Waterville PTA Meeting Minutes – February 6, 2025

Thank you to everyone who attended the February PTA meeting! We had a productive discussion about upcoming events, fundraisers, and initiatives to support our schools. Below are the key highlights from the meeting.

Treasurer’s Report

Savings: $8303.90
Checking: $280.83
Paypal: $924.91
Cash: $800 – can only access one box with $480
Total: $10,309.64

Fundraiser Updates

Trivia Night Recap
Last month’s Trivia Night was a success, with 58 attendees! We raised $65 through Venmo/PayPal, and the total amount raised is still being calculated. We’ll have a final update at the next meeting.

Upcoming Event: Bingo Night – March 26, 2025
Mark your calendars for Bingo Night at George J. Mitchell (GJM) School! We’re seeking grand prize donations from local businesses and volunteers to help with tasks like ticket sales, bingo board checks, and food donations. If you know a business willing to contribute or can volunteer, please reach out! We’ll also be reaching out to Portland Pie Company for pizza donations.

Donation Drive

Our donation drive has raised $7,502 so far, with 52 students benefiting from these funds. Last year, we raised $9,263, and this year we’re aiming for $10,000 to avoid budget cuts for next year. The drive has been extended through this weekend, so please help us spread the word!

• Leaderboard Standings:
  1st Place: Mr. Caldwell’s Class
  2nd Place: Mrs. Roy’s Class
  3rd Place: Ms. Wastella’s Class
• Raffle Details:
  The PTA will drop off name slips to the school office, and principals will conduct a raffle on Monday, February 10th. Staff will film the drawing, and the winner will be announced soon.

Carrie LeVan, VP, will promote the drive through the Colby Now newsletter. Let’s make this final push count!

Read Across America Week – March 2nd

We’re excited to celebrate Read Across America Week with fun activities and decorations at both Albert S. Hall (ASH) and GJM schools.

• ASH Plans:
• Basketball-themed decorations (setup on Monday, March 3rd, at 4 PM).
• Bookmarks or pencils for each student at the kickoff assembly (250 items).
• Goodie bags for winning classes (40-50 students) with reading-themed prizes like stress balls, wristbands, and stickers.
• GJM Plans:
• Brightly colored decorations (setup on Thursday evening or Friday morning before 9 AM).
• March Madness-themed kickoff assembly on Friday, March 7th, in the multipurpose room.
• Free books for students and family involvement activities.

The PTA will contribute:

Financially, the total cost for the purchase’s amounts to $800, which will be allocated to the schools. This includes goodie bags, three sets of books, and decorations for both schools.

Sarah Staffiere and Jenna Zemrak (K-5 Literacy Specialist) are coordinating the efforts. Sarah LeVan will drop off the check, and Carrie LeVan will provide the decorations.

Community Carnival – June 7th

Save the date for the Community Carnival on Saturday, June 7th, from 11 AM to 2 PM! We’re borrowing carnival games and decorations from Educare and seeking food donations (possibly from Rita’s Food Truck).

We’re also looking for donations to cover prizes, decorations, food, paper goods, a petting zoo, and bounce houses. If you’d like to join the planning committee, reach out to Sara Wing, Sarah LeVan, Carrie LeVan, or David Motel.

Student Enrichment

5th Grade Science Fair
The Science Fair Club starts next Tuesday, with 21 students signed up so far. An additional six students have registered for the fair without joining the club. We’re hoping to get 30 participants (a third of the 5th grade class)! The Colby Communications Department will help promote the event to attract more attention and potential donors.

GJM Request – Crowns for Kids
The PTA approved $207.40 for crowns and snacks ($47.40 for crowns and $20 per class for snacks).

ASH Request – Watercooler
Ms. Wastella requested a watercooler for the second floor ($179 plus $13 per jug refill). However, since hydration stations are available on every floor, the PTA is unable to justify dipping into the Teacher Appreciation budget for this expense.

Teacher/Staff Appreciation

Gift cards were drawn for staff members: 3 for ASH and 8 for GJM. Thank you to everyone who contributed to showing our appreciation for our hardworking teachers and staff!

Yearbook Flyers

Flyers for the yearbook have been distributed to students. Be sure to check them out!

Next Meeting

Our next PTA meeting will be held on Thursday, March 6th. We hope to see you there!

Thank you for your continued support of the Waterville PTA and our schools. Together, we’re making a difference for our students and community!

Waterville PTA
Empowering Students, Supporting Families, Building Community