hardy pto agenda minuteS

August 20, 2025

Meeting Purpose: To set goals, get input & ideas, set framework, and set budget for the 2025-2026 academic school year.

For Your Information

Caregiver Coffees (K & 1-5) - Friday, 5 September 2025
Back to School Frozen Treat Social - Friday, 12 September 2025
School Council Meetings - TBD
PTO meetings will be held monthly on Wednesdays in the Hardy library and on Zoom; meeting details will be in the weekly PTO newsletters
Spirit Wear - Emilie and Erica will plan for an early Fall offering and will connect with Mrs. Bernier to see if staff have any requests

Alexis Victorian volunteered as Hardy PTO Secretary; she has been officially voted in by the Executive Board as of 6 August 2025
2025-2026 Executive Board Members:

President - Becky Gibree
VP/Co-President *Needed*
VP of Communications - Jen Toole
VP of Fundraising - Lisa Morella
Secretary - Alexis Victorian
Treasurer - Brian Gibree
- Note: Need to add Brian Gibree to PTO bank account and remove Julia Twarog and Anthony Watson from bank account. Only the PTO President(s) + Treasurer should be on the bank account.

Projected $52,717 in expenses for 2025-2026 academic school year (not including 5th grade)
Projected $23,650 in income through fundraising and various school events for the 2025-2026 academic school year (not including 5th grade)

$7,000 budgeted for school supplies for the 2025-2026 academic school year
Budget expense/income estimates $145 per student is needed to break even on projected expenses for the 2025-2026 school year
Misc. Budget Categories Updates:

Previous budget expenses for enrichment have determined there is a need to include additional funding for assemblies since they are increasing in price
Principal Saunders would like to buy lunch for all students on the first day of school and will utilize part of the Principal Stipend to do so
Newly added budget category of Kindergarten Spirit Wear for students to have during field trips, etc.
Reduced budget for art supplies because art teachers receive their own funding/stipend

New City (ice cream shop) potential for Sweet Treat fundraiser
Utilizing boxtops
Linda would like to create custom water bottles again this year
Lisa will look into corporate matching/fundraising
Suggestion was made to reach out to families who have businesses and side gigs for potential fundraising options

Julia voted to accept budget as presented; Ashlyn seconded vote to accept budget as presented

Positions
- President (Becky) is looking for an assistant due to the vacant vice president position
  - She is would like to provide an opportunity to shadow/mentor an assistant in hopes of someone stepping up to be president for 2026-2027 school year
  - She will not be able to sit as president next year

A survey will be sent out in the PTO letter to gauge interest in spearheading events for the upcoming year
Events include:
- Auction (March 2026)
- Hour of Code (March 2026)
- Bike Rodeo(s) (October 2025)
- Book Fair (March 2026)
- Caregiver’s Night Out
- STEAM Fest
- Caregiver Coffee
- Literacy Night (March 2026)

Secured Wicked Bagel fundraiser for 13 September; reminder to patrons to say that purchases are for Hardy PTO so percentage can be allocated to PTO
Looking for corporate sponsors to donate to DDD
Working through details for potential shopping day with Maxima; percentage of proceeds will go towards PTO
Hardy Elementary to be added to Boston Ski & Tennis’ registration drop-down for ski leases
Neshoba Program beginning in January through Arlington Rec

In communication with Town of Arlington about anti-idling signs
Would like to collaborate with Principal Saunders about emphasizing safety communications to families
Also need to follow up with Town regarding fixing swing sets and other playground equipment

Looking for volunteers
Also looking for suggestions for assemblies, field trips, and in-school enrichment

Working on collaboration with Principal Saunders and setting up for the upcoming year
Maintaining relationships with other DIG committees across Arlington Public Schools and aligning their activities with Hardy’s DIG committee activities
Potential for Multicultural Fest
Principal Saunders is collaborating with School Council, PTO, and School Committee to review school goals and ensure Hardy is highlighting important days

Kate Allen has volunteered and will be communicating with families regarding classroom needs

Committee has a Facebook group and a website that families can join to learn more about how to support students receiving special education in APS

Don’t have much participation, but want to ensure that Principal, Assistance Principal, Ms. Bellerose, and front office are aware of program to welcome new families into the community