Recap: 12/12/24 PTO Meeting

Agenda and Notes

1. Updates and Reminders from Principal Kamoku

• Scholars should bring their winter gear on cold days. We are currently working though details for indoor recesses 

• Focused on providing support to Immigrant students

• Grade based curriculum - working towards supporting students as they grow through elementary, middle, and high school

• Reminders

  • Cadence of Hamilton Hawks Newsletter goes out to families every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. Reach out to Katherine for any additions or edits

  • Late start and dismissal times - Families can reach out to the MMSD School Board either written or in-person

2. PTO emails, teacher funding requests, and asks

   • Health office received a large donation from Lands End and only needs girls underwear for now. The PTO newsletter section (below) reflects this change in need

   • West Regents from the National Honor Society are looking for volunteer opportunities. Principal Kamoku will take the lead on communication and possible tasks

     • Possible tasks include providing tours of West High School to future Hamilton students and helping out with after school homework club

   • Social worker is requesting families donate the following items, which will be included in the upcoming PTO section of Hamilton Hawks Newsletter 

     • Men's Medium sized boxer briefs, sweatpants, sweaters/warm sweatshirts. Clothing and underwear for teenage girls (13-14), Gift cards; Burlington Coat Factory, gas cards, Five Below, Marcus Theaters or AMC Theater

     • As always, we are happy to accept any clothing, socks, or winter gear your kids/families have grown out of -- donations can be brought to the welcome center, health office or student services office (161), it's helpful if they're freshly washed. 

     • Families could also always use laundry detergent, dish soap, paper towel, toilet paper, and other basic toiletries/household items. 

3. Treasury - account balance, donation amounts, and purchases 

   • PTO will purchase $25 Holiday “Thank You” gift cards for Hamilton Staff (96 total) and will drop off at Welcome Center on 12/20

• January 27 is a staff only grading day. Purchase light breakfast (bagels, fruit, coffee) or lunch for staff

4. Fundraising Opportunities

   • January fundraiser campaign

     • help us raise approx $500 to purchase lunch for Hamilton Staff on Jan 27 for staff only grading day

   • Future fundraiser ideas

     • Window tint - people walking by can look into windows and see students in classrooms. Principal Kamoku will get quotes

     • Digital clocks for classrooms - they will be synced throughout the school displaying the correct time. Principal Kamoku will get quotes and help sort through funding sources

5. PTO Headlines for next Hamilton Hawks Newsletter

• PTO Meets on the second Thursday of the month from 6-7pm via zoom. Check out the VHMS PTO website for meeting minutes and stay up-to-date on the latest news and give us a follow on  VHMS PTO on Facebook!

• We are looking to fill the following positions on the board: Treasurer, Secretary, and Fundraising/Events Coordinator. If interested, please  email velmahamiltonpto@gmail.com for more information. 

• Spiritwear pop-up shop has been extended through Friday, December 20. Purchases already made will be delivered to Hamilton next week. Purchases made in within the next week will be delivered after the New Year. 

• Consider donating for families in need this season: 

1. Men's Medium sized boxer briefs, sweatpants, sweaters/warm sweatshirts. Clothing and underwear for teenage girls (13-14), Gift cards; Burlington Coat Factory, gas cards, Five Below, Marcus Theaters or AMC Theater,  

2. As always, we are happy to accept any clothing, socks, or winter gear your kids/families have grown out of -- donations can be brought to the welcome center, health office or student services office (161), it's helpful if they're freshly washed. 

3. Families could also always use laundry detergent, dish soap, paper towel, toilet paper, and other basic toiletries/household items. 

6. Parking Lot

1. Media Inquiry from Spectrum News - Holly is not here but let us know that she plans to set up a video interview with her and one other parent. She will share details as she learns more 

7. Next PTO Meeting and reminders

   • Next meeting is Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 6-7pm via zoom. Here is the link to join the meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87658940029?pwd=9Wk6P9OAm7Ls1YRLH8grvbkvBBobEi.1

   • Recap of prior months meeting minutes are on the News Section of the VHMS website