Already�Making a BIG Impact

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Enchanted Artisan Luminary

Recognizes a shining leader whose dedication, hours of work, and artistic brilliance helped create enchanting decor for our Creative Arts Night.

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Nicolette Kase

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Award Name: Enchanted Artisan Luminary

PTA Program: Creative Arts Night Decor

Nominated by: Jes Bailey

Outstanding Contributions:

  • Leadership on Decor
  • Dependable
  • Hard Worker
  • Outstanding Time Commitment 80 hours

PTA Chair: Jen Solf (volunteer@rivergladespta.com)

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Holiday Shop Stars

Orchestrated the Holiday Shop with unparalleled leadership, turning it into a success, with their commitment and hard work.

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Mallory Dubrowsky &

Sherri Sklar

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Award Name: Holiday Shop Stars

PTA Program: Holiday Shop

Nominated by: Maria Jewell

Outstanding Contributions:

  • Outstanding Organization
  • Seamlessly Solved Problems
  • Created a Successful Store Experience for Students
  • Hard Work
  • Over 75 hours in Time Commitment

PTA Chair: Jen Solf (volunteer@rivergladespta.com)

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Math Night Maestro

Lead an engaging experience. Commitment to making learning fun, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved.

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Taneka Lawrence

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Award Name: Math Night Maestro

PTA Program: Math Night

Nominated by: Danielle Hoffman & Marsae Fazekas

Outstanding Contributions:

  • Strong Organization
  • Lead with Passion
  • Seamless Execution

PTA Chair: Jen Solf (volunteer@rivergladespta.com)

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Art Ambassadors

This team has shown dedication to fostering a love for the arts, Through their efforts, they have elevated the program to new heights.

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Danielle Perez,

Mirna Johnson &

Sara Korol

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Award Name: Art Ambassador

PTA Program: Meet the Masters

Nominated by: Danielle Hoffman

Outstanding Contributions:

  • Elevated Meet the Masters Program
  • Passion for Successful Art Education
  • Amazing Teamwork

PTA Chair: Jen Solf (volunteer@rivergladespta.com)

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Yearbook Wizards

This team is dedicated to ensuring the pages of our yearbook chronicle captivating memories. Their keen eyes for detail and turn ordinary moments into extraordinary snapshots.

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Nicole Friedman &

Michael Goldberg

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Award Name: Yearbook Wizards

PTA Program: Yearbook

Nominated by: Danielle Hoffman & Marsae & Fazekas

Outstanding Contributions:

  • Bringing the Best Smiles from Students
  • Onsite at Multiple Events as Photographers
  • Commitment
  • Attention to Detail

PTA Chair: Jen Solf (volunteer@rivergladespta.com)

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School Advocate Ambassador

Passionately represents and advocates ensuring our school's voice is heard. Her diligence and dedication goes above and beyond.

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Shasha Hilbon

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Award Name: School Advocate Ambassador

PTA Program: SAC/SAF

Nominated by: Jennifer Solf

Outstanding Contributions:

  • Dedicates Time to Multiple District Meetings
  • Detailed Notes
  • Advocates for our School

PTA Chair: Jen Solf (volunteer@rivergladespta.com)

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Sign Up Superstar

Outstanding record of completing volunteer shifts, this superstar embodies unparalleled commitment.

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Jennifer Zafarino-Sklar

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Award Name: Sign up Superstar

PTA Program: Lunchtime Helper

Nominated by: Jennifer Solf

Outstanding Contributions:

  • Top Volunteer
  • Lunchtime Superstar
  • 35 Volunteer Hours
  • Dedication to Riverglades Community

PTA Chair: Jen Solf (volunteer@rivergladespta.com)

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Helping Hand Hero

Always-helpful spirit, and efforts make her a standout.

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Kristin Uszak

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Award Name: Helping Hand Hero

PTA Program: Toy Drive

Nominated by: Trisha Feldman

Outstanding Contributions:

  • Star Efforts at Toy Drive
  • Countless Hours Finding Gifts for�Over 300 Kids
  • Gem to Gator Community

PTA Chair: Jen Solf (volunteer@rivergladespta.com)

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Stellar Outreach

Beyond the title of "helper," she radiates star-quality support. Her exceptional contributions, stellar spirit and caring heart make all the difference.

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Starr Aleman

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Award Name: Stellar Outreach

PTA Program: Harvest Drive & Toy Drive

Nominated by: Danielle Hoffman

Outstanding Contributions:

  • Positive Attitude and Giving Heart
  • Dedication to Outreach
  • Toy Drive Commitment

PTA Chair: Jen Solf (volunteer@rivergladespta.com)

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Dream Delivery Dynamo

This dynamo goes beyond the call of duty, granting wishes and bringing joy to those who need it most. She has an unwavering commitment to making dreams come true and spreading happiness throughout our community.

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Nicolette Kase

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Award Name: Dream Delivery Dynamo

PTA Program: Toy Drive

Nominated by: Starr Aleman, Ninella Chiesa

Outstanding Contributions:

  • Donating Delivery Trucks and Boxes
  • Huge Time Commitment
  • Positive Attitude and Giving Heart

PTA Chair: Jen Solf (volunteer@rivergladespta.com)

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Community Champion

She is the heartbeat of our outreach efforts, a true magic-maker. Someone who turns dreams into reality for children in need. Tireless leadership the charge our outreach programs. This champion goes above and beyond, embodying the spirit of community service.

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Ninella Chiesa

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Award Name: Community PTA Program: Harvest Drive & Toy Drive

Nominated by: Starr Aleman, Stephanie Javarone, Parsiri Stelnik, Lauren Pecaut, Danielle Hoffman, Jen Solf

Outstanding Contributions:

  • Manually Entered 450 Student Wishlists
  • Detailed Organization
  • Worked MANY MANY HOURS to Give�Others a Wonderful Holiday
  • Strong Leadership in Outreach Program
  • Dedication to Successful Drives
  • Above and Beyond

PTA Chair: Jen Solf (volunteer@rivergladespta.com)

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Financial Update

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Actuals vs. Budget

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From 7/1/23 through 2/29/24

  • School infrastructure current shortfall reflects forthcoming $18K donation for security hut
  • Fundraising continues to outperform budget
  • Outreach overage reflects surplus donation earmarked for Park Ridge & spring Appreciation budget allocations
  • Projected bank balance at end of the fiscal year (June 2024) if on budget: $80.2K

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Upcoming Events & Reminders

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2024-25 PTA Board elections on April 25

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Interested in running for the 2024-25 PTA executive board? Want to learn more?�Let us know! hello@rivergladespta.com

You can also visit www.rivergladespta.com/about-us for more information about board roles.

2024-25 PTA Executive Board Positions�1- year terms

  • President
  • Executive Vice President
  • Treasurer
  • VP Fundraising
  • VP Special Events
  • VP Outreach
  • VP Volunteers
  • VP Communications
  • Recording Secretary

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Share your bright ideas for 2024-25!

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Do you have ideas for a new PTA committee or event in 2024-25?

We want to hear about it! hello@rivergladespta.com

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Field Day: a little reminder about field conditions…

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PTA Chair: Allie Lecce & Kate Moreno (fieldday@rivergladespta.com)

Guess what happens to grass after 1,000+ kids play on it every day for 7 months!�Re-sodding the field every year just for Field Day would be an annual investment of $40K at cost (for supplies & labor).

  • $24K for 80 pallets of sod at cost to cover 40K sq. ft.
  • $16K for installation at cost ($30K-$40K retail)

Last spring

Now

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5th Grade Fundraisers

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PTA Chair: Hallie Bader (communications@rivergladespta.com)

  • 3/20 Smencil Sale for $1, before school
  • 4/9 Queens Tea House Ice Cream fundraiser @ 2pm
  • 4/25 Krispy Kreme Donut Sale @ 2pm
  • 5/8 Teacher Appreciation Carnation Sale for $1, before school

Bring your dollars!!!

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Reading is Magic: Media Center Artwork

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PTA Chair: Parsiri Stelnik (evp@rivergladespta.com)

  • Sponsor new murals and artwork in the Media Center artwork to inspire our new and developing readers
  • Sponsorships available through March 29

Learn more and secure your family sponsorship at: tinyurl.com/readingismagicrge

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Security Hut Update

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  • Working with Officer Wolf (thank you for fork lift!) on delivery dates. As early as this week as late as after spring break!!!

PTA Chair: Danielle Hoffman (president@rivergladespta.com)

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Gators Rewards Store

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PTA Chairs: Julia Hill & Rachel Rodack (gatorrewards@rivergladespta.com)

What is it?

  • A reward store to redeem points the students earn for exemplifying GATORS values.

How do they earn the rewards?

  • Through the PBIS app. Teachers, faculty, pull out teachers, special teachers, and cafeteria staff can all give out points.

Store will open for a week every quarter.

Grand Opening: The week of April 15th

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Texas Roadhouse 3/19 - TONIGHT

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PTA Chair: Maria Jewell (fundraising@rivergladespta.com)

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Florida Panthers Family Night 4/13

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PTA Chair: Maria Jewell (fundraising@rivergladespta.com)

  • We’ll be featured on the Jumbotron!
  • Group photo on the ice!
  • Every Riverglades student will get to take a slap shot after the game if we sell 100 tickets (we’re getting close!!)
  • Anyone can purchase through the Riverglades link
  • Buy tickets & discounted parking pass:
    • tinyurl.com/rgepanthers

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Save the Date: Book Fair 4/19-26

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PTA Chairs: Maria Jewell, Lorena Cadagan, & Kim Ertag (fundraising@rivergladespta.com)

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Original Artworks coming in April

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PTA Chair: Maria Jewell (fundraising@rivergladespta.com)

Each student created a piece of artwork that has been submitted to Original Artworks.

A flyer with ordering information will be sent home starting the week of April 2nd.

Great for gifts!

A portion of all sales will benefit Riverglades Elementary.

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Save the Date: Spring Pictures 4/17-18

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PTA Chair: Marsae Fazekas & Randi Smith (schoolpictures@rivergladespta.com)

  • Your teacher will reach out to you regarding which date your class will take their pictures
  • Most likely will be taken outside if the weather allows

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Save the Date: STEM Night 4/24

NIGHT

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PTA Chair: Mirna Johnson (stemnight@rivergladespta.com)

  • FREE EVENT in partnership with The Coder School!
  • In the cafeteria on Wednesday, April 24th.
  • Timing 6:00pm-7:30pm.
  • Students will rotate through different STEM related activities!

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Save the Date: Creative Arts Night

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PTA Chair: Jes Bailey (can@rivergladespta.com)

Thank you CAN decor volunteers!

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Yearbook reminders

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Send in your photo submissions!

  • Send photos to yearbook@rivergladespta.com

Order now to guarantee your copy

  • $50 per book
  • Ads are due March 31
  • Visit rivergladespta.com/yearbooks for details on how to purchase yearbooks and/or ads

PTA Chairs: Nicole Friedman & Michael Goldberg (yearbook@rivergladespta.com)

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Yearbook cover contest winner

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Congratulations Elorre!

PTA Chairs: Nicole Friedman & Michael Goldberg (yearbook@rivergladespta.com)

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District Update

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SAF/SAC & District Update

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Upcoming regional/district meetings:

  • School Board Workshop to discuss Redefining Our Schools initiative (possible closure, consolidation of under-enrolled schools) is TOMORROW March 20 @ 9am (link to agenda and livestream, link to Redefining Our Schools presentation document)
  • Next North Area Advisory Council (NAAC) meeting is March 19 @ 6:15pm, Monarch High School Library – visit NAAC website for meeting schedule, agendas, and meeting minutes
  • Next District Advisory Council (DAC) meeting is April 11 @ 6:15pm, KCW Boardroom, Fort Lauderdale - visit DAC website for details

Upcoming SAF/SAC Meeting Dates @ Riverglades (9AM in cafeteria):

  • April 29
  • May 20

Riverglades SAF Chair: Shasha Hilbon (saf@rivergladespta.com)

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SRO Update

Deputy Gerry and Deputy Danielle

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Principal Update

Mrs. Seltzer

Mr. Duhart

Ms. Joseph

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Thank you!