PTO Meeting Recap | Oct. 7, 2026
Meeting Attendees: Jacquie Dusenberry, Clarissa Herzing, Jacki DePanfilis, Catherine Grimes-Haldiman, Selena Scarnatti, and Cindy Whitaker.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our October PTO meeting! We have a busy few months ahead, with exciting school celebrations, fundraising opportunities, and holiday activities in the works.
Here's a recap of what we discussed, what's coming up, and where we could use some extra helping hands!
PTO Committees & Volunteering
We originally planned to break into smaller committees during this meeting, but with everyone's busy schedules and limited attendance, we decided to take a more flexible approach for now.
One of our biggest challenges continues to be dividing up the work among volunteers. Rather than putting pressure on anyone to commit to a specific committee, we're encouraging everyone to help where and when they can!
We'll revisit the committee structure in the future as participation grows. Whether you can help plan an event, volunteer for an hour, share a fundraiser, or lend a hand behind the scenes, it all makes a difference.
5th Grade Chicken BBQ Recap
Our recent 5th Grade Chicken BBQ was a success, raising approximately $4,000 in profit to support the 5th Grade Class Fund!
We're already discussing ways to improve the event for next year, including simplifying presale tickets, adjusting pickup procedures, and potentially establishing a firm pickup deadline.
Thank you to everyone who purchased dinners, volunteered, and helped make this fundraiser possible!
Grade-Level Fundraising Update
We also discussed our grade-level fundraising initiative and the importance of establishing clear financial procedures with the Ridgway Area School District.
Jacquie was scheduled to meet with District administration on October 8 to review the fundraising and donation process and clarify accounting requirements.
Our goal remains the same: to create organized, transparent fundraising opportunities that support student experiences across our schools.
We'll share additional information as the process is finalized.
Penny Wars Circus Celebration
Our upcoming Penny Wars Circus Celebration is taking shape, and it's going to be a fun day for our elementary students!
Plans include:
Games and activities throughout the celebration
Grade-level raffle baskets
Popcorn, with supplies already purchased
A petting zoo on the soccer field, courtesy of Big Maple Farms
High school peer tutors helping with activities, arranged by Mr. Heindl
A possible snow cone station, pending equipment availability
The celebration is scheduled to begin at 8:30 AM, with morning activities continuing until approximately 11:00 AM. Afternoon activities are being finalized, with a closing ceremony planned for 2:00 PM.
We're also exploring the possibility of special afternoon entertainment, such as a magician or juggler.
A little behind-the-scenes preparation is still needed, including organizing circus supplies and possibly scheduling another volunteer work session.
Billy Martin's Circus - October 24
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | Ridgway High School Gym
We're excited to welcome Billy Martin's Circus to Ridgway!
Flyers will be distributed to students, followed by ticket information. Children can attend free with a paying adult, subject to the event's ticket offer.
We discussed additional ways to encourage presale tickets, including the possibility of a VIP parking or snack incentive. Parking may be limited because of a Rockets game scheduled at the school that day.
How you can help:
We'll be posting volunteer opportunities on BAND for event setup, ticket sales, and teardown.
You can also help by sharing circus information with friends, family, coworkers, other schools, and community organizations. The more we spread the word, the more successful this event can be!
Special Education Spaghetti Dinner - November 15
We're planning a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser on Sunday, November 15, at the Moose, benefiting Special Education programs.
November 15 was identified as the preferred date, with final confirmation from the Moose pending its October 12 meeting.
We're looking forward to sharing more details soon, including ticket information, raffles, and volunteer opportunities.
Upcoming Grade-Level Fundraisers
4th Grade - Thanksgiving Football Fundraiser
We're exploring a football-themed fundraiser for Thanksgiving, including the possibility of purchasing a ready-made football squares template.
2nd Grade - Holiday Fundraiser
With the 2nd Grade Christmas play TBD we're reworking the original VIP seating raffle fundraiser. Ideas discussed include a holiday gift card raffle, a calendar of prizes, or a chance to win larger gift cards for Christmas shopping.
We'd love to incorporate local businesses and restaurants wherever possible!
More details will be shared as these plans are finalized.
Looking Ahead: Santa's Workshop
It's hard to believe, but December will be here before we know it!
We're beginning preparations for Santa's Workshop, including plans for a volunteer work session to organize supplies in our storage unit.
We'll post possible dates on BAND to find a time that works for the most volunteers.
We also discussed creating an improved gift-tag system to help make the wrapping process easier and more organized this year.
Get Involved!
As our PTO continues to grow, so does the number of activities and opportunities we're working to provide for students.
We know families are busy, and not everyone can attend meetings or commit to a committee. That's okay! There are so many ways to be involved, and even a small amount of time can make a big difference.
Keep an eye on BAND and our PTO communications for upcoming volunteer opportunities, event updates, and ways to help.
Thank you to our teachers, school staff, families, community partners, and volunteers who continue to support these efforts.
Together, we're supporting our schools and strengthening our community!
Stay Connected: www.ridgwaypto.com
