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Meet The BOE Candidate 2023

The school budget vote and Board of Education vote will be on May 16th.

Anyone who is a U.S. citizen, 18 years or older, and a resident of the Hoosic Valley Central School District for at least 30 days prior to the vote. You do not need to own property in the school district to be eligible to vote.

This year there is one candidate running for one seat on the board. Rather than holding an inperson event we will be accepting questions on our website and posting the candidate’s responses.

The questions may be submitted until May 8th and we will be posting the questions and responses on our website by May 12th.

About Amanda Akin

I have resided in the Hoosic Valley school district for 34 years and attended and
graduated from Hoosic Valley Central School. I currently reside in Johnsonville with my
husband (also a former student and graduate of Hoosic Valley) and 3 children ages 12,
9 and 8 who are all engaged in school activities, programs, and sports that the district
has been able to offer them.
I believe in encouraging our students to be active members in our community. With my
children in school, I have strived to be an active member of the school community. I
have been involved in HVAA and coached my kids along with many others in softball
and soccer over the years. I have held positions in PTO and supported programs they
have been able to offer. I have coached and assisted Odyssey of the Mind teams, assist
with the elementary musical and many other volunteer opportunities through the school
and community.
I have been a Registered Nurse for 13 years and currently work with children and their
families to obtain supportive services in the home and community. This has given me
insight on what children with special needs and their families need from the school
system.
I will challenge myself and others to make the best decisions for the students, staff, and
all residents of the Hoosic Valley community.
I will continually strive for improvement and excellence in our district for our students,
teachers, and community.
I look forward to working with current board members to give our students the best
education possible while supporting fiscal responsibility for our community.

March 2023 Minutes

Hoosic Valley PTO

Meeting Minutes

Date: March 21, 2023

Time: 6:30 pm

Location: Hoosic Valley Elementary School library

In Attendance

President: Liz Ruepp

Vice President: Lissa Kalbfliesh

Secretary: Lisa Meehan

Treasurer: Carolyn Gifford

In Person attendees:  Denile Paro, Tiffany Hurley, Stacy Maxon

Virtual attendees: none

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order at 6:34pm

Approval of Minutes

The minutes from the January meeting were approved.

Committee Reports

  • Treasurer Report: Treasurer report account balance of $30020.66
    • Still some outstanding reconciliations from Vendor Fair and Odyssey of the Mind t-shirts.
    • Significant upcoming expenses include PARP reimbursement and senior scholarships..
  • Yearbook – Deadline to purchase has been set at April 30 in order to receive and distribute in a timely fashion. Work continues and candid pictures still needed. See Tiffany Hurley if you would like to help.
    • Marketing for yearbooks begins immediately – social media posts, in school campaign and flyers to go home with kids in the next few weeks.
  • Vendor Fair – Denile Paro reported that the event was successful with 48 vendors in attendance. Last minute cancellations were able to be filled, food sales and raffle went smoothly.. Mixed comments from vendors – some reported less traffic. Perhaps consider moving the weekend depending on when Easter falls next year. This committee is looking for a co-chair for next year – please contact Liz or Denile if you are interested.
    • Also, a great big thank you to the 4-5 volunteers who make this day a success. Please consider getting involved next year – many hands!

Unfinished (Old) Business:

  • Plants for staff room:  Even more donations have been received, to be delivered soon.
  • Writing Olympics: Unfortunately, this event will not be held this year due to scheduling issues and lack of volunteers. It was suggested to try it again next year but move it to January when there are fewer conflicting events.
  • Stewart’s Holiday Match:  received an award of $1000 for classroom libraries. This falls short of the amount needed for giving a meaningful amount to each teacher. Looking for ideas to raise those additional $2000 to meet this need. Any ideas should be forwarded to Liz.
  • STEAM night: This event was not able to get started in time for this school year. Lisa suggested having an initial meeting this year to setup up goals and targets to keep us on track for establishing this event next year. Liz will forward that request to Mrs. Greco.
  • Spring Pictures: All students PreK-6 were photographed on 3/10. The vendor continues to be incredibly efficient at getting through all the students with the least amount of disruption. Families can still order pictures on the website: Adirondack School Portraits.
    • Thank you to Liz and Megan Luskin for assisting that day with getting kids photographed.

New Business

  • Senior gifts:  After a brief discussion,it was decided to go with socks again this year for every graduating senior.
  • Senior Scholarships: Looking for volunteers to serve in reviewing applications and selecting recipients based on outlined criteria for the 3 awards that HVPTO sponsors. Please contact Carolyn Gifford if you are interested.
  • Teacher Appreciation Day: The official day is on 5/2, soliciting ideas for a unique way to appreciate our teachers and staff at Hoosic Valley. Last year was baked potato bar and tacos which was a big hit but a lot of work for the few volunteers. Please bring forward any ideas to Liz ASAP.
  • PARP: The program kicked off and is going well. Thanks to Mrs. Silverman and all the teachers who stayed to decorate the school and build enthusiasm for this great reading program that also benefits Ronald McDonald House in Albany.
  • Meet the Candidate Night: May be held in early May, depending on the number of candidates who submit petitions to run for the single seat. Stay tuned and reach out to Liz if you have interest in assisting with this event to benefit the community.
  • School Banking: Broadview Credit Union is bringing back a kids banking program, however it will be outside the realm of school. They are offering a donation to PTO if we distribute information to students. This was tabled until better information is gathered and the deadline to act is June 30.
  • Learning Fair:  This event will coincide with BOE/School Budget vote night on 5/16. Participation was low last year but it is expected to build back up this year. Amanda Akin has agreed to coordinate the event –  please contact her or Liz if you are interested in helping. 
  • School Supply Kits: It was agreed to continue with the same vendor as last year- Bright School Kitz.  Lisa Meehan is looking for a co-chair on this as she begins to work on getting updated lists from teachers and quotes in place for ordering. Contact Lisa or Liz if you are interested in assisting. Help is especially needed on kit delivery day during the last week in August.
  • Summer Fundraiser Help Needed:  We expect HVPTO to be called up to assist with the 50/50 raffle at the Schaghticoke Summer Concert. This is a very easy and lucrative fundraiser and it takes just a few people a few hours of time on a summer evening. Please consider volunteering when the details are released and request for assistance is made.
  • Yearbook Signing Party:  Tiffany Hurley suggested hosting a Friday evening event to distribute and sign yearbooks for those who ordered them. This could be a fun family event and give “early access” to yearbooks. It was agreed that we should try to hold this event. See Tiffany if you are interested in assisting with planning the details or assisting at the event.
  • Zillah Herrington Fund: The balance needs boosting since Scholastic has changed policies about getting books through the BOGO book fair. In the past, local businesses were solicited to obtain monies for this specific program which was well received. 
  • HVPTO Officer elections:  If you are interested in running for any of the offices for this organization, or if you have any questions regarding officer positions, please reach out and let it be known. 

Funding Requests

  • No funding requests were received.

Future Discussion 

  • Guptills skating night – Unable to contact Guptills so this event will not happen.

Next Meeting

Date: April 18, 2023, 6:30 pm Elementary School library

Motion to adjourn was at 8:00pm

submitted: LJM 3/27/23

January 2023 AGENDA

Hoosic Valley PTO

Meeting date:1/17/23 @ 6:30pm

Meeting location:  Elementary School library 

  • Call to Order
  • Minutes:  Review of minutes
  • Treasurer Report
  • Committee Reports 
    • Yearbook
  • Unfinished (Old) business 
    • Plants for staff room
    • Writing Olympics
    • Stewarts Holiday Match
    • STEAM night
  • New Buisness
  • Funding Requests
  • Future Discussion
  • Adjournment 

November 2022 Agenda

Hoosic Valley PTO

Meeting date:11/15/22 @ 6:30pm

Meeting location:  Elementary School library 

  • Call to Order
  • Minutes:  Review of minutes
  • Treasurer Report
  • Committee Reports 
  • Unfinished (Old) business 
    • Halloween Night recap
    • Plants for staff room
    • Book fair recap
    • Festival Of Wreaths
    • Conference Night Pot Luck recap
    • Ornament Night
    • Mass MoCA student admission not needed

New Business

  • Guptill’s Night
  • Winter Activity – STEAM night? Bingo? other?
  • Funding Requests
  • Future Discussion
  • Adjournment 

October 18, 2022 Agenda

Hoosic Valley PTO

Meeting date:  10/18/2022 @ 6:30pm

Meeting location:  Elementary School library 

  • Call to Order
  • Minutes:  Review of minutes
  • Committee Reports 
  • Unfinished (Old) business 
    • Tenure Gifts – 13 teachers & staff
    • Halloween Night
    • Picture Days – Oct 20, 21, need volunteers
    • Plants for staff room
    • Book fair – Oct 20-31
  • New Business
    • Festival Of Wreaths
    • Conference Night Pot Luck
    • Ornament Night
  • Funding Requests
    • Sara Straub Screaming Eagle Concessions Food Truck for Professional Development $1000/obo
    • Erin McCauliffe – Mass MoCA.student admission $220
  • Future Discussion
  • Adjournment 

September 22, 2022 Agenda

Hoosic Valley PTO

Meeting date:  9/22/2022 @ 6:30pm

Meeting location:  Elementary School library 

  • Call to Order
  • Minutes:  Review of minutes
  • Committee Reports 
    • School Supply Kits
  • Unfinished (Old) business 
    • Town Hall Concert 
  • New Business
    • Meeting dates
    • Folders for K & 1st grades
    • Tenure Gifts – 12 teachers & staff
    • Indoor Recess Carts – Stewarts grant
    • Passive Fundraisers – amazon smile, others?
    • Halloween Night – planning, committee, location
    • Membership Drive
    • Picture Days – Oct 20, 21, need volunteers
    • Plants for staff room
    • Book fair – Oct 17-28
    • School Banking – restart?
  • Funding Requests
    • N/A
  • Future Discussion
  • Adjournment 

June 21, 2022 Agenda

AGENDA

Hoosic Valley PTO

Meeting date:  6/21/2022 @ 6:30pm

Meeting location:  Elementary School library

  • Call to Order
  • Minutes:  Review of minutes
  • Committee Reports 
    • Yearbook
    • Writing Olympics
    • School Supply Kits
  • Unfinished (Old) business
    • Meet the Candidate Night
    • Teacher Appreciation
    • Learning Fair
    • Book Fair/Zillah
    • Senior Gift
    • Scholarships
  • New Business
    • Town Hall Concert 6/30
  • Funding Request
    • Granted via virtual vote
      • Camp Day bouncy bounce and popcorn $549.70 benefiting all elementary students
      • 6th grade science “rockets” $100 benefitting 75 students
  • Future Discussion

  • Adjournment

Festival Of Wreaths

Thank You for your support of the 2021 Festival Of Wreaths! You helped make this our most successful year ever!

Our 2021 Festival Of Wreaths winners are –

Christmas Cheer – Chris D.

Hit the Trails – Lilith B.

Get Caffeinated – Jim S.

Christmas Spirit – Kaile Kenyon

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town – Dawn T.

Stay Warm and Toasty – Lisa M.

We Wish You A Fidget Christmas – Andrea D.

Bee Merry – Kim S.

K9 Christmas – Jess M.

Country Christmas – Megan L.

Rainbow Sparkle – Scarlett L.

Merry Grinchmas – Jayson R.

Snowman Delight – NJ C.

Divine Chocolate Cheer – Andrea S.

Buffalo Bills – Carlee Y.

Antler Greetings – Nahla S.

Self Care – Emmalee W.

A Lotto Luck – Priscilla I.

Farmhouse Everyday – Jess T.

Farmhouse Christmas – Carrie D.

Rustic Holiday – Callie B.

Winners will be contacted for pickup. Thank you to everyone that participated – your contributions enable us to continue supporting our teachers and students!

Hoosic Valley’s Festival of Wreaths 2021

Here’s your chance to support our fabulous Festival of Wreaths fundraiser. Between Dec 3-17th, your 50 cent donation gets you a single ticket to place in the running for your favorite wreath. The more you donate, the greater your chances to take one home! Use the code ARMSLENGTH on any donation of $7.50 or more to receive a 33% discount.

Tickets will also be available to purchase in person at the Winter Concerts!