General PTA Meeting / Coffee with the Principal

Prepared by: Gynnise Gilbert-Mills, PTA President and Secretary

Meeting chaired by: Gynnise Gilbert-Mills, PTA President

Call to Order

President Gynnise Gilbert-Mills called the first PTA meeting of the 2026–2027 school year to order and welcomed parents, caregivers, staff, and community partners.

The exact call-to-order time was not captured in the recording.

Gynnise introduced Jasmine Baker, Vice President and Vice Treasurer, and shared that Jasmine will transition into the PTA President role as Gynnise completes her presidential term. The meeting began with the Coffee with the Principal portion and introductions from Schumacher CLC staff.

Approval of Previous Minutes

Not presented. This was the first PTA meeting of the 2026–2027 school year.

Officer Reports

President's Report

President Gynnise Gilbert-Mills provided an overview of the Schumacher CLC PTA and the work it supports throughout the school year.

• Teacher and staff support
• Teacher Appreciation
• Student and family events
• Fundraising
• Classroom supplies and resources
• Community partnerships

Families were reminded that PTA fundraising supports students, families, staff, and school programming.

Gynnise also reviewed the PTA organizational structure: Local PTA, Council PTA, Regional PTA, Ohio PTA, and National PTA. Gynnise and Jasmine shared information from their experience attending the National PTA Convention and emphasized that PTA includes family engagement, advocacy, education, community building, and leadership development in addition to fundraising.

Vice President's Report

Jasmine Baker, Vice President and Vice Treasurer, discussed the importance of PTA membership and volunteering. Families were encouraged to participate at whatever level their schedules allow.

Volunteer opportunities may include PTA events, event preparation, school activities, field trips when permitted, and other PTA-supported programs. Jasmine emphasized that parents and caregivers provide an important voice in identifying what students, classrooms, and the school community need.

Treasurer's Report

Not presented.

Secretary's Report

Not presented.

School Staff and Community Partner Reports

Ms. Hines – Dean of Students

Ms. Hines introduced herself as Schumacher CLC's Dean of Students and explained that her responsibilities include school climate, student behavior and discipline, attendance, and instructional leadership support.

She encouraged families to communicate first with classroom teachers when concerns arise while emphasizing that school administration is also available to support families.

Mr. Jackson – Climate Coach

Mr. Jackson introduced himself as Schumacher CLC's Climate Coach. His role includes de-escalation, restorative practices, peer mediation, and social-emotional support for students who may need help getting back on track during the school day.

He works closely with school administration, Ms. Gleaves, the PTA, and other staff to help students receive the support they need to be ready to learn.

Janice Gleaves – Board Member and School Liaison to the PTA

Janice Gleaves discussed her work supporting Schumacher families and the PTA. Her responsibilities include family programming, attendance outreach, and connecting families with resources such as food assistance, eyeglasses, and other community services.

Ms. Kennelley – School Counselor

Ms. Kennelley introduced herself as Schumacher CLC's School Counselor. She discussed supporting the mental health and well-being of students and staff and helping ensure that everyone feels safe and welcome at school.

The current student focus includes social skills, introductions, peer interaction, and friendship-building.

Maple Valley Library Partnership

Chelsea, participating through Zoom, shared that Schumacher CLC students have been provided library cards that may be used throughout the Akron-Summit County Public Library system.

The initiative is intended to support literacy and increase student access to books and library materials. Certain services, including computer and media access, may require additional parental permission. Library cards were expected to be distributed to classrooms.

Old Business

No unfinished business was formally presented. This was the first PTA meeting of the 2026–2027 school year.

New Business

Parent and Member Icebreaker

Attendees participated in a Morning Meeting icebreaker. Parents and members introduced themselves, identified their students and grade levels, and responded to conversation prompts. The activity was used to help families, staff, and PTA members get to know one another and build community.

PTA Membership and Participation

Annual PTA membership is $10 per person. Paid members become official PTA voting members and may participate in votes on PTA business.

Families were reminded that participation does not require a large time commitment. Parents and caregivers may attend meetings, volunteer for events, help with event preparation, participate in approved school activities, or join meetings through Zoom.

National PTA School of Excellence

Leadership discussed Schumacher CLC's recognition as a National PTA School of Excellence.

Families were informed that School of Excellence surveys will be distributed during the school year regarding school climate, family engagement, whether families feel welcomed, and whether students are receiving needed support. Families were strongly encouraged to complete the surveys because participation is an important part of the School of Excellence process.

Leadership also discussed grant and program opportunities associated with the designation.

Elevated Community Linen Closet Community Connection Fair

The upcoming Elevated Community Linen Closet Community Connection Fair was promoted. Elevated Community Linen Closet provides bedding, linens, towels, pillows, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and other household necessities to people in need.

The fair will include community resource organizations, family and household resources, school supplies, food trucks, vendors, and other activities. Members were encouraged to share the event information through social media and within the community.

Father's Walk

Date: September 17, 2026
Arrival: Approximately 7:50–8:00 AM

Fathers, caregivers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other important adults are invited to walk students into school. The event will include photos, donuts, coffee, and family engagement.

Poppin Popcorn Fundraiser

The first major PTA fundraiser of the school year will be the Poppin Popcorn fundraiser.

Fundraiser materials will be distributed to students with instructions for families to create student fundraising accounts and share ordering information electronically.

• Product sales: PTA receives approximately 50% profit.
• Direct monetary donations: PTA receives approximately 80%.
• Student incentive: Students may earn popcorn prizes based on sales.
• Classroom incentive: The classroom with the highest overall sales is planned to receive a pizza party.

Families were encouraged to help students attempt to sell at least five items when possible.

PTA Meeting Schedule and Family Engagement Dinner

The PTA discussed changes to the meeting schedule intended to make participation easier for working families.

Morning meetings will continue, while the end-of-month PTA meeting will now be held in the evening.

Next Evening Meeting: September 30, 2026 at 6:00 PM

The meeting will include a Family Engagement Dinner. Children are welcome to attend, and Zoom will remain available for families who cannot attend in person.

The planned meal includes pasta options, salad, bread, drinks, and dessert.

Fall Harvest Math Night

Date: October 30, 2026

This year's traditional Fall Harvest event will be combined with the school's Title I Math Night. Activities discussed include math activities for students and families, parent strategies for supporting current math methods, PTA games, food and concessions, a cakewalk, candy distribution, and family activities.

Potential games discussed included candy corn bowling and a lollipop pull.

A possible $1-per-game structure was discussed, but it was not formally approved during this meeting.

The PTA is requesting individually wrapped candy donations. Candy may be dropped off at the school office and marked for the Fall Harvest event or PTA. The goal is for every participating child to receive a substantial candy bag.

Volunteers and additional game ideas are needed.

Additional Fundraising Idea

Linda proposed exploring an online storefront-style fundraiser introduced at the National PTA Convention. The concept would allow supporters to shop online for everyday items while a portion of purchases benefits the PTA.

The idea will be researched further. No formal vote was taken.

Parent and Teacher Engagement

The group discussed ways to increase active parent and teacher participation. Ideas included:

• Personally inviting current PTA members to meetings
• Sending emails and direct reminders
• Using ClassDojo classroom groups to remind families about meetings
• Promoting evening meetings and family dinners
• Maintaining Zoom access
• Encouraging families to build relationships with classroom teachers

Leadership reported that the PTA had approximately 75 paid members during the previous school year, while regular meeting attendance was considerably smaller. Increasing active participation will remain a priority.

Volunteer Opportunities

Families asked about opportunities to volunteer within the school. PTA leadership explained that classroom volunteering is generally coordinated directly with teachers and school administration.

Other opportunities may include PTA event preparation, PTA-sponsored activities, field trips, special classroom activities when approved, and assisting the PTA while members are working in the school.

PTA Website and Communication

Families were introduced to the PTA website: SchumacherCLCPTA.org

The website includes upcoming PTA events, school calendar information, volunteer sign-ups, meeting information, PTA information, and additional family resources. QR codes included on PTA flyers direct families to the website.

Families were also encouraged to regularly check ClassDojo, student backpacks, and PTA communications.

Family Event Suggestions

A parent asked about events involving mothers and fathers. Planned family programming discussed included a Father/Daughter Dance and Mother/Son Breakfast, along with other family-inclusive activities.

Motions and Voting Results

No formal motions or voting results were captured in the recording.

• The possible $1-per-game price for Fall Harvest Math Night was discussed but was not approved.
• The online storefront fundraiser was discussed for further research but was not formally approved.

Announcements

• Father's Walk: September 17, 2026, approximately 7:50–8:00 AM at Schumacher CLC.
• Next PTA Meeting and Family Engagement Dinner: September 30, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
• Fall Harvest Math Night: October 30, 2026.
• PTA Website: SchumacherCLCPTA.org.

Action Items

• PTA Leadership and Members: Promote the September 17 Father's Walk.
• PTA Leadership: Distribute and promote Poppin Popcorn fundraiser materials.
• PTA Members: Encourage PTA membership and increased parent participation.
• PTA Leadership: Promote the September 30 evening PTA meeting and Family Engagement Dinner.
• Families and PTA Members: Collect and donate individually wrapped candy for Fall Harvest Math Night.
• PTA Leadership and Volunteers: Gather volunteers and additional Fall Harvest game ideas.
• PTA Leadership: Research the online storefront fundraiser discussed at the National PTA Convention.
• PTA Leadership: Continue outreach to increase regular meeting attendance.
• PTA Leadership: Continue promoting SchumacherCLCPTA.org and Zoom participation options.
• PTA Membership: Finalize Fall Harvest game pricing and activities before implementation.

Adjournment

President Gynnise Gilbert-Mills thanked families, staff, and guests for attending and emphasized that every parent's participation and voice matters.

The meeting was adjourned with no further business.

The exact adjournment time was not captured in the recording.