PTO Updates

Meeting Notes – 9/11/23 PTO Meeting

Introduction:
The meeting kicked off with an opportunity to ask questions to Ms. Hart.

Playground Update:
We’ve got mockups of new playground structures at different prices:

  • Option 1: $120k
  • Option 2: $150k
  • Option 3: $200k.

The City of Beverly is contributing $100k!

After picking the best structure for Ayers, we’ll figure out our fundraising plan. We want to make the playground more inclusive and seek grant funding opportunities. For example, we’re considering a Communication Board with symbols for non-verbal communication.

Good News: The current playground is safe to play on for now.

Spirit Wear:

  • We have a limited amount of spirit wear left for sale.
  • Do you have any ideas for new spirit wear, like adult tie-dye and flannel pants? let us know!

Sarah Aiello, Education Foundation Rep:

  • We have an exciting Distinguished Speaker Event coming up: David Ferriero, former archivist of the United States and BHS graduate (Class of 1963). It’s on 6/21 at 7 pm at BHS.
  • We’ve been awarded $300k in grant funds from the Cummings Foundation over 10 years.
  • We’re focusing on elementary funding in three areas:
    • Family Math/Science/Reading fairs or events.
    • Place-Based Learning, including conservation stewardships (for example, Change is Simple).
    • Sustainability education for today’s kids, who are tomorrow’s leaders. You can learn more at www.changeissimple.org.

Hooray for Health:

  • We’re introducing health and nutrition.
  • We have lots of fun after-school activities this year, including:
    • Acting lessons with Jape (and we’re adding more sessions).
    • Artcie.
    • Get Fit for Kids with Hilary from Inner Cycle.
    • Fun Run Club with Michele Meltzer.
    • Basketball Workshop with the Krass Family.
  • Do you have any other after-school activities you’d like to suggest? Let us know!

Shoe Donations Fundraiser (Now – Nov 20):

  • We’re collecting shoes in decent condition.
  • These shoes will be cleaned and used as a starting investment for individuals to open a secondhand shoe store.
  • This benefits other communities, reduces landfill waste, and helps us raise funds for the new playground.
  • You can drop off your shoe donations on Nov 5 at Ayers.
  • Donation bins will be in the Ayers lobby and at local businesses.
  • If anyone can offer space at their workplace for a donation box, please let us know.

Upcoming Events:

  • We have some exciting events on the horizon, including:
    • Curriculum Night.
    • Photos in the Park.
    • Fall Frolic.
    • Truck or Treat (we’re looking for volunteers to help plan, and a sun committee will be forming soon).

Fundraiser:

  • We’re also planning a catalog fundraiser.

Volunteer Recruitment:

  • Ayers needs more parent volunteers to support our events!
  • To encourage more help, we’re considering incentives like raffles/prizes for parents, free admission to future events, and shorter volunteer time slots.

If you’re interested in supporting Ayers Elementary, go here!