Costello PTO Meeting Minutes:  November 10, 2025

 

Attendance: Jennifer Ford, Kali Schmitz, Amanda Haverty-Harris, Krystle Dennison, Jamie Kaniarz, Amber Gorman, Andrea Woods, Angela Cheek, Michelle Tessoff, Philippe Cicchini, Tammy Diponio, Lindsay Miller, Lillian Stier, Kathy Huang, Moises Hernandez, Endri Mborja, Fernanda Mborja, Bidisha Barpujari

Call to Order- Jen Ford at 7:01pm

Approval of Minutes- Motion to approve October minutes Jamie Kaniarz, 2^nd - Amber Gorman.

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Treasurer Report- Krystle Dennison- Fun Run amount raised was much more than expected. Thought we would make 27k, went 7k over goal. Over 60% paid the fees. Goal this year to make sure we are communicating where the money will be going. Ingrid did this and we believe it helped.

Misc income- $500- old checks from years ago that were not cashed.

Enrichment- Reimbursed 8 teachers so far.

Classroom experiences- We’ve had several fieldtrips and paid planetarium deposit.

Supplemental supplies- $3000 Scholastic News

Trunk or Treat came in under budget, will keep it the same in case we need to supplement candy if donations are light in the future.

Hospitality- $600 for staff treats so far this school year.

Motion to accept Jamie Kaniarz, 2^nd Phillipe Cicchini

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President Report- Jen Ford- Auction team still looking for more members to seek out donations of experiences. The auction has been a great tradition for years.

Principal Report- Tammy DiPonio- So much fun with the glow events. Wednesday is the Planitarium Assembly, 3^rd grade concert. Dr Machesky was at the staff meeting. Need parents for the district focus group. Let Dr. DiPonio know if you’re interested.

Teacher Representative- Michelle Tessoff- Thank you for all the PTO does. The teachers feel very appreciated.

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Celebrations- Thank you to Lindsay Miller for all her hard work with Trunk or Treat over the years. Halloween Parties were great. Thank you to everyone who signed up. International night is this Thursday. 52 families are participating- The most ever! Thank you for Gillies night and thank you to the Fox family for the Jet’s discount.

Trunk or Treat- Lindsay Miller- Middle school siblings helped for the first time. They passed out bracelets and candy. The book giveaway was great. The line going around the bus loop was a great improvement over years past.

Ball for all- All family event. Sit down family style dinner, DJ. This is not a fundraiser. Thursday January 29^th at San Marino. Deposit has been given. Save the Dates go out Dec 15^th. Ticket order forms will go out Jan 6th.

Old Business- Book order will be happening soon.

New Business- Raised more than expected. Brainstormed ideas on how the money can reach all the children in the school. Ideas given so far, additional assembly (Bugs on Wheels, Basketball Jones), arcade game/ game room, birthday book, etc. 

Upcoming- Skate world- 12/3

12/8-12- Penny Wars

12/19- Winter Wonderland and Classroom Parties

 

Meeting Adjourned at 8:13pm

Next PTO Meeting: Monday, January 12^th, 2026

Costello PTO Meeting Minutes:  October 13, 2025

Monday, October 13th, 2025

Attendance: Jennifer Ford, Dr, Tammy DiPonio, Brittany Dwyer, Kali Schmitz, Andie Woods, Lindsay Miller, Amber Cornman, Hardik Lad, Lindsay Shah, Kathy Huang, Erica Filipucci, Krystle Dennison, Brandy Cooper, Angie Cheek, Lillian Stier, Jamie Kaniarz, Carolin Connely, Ritesh Dixit, Lakshmi Jaiscad

Call to Order- Jen Ford 7:01pm

Central Office Report- Dan Trudel from central office. (Assistant superintendent of finance.)

Troy school district update. Promotions to new principals/ assistant principals at Martell, Hamilton, Hill and Troy High, and Baker MS. New director of teaching and learning.

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Bond update- Smith Middle school should get electrical soon. A lot of water retention since placed on wetland, big process. Should open fall 2026. Boulan Park will go to old Smith first, then Larson. Did 4x the recommended size detention pond for the area. The other 6 elementary schools received their new furniture. All playgrounds almost complete.

Athens and Troy high athletic fields are progressing. Natural fields for JV. Synthetic Fields for Varsity.

Athens plans have started. 2 year timeframe starting spring 2026, then working on the current building once new building is done.

Boulan Park and Larson renovations- Entire inside of building being remodeled. 14 month goal for completion. Starting conversations about how to bus Larson students to Smith and also how to handle athletics for Smith the next several years.

New elementary emergency response systems are now in place at Costello. Looking into new systems to manage building visitors and absence reporting. Also new elementary bathrooms coming soon.

Across the country there is a decline in enrollment. Troy School district has 13,085 students now. Predicting 11,196 students for the 2029 school year. $10,839 per student.

Launching a school finance engagement group soon of about 40 community members, staff and parents to help discuss best use of funds and their budgets.

All new website homepages across the district last week.

Discussed various highlights from across the district.

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Approval of Minutes- Jen Ford- motion to approve September minutes by Jamie Kaniarz, 2nd Carolin Connely

Treasurer Report- Krystle Dennison- The board approved an International Night budget increase of $400.

Several deposits have been made. Fun Run donations by cash and check deposited. Field trip expenses will come through. $25,000 in bank right now. More deposits to come. We started to use the electronic payment app for the Fun Run. Should be able to move forward with using the app soon. Motion to approve report by Jamie Kaniarz and seconded by Carolin Connely.

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President Report- Jen Ford- Need more people to join the Costello Auction Committee. Need experienced based prizes. Will continue to reach out to community as well as local experience bases businesses.

Principal Report- Dr. Tammy DiPonio- Thanked all for coming to parent teacher conferences. Proud of all the writing that all grades have displayed. Please check the Cardinal Connection. The Fun Run was very successful and will celebrate with a Glow Party and the Planetarium Assembly on November 12th.

Teacher Representative- Michelle Tessoff- none

Celebrations- The FUN RUN! Great weather. Great fun!

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Parent Teacher Conferences.

Field Trips are fully funded!

Made $195 from Gillys night.

Fun Run Report- Exceeded school goal. Will communicate more after the fundraiser ends Friday.

Ways and Means- None

Trunk or Treat- Lindsay Miller- Will be similar to years past. Need more trunks, please sign up! Middle School Students will be helping pass out glowsticks for voting. Firetruck may be coming.

International night- Lillian Stier- planning is underway. Appreciate the $400 increase in budget. Would love 25-28 Countries. Roughly 600 people come to International night! Discussed DJ options.

Room Parent Update- None

Old Business- Meeting Adjourned at 8:08pm

Next PTO Meeting: Monday, November 10th.

Costello PTO Meeting Minutes:  Monday, September 8, 2025

Attendance: Jennifer Ford, Kali Schmitz, Brandy Cooper, Amanda Haverty-Harris, Brittany Dwyer, Angie Cheek, Maria del Carmen Esteinou, Allison Allen, Amber Cornman, Andrea Woods, Lillian Stier, Lindsey Shah, Ashleigh Larkin, Ritesh Dixit, Lakehmi Jaiswal, Randsaegh, Kristen Northey, Jamie Kaniarz, Britany Fike, Kathy Huang, Philippe Cichini, Anushya Pachathu, Ingrid Peeples, Erica Filipucci, Carolin Connelly, Michelle Tessoff, Lindsey Miller, Fadi Hanoudi, Janete Birick Neder, Iara Bacchin, Reagan Fernandej, Bidisha Barpuyari

Call to Order- Jen Ford at 7:05pm

• Share session to allow everyone to introduce themselves.

Approval of Minutes- Jen presented the minutes for May 2025. Jamie Kaniarz motioned Allison Allen seconded.

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Treasurer Report- Krystle Dennison presented the Treasurer’s report from last year (8/1/24 – 7/31/25). We earned nearly 50,000. Grossed nearly 12,000.

• Fair lost money last year. Under budget in classroom field trips and assemblies. Did not pay for entrance fees or buses in some cases. Working on making sure we fix that moving forward.
• Starting the year off with more money than what we expected. Looking on how to spend the money wisely this year. It’s a good year to have a cushion because of the shift in the auction committee and the unknowns that come with that.
• All teachers should have received an email reminding them that they each receive $350 for their classrooms.
• Motion to approve Treasurers report - Jen Ford. Motion-Kristen Northey, 2nd-Allison Allen
• Krystle discussed the cleaner version of the Budget Report. She also went over the Cheddar Up payment option to do electronic payments for school fundraising / activities.

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President Report- New family night at Jaycee Park was wonderful. We were able to get the school event date cards out early. Thank you to all the event leads that got the dates in quickly.

• Bylaws will have to be amended or revised next year.
• All PTO positions have an “At a Glance” in the Google drive to help make transitions in positions going forward.
• Principal Report- Tammy encouraged everyone to go to the Costello website to get information.
• If you had a 3rd, 4th, or 5th grader from last year, MSTEP scores will be mailed on Friday, September 12th.
• The mulch is scheduled for this Wednesday. Arrival procedures will change that day. Tentative Playground opening date: Friday, September 19th.
• Someone from central office will be speaking at next month’s PTO meeting.

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BIST (Behavioral Intervention Support Team) Virtual Parenting series information:

• September 18th: “Just One Thing at a Time” Taking on tasks that seem overwhelming and addressing perceived helplessness.
• September 25th: “Why is the Truth So Hard?” Rebuilding Trust when children lie.
• October 2nd: “We all live here; We all Help here:” Teaching ownership and responsibility and pride through helping out around the house.
  • Times: 6:45pm, Enter zoom meeting
  • 7pm Informational Session
  • 7:45pm- Q&A Free of Charge. Register at http://BIST.org by Friday September 12th.
• Conferences October 9th & 10th. Fun Run is also on the 10th.

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Teacher Representative- Michelle Tessoff thanked volunteers for the beautiful lounge. Teachers are grateful for all of the allocations they receive. Encouraged everyone to participate in the BIST Series.

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Celebrations- Jen Ford-Thank you to the Lounge team. It looks beautiful. Curriculum night was great. Thank you to teachers for putting in the long days.

Fun Run Report- Ingrid Peeples- Introduced herself and Maria who is shadowing. Fun Run Flyer came home today. Talked about how it is the biggest fundraiser of the school year. The goal is $30,000. Lots of great incentives.

Ways and Means- Kristen Northey- Looking to secure an Ice Cream night with Gillies soon.

Trunk or Treat- Lindsay Miller- Asked that you consider to sign up to decorate a trunk. It does not have to be a fancy. May incorporate a book giveaway in place of a craft this year. Reaching out to ASD families to see if they would like to participate at a certain time that is less stimulating for them. Talked about suggestions on how to make Trunk or Treat more efficient.

Room Parent Update- Jamie Kaniarz- There will be a Signup Genius going out this week for room parents, party hosts, etc. Changing it back to that method to keep everything organized. Brittany and Erica are shadowing the position for next year.

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• Old Business- Completing Book Project this year.
• Meeting Adjourned at 8:15pm
• Next PTO Meeting: Monday, October 13th.

Costello PTO Tentative Meeting Minutes:  Monday, May 12, 2025

Attendance: Jennifer Ford, Aimee SooSoo, Jamie Kaniartz, Kristen Northey, Katie Monhaut, Michelle Tessoff, Erica Filipucci, Amanda Haverty-Harris, Krystle Dennison, Angie Cheek, Kali Schmitz, Keri Elliott, Philippe Cicchini, Chris Tallman, Melanie Harper, Anurhya Pachathu, Kathy Huang, Badisha Barpujari, Tammy DiPonio

Call to Order – Jen Ford at 7:08 pm

• Celebration of 5^th grade parents
• Gifts and remarks for outgoing 5^th grade board and committee members. Thank you to Chris Tallman, Katie Monhaut, Keri Elliott, Aimee SooSoo, Melanie Harper, Jenni Brozowski, and Suzy Powell!                                                  

Approval of Minutes- Jen presented the minutes from April. Jamie Kaniartz motioned to approve, and Amanda Haverty-Harris seconded. Minutes approved.

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Treasurer Report – Chris Tallman (Treasurer) – Chris presented the current income to date. Fair money has been added, almost broke even, which is our goal. Raised $52,000 total this year (goal was $50,000).

Bank transactions showed fair expenses, Safety Patrol Orange Bowl, 5^th grade celebration, classroom allocations.

Current budget was $51,000 and we have spent about half of it. More items to be reimbursed, but we have plenty of money left.

Motion to accept reports as written by Aimee SooSoo, Jamie Kaniartz seconded. Budget report approved.

Proposed budget for 2025-26 was presented to be voted on. Hospitality line was increased as an independent line item, most items stayed the same. The President's fund was reduced, total budget is $700 more than this current year.

Vote was presented, the budget passed all in favor. 2025-2026 budget approved.

President Report – Jen Ford

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2025-26 PTO Board

The following members were stated/elected as the new Costello PTO Board members for the 2025-26 School Year.

Congratulations to:

• Treasurer: Krystle Dennison
• Secretary: Kali Schmitz
• Vice President: Angie Cheek
• President: Jen Ford
• Recently filled positions:
• Trunk or Treat (Lakshimi Jaiswal and Ritesh Dixit)
• Publicity: Maria
• Auction: Rachel Mistretta (seven new members onboarding next year)
• Bidisha Monthly staff treats, Spirit Wear
• Anyone planning events for next year should send hopeful dates to Jen as we begin to plan the calendar to ensure things are spaced and noted.
• Any current committee leads, please update Google Drive with documents, notes, templates, guides, etc. for new committee members who are taking over.
• Book project will be completing/resuming the book purchases that had previously been put on hold. The treasurer will review the total year's spending at the end of the fiscal year and from that it will be determined if we are able to complete the book project already started in the fall of 2025.

Principal Report– Dr. Tammy DiPonio

• Honored the current PTO Board and Teacher Representative
• Auction events update: many fun and exciting events planned from the auction and unique Costello/Troy experiences to help raise money for our school.
• Read the Cardinal Connection to stay updated!

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Teacher Representative- Michelle Tessoff

• Presented student thank you notes for the Fair.
• Staff Appreciation Week video to say thank you!!! Thank you to Angie Cheek for all of the amazing organization and creativity! It was all much appreciated and enjoyed by all staff.

Celebrations:

• Costello Fair! Thank you to Morgan and Kristen for taking it over next year!
• Angie Cheek-Staff Appreciation
• Skate World May 21^st (proceeds will go to Lounge updates)
• Thank you to the many people behind the scenes for helping with staff appreciation week.

Meeting adjourned at 7:51 pm

Enjoy your summer!!!