DIXON ELEMENTARY PTO MINUTES
Meeting Date: Thursday, February 18, 2021
Meeting Time: 6:30 p.m.
Meeting Location: Zoom
Attendees: Luke Sadowski, Sara Monty, Nicole Fitzgerald, Katie Whitecotton, Carey Drees, Brian Klappenbach, Melissa Holland, Audia Young, Jackie Neuser, Vicky Shokatz, Katrina Hergott, Kristen Riegert, Mike Rakowiecki, Suzanne Jaquith, Katie Voss, Shana Meidam, Mary Schubert, Maria Kotsonis, Megan Repsa, Katie Koepsell
1. Call to Order: Sara Monty at 6:32 p.m.
2. Review and Approval of January 2021 Minutes: Nicole Fitzgerald Shana M. motion, Megan R. second
3. Treasurer Report Chris Malicki
4. Principal Report: Luke Sadowski
Thank you to the PTO for providing our staff with valentine treats and a gift certificate to Danielle's Deli. The teachers really appreciated it! In-person band lessons and orchestra for fifth graders will be starting soon. The goal is to keep everyone safe and start groups of 2-3 students for approximately 20-minute sessions. There will be a summer program offered for current third, fourth and fifth grade students. Please send an email to Mr. Sadowski or Mr. Rakowiecki if you have any questions. The students are excited to be back in the gym, art, and music room. We will continue with the precautions that are in place, but we are looking for opportunities to let the students have some fun. A kindergarten class was able to take a "field trip" to Wirth Park to go sledding. The children had a blast and it was a great opportunity for them to make great memories.
Old Business
5. Restaurant Nights: Carey Drees
Our last fundraiser at Lou Malnati's was very successful. We raised $600. The next restaurant night may be at Danielle's Deli again or Murf's. More information to come. Thank you again for all your support!
New Business
6. New Helping Hands Committee: Sara Monty
We would like to put together a new committee of parents that are willing to organize ways that Dixon can help families in need. Some volunteers that graciously offered to help are Maria Kotsonis, Katrina Hergott, Connie Petersen and Katie Koepsell. A suggestion was made to make a Google form that could be sent to the families to see who may benefit from our support at Dixon.
The week of February 22nd, there will be a Coin Drive and the money raised will help one of our Dixon families whose family member has been diagnosed with a rare disease. The students will be encouraged to collect coins and bring them to school. In the past, this was a competition among grade levels and the highest earning class was rewarded with a prize. Since February is rare disease month, we are not giving away prizes to the students. This change drive is about collecting money to help others. It's a great way to teach the students about empathy. The virtual students will be able to participate. Any coins they collect can be dropped off at school next week. More information to come.
a. Jump Rope for Heart: Megan Repsa
In April there will be an online event beginning on April 6th- April 16th. The students will be able to collect online donations and they can earn prizes for the money raised. More information to come.
b. Spring Book Fair: Sara Monty
The Spring Book Fair will be held outside at Dixon on May 12th- May 14th from approximately 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. We are in need of a few volunteers.
Other Business:
There will be a Spirit Wear sale from March 8th-March 25th. The sale will include the same items as the fall sale. We are looking into a different style mask as another option for purchase.
Thank you to Mary Schubert for volunteering to head the Welcome Back Picnic and the School Supply Kits for next school year.
Motion to adjourn: Shana M. Second: Katie W. Meeting concluded at 7:11 p.m.