September 16, 2025 Meeting 

3:45 - 4:45 PM / HGE Conference Room 

• Call to Order
  • Chris Blados
  • Mishel Reilly
  • Julie Derus
  • Joe Guilliaume 
  • Kelly Weinland
  • Melissa Koch
  • Lisa White
  • Krissy Romo
• Principal Report
  • State Framework back - classified as a “Performance” school
    • Achievement went up
    • Growth was up for reading
    • Math stayed the same, probably because of the program that is used; the program will be updated next school year
  • UFLI - pilot program for reading intervention for students who are categorized as high-risk according to DIBELS. Research-based program that meets new state requirements 
• President Report 
  • Traditionally, we have saved for big-ticket items, but now with the new playground and getting building/furniture upgrades in the next couple of years, PTO would like to focus on supporting more events, activities, field trips and rewards throughout the year that benefit all students and staff within the current year 
  • Looking to create more synergy/work together with the different groups at/within HGE 
  • Per By Laws, the PTO’s purpose is: 
    • To create a closer relationship between Hunters Glen Elementary School parents and teachers so that they may cooperate in the education and enrichment of Hunters Glen Elementary School students.
    • To raise and distribute funds for the enhancement of the Hunters Glen Elementary School student learning environment and extension activities.
    • As a subgroup of the School, this organization is created exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes
  • Per By Laws, re: Membership
    • Membership in this organization shall be made available to any Hunters Glen parent, guardian, teacher, or staff member. Each member may cast one (1) vote per motion.
  • Per By Laws, re: Organization of Meetings (and Voting) 
    • Section A. General Meetings of the Organization shall be held monthly, unless otherwise ordered by the Executive Board. Special meetings may be called by the Executive Board upon three (3) days written notice to the Organization.
    • Section B. The privilege of making motions, debating and voting shall be limited to the members of the Organization. Proxy voting shall not be allowed.
    • Section C. Seven (7) members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Organization.
    • Section D. Agenda issues and topics may be presented by any member of the Organization one (1) week before a scheduled meeting by email.
• Treasurer Report
  •  As of May 31, 2025 we have $12,910 dollars
  • Fun Run/Boosterthon goal is $20,000
• Fundraising Report
  • Your Pie Spirit Night was on September 9th: brought in about $100
  • Moving forward we will try to have Spirit Night day vary (i.e. not only on Tuesdays, or not only on Wednesdays etc.) in hopes of accommodating more families 
  • Upcoming fundraising events: 
    • Fun Run (Boosterthon)
      • Friday, September 19th: Kick-off and donation taking starts 
      • Tuesday, September 30th: Fun Run day 
        • Volunteers to mark laps needed! 
          • 10 total - 5 per course 
    • Wednesday, October 29th: Skate City; 5:30-7:30
      • Incentives for the class with most participants 
    • Thursday, November 13th: Chick-Fil-A
      • Incentives for class with most participants  
  • Other Spirit Night ideas: 
    • In-N-Out - it is a pre-paid scheme - maybe for Spring Carnival (May 15th) 
  • Ways to improve current efforts: 
    • Update PTO email signature with “more ways to support” and link, for example: American Furniture Warehouse, King Soopers 
    • Signage to be placed at the restaurant on our spirit night that lets patrons know Hunters Glen benefits from the proceeds that night
      • Chris has ground sign structures if needed.
    • Now that the “food truck Tuesdays” have come to an end within Hunters Glen neighborhood, ask the Hunters Glen board if they are willing to list HGE spirit nights in their weekly email
      • Does Rolling Hills also have a weekly/monthly HOA newsletter? 
• Staff Appreciation
  • September and October items are planned 
  • Would like to survey staff on preferences moving forward  
• Community-building
  • Upcoming events: 
    • Movie night - Friday, September 26th
      • Sunset is 6:50PM. Arrival at 6:30, movie will start 7:00/7:15
      • On blacktop - consider bringing chairs
      • Movie Elio
        • Create a description/synopsis of movie for families 
      • Provide a description to families of what the movie is about 
      • Volunteers to hand out popcorn and lemonade
      • Need to check lemonade and cups and popcorn bags
    • Fall Festival - Friday, October 24th 
      • 5:30-7:30 PM
      • Back parking lot 
      • Volunteers needed to decorate vehicles/pass out candy
      • Candy donation contest
        • By pound
        • By grade 
        • Winners get something special during their costume party (Friday, October 31st) 
• Assemblies 
  • Ideas are welcome! 
    • Ask in staff survey
  • Frequency: Quarterly (?) 
    • Ask in staff survey 
  • Upcoming event: 
    • Wednesday, October 8th 1:30-2:15 Nuggets announcer Kyle Speller will talk to the school about: Growth Mindset / Perseverance 
      • Free event - No cost to the school through the Nuggets “Community Ambassador” program 
  • Further ideas: 
    • “In the Buff” - CU’s A cappella group
      • Date TBD
      • Cost TBD  
    • Colorado Ballet
      • Possible dates: March 17 - 20 or April 21 - 24
      • $700 + travel for two assemblies ($500 for one assembly)
    • Rolling Nuggets 
    • Thornton Police 
• Motion to approve $100/teacher   
  • Motion approved
• “Family night” Equity & Diversity team - would PTO be willing to support? 
  • Yes
  • Planning for event in November 
• Funding requests will take place at October PTO meeting 
• Future planning: 
  • Magnet to be passed out at back-to-school night with PTO meeting dates, events and ways to support 
    • This would require planning in May for next school year
  • Look into long-term, neighborhood business sponsors to take on the cost for items like the back-to-school magnet 
    • Sponsors would be acknowledged in school newsletter 
• ACTION ITEMS: 
  • Melissa to-do: 
    • Provide Mishel with specific tasks and times for each events in the volunteer Sign-up Genius 
      • Movie night
      • Fun run
      • Fall festival 
    • Work with Mrs. Ho re: “In the Buff” assembly 
    • Hang posters for Fun Run/Boosterthon
    • Contact Adam (Hunters Glen HOA Board) to get spirit nights in HOA newsletter/weekly mailing
    • Spring Carnival Friday, May 15th - Confirm with FUN Services 6-8 PM. Update September 18: got an email from FUN services stating May 15, 2026 is available and will be reserved for us. When Lisa Eakeley has time (it’s a busy fall carnival season for them), she will get us a proposal to really lock down the date. 
  • Movie night
    • Check with Adam on what technical equipment is needed to run screen and audio (i.e. laptop, adaptors, etc.)
    • Need to check lemonade and cups and popcorn bag
    • AMC - popcorn donation for movie night (Lisa) 

 

Minutes taken by Melissa Koch

Meeting adjourned at 4:50 PM

 

October 21, 2025 Meeting

3:45 - 4:45 PM / HGE Conference Room

• Call to Order
  • Chris Blados 
  • Mishel Reilly 
  • Emily Ottinger 
  • Lisa White 
  • Melissa Koch (via telephone) 
  • Emily Zamora-Ho 
  • Natalie McCormick 
  • Katrina Rasmussen 
  • Julie Derus 
  • Joe Guilliaume 
  • Erin Dupper

● Principal Report

○ First quarter has officially come to an end, only 5 weeks until Thanksgiving Break and then just 3 after that until Winter Break so a lot of material to get through from a staff and learning perspective.

○ Attendance is high (93%) compared to the District level, but the HGE goal is 95%.

○ Inform yourselves on upcoming ballot measures - staffing and specials are on the line.

○ Conferences went well and the staff appreciation dinner was well received

● President's Report

 ○ Staff survey results - 21 staff members completed the survey
○ Responses were overall positive with some helpful insights - PTO board to go through the feedback 
in more detail (perhaps next week?)
○ Some highlights:
■ 84% of responders feel PTO’s involvement is important or very important in supporting their work 
with students
■ Type of support
● 90% student incentives/rewards
● 81% field trip funding

● 76% would like help with classroom supplies
■ Types of events (top 4)
● Staff appreciation
● Assemblies
● Family nights
● Parent education workshops
■ Majority of staff favor quarterly assemblies

● Treasurer Report

○ We will get the official numbers at the end of October.
○ The November meeting will have more updates
○ Our goal this year is to spend the money the year we raise it
○ Keep in mind, SNAP benefits will be short because of the govt’t shut down - so Bear Den might need 
additional support
■ YES funding/grants provides HGE with a monthly budget and additional partnerships help keep it 
stocked with seasonal needs
(gloves, holiday meals, gifts etc.)

● Fundraising Report

○ Booster / Fun Run update - we brought in about $23K
     ■ Board to follow up with corporate donations, employee match
○ Upcoming spirit nights:
     ■ Skate City: Wednesday, October 29th, 5:30-7:30
         ● Staff is free!
         ● Glow theme - maybe get items
         ● $3/student earned ($7 admission, $5 skate rental) - we usually bring in about $300
○ Chick-Fil-A November 13th
○ Look into Crumbl Cookie, Krispy Kreme, The Donut House (Larkridge)

● Staff Appreciation Update - planned

● Community Events

○ Upcoming - Fall Fest Friday, October 24 6:00-7:30 PM
      ■ Prizes for top voted car/table all set
      ■ Craft activity does not have many volunteers so if we don’t get enough volunteers, will move 
          craft/coloring back outside
      ■ To dos:

           ● Emily to count candy weights to see which grade level wins the prize
○ Looking ahead - Spring Carnival: Friday, May 15th (same day as field day) - Big Jumpers and FUN 
Services have both been contacted for this date. Nothing officially confirmed in their calendars 
because we don’t have a signed contract yet, but Melissa is working on it and will reach out again 
to them within the next week.
       ■ Food trucks (Snowy Churro, Campfire Hotdogs)? - Yes! Mishel to email
○ Dance - February 6th or 20th
       ■ Check on In-N-Out food truck

● Funding Requests

○ Borham: Pencil Sharpener, 27.99 (3rd)
○ Rasmussen: Junie B Jones, 504.00 (1st), 201.00 (buses)
○ Zamora-Ho: Colorado Symphony, at most 3,065.04 (3rd, 4th, 5th)
○ Derus: CU Science Discovery, Weather, 277.50 (3rd)
○ Arrington: Science Matters (GT), 2400.00
○ Picard: OzoBot 2900.00 (school wide) Hold off ordering until after
    election, don’t know if we will have computer science next year
○ Derus: BrainPop, 3480.00 (school wide, full calendar year)
○ Zamora-Ho: Mariachi, 700.00 (school wide, community event)
○ Krizek: Storage Bags, 58.66 (1st)
○ Guilliaume: Tumbling Mat, 250.00 (schoolwide)

Total: 13,854.19 Emily motion to raise funding request budget to $14,000. Joe seconds. Motion approved by all in attendance. Melissa motions to approve all funding requests outlined above. Seconded by Lisa. Motion approved by all in attendance.

● Next board meeting (November 5) -

○ Need to brainstorm 2nd semester assembly ideas
○ need to discuss ideas for December to “replace” Holiday Shop
○ Possible toy drive
○ Possible family photography and frame craft
 

 

November 18, 2025 Meeting 

3:45 - 4:45 PM / HGE Conference Room

• Call to Order
  • Julie Derus
  • Krissy Romo
  • Emily Ottinger
  • Low Kung
  • Mishel Reilly
  • Chris Blados
  • Lisa White
  • Melissa Koch
• Principal Report 
  •  Veterans’ Day celebration: in-class lessons and visitors and a flag on the office window
  • Kissing animals as a school-wide reward for meeting the fundraising goal - positive feedback from students
  • 1st family CommUNITY night
    • Good turnout for the first time, would like to make it a regular event
      • Use in-class lessons or student support through specials to draw more families to come
  • MAPS testing starts the second week after break, DIBBLS in January
    • Currently, HGE is scoring higher than other schools in the district
  • Thanksgiving donations
  • Student council candygrams - online 
  • GIving tree
• President Report 
  • Nothing in particular - please see points below for detailed updates on items to be covered in this meeting. 
• Treasurer Report 
  • Current bal $16,676.45
  • Nothing outstanding to pay
  • Various funds coming in from KS, AMW, and spirit nights 
• Staff Appreciation Update
  •  Mishel will connect with Kelly to start 12 days for the staff
  • Coffee donations - Professional Development days (Dec 19th) 
  • Meals/extras would be nice on school event nights for staff 
• Fundraising Update/Report 
  • Booster Fun Run company-match donations - Melissa sent out emails (N=32) on November 13 to the donors identified by Booster as having an employer with a company-match program
    • No responses yet
      (1 email was returned as undeliverable because the inbox is full)
  • Chick-Fil-A 
    • Winning Class: Mrs. Derus with 8 students - Will get a chicken nugget and lemonade party
  • Upcoming Spirit Nights 
    • None currently scheduled, but looking into new options. 
    • Melissa to share Krispy Kreme contact 
    • Consider Krispy Kreme / Crumbl for break 
    • Events/experiences instead of food nights: Fun City? Activate in The Orchards, Malibu Jacks (near 88th and I-25) 
• Community Events 
  • Fall Fest Recap: 
    • Well attended. We ran out of candy at 7:00. 
    • We should consider just having it as a 1-hour event next year.
    • The crafts went well. The leftovers were saved for future use.
    • We did not get the car decorations back so those will need to be re-purchased next year.
  • Family BINGO night (in lieu of the holiday shop)
    • Friday, December 12^th, 6:30-7:30 pm in the gym - doors open at 6:15.
      (We might want to consider making this 1.5-2 hrs instead of just 1)
    • Main activity: BINGO
• The buy-in could be to bring a new or gently used book. The books would then be grouped in packs with several books each, and that serves as the prize for BINGO winners
• Other activities between Bingo rounds: 
  • Have contests for things like:
    • Ugliest sweater/craziest outfit?
  • Photographer (there are some parents of school kids who are professional photographers – to do: check in with them and see if they are willing to donate an hour of their time to take family photos at the event)
    • Have a photo printer for families to print the photos
  • Raffles to benefit Bear Den (donated or PTO-sponsored) baskets, attendees can buy $1/$2 raffle tickets. Basket ideas: 
    • “Movie Night” kit 
    • “Taste of Germany” 
    • Could ask parents with businesses if they would like to put a basket together 
  • Buy-in for raffle tickets - items for so many tickets… 
• Materials/resources needed:
  • Backdrop (the school may already have one from decorating the lounge)
  • Printer and accompanying materials
  • Popcorn (AMC again?), cookies (Costco?), hot chocolate
  • Volunteers to 
    • MC (call numbers, run contests)
    • Photographer
    • Collect books at the entrance
    • Group and package books
• To-Do’s: 
  • Board to draft communications for the school to send out. 
• Budget line item: Special Events - motion to add $400
  • Motion approved. 
• Dance - February 20th, 6:15-7:45 
  • Winter Wonderland Theme (not a glow dance)
  • Materials/resources needed: 
  • Decorations 
  • Volunteers to decorate/set up  
• To-Do’s
  • Get decorations
  • Make a flyer/advertise to families  
  • Volunteer sign-up for day-of set up and clean up
  • Food option? Food truck? 
    • In-N-Out truck not available this year, but possible for the 2027 dance
• Spring Carnival - Friday, May 15th 
  • Campfire Hotdogs and Snowy Churro trucks are already confirmed
  • Preliminary contract with Fun Services signed for May 15th 
    • We are required to sell (buy) at least 250 wrist bands at $6.50 each (which comes out to be $1625, plus $90 delivery fee for games = $1715)
  • Big Air Jumpers cost estimate: We need to vote on this to be able to sign the quote and secure the items we are requesting
• Motion to increase Spring Carnival budget to $2100
  • Motion second
  • Motion approved. 
• Assemblies 
  • CU’s “In the Buff” - trying to get them for January 9th (either 8:15-9:00 or 1:30-2:15 - as a two-part assembly: 15 minutes for lower El, and 30 minutes for upper El). Will know by December PTO meeting if this date works and what time and cost 
  • Other spring/second semester ideas welcome! 
• Other items: 
  • Booster/Fun Run lunch - need to organize this!   
  • PreK- AM class!  
  • K- Johnson
  • 1st- Krizek
  • 2nd-Dennard
  • 3rd- Borham
  • 4th- Davidson
  • 5th- Farrington
• To do: Melissa to draft communication to winning teachers, asking for where. Admin will decide when. 
  • PTO meeting time:
    Feedback from some parents: the time is too early for working families to attend. The plan to address this: 

1. Keep the November and December meeting time as it currently is. 

2. Check with Teacher liaisons what other times work for them 

3. Put a survey out to parents in December asking: 

• Best start time for a 1-hour meeting is 
  • 3:45, 4:30, 5:00 
  • Consider having a late meeting quarterly 
• What other barriers are there to participating in PTO  meetings/PTO support opportunities

4. Update January meeting time based on Board, Teacher liaison, and survey outcome 

 

December 16, 2025 Meeting 

3:45 - 4:45 PM / HGE Conference Room

• Call to Order
  • Natalia McCormick
  • Low Kung
  • Lisa White
  • Kelly Weinland
  • Chris Blados
  • Melissa Koch
  • Julie Derus
  • Joe Guilliaume
• Principal Report
  • Wrapping up MAPS testing - math and reading computerized standard test
  • Reading: 55% of students met their growth target
    • Reduced lowest percentile by 5% and increased the highest by about 4-5% 
  • Math: no update yet because just finishing up 
  • January will be DIBELS testing - readiness for reading 
  • The Giving Tree - almost 100% fulfilled, and student council candy-grams will cover the rest
• President Report 
• Treasurer Report 
• Staff Appreciation Update
  • PTO sponsored 2 days of the 12 days
• Fundraising Update/Report 
  • Krispy Kreme -their current program is for parents to order ahead of time. Not sure if this is something we want to do. 
  • PF Changs - TBD
  • Lazy Dog - does 4-day spirit “nights” that has gone well for other schools
    • Bring in printed flyer or a code
  • Skate City booked for February 24th 5:30-7:30 
  • Chick-Fil-A in the spring (April)
• Community Events
  • BINGO for Books/Bear Den Raffle recap 
    • Overall went well. 
  • Next planned event: Winter Dance - Friday, February 20th 
    • Winter Wonderland Theme (not a glow dance)
    • Materials/resources needed: 
    • Decorations 
    • Volunteers to decorate/set up  
    • To-Do’s
      • Get decorations
      • Make flyer/advertise to families  
      • Volunteer sign-up for day-of set up and clean up
      • Food option? Food truck? 
  • Spring Carnival update: Have a quote from Big Air Jumpers, just need to confirm with Cory re: power supply/generator need
    • Once power supply is confirmed, Melissa to get official quote to Krissy to submit to the School District
    • Police officer presence as a special guest? - Kaili Brazell - Community Liaison Officer
• Assemblies
  • CU Buffs still unknown at this time because of scheduling 
• Other items
  • Booster/Fun Run lunch - To do: Melissa to draft communication to winning teachers, asking for where. Admin will decide when. 
  • PTO meeting time (revisit from last meeting):
    Feedback from some parents: time is too early for working families to attend. The plan to address this: 

1. Keep November and December meeting time as it currently is. 

2. Check with Teacher liaisons what other times work for them 

3. Put a survey out to parents in December asking: 

• Best start time for a 1-hour meeting is 
  • 3:45, 4:30, 5:00 
  • Consider having a late meeting quarterly 
• What other barriers there are to participating in PTO  meetings/PTO support opportunities

4. Update January meeting time based on Board, Teacher liaison and survey outcome 

Copilot Survey BEGIN:
1. What start time works best for a 1‑hour PTO meeting? (Select one)

• 3:45 PM
• 4:30 PM
• 5:00 PM
• None of these work for me

2. Would you support having an occasional later‑evening PTO meeting (e.g., once per quarter)?

• Yes
• No
• Maybe / Not sure

3. What barriers make it difficult for you to attend PTO meetings or participate in PTO‑related activities? (Check all that apply)

• Work schedule
• Childcare needs
• Transportation
• Not aware of meeting dates/times
• Meetings feel too long
• Not sure what PTO does
• Language barriers
• Feeling uncomfortable speaking up
• Prefer virtual options
• Prefer information in writing instead of meetings
• Other (please explain)

4. How would you prefer to participate in PTO activities? (Check all that apply)

• Attending meetings in person
• Attending meetings virtually
• Helping with events
• Helping from home (emails, prep work, planning)
• Donating items
• Sharing ideas or feedback
• I’m not able to participate right now

5. What would make PTO involvement easier or more appealing for you? (Open response)

6. Do you have any other time/talents you would like to share with the school community? (Open response)

7. Anything else you’d like the PTO to know? (Open response)

END SURVEY

Conferences February 10th and 12th.

January PTO Meeting will be a funding request meeting (Tuesday, January 21st, time TBD (based on survey results)

February PTO Meeting will be Wednesday, February 18th

 

There is no meeting this month. Next meeting Tuesday, February 3rd, from 3:45 pm-4:45 pm.