Updates from the HM PTA
Welcome Back HM families!
As we begin this very unusual school year the HM PTA would like to communicate to the HM school community that we seek to be transparent, supportive, and thoughtful in all regards. Although much is still undecided we wanted to share what we do know and ask if you have any further questions for the PTA to please submit them with this google form and we will do our best to find out the answers.
-We will be having HM PTA meetings virtually in October, November, February, March, April, and May. The time will be 6:30-7:30 pm with the exact dates to be determined. Everyone is welcome to join. We will send out an agenda and invitation prior to the meeting and we will also record and put it on the HM PTA website for those that wish to watch it at another time. The new PTA board and budget will be introduced at the October meeting.
-We will be sponsoring vocal music with Mr. Dutcher this school year. At this time he will be providing vocal music to all HM students with a weekly video lesson as soon as his credentials are approved by SPPS. Depending on the school year he may transition to synchronous lessons. Stay tuned for some virtual Family Fun Night Sing-A-Longs.
-At this time spps is not re-starting EDL. Since our HM PTA band program was a supplement to this SPPS program we will wait for the SPPS to determine our timeline.
-The HM PTA budget will be presented and approved at our first PTA meeting of the year (TBD). The budget is a preliminary distance learning budget and will be amended when in-person schooling resumes.
-We will be hosting a PTA membership drive in October. All are welcome to join the PTA as a member. Our membership goal this year is 50% participation.
-We will be organizing a volunteer recruitment in the coming weeks. Although we do not know exactly what is needed this year we respectfully request that you consider signing up as a potential volunteer in the classroom, at events, and/or committee work.
-The HM PTA directory and handbook is collecting information from HM families. Directories will be printed and distributed at the end of October.
-At this point the PTA plans to host the following events (if possible) albeit in an alternate format than previous years as we reimagine how to serve and build the HM community: Make It, Take It, Scholastic Book Fair, Free Family Fun Nights, Family Volunteer Service, Garden Clean-ups, and the Carnival.
-At this point the PTA plans to provide these services (if possible): Legislative Coordination, Website, Ambassador Coordination, Facebook Page, Recognition and Appreciation, Conference Meal Coordination, Art Adventure, Spirit Wear, Yearbook/Class Pictures, Yoga Calm,
-At this point the PTA plans to limit fundraising and will include: Box Tops, Read-a-thon, Give to the Max Day, Employee Matching, Amazon Smile, Silent Auction, and the Spring Plant Sale.
-Our HM PTA website is being updated. https://www.hms-pta.org and is also linked to the HM School website under the families tab.
-Our HM PTA “private” Facebook group is a great place to ask questions and connect with current HMS families and staff. Please request membership to be approved. It is for current HMS parents and staff only and the public cannot see posts made in the group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/432804370448748/
-If you’re an Amazon user (and let’s face it we all are now) and you wish to easily support HM go to smile.amazon.com and search for “PTA Minnesota Congress 008740 Horace Mann PTA”. You can designate HM PTA as your charitable organization.
Thank you so much from the HM PTA Board,
Karla Lauerman Cummins, President, president@hms-pta.org
Jen Williams, Vice President, president@hms-pta.org
Dan Dressler and Mike Axtell, Treasurers, treasurer@hms-pta.org
Amy Kortuem, Teacher Representative, teacher-rep@hms-pta.org
Melanie McMahon and Laura Willson, communications@hms-pta.org
Karen Vander Sanden and Jill Mack, volunteer.coordinator@hms-pta.org
Catherine Guglielmo, recorder@hms-pta.org