August PTA Meeting Recap

Written By Baily Hancock

Couldn’t make it to our first PTA meeting of the school year, or couldn’t pay attention even if you did because kids don’t respect the sanctity of Zoom, especially not during dinner time?! We’ve got you covered!

Read on for a recap of topics discussed plus all the resources and links you could ever hope for.

PTA Meeting Recap: August 18, 2026

Action Items

Meeting Summary

Volunteering at Carthay

  • PTA President Kelly Endl emphasized the importance of volunteering, both as LAUSD-approved volunteers and unofficial helpers, and encouraged parents to get involved to better understand school life. 

  • To express interest in becoming a Room Parent or for any volunteer-related questions, email Volunteer Coordinator, Gretchen McNeil at gretchen.mcneil@gmail.com.

Annual Giving Campaign

  • Annual Giving Campaign Chair, Carrie Lemmon announced the 2026-2027 Annual Giving Campaign, how we’re aiming for 100% family participation and a $90,000 fundraising goal.

  • She outlined incentives for class participation, including pajama days for younger grades and free dress days for older grades at 50% participation, and movie/popcorn parties or ice cream parties at 100% participation. 

  • Carrie presented the PTA’s fundraising impact from last year, detailing how $114,000 supported Garden Science & cooking classes, Reading Partners, ASSIST for PE and recess, GATE, sensory items, Student Council, and Orchestra scholarships. 

26-27 PTA Budget

  • Treasurer, Sarah Tiano reviewed the draft budget for the coming year, highlighting major expenses like ASSIST, the garden, and potential new STEM programming with Rediscover LA in the Makerspace. Carrie suggested allocating $500 from the budget to support the student council, which would benefit 3rd through 5th grade students. 

  • They covered upcoming fundraising events, including our first Dine Out Carthay at Rocco’s Pizza on August 27th, our bi-monthly Carthay Cafes, and our most anticipated event of the year, Spooktacular!

  • Trish explained the importance of joining the official PTA membership for affordable insurance and event coverage. 

Upcoming Events

  • You can find upcoming PTA events, fundraisers, and school holidays on our Event page and Google Calendar.

  • Kelly shared information about Back to School Night happening on Tuesday, August 25th and made a call for volunteers to help out (and at future events!)

  • VP of Communications, Baily Hancock Glick encouraged families to stay in the loop through email, WhatsApp, and by bookmarking the website.

Carthay Garden Program

  • Garden Coordinators, Trish Tan and Miles Leicher introduced the Garden Program, including animal care and hands-on classes, and invited families to participate (join the Carthay Garden Enthusiasts WhatsApp group!)

  • Our first Community Garden Day will be in collaboration with UCLA on Saturday, September 26 from 9am–12pm.

Orchestra Scholarships & Carthay Arts Updates

  • Carrie provided information about orchestra scholarship opportunities, explaining that the after-school program costs approximately $850 for the year including instrument rental, with subsidized options available through a combination of orchestra discounts and PTA funding. 

  • Carrie noted that Orchestra representatives will be available at Back to School Night to answer questions about instrument options, but in the meantime here’s a flyer with more information.

  • The meeting also covered updates on other arts programming, with TK teacher Ms. Rodriguez confirming that the school will have new teachers for music and theater, along with returning art teacher Ms. Kim, and that art will be offered for a full year

See you at the next PTA meeting on Tuesday, September 15th from 6:30–7:30pm!

Baily Hancock

http://bailyhancock.com/
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