PTO Minutes
HOLY CROSS SCHOOL PTO
MEETING MINUTES – March 4, 2025
Attendees: N. Augunas, J. Borer, M. Borer, A. Brisson, T. Clark, K. Eberline, K. Groat, T. Heyer, J. Johnston, R. McLoughlin,
J. Murphy, K. Shetsky, C. Thomas, N. Walters
Meeting Called to Order: 6:00 PM
Opening Prayer: Nina Walters
Approval of February 2025 Minutes: 1st N. Augunas, 2nd C. Thomas
Principal’s Report (N. Walters): A huge thank you to Jillian for taking care of everything this weekend in my absence. We had some water leaking where the old roof meets the new. We are still trying to determine where it started leaking. The roofer is on it, and we’re going to prevent it from happening again.
We just got a lot more money from the state today. I also did some grant work. Other than that, everything’s going well with the school. There are many fun activities coming up. We are very excited for the upcoming months.
Pastor’s Report (Fr. J. Kurgan): Not present.
Treasurer's Report (J. Stach): February checking account amount: $94,801.58. A couple receipts are still coming in, but we are under budget on the sports banquet by about $1,000. The profit from the basketball season was just under $2,500. This is primarily from the concession stand. Raffle tickets for the auction are still rolling in. Sponsorships have started to be secured. The numbers will continue to rise until we get closer to the auction. There are no major expenses at this time.
Past Business
Valentine’s Day Ball (M. Borer): A couple changes were made this year to the event. We almost had a snow day. The committee worked hard to make it a special event for the kids. Marisa Borer, Maria Thurston, and Angie Donnelly chaired the ball. It was a small committee of moms that made everything amazing. There were snacks, a drink station, hand painting, face painting, and balloons. It was really special to see the kids having fun.
Basketball and Cheerleading Season (M. Borer): The kids seemed to have an incredible time. It was special to see the teams form. The games seemed to go really well. No complaints overall. It was a positive experience for everyone.
Senior Night: A big success; thanks to all who contributed.
Sports Banquet: The banquet was incredible. One of the best yet. Thank you to Jillian Stach for organizing and hosting in Nina’s absence.
Uniform Collection: Jillian Stach will be collecting uniforms; look for instructions in an upcoming Sunday email.
Current Business
Ash Wednesday School Mass (M. Borer): Scheduled for March 5th at 10:30 am. The 5th grade will be hosting. They should come in uniform; everyone else can wear their gm clothes.
Lenten Giving Project (M. Borer): Communication went out about this project that Ms. Moquin is coordinating. There is a list by week for what each grade can contribute. Please check the Sunday email for what your grade should donate each week. Donations should be sent in between Monday and Thursday morning. On Thursday afternoon, the Caring Crusaders will collect and bag up for the families in need. Donations sent in on Friday will roll into the following week.
Caring Crusaders (J. Johnston): A bottle and can drive will be coming up; probably in April around Earth Day. At the next meeting, the students will be making bookmarks for book donations for Regan’s Act of Kindness.
Auction Updates (M. Borer): A “Save the Date” (Saturday, May 17th) is forthcoming. Katie Kilmartin and Michelle DeKay are going to have Dan Littlepage start updating the website with more information. Raffle tickets are live online. As of February, 405 tickets have been sold for a total of $3,450. This is the first weekend of a full crew selling tickets at Mass. Parishioners are excited. Jillian Stach and Dan Littlepage to discuss ways to get the students anxious to sell. Invitation, décor, sponsorships, and solicitation are all starting to come together. Subcommittees are working on their specific tasks. Information on a “Moms Night Out” is forthcoming.
Intentional Family Culture with Dr. Matt Davidson (N. Walters): Scheduled for Tuesday, March 11th at 6:30 pm. Part I was very successful. Please consider joining for Part II.
Visiting Author, Patti Bonesteel (J. Stach): Patti will be visiting on Thursday, March 20th. A flyer will be going home with more information. Students are encouraged to purchase their own book and have an opportunity to get it autographed.
Trivia Night (M. Borer): This adults-only event is scheduled for Thursday, March 27th at 6:30 pm in Yeazel Hall. Syracuse Trivia Company will be hosting. Parents need to get a group of 6 – 8 individuals together. It is a great way to mingle and socialize. Each group brings their own food and drinks. There will be prizes. Please bring a bottle of wine or bourbon to donate to the auction.
Ignatius Book Fair (J. Stach): Scheduled for Saturday, March 29th through Wednesday, April 2nd. It will start on Saturday after 4:00 PM Mass and Sunday after 10:30 AM Mass. There is a Preview Day the Friday before. Kids can shop during library time or following Mass. This is a newer program and there is no mid-week restock. If a title runs out, you can order it at the Book Fair and it will be shipped to school within two weeks. E-wallet information will be in an upcoming Sunday email. We will need volunteers. We are looking to offer before and after school shopping.
Taste of Holy Cross (M. Borer): Scheduled for April 3rd at 6:00 pm. Please reach out if you want to help. We are looking for suggestions on entertainment. Mr. Lynch’s band will be playing. There will be a choir with a few students. It will be a fun family night. Communication on how to sign up to host a country is forthcoming.
Spring Afterschool Activities (T. Clark): Looking to start activities after April break. There will most likely be an Art Club and Science Club. A couple of 4th graders proposed a book club. We have to figure out the schedule.
PTO Board Nominations and Upcoming Elections (M. Borer): Elections are coming up in the next couple of months for Vice President and Secretary. Nominations are first, then voting in May.
School Musical (M. Borer): Performances are scheduled for Thursday, June 5th and Friday, June 6th. Rehearsals start on Monday, March 17th.
Spring Concert (N. Walters): Scheduled for Tuesday, May 20th.
Summer Camp (N. Walters): Currently gauging interest for the summer. Based on how last year went, we are looking to have a younger group and an older group. There will be more of an academic portion this year. The teachers will run the camp. Mr. Cook and Officer P. are both interested in working; maybe there could be a lacrosse option with their assistance.
Looking Forward (M. Borer): We are looking into more fun things to do for the children. Maybe a movie night or a color run. Also, a coffee morning in the spring for parents. Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up; maybe a committee is needed to make it a special time for teachers and staff
Parish Survey: J. Johnston added that there is a survey for Holy Cross Church. Everyone is encouraged to take it. Spend some time thoroughly reading the questions and be very thoughtful. It’s a wonderful opportunity to give feedback. It’s a chance to say what we want at church or what might be missing. Visit here: Parish Survey — Holy Cross Church
Motion to Adjourn: 1st N. Augunas, 2nd C. Thomas
Meeting Adjourned: 6:42 PM
Meeting minutes respectfully submitted by Kate Eberline.
New PTO dates: Tuesdays - April 8, May 6, June 3. We will continue providing a virtual option.