Meeting Minutes & Proposed Budget
- Proposed 24-25 Budget (v. 09.24.24)
- September 11, 2024
- October 17, 2024
- November 14, 2024
- January 9, 2025
- March 6, 2025
- April 10, 2025
- June 2025
Proposed 24-25 Budget (v. 09.24.24)
Income: PTO Budget 2024-25
| Fundraising | Total |
| Art to Remember | $ 0.00 |
| Amazon Smile | $ 0.00 |
| Auction | $ 2,000.00 |
| Bingo Night Income | $ 1,200.00 |
| Flower Sale | $ 2,000.00 |
| Kroger Rewards | $ 2,200.00 |
| Miscellaneous Income | $ 1,250.00 |
| Principal Fund | $ 0.00 |
| Restaurant Nights | $ 850.00 |
| Running with Wolves | $ 25,000.00 |
| Skating Party | $ 400.00 |
| Spirit Wear | $ 1,500.00 |
| TOTAL INCOME | $ 26,400.00 |
| TOTAL EXPENSES | $ 40,015.00 |
| DIFFERENCE | -$ 3,615.00 |
Expenses: PTO Budget 2024-25
| Debit | Total |
| Art Program | -$ 350.00 |
| Assemblies | -$ 2,500.00 |
| Beautification | -$ 500.00 |
| Bingo Night Expenses | -$ 800.00 |
| Books for Classrooms | -$ 0.00 |
| Building Improvements | -$ 4,000.00 |
| Character Education | -$ 500.00 |
| Clinic | -$ 150.00 |
| Donations | -$ 450.00 |
| Teacher Request - Kindergarten | -$ 1,000.00 |
| Teacher Request - Grade 1 | -$ 1,000.00 |
| Teacher Request - Grade 2 | -$ 1,000.00 |
| Teacher Request - Grade 3 | -$ 1,000.00 |
| Teacher Request - Grade 4 | -$ 1,000.00 |
| Teacher Request - Grade 5 | -$ 1,000.00 |
| Field Day | -$ 200.00 |
| Fifth Grade Camp | -$ 3,200.00 |
| Fifth Grade Larson T-Shirts | -$ 1,200.00 |
| Fifth Grade Recognition | -$ 400.00 |
| Gifts | -$ 250.00 |
| Hospitality | -$ 300.00 |
| Lansing Trip | -$ 1,300.00 |
| Learning Night | -$ 1,200.00 |
| March is Reading Month | -$ 2,500.00 |
| Memorial Fund | -$ 250.00 |
| Music Program | -$ 350.00 |
| Office Supplies/Postage | -$ 50.00 |
| Playground Equipment | -$ 1,000.00 |
| Principal's Fund | -$ 1,600.00 |
| Principal's Week | -$ 200.00 |
| PTO Dues | -$ 45.00 |
| Physical Education | -$ 350.00 |
| Reading Program | -$ 350.00 |
| Safety/Service Squad | -$ 700.00 |
| Support Staff Gifts | -$ 220.00 |
| Teacher Allotments | -$ 5,100.00 |
| Teacher Appreciation | -$ 2,500.00 |
| Teacher Grants | -$ 1,500.00 |
| TOTAL EXPENSES | $ 40,015.00 |
September 11, 2024
PTO Meeting Minutes
September 11, 2024
DATE, TIME, LOCATION: Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 7pm in the Wass Media Center
Meeting Called To Order: 7:02 pm
Attendance: Kristin Crowe, Ashleigh Jennings, Anthony Porta, Kevin Tuczek, Krista Steiger, Gina Savickas, Kelley Detrich, Emily D’Amico, Amy Mills, Emily Strait, Holly Haberkamp, George Yousif, Sreenivasa Raju, Sara Burch, Casandra Mitchell, Satinder Kaur, Nina Kolbe
There were 17 members in attendance; a quorum was reached. No guests were in attendance
1. Welcome
- Call to Order – 7:02 pm, by Tony Porta
- Introduction of Board and Present Members
2. Principal’s Report given by: Kristin Crowe
Building Updates –
- New furniture – great feedback from students and teachers, different strategies being implemented by students and staff
- Playground next year – playground is mostly designed as of this point- playground meeting upcoming, designs shared next meeting. We will not be able to keep any current structures aside from new Kindergarten playground
Staffing Changes
- Sara Konja moved from second to third grade, Shadia Martin is newly in 2nd grade and Jacob Piontkowski from Troy Union is in 5th grade replacing Mr. Kolbe
- There is currently a vacant resource room position
Start of the Year
- Off to a strong start
- Casandra Mitchell has stepped forward to manage noon aides
- Mrs. Crowe is looking for team building opportunities during day to re-engage the staff and build up a positive environment
3. Budget Proposal, given by Kevin Tuzcek
- Mirroring what has been done in past years
- Money being spent on current students – not looking to build a reserve
- Added line item for hospitality – this covered first day welcome expenses and curriculum night engagement expenses
- Upped spending in teacher appreciation- this will help to accommodate provision of an additional meal with the changes to conference scheduling considered – spring is now required as the fall was in the past – no longer an opt in
- Motion to approve presented by Gina Savickis, Seconded by Emily D’Amico. Motion is approved by majority vote and 2024-2025 budget is adopted
4. Calendar of Events for 2024-2025 School Year, given by: Ashleigh Jennings
- Highlights given with major events for each month
- Updated running calendar available on PTO google document
5. PTO Committee Overview, given by: Ashleigh Jennings
- Thank you to the committee chair volunteers for this year
- The PTO board members can be contacted to connect members with any committees that are of interest or committee chairs can be contacted directly
6. Committee Reports
- Staff Appreciation, given by: Ashleigh Jennings
We started the year with a welcome back pizza lunch for the teachers. Continued monthly appreciation activities will be carried out as the year progresses forward
- Room Parents, given by: Amy Mills
- Volunteer forms are due Friday
- Leads and co-leads will be chosen by teachers and communicated to Amy – September 26th RPL meeting
- Discussed furthering the role of RPL to perform classroom tasks as needed through out the year, i.e. sizing student tshirts
- Auction, given by: Ashleigh Jennings
Katie Veltema is the chair
Auction link was sent out in this week’s howl, auction link will go live Friday, September 13th
- Restaurant Night, given by: Ashleigh Jennings
- Kristy Fleming is the chair
- Likely Jet’s night in mid October
- Trunk or Treat, given by: Tony Porta and Holly Haberkamp
- In the process of submitting to the city to have Willard and Harbor blocked off for improved safety
- Will be combined with Hill
- Will be dropping off flyers to homes within 500 feet, look for opportunities to volunteer for that is of interest to members
- Holly Haberkamp reporting – with road block approval we will be able to spread the event out and use the teacher lot as well to improve flow and safety
- Looking for parent volunteers to distribute candy
- Involving NHS for extra support
- Officer Reports
- Co Presidents, given by: Ashleigh Jennings and Tony Porta
Fundraising update – Pizza Kits will no longer be a fundraise
Thoughts on other things – Atchatz? Donuts? Bringing back bagel sales – we will leave this open to suggestions
2. Treasurer
Teacher appreciation allocations have been sent out
3. Secretary
“Thank you”s received from 2nd grade team and Mrs. Petrous for the pizza lunch and from Mrs. Martin for the teacher stipend
- Announcements
- Spirit-Wear Sale, given by: Kristin Crowe – varsity shop has finalized link and it’ll be in the howl this week
- PTO Auction Runs 9/13-9/24
- Skating Night 10/14
- Trunk or Treat 10/27
- District Security Liaison, given by: Tony Porta – will attend a Wass PTO meeting – likely November or January. Will be speaking at Troy Union on 10/14
Next Meeting Is: Thursday, October 17, 2024
Meeting adjourned : 7:46 pm
Minutes compiled by: Krista Steiger, Secretary
October 17, 2024
PTO Meeting Agenda
October 17, 2024
DATE, TIME, LOCATION: Thursday, October 17th 2024, 7pm in the Wass Media Center
Meeting Called To Order: 7:00 pm
Attendance: Kristin Crowe, Jayne Kelly, Ashleigh Jennings, Anthony Porta, Kevin Tuczek, Krista
Steiger, Gina Savickas, Erin Whaley, Daniel Wu, Sara Burch, Emily Strait, Holly Haberkamp,
Bernadette Manaay, Erin Voss
There were 12 members in attendance, a quorum was reached. Dan Trudel, Assistant
Superintendent of Business Services from the Troy School District was present as a guest.
1. 2. Welcome – call to order: 7:00 pm by Tony Porta
Presentation by District Representative, given by: Dan Trudel
a. Bond
We are currently carrying out series 1 on the bond. This is a $190 million
budget. Broke ground on new Smith Middle School which is targeted to open
for the 2026/27 school year.
Boulon Middle School will be updated to following Smith. Larson to follow with
updates after.
Athletic updates – Athens has new tennis courts, Troy High’s field is being
updated currently.
Playgrounds – Wass will be getting new playgrounds next year. Elementary
media center updates are being looked at as a future project.
b. Millage
c. Proposed milage by the district would cause no increase in taxes if it were
passed on the November ballot. It is a proposed renewal of what’s been in
place since 1994 in Troy.
The two millages on the ballot allow for 22% of the Troy Schools budget.
Voting to renew these will allow funding to continue as it has been.
Attendance Area Review Committee- a committee is meeting to look at:
“right-size” middle schools- the committee is looking at redistricting to level
out the current uneven numbersd. e. The committee is looking to resolve double splits that occur in certain areas.
The high school boundaries will remain in place even if middle school
changes
Website update – The updates to the district website are targeted to be finalized in
January 2025.
Some goals of the new website include improved accessibility and
searchability.
Community book read will be coming on October 30th at 6-8pm at Athens on the
“Anxious Generation”
3. Principal’s Report, given by: Kristin Crowe
a. b. Skating Party – We had 316 skaters in attendance!
Hat Day – will take place tomorrow (10-18-24). The money raised will be going
toward hurricane relief through the American Red Cross.
c. Character Education-
It needs to be recertified every 5 years. The Wass staff is currently working on
collecting artifacts to submit for re-certification.
d. Halloween Parties/Parade
The parade will begin at 3pm on October 30th, following the class parties. The
route and procedures will be similar to what they were last year.
4. Committee Reports
a. PTO Auction, given by: Ashleigh Jennings
The completed auction raised just shy of $1,700.
We are looking at possibly shifting the timeframe on the auction for next year
to keep it from running at the same time as the Spirit Wear Sale.
b. Restaurant Night, given by: Ashleigh Jennings
Jet’s Pizza Night coming up on October 18 (tomorrow) at the location on
Ryan Rd in Sterling Heights.
Reminder to show the flyer, state the school name and teacher’s name. The
winning classroom will be rewarded with a pizza party.
c. Spirit Wear, given by: Krista Steiger and Kristin Crowe
There was an issue with 5th grade shirt ordering that pushed back the arrival
timeline. We are hoping it will be late October/Early November
Discussed the possibly of another sale in the spring being looked at
Discussed an idea to do a resale in the spring where families pass along out-
grown gear for small fees.
Contact Krista if you’re interested in helping to sort and distribute shirts.
d. Trunk or Treat, given by: Erin Voss and Holly Haberkampe. f. We have approval to close the street and will not be combining with Hill this
year. Our hope is that both factors improve safety and over-crowding
concerns.
There is a need for more community members to sign up to host trunks.
Looking to continue to post need on social media, in howl and to distribute to
weekly teacher newsletters.
Teacher Appreciation, given by: Ashleigh Jennings
We will once again put forth monthly teacher appreciation opportunities with a
sign up distributed for volunteers to bring needed items.
This month is a small stock the lounge
Upcoming - stock the snack cart in the office
Holiday Drive, given by: Krista Steiger
Kristin is working on getting lists from families. We’re looking to launch this
drive before black Friday
5. Officer Reports
a. Co Presidents, given by Ashleigh Jennings and Anthony Porta
President’s Council Meeting – bulk of what was discussed was discussed
earlier in todays meeting with the district update
1. President’s Council is now meeting 3x a year
b. Treasurer, given by Kevin Tuzcek
Kroger rewards continues to be a help – encourage the community to keep
signing up
$400 in income came from corporate matching donations this month
Upcoming field trips will be an outgoing expense for October and auction
money coming as income this month
c. Secretary
Have been working to update the Wass PTO page on the district website.
Emails have been removed to stop scams. Free and easy ways to support
Wass tab has been updated.
6. Announcements
a. Trunk or Treat 10/27
b. Pizza Night 10/18
c. Hat Day 10/18
Next Meeting Is: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Meeting adjourned : 7:57 pm
Minutes compiled by: Krista Steiger, Secretary
November 14, 2024
PTO Meeting Minutes
November 14, 2024
DATE, TIME, LOCATION: Thursday, November 14th 2024, 7pm in the Wass Media Center
Attendance: Erin Whaley, Gina Savickas, Emily D’Amico, Dayna Koskinen, Casandra Mitchell, Erin Voss, Amy Mills, Emily Strait, Sara Burch, Kevin Tuczek, Ashleigh Jennings, Kristin Crowe, Krista Steiger, Kristyn Cubitt
There were 14 members in attendance, a quorum was reached. No guests were present.
1. Welcome – call to order – 7:02 pm by Ashleigh Jennings
2. Principal’s Report, given by: Kristin Crowe
a. Playground Update
$700,000 per school given by the district for playgrounds as allocated by the bond.
Our Kindergarten playground is newer, so Wass was able to use more funds for lower elementary and upper elementary areas. Kindergarten playground will stay, but all other structures with exceptions of the swings will be removed.
A goal of the new spaces is to allow for more natural play spaces. There will be a rain garden and a sandbox in place to contribute to this goal.
The new grounds have wheelchair accessible paths that are made of ADA compliant surfaces.
The track and soccer goals will be updated.
Consideration of the decision on when to start the process. If we start equipment removal in the spring, the structures could be in place by the new school year. If we wait for the end of the current school year, the structures may not be in place at the start of the new school year.
b. Field Trips happening in November – 2nd grade went to the Detroit Zoo, 3rd Grade will go to Greenfield Village tomorrow and 1st Grade will attend the Mobile Planetarium in the gym next week.
c. Shrek the Musical – Working on collecting money for the tickets and permission slips
Lunch will be late that day.
3. Committee Reports
· Trunk or Treat , given by: Ashleigh Jennings and Erin Voss
Thank you to Erin and Holly for coordinating. The event was a success.
· Restaurant Night, given by: Asheigh Jennings
Jet’s pizza night on October 18, Brought in $340, which is an improvement over previous years. This is the largest amount since 2021 for Jet’s nights and the 4th best Jet’s night we’ve had in history.
The Friday date seemed to work well for the community and contributed to success. Thank you to Kristy Flemming.
Looking into McVee’s as a future restaurant night location was brought forth as a suggestion.
· Class Parties, given by: Amy Mills
Noted a few date and time clarifications.
he times in the liaison packets indicate when parents are able to enter the classrooms. There is not additional time given for set up. Parents can begin check in 15 minutes prior to start time.
The next party is listed as 2:30-3:30 pm.
The Holiday party will be on the 19th of December.
· Spirit Wear, given by: Krista Steiger
Delivery went smoothly. Thank you to Gina Savickis, KK Mitchell and Amy Mills for the assistance. The boxes arrive sorted by teacher.
We’re considering a possible Winter/Spring Sale since there has been interest expressed. Turn around time from closing of form to delivery is about 4-5 weeks.
Holiday Drive, given by: Amy Mills
Looking at finalizing lists. There are 3-4 families interested in seeking holiday support at this time.
As soon as lists are finalized there will be communication regarding launch and wrap up dates as well as a distribution of sign up.
4. Officer Reports
Co Presidents, given by: Ashleigh Jennings
The PTO has purchased 6 recess carts, one per grade level, to replace the dock boxes with consideration of teacher leadership and principal input. They will be filled and distributed within the next week or so.
Treasurer
New income – the auction made close to $1,700, which is close to the $2,000 goal. We are expecting a check from the skating party within the next month.
Outgoing - Field trips were paid for several grade levels.
A $475 donation will go to the red cross as raised by hat day.
Secretary
Received a thank you note from Kristyn Cubitt. Thank you!
5. Announcements
Learning Night – date change to February 6th
Updated form coming out in this week’s howl. The new date we’re targeting is February 6, 2024. The theme will be “Unplug and Connect”
Holiday Drive
Next Meeting Is: Thursday, January 9, 2025
Meeting adjourned : 7:41 pm
Minutes compiled by: Krista Steiger, Secretary
January 9, 2025
PTO Meeting Minutes
January 9, 2025
Date, Time, Location: Thursday, January 9, 2025, 7 pm in the Wass Media Center
Meeting Called to Order: at 7:01 pm
Attendance: Ashleigh Jennings, Krista Steiger, Anthony Porta, Kevin Tuczek, Gina Savickas, Emily D’Amico, Holly Haberkamp, George Yousif, Erin Whaley, Dayna Koskinen, Prasad Kulkarni, Nand Kishore Gajarajan, Amy Mills, Sarah Burch, Erin Voss, Kristin Crowe
There were 16 members in attendance; a quorum was reached. No guests were in attendance
1. Principal’s Report, given by Kristin Crowe
December Events at Wass Recap
Holiday drive- gratitude and feedback – very positive, received thoughtful notes from families who were supported.
New Year at Wass
Launched a new initiative with students focused on reviewing expectations
“Wass Wolves Wednesday” will be highlighted on the morning announcements where the character matrix will be broken down into “kid-friendly” language and discussed at the classroom level. The slides for these will be shared weekly in the howl.
The character matrix is broken into the 5 core values and how these will be incorporated in different settings within Wass
This week’s focus was on classroom expectations. Areas of focus will include the classroom, hallways, cafeteria, playground, arrival, pick-up, bathrooms, etc.
Mrs. Crowe launching a new program called: “I was caught with character by Mrs. Crowe”. Students will be given cards or stickers if Mrs. Crowe or another adult catches kids with character
The initiative is meant to work at group or individual levels and seeks to encourage students to support other students
Character Education in the Community Opportunity
o Community Nights at Athens in support of the Unified Basketball Team is seeking to get support by giving each school community a different game to attend – Wass’s night is January 23rd at 6:30pm
2. Committee Reports
Holiday Drive, given by Amy Mills
The event went very well and we had an overwhelmingly positive general response from all involved. Thank you for supporting this!
Learning Night – Unplug and Connect (February 6), given by Kristin Crowe
The event is looking to be run through a series of station rotations for parents and families
Rotation stations may include:
Reading Literacy with Mrs. Cubitt and possibly Math Literacy with Mrs. Muma.
Mrs. Kelly working with parenting support strategies
Ms. Zygner and Mrs. Pizzoli looking to work with students to create a make and take sensory calming bottle
Mrs. Kostrzewa working on presenting stem work and building station
Staff entertaining the possibility of a mindfulness/yoga session
BINGO Night (February 20), given by Holly Haberkamp
Starting the process of launching and planning
Staff Appreciation, given by Ashleigh Jennings
Keurig beverages have been collected for this month (January). There was a very generous response to that
Next up will be snack collections
Starting to look toward teacher appreciation week in May
3. Officer Reports
Co Presidents
Assemblies –
Parker “basketball” Jones (January 17) and Super U Challenge (march 10)
Treasurer
Income - Kroger Rewards continues to be a significant income source
Expenses
Hat day – outgoing check to the red cross for money collected for character ed
Field trips – grade levels continue to use appropriate funding
Assemblies – money will be going out to secure the two discussed assemblies
Holiday support for staff
4. Secretary
Written note received and passed around from one of the families supported by the holiday drive
Social media initiative continues to go well
Adjourned – 7:36
March 6, 2025
PTO Meeting Minutes
March 6, 2025
(rescheduled from February 10)
Date, Time, Location: Thursday, March 6, 2025, 7 pm in the Wass Media Center
Meeting Called to Order: 7:03 pm
Attendance: Kristin Crowe, Emily D’Amico, Gina Savickas, Amy Mills, Erin Whaley, Dayna Koskinen, George Yousif, Krista Steiger, Sara Burch, Erin Voss, Ashleigh Jennings, Tony Porta, Kevin Tuczek
There were 13 members in attendance; a quorum was reached. No guests were in attendance
Principal’s Report, given by Kristin Crowe
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School of Character 2025 Every 5 years we renew our bid for School Of Character – Wass submitted and received this honor this year.
-
The next level is national school of character which involves an interview process that is slated to happen before spring break.
March is Reading Month, given via remote video by Vanessa LaRocca.
This year’s theme will center around “Adventures with Moana”. Some highlights of reading month include:
- A “sail across reading” initiative which involves goal setting and identifying themes., setting a goal, looking at lessons in books
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Dr. Machesky (District Superintendent) came to Wass to read to the students to launch the event
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A “wayfinder paddle” where students record lessons from books read for a chance to win gift cards to book stores.
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DEAR time with moana music
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Reading challenges via Moana’s sidekicks Pua and Hei Hei
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A school read along book, “Quarterback Comeback”. A link will be provided for students to access staff members reading the chapters aloud.
Committee Reports, given by Ashleigh Jennings, Tony Porta and Kristin Crowe
- Bingo and Learning Night – happy to report as successful and a thank you was extended to parents and teachers who helped planning and executing the events.
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Staff Appreciation - The PTO will sponsor a lunch during spring conferences from Breakaway Deli
May 5th is teacher appreciation week. A committee has started to form to organize that. Volunteers are welcome to contact Ashleigh Jennings to assist planning.
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Flower Sale - Ordering has been extended until March 10th
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Running with the Wolves - is scheduled for May 9, 2025. May 16th is being held as a back up date. Lindsey Long will be starting planning with a committee meeting on March 20th at 7:00 pm. All who are interested in helping, should plan to attend.
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5th Grade Recognition - Anyone who would like to help planning should contact Christina Rupkey.
Proposed Bylaw Changes and Updates, given by Ashleigh Jennings, Kevin Tuczek and Tony Porta
The executive board has drafted proposed changes to the current by-laws for review by membership. A vote to adopt these by-laws should be forthcoming at the next membership meeting. A summary of proposed changes and amendments are as follows:
- The board proposes to eliminate outdated committees as well as look to add other updated committee list. The board is seeking to change some wording to allow for more flexibility in appointing committees.
- The board proposes updating dates in all articles of the current by-laws to align with PTO and district fiscal year.
- The board is motioning to fix typos.
- The board is seeking to clarify and simplify language.
- The board has proposed an audit process for treasurer and money handling specifics which allows for bi-annual audit of the budget as well as audit during the year a new treasurer is appointed.
- The board is looking to simplify the verbiage on the nomination process so that a nominee can be put on the ballot via expressed interest versus a nomination committee. The board has additionally proposed clarification to process on filling mid-year board , g
- The board has proposed the addition of a bylaw which will clarify the steps involved in the officer removal process.
- An additional duty of reserving spaces should be added to the secretary duties.
- It is proposed that the bylaw regarding meeting schedule will be adapted to add flexibility to timeframes and the number of minimum meetings will be adjusted.
Membership has access to the document which highlights the proposed changes to go over in preparation of a vote to adopt the amended by-laws.
Officers Reports, given by Tony Porta, Ashleigh Jennings, Kevin Tuczek and Krista Steiger
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Co-Presidents – a thank you was extended to membership and staff on hard work.
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Treasurer – Kevin went over incoming funds and outgoing expenses for February activities.
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Secretary – Nothing to report
Meeting Adjourned – 7:56 pm
April 10, 2025
PTO Meeting Minutes
April 10, 2025
Date, Time, Location: Thursday, April 10, 2025, 7 pm in the Wass Media Center
Meeting Called to Order: 7:01 pm
Attendance: Kristin Crowe, Ashleigh Jennings, Tony Porta, Kevin Tuczek, Krista Steiger, Emily Damico, Gina Savickas, Erin Whaley, Dayna Koskinen, Jackie Skinner, Kristyn Cubitt, Holly Haberkamp, Sara Burch, Erin Voss, Erica LaPlante.
There were 15 members in attendance; a quorum was reached. Dr. Richard Machesky, district superintendent was in attendance as a guest.
District Representative Spring Update, given by Richard Machesky
Bond update- the district reports it is into the first series of improvements.
- The new Smith school building is on track for opening for the 2026-2027 school year and is on budget.
- Troy High and Athens High school are undergoing athletic improvements. Troy high is wrapping up these projects and Athens is beginning it’s comparable projects this summer.
- All playground enhancements and furniture for elementary schools will be in by the end of this summer (2025), which will complete these initiatives.
- Construction on Athens High school is slated to break ground in the spring of 2026 (currently in the design phase)
- Boulan Middle School students will move into Smith for the 2026-27 school year while the building is improved. Larson Middle School students will move into Smith for the 2027-28 schoolyear while the building is improved.
Budget – the district is looking into various budget-balancing strategies in order to plan for future school years. A district-wide survey coming home to parents regarding budgets and opinions on how to account for decreasing enrollment. (Survey is expected to come out on Friday 4/11/25)
Attendance review committee
- The attendance review committee has been meeting throughout the year. They are looking to balance in middle school enrollment numbers by re-configuring district attendance lines. They are also looking to resolving double splits.
- At this point the committee is in the phase of making a determination.
Multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) – looking at provision of support to students who need extra in a way that best utilizes available resources to comply with district success vision.
The district is working on making adjustments to the newly launched website format with consideration of input received this school year. This is ongoing.
Principal’s Report – Writing Curriculum Update, given by Jackie Skinner and Kristyn Cubitt
District staff reviews the different subject areas of the Troy curriculum on a 6-7 year basis. This year they reviewed the writing curriculum.
- When reviewing curriculum the staff considered the Common Core Standards, the Literacy Essentials in Michigan and the Troy School District pillars.
- The review process began in January and included 100 elementary teachers from different specialties. They reviewed 8 curriculum options, narrowed these down to 5 and scored the remaining 5. 90% of the team chose the “Revised Units of Study” curriculum as being the best fit for Troy Elementaries and this is now being piloted.
- In the revised version of the “Units of Study” writing curriculum, spelling and grammar have been added into 3rd ,4th and 5th grade study.
- In the “Revised Units of Study” curriculum, the writing genres are the same with changes to the layout. Some of the units are common to all grade levels, and some units are grade-level specific.
- The reviewing team feels that the “Revised Units of Study” fit in well with common core standards as well as literacy essentials.
- A parent review night is being offered by teachers in the district on April 16th from 6:30-8:00 in the Services Building for any parent interested in attending.
By-Law Review/Vote, given by Tony Porta and Ashleigh Jennings
- A review of by-law changes was given. The board asked if there were any questions from the organization. There were no questions.
- A motion to approve adoption of amended by-laws was made by Holly Haberkamp, Gina Savickis moved to second motion. The motion passed.
- An audit committee composed of George Yousif, Kristin Crowe and Phyllis Walters was proposed to membership. Gina Savickis motioned to approve the committe, seconded by Holly Haberkamp. The motion passed.
Committee Reports, given by Asleigh Jennings
Staff Appreciation
“Around the World” themed Teacher Appreciation Week is in planning.
Running with the Wolves – the event was launched in student wolf pack meetings
“Un-Mask Your Potential” theme for 2025. There will be tie ins to “The Masked Singer” TV show.
Chalk the Walk – 7-8pm on May 8th
RWTW Incentives:
- Individual: each $50 raised will earn 1 raffle ticket, which will enter students to be drawn to wear the mascot suit at a drop off. $150 raised gains a student access to an extra gym session with Mr. Cavataio.
- School-Wide: $15,000 benchmark will be awarded with “Mystery Teacher” (teacher swap) time. $20,000 benchmark will be awarded with a costumed glow party at lunch. $25,000 benchmark will be awarded with “Masked Singer: Teacher Edition”.
- The top 5 donation earning students will get to be the judges for the Masked Singer.
- A pizza party will be awarded to the top earning grade K-2 class and top earning grade 3-5 class.
5th Grade Recognition – Contact Christina Rupkey to help
- Flower Sale
Record breaking total with more than $3000 earned.
Delivery expected May 21st with volunteer opportunities to help with deliver coming in the howl.
- Restaurant Night – Oberweis and Noodles & Co will take place on April 17th. The PTO extends its gratitude to those who have stepped forward to chair an event. We encourage co-chairing events and are looking for someone to co-chair the flower sale to take that over.
Officers Reports, given by Tony Porta, Ashleigh Jennings, Kevin Tuczek and Krista Steiger
- Co-Presidents had nothing additional to report.
- Treasurer reports on Kroger rewards, BINGO night intake. Out-going expenses for field trips and March is Reading Month.
- Secretary shared gratitude notes from Mrs. Cubitt and Mrs. Kendall.
Announcements
- Upcoming Dates: Restaurant Night (Thursday 4/17/25), RWTW (Friday 5/9/25), Flower Delivery (Wednesday 5/21/25), Next Meeting – (Thursday 5/8/25)
Meeting Adjourned: 8:32 pm
June 2025
Welcome to the Wass PTO
Welcome! The Wass Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization (Wass PTO) is an all-volunteer, parent-run, non-profit organization committed to enhancing and enriching the education of our children and fostering a sense of community within our schools. We seek to keep parents connected and informed by facilitating a closer relationship between school and home and serving as the communication link between the two. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to strengthen the Wass Elementary School's capacity to provide the highest quality education possible for all students.
Wass PTO Board Members
- Co-President: Ashleigh Jennings
- Co-President: Tony Porta
- Treasurer: Kevin Tuczek
- Secretary: Krista Steiger
Committee Chairs
- Fall Auction: Katie Veltema
- Spiritwear: Krista Steiger
- Bingo Night: Holly Haberkamp
- Room Parents: Amy Mills
- 5TH Grade Recognition: Christina Rupkey
- Clinic: Tony Porta
- Holiday Drive: Amy Mills and Krista Steiger
- Restaurant Night: Kristy Fleming -
- Running with the Wolves: Lindsay Long
- Teacher Appreciation: Ashleigh Jennings
- Yearbook: Tina Catron
- Trunk or Treat: Erin Voss
- Learning Night: Anasuya Sen
- Flower Sale: Katie Veltema
- First Day of School Supplies: Dan Tarasenko
PTO Meeting & Event Calendar
There are no events to display
PTO Resources & Information
- Event Evaluation & Planning Form
- Free & Easy Ways to Support Wass
- Meeting Dates
- PTO By-Laws
- Treasurer's Page/Budget
- Volunteer Information
- Wass PTO Facebook Group
Event Evaluation & Planning Form
Free & Easy Ways to Support Wass
Kroger Community Rewards
Are you signed up for Kroger Community Rewards? It’s simple! All you need to do is follow the steps to link your Kroger Plus shoppers card to the program and Kroger will contribute a portion of spending to Wass!
Follow the link here:
Kroger Community Rewards Sign Up
Office Depot Give Back to Schools
If you make a purchase of qualifying school supplies at Office Depot, all you need to do is follow the link below to get started on earning for Wass! (our school code is 70052842)
Click through on the link for more detailed instructions on your purchase can help our students!
Office Depot Give Back Sign Up
Clothing Donation Bin
Did you know that contributions to our clothing bin out front bring money back to Wass? The bin is located on the East side of the teacher parking lot/car loop! All and any clothing and shoe donations are accepted!
Box Tops for Education
Download the App, search for Wass and scan your receipts when you shop. Any eligible purchase will kick funds back to school. If you’re a Walmart shopper, you can even link your account so that purchases will automatically factor in.
Box Tops for Education Sign Up
Restaurant Nights
These come up throughout the year – generally there is a discount to you on your bill as well as a percentage that gets donated back to Wass. Stay tuned to the howl, facebook and Instagram for dates on these nights!
Step Up to the Plate Week
The Troy Chamber of Commerce puts these on bi-annually – usually in the Fall and Spring. Supporting local restaurants on the published list comes at a 20% discount to you and the school who earns the most gets a $1000 donation.
Meeting Dates
PTO By-Laws
Treasurer's Page/Budget
Volunteer Information
Volunteering at Wass can be a great opportunity to meet staff, parents and students and perhaps gain new perspective on your child’s life at school. Consider your talents, interests, and how much time you can spend – there’s sure to be a place for you to help! Please use the link below to check your area(s) of interest, and you will be contacted by the appropriate chairperson with more information, or send an email to wasspto@gmail.com if you have questions or would like more information. One form per family, please.
Wass PTO Facebook Group
Please join our group on Facebook for updates, events, photos and communication with other Wass parents.