PTA Updates

5/15/2020 2:31 pm

PTA Elections and Member Meetings
Maryland PTA issued guidelines for PTA operations during the COVID-19 emergency. Here is the document: https://files.constantcontact.com/239b5a0b501/8f84c17f-83b9-437b-b720-531f29bc3ad3.pdf. The most important items to note are that we cannot hold member meetings or elections at this time. This kind of business may only be conducted in-person, not online or by video conference. This means the current board remains in place, with the exception of Chris Richardson, Vice President, whose daughter will graduate at the end of the year.

While the current board is still legally responsible for PTA operations, we must vote in a new president, vice president and treasurer for next year. We also need three PTA members to form a nominating committee. The duties are straightforward and include collecting the names of nominees and formally submitting them at the next PTA meeting. As soon as we are allowed to have a member meeting, we need to elect a new president and treasurer. These two roles in particular are required in order for the PTA to operate.

If you are interested in one of these positions, please contact president@scespta.org

Budget
We are currently reworking the PTA budget and will post a revised version next week. Because we can not have a member meeting to vote on any major changes, there will be some unspent funds for the year. The executive board is allowed to vote on moving funds within a category. For example, we are considering some changes to the line items for 5th grade events, since we cannot hold an in-person party or commencement this year. We will consider suggestions from the membership that meet this criteria. Please email treasurer@scespta.org with any suggestions. The current budget is here https://scespta.membershiptoolkit.com/assets/00951/Documents/Financials_and_Treasury_Forms/2019-2020/2019-2020_ProposedBudget.pdf. We will publicize any changes to the budget on the listserv, FaceBook group and the PTA website.    

Salamander Stride
The executive board and the chair of the Stride committee met and agreed that the fundraiser will be held next year in early fall. This decision reflects the current reality of COVID-19, which has caused economic hardship for many. This isn't the time to request donations from family and friends. Additionally, moving the Stride to the fall will allow those families with 5th grade students to fully participate and collect donations, knowing that the funds will be used to the benefit of 5th grade students throughout the school year.   

Yearbooks
Mr. Brinson is working on yearbooks. The order form will be available shortly for online orders. When they are delivered, pick-up will be at the school once lockdown orders are eased. Mr. Rand will help coordinate this with the PTA. Please note, it is a SCES tradition that all 5th graders receive a free year book. Part of the purchase price goes to paying for this gift, so please buy a yearbook.

Newsletter
We will publish a newsletter at the end of the year. If you would like to submit a contribution for consideration, please email communications@scespta.org by May 28th. 

Directory
The PTA directory is still available online. Anyone (member or non-member) can use or be added to the directory. Just create a login and fill out the family information, and once your account is verified by the PTA, your entry will appear in the directory. This is a great way to stay in touch with school friends online. 

PTA Membership
Memberships are still available at this time. They are good until June 30th, 2020. Your membership fees pay for the website; membership in the national, state and county PTA organizations, who give us the training and directions for PTA operations; and all items listed in the PTA budget (see above).