General Meeting: Programs, Family Directory, and Lunch Concerns

The meeting included a general welcome and review of Color Brave Space Norms.

After-school enrichment program

Program announcement and paperwork had been distributed.
Teachers are getting paid for their involvement, stipend so not having to tax, etc.
Parents are already signing up, if you receive a form / payment please put in safe in office as it may contain checks / money.
We’re getting lots of ideas for additional clubs; keep bringing ideas, but for now we’re holding off on adding until we’re successful with what we have so far.
Have checked with SPS Nutrition to see if they can support with free snack. But prices they list are higher than Costco, so we’ll do snack ourselves. Costs thru tuition / suggested donation is inclusive of snack.
Help with snacks and registration processing was offered.
Girls on the Run will be there in Spring (just not on this form); not sure if it will need any funds from PTSA.
A bit concerned that several parents who have submitted so far haven’t paid; while that’s available, a bit concerned at the proportion so far. Please help monitor if we’re miscommunicating anything about expectation to pay unless you’re unable.
Registration and payment were directed to the PTSA treasurer email.

Kimball PTSA Cougar Connections and communications

More people were sought to help send Cougar Connections emails using Mailchimp.

Kimball T-shirts

We’ll be putting out orders for Kimball shirts again this year. Long-sleeve, short-sleeve, plus sweatshirts and tote bags.
Working on order forms to come out later in the month. Hopefully delivery before winter break.
Kindergarteners will get free short-sleeve t-shirt.
Need help to organize the orders.
Help with shirts was offered.

Class Parents

We’re currently signing up class parents, it’s been messaged in several recent messages.
Brief description: Class parents help other families feel welcomed, encourage communication among parents, and help answer questions. 1-2 parents per classroom will create an email list and text thread for their child's class. Looking for caring individuals who reflect the diversity of our school (74% students of color, 29% multilingual) that can work cross-culturally. No previous experience necessary, and we especially encourage BIPOC and multilingual parents to apply. This is a great role if you can't volunteer at school during the work week but want to be involved.
Interested volunteers were asked to contact the organizers.
How effectively has this worked in the past? Has been very class-dependent, including dependent on how the class parent created and how the teacher engaged.

Multicultural Night

A Multicultural Night was being considered to celebrate families of color.
Considering doing in December, but aware that resources could be stretched thin for families, for example potential barrier to families cooking for potluck. Is it possible to find funds to throw a party and purchase food, perhaps from Kimball families that have restaurants or other restaurants that represent our different families; we could purchase (also take donations if that’s available).
Have considered using Kimball Kitchen funds. How do folks feel re: using funds from Kimball Kitchen to supplement this multicultural night party. Thinking like $1500.
- Original budget was $300 on cultural events. Now moving to new school said we’d readjust to see where needed in future. Would mean shifting around based on what we budgeted, but feasible and seems good support for it.
- What are costs beyond food? Forks, plates, etc. Not sure if performances would require some money or be volunteer.
- Would we want to allow the community to donate?
- Kimball Kitchen anticipated to start probably in January (partly dependent on who can help as we’ve lost a couple of the anchor parents); potentially do it 6 times January > June, and we bring in about $800/month, so that would more than cover our estimate for this event.
- Valuable that Kimball Kitchen is first a community-builder and second a fund-raiser; want to ensure we don’t shift the emphasis as we tie it to funding a specific event.
From last year did we agree to give 5% of all of our funds to SESFA? Yes, of Kimball Kitchen too. If the class parents thing takes off this year, that’s another way room parents can help.
School staff would work to find a date if enthusiasm continued.

Kimball PTSA Directory

Described the Kimball PTSA Directory. Parents will opt-in with their information, we are not going to use the information the school has to ensure privacy of people’s information. So we need to get the word out for families to consider whether to opt in.
This is a bit slower given that there are so many other things going on right now; we’ve intentionally put the deadline as Nov 17 so we have time to let other foundations get laid like Class Parents, who can help families understand and opt in to the directory as desired.
The directory will be printed and shared only in paper copy. Suggestion to email out when we send it home in backpacks, as often kids forget to deliver those papers to parents.
Lots of confusion out there among parents re: why this is being asked, since the school already has their information. The intent is just to allow families to connect with each other. Perhaps a chance to talk with families about it at the upcoming coffees.

Special Education Liaison

The liaison role was intended to help families navigate special-education support and connect to resources.
The notes said special-education teachers had $300 available for student or classroom needs.

SESSFA MOU review

The group needed to review and submit its SESSFA MOU with a small follow-up group.
Additional participation in the MOU discussion was invited.

Lunch concerns

Concerns about student treatment during lunch were raised.
The notes urged families to use appropriate school feedback channels.
Possible PTSA support at lunch was discussed.