February Meeting Minutes

February 2, 2021 5:30 – 7pm

Zoom 

Quorum not met.

Chair: Keiona R Connor

1. Keiona called the meeting to order at 5:35 pm.
2. Reading and approval of minutes – December minutes approved as written.
3. New business/guest speakers
   1. Garrett Mattson gmattson@pps.net – Middle school math teacher – He spoke about a grant he applied for from the NBA, the grant was given to Chávez and was for $10,000 for outdoor spaces/STEAM related. Ideas for use of the funds: Create a science garden at the far end of the field. Try to stretch the funds with community support and volunteer labor. Also talking about a gravel track around the field. Other drainage issues around the building. NBA wants to see before and after photos. Removal of ivy and blackberry bushes could be another project. Put in or fix the existing outdoor weather station. The NBA would like to see the money put to use by the end of the school year. Discussed idea of STEAM work party. Several attendees expressed interest in working on this project.
   2. Jeanne Roy – Eco School Network – goal to promote health/sustainability of the school community. Online training this winter to get parents and kids involved. Each participant chooses an initiative they are interested in. Jeanne is wanting to get 1-2 people more from Chavez for training. Training begins at the end of February through March, 4 online sessions. Alice White Cyr has attended and spoke to the learning she gained at her training. Two parents expressed interest in attending.
   3. Gilberto Rivas – community engagement coordinator at Portland Backpack Project – he does community outreach at Chavez. Portland Backpack gives 1000 students food sacks at 10 schools now. They are looking for someone to count and make sure the food sacks are going out on Friday at Chavez, contact Gilberto at gilberto@portlandbackpack.com if interested. There are also volunteer opportunities to pack food sacks at the warehouse as well, can email Gilberto if interested.
4. President’s Report – Keiona discussed possible STEAM night – would love to do something this year – not sure what that will look like. Maybe do it later in the year when the weather is better – if anyone is interested in doing something with STEAM, could be aligned with Mr. Mattson’s project – Keiona will reach out to those interested. Or if you are interested email Keiona at keiona@cesarchavezpta.org. Also, not planning to do an auction this year due to several issues. Discussed doing a 50/50 raffle – anyone can buy raffle tickets and at the end, the money gets split 50/50 – one person gets half and PTA gets the other half. Discussed doing raffle to raise funds for STEAM activity.
5. Treasurer’s Report – Blake Goud gave the treasurer’s report. We went over spending on the platform fees – due to the read-a-thon, when the budget was set we did not know we would do a fundraiser online.
6. Committee Updates
   1. Transportation and Safety – PBOT was asked to make changes at N Houghton – discussed at last meeting, and PBOT agreed, they made the street a green way.
   2. Read-a-thon update – Kids who participated in the read-a-thon had their pizza party, we are still waiting on t-shirt order – once the order is in we will know how much grant money the teachers will get.
   3. Volunteer asks – Keiona will discuss at next meeting.

7. Announcements and Adjournment
   1. Next PTA Meeting: Wednesday, March 2, 2022 5:30 – 7 pm
   2. No school Feb 21 2022
   3. Principal’s coffee Feb 14 – english at 9:30, spanish 10:30
   4. Meeting adjourned by Keiona at 7:02pm. 

Meeting minutes submitted by Leah Hinson, Secretary.