Meeting Minutes - Wednesday August 19th, 2026
1. Welcome and Sign-In
The meeting opened with a welcome and thanks to everyone who attended in person and online through Zoom.
2. Introductions
Attendees introduced themselves by sharing either a book they are currently reading or a television show they are watching. The activity provided an opportunity to learn about some great books and shows and to get to know one another.
3. Reports from PTO Leadership
Treasurer's Report
2026-2027 Budget Approval: The annual budget was reviewed, including the PTO fiscal year of August through July. The group discussed the larger purpose of fundraising and the possibility of supporting an adaptive playground or outdoor classroom. Additional discussion will take place regarding what support may be available through the district. A motion was made and seconded to approve the 2026-2027 budget as presented.
Staff Request Form: Staff members requesting PTO funds should email shadowhillspto@gmail.com to obtain the request form. Going forward, staff will be asked to complete the form so the PTO can review each request at the next meeting and understand how approval would affect the budget.
4. Projects and Upcoming Events
The PTO reviewed ideas developed over the summer for fundraising, school support, and increased community involvement. The goal is to have a fundraising event, a community engagement event, and a community service project each semester. Planned activities include the Parent Teacher Conference Dinner, Monster Mash, a Snack Food Drive to provide snacks for students who do not have them during the school day, Holiday Bazaar, Read-a-Thon, Shadow Hills Community Clean Up Day, and Color Run/Carnival. There are other smaller events throughout the year that will be discussed as they come (POJOS, Barnes and Noble, Chuck E Cheese for example). Events will be discussed in greater detail as their dates approach.
POJO's Night - September 17
POJO's Night will be the first fundraising event of the year. Last year, the school earned almost $400, and the school receives 20% back from the event.
Spirit Wear - September 28
Two spirit wear pop-up sales are planned this school year. The September sale will remain open for two weeks, with items delivered to the school afterward. A second pop-up is planned for February and will include purchasing shirts for all kindergarten students so they receive them before field trips.
Parent Teacher Conference Dinner - October 14
Kylie will coordinate the dinner theme and setup details. A family sign-up form will be sent out for donated items. PTO volunteers will be especially needed for setup and tear down.
Monster Mash - October 29, 6:00-8:00 PM
Monster Mash will be the main community engagement event of the semester. Volunteers are needed to help coordinate Trunk or Treat and manage Halloween Bingo. The group discussed asking Capital High Honors students and River Glen AVID students to assist with Bingo.
Trunk or Treat: PTO will purchase the candy, and participating families will also be encouraged to bring candy.
Halloween Bingo: Volunteers will be needed to help run and maintain the activity.
Halloween Dance Party: Halloween music videos will be shown on the large projector and screen in the gym so students can dance.
Food and Activities: Free popcorn will be available, and food trucks will offer dinner and dessert options.
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact shadowhillspto@gmail.com.
Holiday Bazaar - December 4
The Holiday Bazaar is planned as the PTO's large fundraiser for the semester. The event will be similar to the previous Art Auction and will include holiday-themed class art projects. Each class will create a holiday-themed project and will receive additional funds to help with the project. Plans also include a silent auction and vendor booths for families or community members who create crafts and would like to sell their items. Final details are still being developed, but the PTO expects to have most of the plans ready by the next meeting so teachers have enough time to create their projects.
5. Other Business
Fence Decor: The PTO discussed decorative fencing similar to displays seen at other schools. A design reading "Shadow Hills Wolves" would cost approximately $700. Shorter options such as "SH Wolves" or "Go Wolves" were discussed.
USA Map: The PTO discussed adding a USA map to the blacktop for student use. The stencil is approximately $250, with paint estimated at approximately $350.
Blacktop Improvements: The group discussed checking with the district about touching up four-square courts and other blacktop features. These improvements could be included as part of the Shadow Hills Community Clean Up Day in the spring.
PTO Newsletter: A monthly newsletter is being launched. Students will take home a "Stay Connected" flyer on Friday with a QR code families can scan to access the newsletter. The newsletter will include Shadow Hills events as well as River Glen, Capital, and community events.
6. Next Meeting
The next PTO meeting will be Wednesday, September 9, at 6:00 PM. Because of the strong turnout, the meeting will again be held at 6:00 PM and an online attendance option will be provided. The virtual meeting link will be shared later.
7. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned. Thank you for supporting Shadow Hills Elementary!