Garnet Mesa Parent Teacher Organization Meeting Notes

May 18, 2026

Treasurer Report

• Color Run money should all be in
• Color Run fundraising was not as successful in years past. Ideas???
• PTO is finishing the school year with a stronger balance than we started with

Fun Friday “treats”

• Seems to be fairly positively received. Kids love it, teachers not as much (distractions in classroom)
• One request: can kids get treats on the way out of the cafeteria instead of on the way in?

Color Run

• As stated above, fundraising not as successful as in years past. Discussion on why that was, and ways to make it more successful next year
• Discussion of the good and bad things that happened with GMES Color Run 2026
• Lap size, more people throwing color, keeping track of laps, issues with high school volunteers

Open Discussion

• What is the plan for PTO next year? There is so much potential, but we haven’t been able to harness it
• Does PTO need a Treasurer? We have no direct access to our funds or financial records? Perhaps office staff can provide a brief financial update at each meeting next year?
• Perhaps monthly meetings for officers, quarterly meetings for anyone else interested in PTO
• Perhaps have a room parent/liaison for each classroom or grade? Ask teachers which parents to reach out to for help
• Jenny Urich’s (brilliant!) idea for 2026/2027 school year: create a calendar for each month to set goals and better keep track of what’s going on. This will help provide evidence of PTO goals being met, will allow PTO prepare better, as well as avoid overlapping our fundraisers with other fundraisers

Next Steps

• 2026/2027 PTO officers: Jenna Valdez, President; Shiree Johnson, Co-president; Holly Mautz, Secretary
• Shiree will focus on PTO Tuesday Express update and fundraising efforts, Holly will create a survey for back to school to get input and interest from parents