hardy pto agenda minuteS

Hardy PTO Meeting Agenda

May 14, 2025

 

*Secretary (Rachel Miller) was not able to attend the full meeting (signed off during the DIG update), so meeting notes may be incomplete after that point.

 

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT Gretchen Saunders

  • Very happy that MCAS is almost finished. The last one is Monday and Tuesday for 5th graders. 
  • Looking forward to incoming kindergarten orientation on May 28th. There will be two 45-minute sessions in the library and then there will be tours of the kindergarten classrooms. Julia McNeil is moving from 2nd grade to kindergarten and there will be 4 kindergarten classrooms. Screenings will take place on June 17th and 18th. 
  • Field day- June 6. Lots of work being done to make it inclusive. 
  • Clap out for 5th graders on June 23rd. 

TEACHER REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT Emily Vecchione & Susie Smith

  • Kindergarten- had their tree expo today to show off their learning about trees. 
  • First grade- field trip to Police Station. Two modules about birds- Finished one and working on the next one. They made clay birds out of air dry clay to finish the first module.
  • Second grade- going on field trip to Museum of Science on Friday. Working on opinion writing.
  • 3rd grade- Jason Russell house field trip. Social Studies curriculum coach has helped to create a field trip that is aligned with curriculum. Working on opinion writing and book reviews.
  • 4th grade-Went to RoboHub and it was great! Worked for all types of learners, lots of hands-on learning. Would like to continue this same field trip for next year. Finished the third module and onto the fourth one. Wrote an opinion piece about joining the Patriots or Loyalists. Painted them with tea to give them the old-time feeling. 
  • 5th grade- Looking forward to all their end of year activities. 
  • Music- preparing for the concert next week. 
  • Rainbow Alliance- Arlington Pride Fest. Was moved inside because of rain. Huge showing. Lots of Hardy kids and families showed up. 
  • Thank you for Teacher Appreciation Week activities. Teachers loved the raffle! Was great for building morale and building friendly competition. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

  • President - Becky
    • Voting will occur at June meeting - need to communicate roles that are open - new PTO webpage outlining board and committee positions - https://hardypto.membershiptoolkit.com/boardpositions
      • Can have 1-2 people per board position with committees to support (e.g. Communications, Fundraising)
      • Committees - envision multiple people per committee so one person is not responsible for too many items; can be split into separate events/tasks/seasons as needed
      • Brian will continue as Treasurer, Becky will continue as President (would like a co-president). Other roles are open. 
    • Idea:  Email list for quick volunteer opportunities - Form Sign UP (Not everyone is on Facebook, so don’t always see the volunteer opportunities.)
    • Field Day Fri June 6 - Lisa Cleary’s last year.  Need to create FB event and separate email to save the date.  Sign-up genius planned for 5/20.  Email by PTO or Classroom coordinators?
    • School supplies - working with Mary and teacher reps on requests and revamping process. Emily says she spoke to teachers about getting supplies early and teachers were excited. They asked if supplies are delivered that they be in a box since they have to pack up supplies for the summer. Becky said she and Mary discussed using the used paper boxes and using one or two for each classroom. School supplies are less expensive now since they’re not in as high of demand as they will be later. Teachers will ask caregivers to send in wipes, tissues, etc. PTO will buy tissues for the non-homeroom classes. 
    • Planning a meeting to review the PTO’s bylaws and potentially propose updates to vote on - open to all.
    • Potential AEF Grant for OT Swing Frame and Mat $7k - did not get approved, it was suggested the district should pay for it - Louisa Popkin has let Alison Elmer know
  • Fundraising - Ashlin
    • Book Fair: Raised $2,300
    • Steve McKenna’s office is open to sponsoring more events, and will discuss with his office in May
    • $450 from Sacco’s Pizza (thank you Alham for coordinating!)
    • $___ from Maxima Spring Day (waiting to hear about the number- less foot traffic than the December shopping day)
    • Shannon Browne put together a list of companies that we can ask about donations/corporate sponsorships for next year
  • Treasurer’s Report - Brian (Becky for May, Brian away)
    • 24/25 Budget Review
    • Received a late large donation. Doing really well this year. Not worried we’ll go over budget. Want to be careful and make sure we have $7000-8000 for supplies for next year. Teachers also start over in July with reimbursements. Some big spends at the end of the year- library books, etc.
    • 5th grade- waiting to see the final amount for Trash-a-thon. 
  • Communications - Ashlin, Abi, Desiree 
    • Humming along - Monthly Newsletter will be this weekend. Getting prepped Please submit write-ups by Friday
  • DIG - Abi 

Happy AAPI Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness Month & Jewish American Heritage Month

Wee The People -The ABC’s of Racism  Caregivers Workshop - 6.30pm-8.30pm -  evening workshops next week (remote, Monday, 5/19 and in-person @Hardy Library 5/20). 

Lots of spots open - Please sign up and promote with others

  • Building relationships with Thompson DIG (as above) and Dallin DIG ( invited to attend)
  • APS Welcome Center highlighted last night’s Lexikeet - “Know Your Rights - Immigration Event” in their May newsletter - Over 40 families participated, translated into over 15 languages
  • Next year will work to include SLC classroom coordinator for each SLC - limited responsibilities 
  • Participation and connection with AHRC: Schools & Education Workgroup Monthly - advocacy and info:
    • Know Your Rights Sessions
    • Of note - AHS - #2 in the state for Disability settlements - AHRC exploring how APS and DEIBJ and Special Ed coordinate / work together and how denied accommodations are tracked?
  •  Safe Routes to School - Marloes & Ashley
      • New committee members needed as Marloes will be leaving Hardy
      • Please email saferoutes@hardypto.com with issues/observations
      • We need to plan pedestrian and bike training assemblies. Will have to do next year. 
      • Kiss and go signs - Ashley waiting for Julia
      • No-idling signs - will follow up on installation now that ground is thawed. 
      • We are getting a new rep, our current rep just left her position. 
  • Enrichment - Becky, Mary Beth, Katey, Aparna & many coordinators (thank you!)
    • Mr. Simon and teachers to perform June 13th 1-1:45
    • Need input/direction from teachers - if they want to reach out with ideas/timing/requests, please email Becky (president@hardypto.com) to get connected with the correct volunteer
    • Acton Discovery Museum Enrichment Workshops - if book for next year before June 30, get 24/25 pricing and if we book more than one, discounts for multiple bookings
  • Classroom Coordinator - Kate Allen 
  • EATS - Annie Clarke-Lauer
  • Spirit Wear - Emilie
    • Gandy website sent to Mrs. Bernier (Hardy Spirit Committee) to think about fall items - open to suggestions from the community
  • SEPAC - Tunde
    • Louisa Popkin - Hardy/Thomspon Sped coordinator - June 18 - 8AM - location will be Gretchen’s office or staff lounge
    • SEPAC at School Committee meeting this week.  Alison Elmer’s contract is up for renewal
  • Garden - Alham, Amisha, and Erica
    • Spring cleaning and planting on May 23rd (with some classrooms/HASP involved) and May 25th (weekend date)—--winter sown seeds have sprouted and we will get many in the garden. We will pot up the rest for a native plant sale in June. 
  • Buddy Program - Megan Rucupero (5th grade parent - will need new volunteer next year)
  • Green Team - Emily Lapolice 
    • Collection for the FUNDraiser is over and will be delivered to Savers 5/17.  If anyone is interested in helping or has room to store items, please reach out to Emily Lapolice (greenteam@hardypto.com)
    • https://fundrive.savers.com/e/hardyelementaryschoolptofundrive032125

 UPCOMING EVENTS/PLANNING

  • Need to plan or need volunteers:
    • Mayumi would like to host a Japanese arts & crafts event - Julia offered to assist
    • Kindergarten Tours - 2 sessions on May 28th - need tour guides.  Will email 5th grade teachers
    • Field Day (Lisa Cleary) Fri June 6 - hold the date to volunteer - we have over 100 people volunteer this day
    • Email to get high school volunteers:  AHSCommunityService@arlington.k12.ma.us

THANK YOU & RECOGNITION

  • Hardy Art Night - Aparna Thakur, Shannon Browne, Ana Marques, and Ashley Kresl
  • 4th Grade Bake Sale - Erin Lackaye & donors of treats!
  • TA Week - Jennifer Kupiec, Aparna Thakur, Patsy O’Brien, Liz Carroll, Annie Clarke-Lauer, Karen Petho, Jamie Biggar, Rachel Miller, Brian Gibree, and all the donors of gifts and treats
  • FUNDraiser - Emily Lapolice
  • Jim Swan Trash Pick-a-thon - Annie Clarke-Lauer
  • Treat Train (5th) - The Naval’s

Please find archived minutes here:

 

PTO Agenda Minutes 2024-2025 School Year

 

Archived PTO Agenda Minutes 2023-2024 School Year

 

Archived PTO Agenda Minutes 2022-2023 School Year

 

Archived PTO Agenda Minutes 2021-2022 School Year

 

Archived PTO Agenda Minutes 2020-2021 School Year

 

Archived PTO Agenda Minutes 2013-2019