April 3, 2024 Meeting

Agenda

Minutes: Minutes of all Council meetings are approved by the Executive Committee (per bylaws). Minutes of past meetings can be found at this link: https://scptamo.com/general-meeting-minutes/

Treasurer’s Report: Springfield Council of PTAs uses MoneyMinder for our financial reporting. To see
our online reports use this link: https://moneyminder.com/
username: council@scptamo.com password: SCPTA.658

SCPTA Officer Candidate Bios: Please see this link to learn more about our 2024-2025 Council Officer Candidates=>https://scptamo.files.wordpress.com/2024/04/springfield-council-of-ptas-nominees-for-2024-25-3.docx

The PTA Clothing Bank

The PTA Clothing Bank is operated by Springfield Council of PTAS (a 501c3 not-for-profit). 100% of donations go to helping purchase clothing for students of Springfield Public Schools who qualify for free/reduced lunches (or are referred by a principal, counselor, or school nurse due to emergency circumstances). We have no overhead because our helpers are all volunteers and SPS provides the space at no cost to the Council. For details and more information about when we are open, who can visit, Amazon wishlist, informational flyers and FAQs, please see our Clothing Bank page on this website: https://scptamo.com/the-pta-clothing-bank/

Council News!! Council News!! Council News!!

SCPTA Nominated for SPS Volunteer Award

Springfield Council of PTAs has been nominated as a Springfield Public School District Partner in Excellence for the 2023-2024 school year. We will be recognized at a community partner event May 2. This recognition underscores the significant contributions our organization has made to the district, positively impacting students and the broader community!

Officer Elections

After elections, please let us know who your 2024-2025 unit officers are by filling out this form (please submit name, title, email and phone number for President, Secretary, Treasurer, even if these are the same as your current officers):

2024-2025 Unit Officers

Also, please visit the Missouri PTA website www.mopta.org and record your officer information using the big yellow button on the right side of most screens.  There is a login/password needed.  Either obtain from the outgoing officers or create a new one by clicking on the word “form” in the text under the login/password.

Both Missouri PTA and Springfield Council of PTAs needs this information to keep you informed of programs, events, trainings, etc.

Foundation for SPS

Would you like to sponsor a table or donate to the silent auction for the CELEBRATE SPS banquet on Friday, April 19?

Why Sponsor a Table?

By sponsoring a table for your site at “Celebrate SPS,” your PTA group will not only support the advancement of public education initiatives but also gain valuable exposure and recognition within the community. Your sponsorship directly contributes to enhancing educational opportunities for students in Springfield.

Table Sponsorship Details:

  • Cost: $450 per table
  • Benefits:
    • Prominent recognition during the event on table tent and listed as a sponsor in event programs
    • Educators and staff from your site are able to attend, free of charge to them
    • Ability to celebrate your site for their hard work and dedication to your kiddos

Why donate a silent auction item?

Additionally, we invite your PTA group to consider donating a silent auction item to further support our cause. Donating a silent auction item is a fantastic way to showcase your group’s commitment to education while also promoting your organization to a wider audience. Your generosity will help raise vital funds for our schools and provide invaluable resources for students and educators.

How to Secure Your Table Sponsorship and Silent Auction Item:

To confirm your table sponsorship and secure your spot at the event, please complete the attached sponsorship form and return it by Friday, March 29.

To confirm your silent auction item, please complete the attached form and have the item to the FSPS by Wednesday, April 3.

For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to contact me at ttpham@spsmail.org or call/text at 417-293-0605.

We deeply appreciate your dedication to supporting public education within Springfield Public Schools. Your participation in “Celebrate SPS” will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the success of our schools and the future of our students.

Auction Donation Form

Table Sponsorship

Pencils

Springfield Council of PTAs is collecting new pencils to be given out at the Back to School Bash. Please help by collecting pencils at your school and bringing them to our May meeting.

Thank You for Saying Thank You!

April is historically Volunteer Appreciation Month. Don’t forget to say “Thank You” to your volunteers!

Teacher Appreciation

National PTA has designated the first week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week since 1984.”

Congratulations Hillcrest HS PTSA: National PTA Grant Recipient

Hillcrest posted on their Facebook Page: “We are thankful for the National Parent Teacher Association grant we received to encourage Hillcrest High School – SPS students to commit to a tobacco free future!”

Hillcrest HS PTSA partnered with Hillcrest DECA and Hillcrest HOSA Club to host this event. Hillcrest DECA made t-shirts and students had a chance to win on April 1st during their tobacco free advocacy day if they sign the commitment form to be TOBACCO FREE. The HOSA club hosted an educational table on the harms of tobacco. Hillcrest HS PTSA: “It’s great to team with these amazing student groups as they encourage their friends to remain and go tobacco free.”

Council Calendar

Clothing Bank Open for Shoppers and Volunteers: Thursday, April 4 – 10:00am – 4:30pm, Study School Door 13, 2343 W Olive St (65803)

Clothing Bank Open for Shoppers and Volunteers: Thursday, April 18 – 10:00am – 4:30pm, Study School Door 13, 2343 W Olive St (65803)

Celebrate SPS banquet at Oasis Hotel and Convention Center, Friday April 19

Council General Meeting: Wednesday, May 1 – 9:30am, The Library Center Auditorium, 4653 S Campbell Ave (65810)

Clothing Bank Open for Shoppers and Volunteers: Thursday, May 2 – 10:00am – 4:30pm, Study School Door 13, 2343 W Olive St (65803)

Missouri PTA Reflections Showcase: May 4th at 1:00pm at Blue Springs High School, Blue Springs, MO. Winners have been notified.

National Teacher Appreciation Week: May 6-10

National PTA Convention (Virtual): June 27 – 29. $75 per person. Registration now open at this link: https://www.pta.org/home/events/National-PTA-Convention-Expo

SPS Back to School Bash: July 27 at the Springfield Expo Center.

National PTA Grant Availability: Check the National PTA website for grant availability sometime in August (dates and grants to be announced by National PTA).

Missouri PTA Convention: October 19, 2024 in Independence MO. Please keep this in mind when budgeting (approx. $100 for registration plus milage reimbursement). Registration will be available soon on the MOPTA website.

2024 SPS School Board Candidates

(In alphabetical order by last name)

Note: SCPTA’s Council General Meeting/School Board Candidates Forum will be
Wednesday March 6, 2024
9:30am
SPS Professional & Virtual Learning Center
1410 S. Kansas Expressway
room 163-164
Should the parking lot be full, the best overflow parking is to park along Lexington on the north side of Bennett and follow the sidewalk to the facility.

Scott Crise

I have lived in Springfield since 1999, and I am the Manager, Gas Plant Operations, for Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AECI).  I love Springfield and am proud to have raised my daughters in this community.  My wife, Martha, and I were always involved in their education, and we have a passion for public education. I ran for the school board in 2021 and was elected.  Now, I want to see that job through.  
 I was also involved in the PTAs at Sequiota Elementary, Pershing Middle School and Glendale High School.  I’m proud that I started the Watchdog DADs program at Sequiota to get dads more involved at Sequiota.   For several years, I was on the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce school board endorsement committee that interviewed candidates for the SPS Board of Education. Our parents, teachers and children need an advocate who has been invested in our district and has the know-how to make firm decisions to plan the next steps to move SPS forward.


Danielle Kincaid

Ms. Danielle Kincaid is owner/partner at The Elder Law Group, where she practices in the area of elder law. She received her Juris Doctorate from Creighton University School of Law and her master and bachelor degrees from Missouri State University. She was elected to the Board of Education in 2021 and currently serves as the President. Danielle enjoys spending time with her dogs, Zoie and Emmy, and spending time outdoors. In addition to volunteering her time on the Board of Education, Danielle volunteers as a foster mom for HavaHeart rescue and serves on the board for the Greene County Estate Planning Council. 


Landon McCarter

As a parent with three children attending SPS schools, I’m deeply invested in the betterment and success of our educational system. My children attend various grade levels within the district, each contributing uniquely to our school community. Their experiences within SPS inspire my commitment to fostering a success focused, nurturing, and successful learning environment focused on academic excellence for every student. My dedication extends beyond my family to ensuring that every child in Springfield receives an excellent education. Together, let’s work towards building a brighter future for our students and our community through our schools.
Over the years, I’ve spearheaded multiple successful businesses within our community, each venture serving as a testament to the power of innovation and dedication. These entrepreneurial endeavors have equipped me with invaluable skills in problem-solving, strategic planning, and fostering growth—a skill set that I aim to leverage for the betterment of our schools. This wealth of experience has uniquely positioned me to understand the fabric of our community, its economic landscape, and the interconnectedness between thriving businesses and a robust educational system. As a result, I’m passionate about bridging these worlds to create educational environments that not only prepare students for success but also align with the evolving needs of our local workforce.


Maryam Mohammadkhani

Maryam Mohammadkhani is a retired pathologist.  She received her Bachelor of Science degree from University of California Irvine, and her Medical Doctoral degree from University of Southern California School of Medicine.  She trained and practiced in the Harvard medical system in Boston before joining CoxHealth in 2001.  She has three children, two currently in high school, and has experienced private and public education in Springfield.  She was elected to the Board of Education in 2021. Prior to her service on the Board, she was a Central High School volunteer, fielding phone calls, monitoring secure entry, facilitating classroom communications, and mentoring students in Science Olympiad and Science Fair.  She is a member of the North Springfield Betterment Association School Committee currently engaged in the R.O.A.D. Project (Removing Obstacles for Academic Development), and she serves on the Association Board.  Dr. Mohammadkhani is a Math Buddy with the Council of Churches of the Ozarks Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. Math Buddy volunteers regularly meet with early elementary students during the school day to improve math fluency through engaging activities and foster positive self-esteem for student success.    


Susan Provence

Susan Provance graduation from the University of Tulsa with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education and from Drury University with a Master of Education in Physical Education. 

She has over 30 years of experience as an Springfield Public Schools teacher and coach with 12 years as a Springfield Greene-County Park Board employee.

As an Athletic Administrator, she worked 12 years as the Co-coordinator for the SPS Archery program and was honored as the SPS Hall of Fame Outstanding Alumni Inductee in 2015.


Chad Rollins

In 2004, I graduated from University of Missouri—Kansas City School of Pharmacy, Kansas City, Missouri Doctor of Pharmacy and in 1998, I graduated from Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield with Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.  I have in Springfield for 44 years where I attended Wilder, Pershing, and graduated from Glendale High School in 1994.
I am a SPS parent of 15 years (7 children: currently 3 in college and 4 attending SPS) and has worked as a volunteer for the state weightlifting competition at Glendale High School.
I have professional and community leadership experience: I actively served on the academic admissions committee for UMKC Pharmacy School. I was the Sigma Pi Chapter Director for Sigma Pi Fraternity, guiding them through re-chartering at MSU. With my doctorate in Pharmacy, I served as a UMKC preceptor, training last year students during their pharmacy school rotations.


Dr. Kyler Sherman-Wilkins

Dr. Kyler Sherman-Wilkins is an educator, health researcher, and dedicated advocate for public schools. He has experience working with youth of all ages and is committed to ensuring a quality education for every child. As a sociology professor at Missouri State University, he teaches courses in sociological research methods, statistics, and population policy, and has earned multiple awards for teaching and advising. He is also heavily involved in local, state, and national organizations and has extensive experience serving on boards. Kyler is also a proud son, husband, and uncle and spends his (limited) free time reading, playing tabletop roleplaying games, and baking pies, cakes, and other desserts. 

On April 2, the three candidates with the most votes will be sworn in mid-April. They will serve three-year, at-large terms. The role of the board is to set policy, hire and evaluate the superintendent, and approve an annual budget.

The last day to register to vote in the April 2 election is March 6, 2024. Make sure you have updated your registration if you have moved recently. For more information about registering to vote or changing your address, see this link: https://vote.greenecountymo.gov/voting-information/

Absentee voting begins February 20. Please see the county clerk’s website for more information on absentee voting: https://greenecountymo.gov/files/PDF/file.pdf?id=43718

Polls open on Election Day from 6:00AM – 7:00PM. To find your assigned polling place or to see central polling locations, visit the county clerk’s website: https://vote.greenecountymo.gov/voting-information/#locations