Meeting Minutes

October 1, 2021 // PA Meeting Minutes

• Introductions by the PA Leadership Team: Emily McHose (President), Beth Hollinger (Vice President), Alison Dorsey (Secretary), Amber King (Upper School Class Parent Coordinator) and Lauren Lipani (ECD/Lower School CP Coordinator).
  • Emily announced the Faculty and Staff Appreciation Chairs: Regina Mullen, Laura Spina and Julia Limongello
  • Harvest Festival Chair: Suzanne O’Brien
  • Auction Chair: Brittney Katsoff
  • Scholastic Book Fair Chairs: Jodi Lokoff and Janet Reynolds
• Emily discussed the PA forming a mission statement which will be introduced at the next meeting. Goals include increased communication, community engagement and service, and some fundraising for PA events and Faculty and Staff Appreciation..
• Emily discussed the survey results and what families are interested in
• Suzanne O’Brien spoke about the Harvest Festival on 10/15
  • Covid: It will be limited to SPS families; all outside help will be vaccinated
  • Staffing: Short amount of time to pull it together; Suzanne will email all those who expressed interest in helping; Need volunteers to run crafts, sell tickets, help with breakdown; Suzanne will send wordage to CPs to send to families to encourage signups for 40 minute shifts
  • The baking contest is a highlight of the festival so please consider a contribution
  • Suzanne is looking for a successor after 8 years as Chair
• Brittney Katsoff spoke about the Auction on May 13
  • It will be in person at the Museum of the American Revolution
  • It is the school’s largest fundraiser and a parent-led event
  • Looking for another person to help chair, and preferably able to make a 2 year commitment
  • The more hands on deck the more fun it will be so please get involved in this community celebration
• Uniform Swap
  • Drop offs of winter uniforms from October 18 – 20; Free shopping from October 26 – 28
• Family Business Directory will be compiled again this year so we can support SPS families with their own business. Information to go out asking for business name, contact info, and type of service provided to share with families
• Admissions Open House will be October 23 via Zoom. Please spread the word, as word of mouth is the most effective way to let people know about the school. Sandy Trezza has window signs available at pickup. Consider posting a review online.
• Anthony Valente from Yay Lunch was available to answer questions
  • Order deadline is midnight on Saturday each week but orders can be placed far in advance
  • There is no minimum requirement, no contract, a flexible cancelation policy and your credit card is not charged until the end of the week
  • Options are currently rotated quarterly, but they are looking at ways to mix it up more often once they have a better idea of what is most popular
  • Nutrition information is available through each vendor’s website. 
  • Yay Lunch is the delivery platform for each vendor. All food is prepared the morning of delivery.
  • For more information and feedback, email info@yaylunch.com

• SPS Gear Sale is live through October 19
  • Good timing with color day on October 15
  • All purchases are shipped directly to your home address
  • Hoodie sweatshirts are part of the school uniform this year
  • Check the newsletter for more details
• Matt Evans wrapped up the meeting
  • Great start to the school year. We have weathered the storm of getting into a new routine. We need to continue to be diligent and careful.
  • Faculty morale is high; faculty is eligible for booster shots soon and they are monitoring the eligibility of children ages 5-12
  • St. Peter’s Church construction update: Administration is working on a new traffic and walking pattern. Tentative plan is to have something more definitive at the end of the month. We don’t know when construction will start or if it will continue to face delays, but Matt will keep everyone posted.
  • City curriculum is going well. Administration is looking for ways for ‘Grandparents & Special Friends’ to be engaged in November, and planning for the Celebration of Light in December.
  • Upcoming Board of Trustees retreat will include strategic planning. The school is coming out of the pandemic in good standing. Finances and budget are in good shape. Reach out to Liz Isanuk or Sarah Evans with questions about the SPS Fund. Parental support is essential and appreciated. 
  • After school activities: Stay tuned for more programming for the upper school and after school activities for the school community. Info to come from REACH coordinator Mikhi Woods and in the newsletter.
  • It’s been a great start to the school year and thanks to everyone for their time
  • Matt, Emily and Beth stayed on to answer any questions