We asked, and you shared your comments/concerns. We believe in transparency so we’re addressing each of the constructive comments/areas of opportunity and sharing responses with the full school community.
Comment: I didn’t realize 5th grade spaghetti dinner was for all families initially – I thought it was only for 5th grade families. I loved having 5th graders “work” the event. I think it could be combined with an art gallery and/or other CA to make it a bit more enjoyable for families. I think there should be a short announcement at the start of each seating to remind everyone what it’s for – share good news?
Answer: Fair enough. This was a first-ever event for us based on the 5th grade ask for addition funds to support their trip to Annapolis and the need to raise the remaining funds to purchase the fifth-grade gift. We’re taking many of the lessons learned to determine whether it makes sense to host this again in the future and if so, how it will be messaged.
Comment: Donuts with Grownups and Art Night are always hits. Our last school had a STEM night that was gangbusters. Also, maybe partner with the local high school robotics team for a night?
Answer: Please share more details about donuts with grown-ups so we can consider this. We had a Donut Day in school last year, but there were mixed reactions, so we didn’t put it back on the table, but that’s not to say we’re opposed in the future.
Comment: Less vendors – they honestly give me anxiety.
Answer: We include vendors at certain events not only to help create a lively community atmosphere, but also because many of them have generously supported our school in meaningful ways. This year alone, our vendor partners have contributed in incredible ways: making cash donations toward Teacher Appreciation Week and the Read-a-thon, providing sweet treats for staff luncheons, donating pizza for the membership drive and Read-a-thon prize winners, and giving more than $5,000 toward teacher appreciation gifts and Read-a-thon incentives. That said, your feedback is a helpful reminder that we need to be mindful of creating space and experiences that suit a variety of comfort levels. We’ll take this into account as we plan future events and will work toward offering a mix of formats—some quieter, vendor-free events alongside others that support those that generously give to us.
Comment: Art Night at school with Ms Cormier would be great. We did a guided drawing (like what you did at ledos) but at the school with the art teacher. We also really enjoyed the family fitness night that was run by the PE teacher at Oakwood last year. It was a 45 minute program where us and the kids went through obstacle courses and what not with the PE teacher. Super cute and the kids loved it. Low cost.
Answer: These are great ideas. We’ll take that into account as well as the call we put out to cultural art teachers to see what kinds of events they are interested in.
Comment: People might volunteer more if there were things to keep younger kids entertained when parents are volunteering. Or just pairing PTA meetings before events like movie night, story reading etc. Bigger attendance and consolidated.
Answer: We’d love to hear some ideas about this certainly, of specific activities that you think would keep the younger kids engaged. As to pairing PTA meetings with large events, we have tried this in the past with movie night and book fair, but the kids tended to get restless. We’ve also tried to decrease the asks to an hour at a time and we’ve partnered with local high school students to offer community service hours.
Comment: Any way to get advanced schedule of events? Would love to get them on the calendar. So many things/events are competing for the little family time we have.
Answer: Please share how you prefer notification. This year, we brought back our PTA News You can Use which lists all events at the beginning of each semester (August/January) as well as our monthly newsletters. We also regularly post updates to the Facebook page, send givebacks messages, share upcoming events during meetings, and include our events in the Sunday Post. If there’s another avenue we haven’t explored, we’re open for a conversation.
Comment: Better messaging. And fundraising can be disguised as events. Sell popcorn and pizza at movie night; raffle off paintings. Also, there are over 500 children in the school and the PTA events only draw a small portion of them, we need to come up with better outreach to get people involved.
Answer: See above comment on messaging and let us know what ideas you have specifically to reach more families. As far as fundraising goes, we already do much of that with our free events, but again, if there are other avenues to explore, let us know.
Comment: I would like more clarity on where money raised is going specifically.
Answer: We approve our budget every year in May for the following calendar year. This allows us to spend money in the beginning of each year without having to wait for an approved budget. The biggest event driver of doing this is Block Party and our back-to-school luncheon for our teachers. Previously, we weren’t able to offer this because we can’t spend money before having an approved budget for the fiscal year. Then, at each meeting, our President or Treasurer shares a report of what money goes in and out. To make any changes to the budget, we have to issue an amendment which we did do this year when we had leftover money for block party. If there’s something else you’d like to see or review, just ask! Our treasurer keeps meticulous records in line with the requirements of AACCPTA, Free State PTA, and National PTA.
Comment: More clarity on specifically what events *are* for families that are new or for events that aren’t inherently clear (ex: holiday shop for those that have never done it).
Answer: Noted for the future. We’ve started creating this via https://qespta.org/qes-events/ and will continue adding to it once our 2025-2026 events are planned. We will also share on Facebook.
Comment: What is the PTA doing with the influx of funds this year?
Answer: This year, the PTA has invested over $20,000 into the school community. This spending includes $6,808 for events such as the Fun Run, Block Party, and Winter Gala; $3,800 toward the purchase of yearbooks; $2,400 in field trip support distributed equally among all grades; $1,693 in staff support for supplies and reimbursements; $1,175 for staff morale events like luncheons; $1,150 on assembly programming; $932 for PTA dues to AACCPTA and Free State PTA; $898 for operating expenses such as software, insurance, and consumables; $300 allocated to school clubs; and $985 toward the 5th grade gift. We began the year with a balance of $5,263 and, thanks to successful fundraising and prudent planning, are projected to close the year with approximately $20,882. This reserve allows us to meet early commitments in the next school year and continue growing our programs.
To provide further context, in the previous fiscal year, the PTA began with a balance of approximately $6,434 and ended with around $2,104, reflecting a period of heavier spending to support expanding programs and events. The year before that, the PTA started with a balance of about $6,258 and ended with $6,434, maintaining steady financial health. Earlier years showed smaller starting balances and tighter budget constraints, requiring more conservative spending and prioritization of essential activities. While our current surplus of approximately $20,882 going into the next school year is a significant improvement and provides the financial stability necessary to operate without fear of running out of funds, it still does not fully cover the planned expenses for the upcoming year, which are projected at $31,981. However, this prudent reserve allows us to avoid playing “catch up” throughout the year and ensures we can continue to invest thoughtfully in programs and events that benefit all Quarterfield students.
As always, at least one member of the PTA board is available at each event (this year that was 28 of them) to hear feedback as well as our bi-monthly PTA meeting. If that doesn’t work for you, you can always reach out on Facebook or to our shared email at quarterfieldpta@gmail.com.