SES PTO September Meeting Minutes

Written By Sarah Pomeroy Wilson

Swampscott Elementary PTO
 Meeting Minutes
 September 16, 2025

Board Introductions

  • Each board member introduced themselves, their children, and their role.

  • Ivy Horgan, Vice Principal and Swampscott resident, was present.

  • Current Chairs:

    • Cultural Enrichment: [Vacant/Not listed]

    • Social Media: Jenny Galacar

    • After School Programs (ASP): Allie Mitchell & Katie Karalis

      • Reminder: Families must create logins for ASP.

      • Scholarships are available (proof of need may be required).

    • Teacher/Staff Appreciation: Leah Bartlett

    • Fundraising: Katie Phelan & Charlotte Garcia

Fundraising Updates

  • Fun Run: Goal is $40,000. PTO will gather feedback afterward and consider adjustments for future years.

  • Car Wash: Raised $1,300.

  • Cow Plop: Will be reinstated.

  • Sip & Shop: Scheduled for December 2 (not a major fundraiser).

  • Cookie Monster: Explore additional local business partnerships.

4th Grade Committee

  • Heather McClain volunteered to lead.

Budget Discussion

  • Last Year Transitioned from three schools to one unified budget.

  • Goal: Ensure fundraising efforts are directly tied to specific initiatives.

    • Cultural Enrichment: $15,000 allocated.

    • Teacher Wish Lists: To be funded.

  • Cash flow considerations rely heavily on Fun Run.

PTO Dues

  • Open discussion on how best to approach dues.

    • Room parents will also be requesting classroom funds.

    • Consider rebranding or moving away from the word “dues.”

    • Operational costs (“boring stuff” such as accountant fees and online platforms) may be included in dues or a dedicated fundraiser.

    • A parent-facing graphic will be created to show how PTO funds are used, separating student benefits from operational costs.

Communications

  • New PTO website is live but still a work in progress.

Upcoming Events

  • Fall Fest (formerly Trunk or Treat): October 18, 3:00–6:00 PM. Rain date: October 19.

    • Trunk-or-Treat portion is ticketed, capped at 35 cars.

    • Volunteer call will be shared soon.

  • Book Fair: November 3–13.

    • Meeting scheduled with librarians in early October to finalize class visit schedules.

  • Turkey Trot: [No details provided—will need updates at future meetings.]

Girls on the Run

  • Coordinators: Elisa Shaffer & Carrie Sylven.

  • Coaches will attend training in Boston.

  • Program emphasizes social-emotional learning, not just running.

  • More coaches are needed—sign up with Carrie.

  • Culminates in a celebratory 5K event.

Adjournment
 Meeting adjourned at [time not recorded]. Next meeting TBD.


Sarah Pomeroy Wilson