Call to Order #
- 45 participants were present.
Bilingual welcome #
Jackie Winkelvoss, President and Andrea Alvarez
- Bilingual instructions for how to get into the interpretation room: Christian Lindstrom, Treasurer and Andrea Alvarez
- Why is translation and interpretation important: Christian Lindstrom
Principal’s Report #
David Horak, Principal
- March 3-4 Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled; the main office will coordinate times for families with siblings
- Starting February 10, the indoor lunch periods will be held in the cafeteria (i.e. full grades will be in the cafeteria vs. their classrooms; even the largest grades will only reach a max of 48% capacity in the cafeteria).
- Students’ lunch periods will continue to be outside as much as possible.
- ACCESS testing for English language learners will take place shortly; impacted families will be contacted.
- SOL schedule for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders is as follows:
- 3rd grade: Reading Friday, May 20, Math Thursday, May 26.
- 4th grade: Reading Thursday, May 19, Math Thursday, May 26, VA Studies Thursday, June 2.
- 5th grade: Reading Wednesday, May 18, Math Wednesday, May 25, Science. Friday, June 3.
- COVID-19 exposure emails will continue to be sent as needed when school is in session
- HVAC systems in the school building have not been working at peak efficiency; administration has developed plans to accommodate moving students to other classrooms as needed; administration is in close contact with facilities to make adjustments as needed in a timely manner
- Approximately 120 students have opted in the the voluntary weekly COVID-19 testing; this accounts for about 20% of the school population
- APS recently distributed two rapid COVID tests per student for at-home usage, as well as 1 KN95 mask per student
PTA Survey results #
Sara Carr, Secretary
- Approximately 30 PTA members took a survey to help PTA best methods of reaching and supporting families, data and narrative survey results available
ACTL Update #
Ken Venable, ACTL Representative
Special Cardinal Courier to be published with report results
Events #
Meredith Greene, Events Co-Chair
- Winter Wonderland is Saturday, February 12 from 1-3pm at the Abingdon school parking loop and field; fliers continue to be posted in Tuesday folders and on social media, volunteers are still being accepted
Staff Appreciation #
Meredith Greene/Ashley Farrugia
Scheduled appreciation events include:
- School Bus Driver Appreciation Day & School Crossing Guard Appreciation Week (February)
- School Counselor Appreciation Week (February)
- School Librarian Appreciation Day (April)
- Administrative Assistant Day (April)
- Teacher Appreciation Week (May)
- School Nurse Day (May)
- School Lunch Hero Day (May)
- Speech Pathologist Day (May)
Donations of equipment, masks, etc. #
Sara Carr
- Amazon Wishlist Community Donations include snacks and coffee for the teachers lounge, new playground equipment such as balls, jump ropes, hula hoops, bubble machines, and new packaged masks.
Coat drive #
Sharon Burd
- School Social Worker Margarita Zwisler has been distributing coats on an as-need basis; if your Abingdon student is in need of a warm winter coat and/or other winter accessories, please contact Ms. Zwisler at [email protected] or by cell 571-619-6632 (text or call).
Spring Fundraising #
Jackie Winkelvoss/Clare Rosenberger
Upcoming events:
- Read-a-Thon March 21-April 21
- Contact Clare at [email protected] if you would like to help volunteer.
- Boon Supply Bags (April-May)
- Spirit Nights partnering with local restaurants TBD
Current volunteer opportunities (EduKit Coordinator, wheelbarrow repair) #
- Contact Jackie Winkelvoss if you would like to volunteer
Nominating Committee for SY 2022-2023 Executive Positions #
Dan Burd
- Taking volunteers for the Nominating Committee to help appoint candidates for next years’ PTA board, email [email protected]
Financial report #
Christian Lindstrom, Treasurer
Official PTA Business: Jackie Winkelvoss #
- Approved by membership - move $2000 in reserves to staff appreciation
- Approved by membership - move $850 (previously $500 proposed) funds for student masks
Meeting adjourns at 7:30 PM #
Next PTA Meetings:
- Tuesday March 8 at 6:30pm: Presentation by Ann Dolin, M.Ed. of Educational Connections on Gaps in Learning due to COVID
- Tuesday April 19 at 6:30pm: Meeting with Cristina Diaz-Torres, APS School Board Member