2025-Sept-10 Minutes

Columbus Gifted Academy PTO

Meeting Date: September 10, 2024


Meeting Called to Order

Time: 6:35 PM


Welcome & Introductions (2 minutes)

  • Director of CGA – Amanda Reed
  • President – Destini Cole
  • Vice President – Vacant
  • Treasurer – Ann Robinson
  • Communications – Amanda Maglish
  • Secretary – Rebecca Fordon
  • Past President – Destini Cole

Attendees placed name in chat


Minutes (2 minutes)

  • Approval of May minutes – approved
  • Minutes and agendas are posted on the PTO website


Principal’s Report (5 minutes)

Shout Outs

  • Thank you for Back to School Night
  • Welcome: Ms. Sam Richards (vocal director), Caroline Mannion, Marie [ ], and a new special education intervention specialist

Priorities

  • Raise math scores
  • Raise reading scores
  • Increase attendance
  • Implement House System for belonging & connectedness
  • Develop systems of support & enrichment
  • Flexible learning plan
  • Expanded enrichment opportunities

Updates

  • Listen to Sunday evening phone dialers
  • PTO weekly email includes transcript
  • Family ambassador sends weekly message
  • Open House – Monday, Sept. 26, 5–7 PM at CGA
  • Girls on the Run – OSU coach continuing program for female & non-binary students (Grades 3–5), 5K on Nov. 2
  • Education on child abuse prevention (required by Ohio law) for Grades 6–8
  • 7th Grade vaccinations – TDAP on file by Sept. 15


Teachers’ Report (2 minutes)

  • Sam Richards (new choir teacher) – question about PTO funding for musical


Communications Report

  • Reminder: Email Amanda with all communications requests to Mrs. R by Wednesday for dialer messages.
  • Special order for spirit wear and great sales at Back to School Night; orders open until midnight.
  • Added new parents to Mailchimp newsletter from Back to School Night sign-ups.

Newsletter Signup: http://eepurl.com/iJxuA2


Treasurer’s Report (20 minutes)

  • September Treasurer’s Report – more details forthcoming.

Discussion of 2025–2026 Budget

  • Novemberfest – keep same budget lines.
  • Game Day – reduce income line due to uncertain donations.
  • Skating Parties – consistent with prior year.
  • Arts Night – increase expense budget for more students.
  • Read-a-Thon – major spring fundraiser.
  • Spirit Wear – reflect actual order cost; no additional physical orders.
  • Kroger Rewards – prior year $1,755 (budget $1,200); increase projection to $1,500.
  • Web Hosting – $1,238.40 paid March 2025; may have October charge (Destini checking).
  • Office Supplies – increase printing budget to $600.
  • Audit/Taxes – $2,000 (Ann consulting CPA).
  • Revisit budget in spring; possible mini-grants and in-kind donations encouraged.
  • Increase Food Pantry budget to $700.
  • Teacher Appreciation Week – increase to $500 (based on prior year).
  • Budget approved; will check in again in spring.


Opportunities for PTO Officers

Approved Slate for 2025–2026 School Year

  • Communication Chair – Amanda Maglish
  • Secretary – Rebecca Fordon
  • President – Open
  • Vice President – Open
  • Treasurer – Ann Robinson

Elections Process

Will follow PTO bylaws for upcoming elections.


Opportunities for Committee Leadership (20 minutes)

Lots of opportunities to support CGA! Even small contributions help.

Events/Volunteer – Columbus Gifted Academy PTO

  • 1 PTO Board member on each committee
  • Use Planning/Summary Sheet to keep notes
  • Coordinate and confirm dates with Mrs. R
  • Obtain approval from Board and Mrs. R before making plans public

Parent/Teacher Planning Committees

  • Pantry Committee – Ms. Allison previously coordinated; Mrs. R to confirm
  • Feed the Teachers / Lounge Committee – coordinated by families; events in November & Jan/Feb
  • Read-a-Thon Committee – Ann (lead), Risa
  • Novemberfest Committee – Destini (lead), Risa
  • Teacher Appreciation Committee – overlaps with Feed the Teachers; May 4–8, 2026
  • Other Committees: Election, Alumni/10-Year, Fundraising, Merch/Spiritwear, Middle School Dance, 8th Grade Gifts

Website with SignUpGenius links will be shared once committee leads are confirmed.


New Business (15 minutes)

No new motions introduced.


Open Discussion (2 minutes)

General discussion and community feedback.


Upcoming Events

September

  • Mon., Sept. 22 — CGA Open House (Grades 3–8), 5:30–7:00 PM

October

  • Oct 2 — 5th Grade to SEED
  • Oct 8 — CGA School Picture Day
  • Oct 14 — CGA PTO Monthly Meeting, 6:30–7:30 PM
  • Oct 16 — CGA PTO Fall Skate-A-Thon, 6:00–8:00 PM
  • Oct 17 — No Classes – CCS Professional Development Day
  • Oct 21 — End of Quarter 1
  • Oct 22 — No Classes – CCS Records Day


Adjournment

Time: 7:43 PM