PTO

April 14, 2026

Time: 6:02 p.m.

In Attendance

Rick Koepke, Amy Ebeling, Kaitlyn Bruening, Celline Lakus, Rebecca Jarek, Annie Sims, Michelle Hendricks, Matthew Cash, Danielle Zoesch, Michelle Sendelbach, and Charise Saunders

Approval of March Meeting Minutes

Treasurer’s Report

• Credits: $958.41 — Book Fair cash
• Expenses: $1,121.69 — Book Fair invoice, 4th Grade field trip to musical, repaint mural
• Balance: $22,3701.69
  • Projected spend of approximately $14,000 remaining for the year

Principal’s Report

• Several field trips are coming up:
  • 3rd Grade to Rib Mountain
  • 4th Grade to School Forest
• Forward Testing wraps up on April 24.
• ELA spring screeners are beginning, with Math screeners scheduled next month.
• Mrs. Bush will move from 2nd Grade to 5th Grade next year to fill Mrs. Stadler’s position.
• Principal’s Cabinet recently met.

Good at Evergreen

• Teachers are nice
• Playground split into two parts for different ages
• Bike trail
• Parachute games in Gym
• Assemblies and skits
• Working on announcements

Room to Improve at Evergreen

• Bathrooms for older students are far from classrooms
• Students would like more obstacle courses in Gym

Upcoming Events and Approvals

April 21 & 23 – Fundraiser Product Pick-Up

Time: 4:00–6:00 p.m. in the Nest

• Annie will create the flyer.
• Rebecca will text families with orders.

May 4 – Ice Cream Truck

• Rebecca is coordinating with Buddy Jack’s Ice Cream Truck to coincide with You Matter Day.

May 4–8 – Staff Appreciation Week

• Kate, Rebecca, and Charise are planning a Christmas-themed week.
• $1,650 APPROVED to match last year’s spending.

June 4 – Bounce House Day

• PTO will provide popsicles.

Funding Requests

• 1st Grade Grand Theater field trip — additional $63 approved to cover the cost of two students
• 3rd Grade Imaginarium field trip — additional $101.84 approved to cover the assigned bus driver
• 4th Grade Madison field trip bussing — $2,500 approved
• 5th Grade movie and trampoline field trip estimate — $1,000 approved

Other Items

Playground Improvement

• Fundraiser profits will go toward a new tetherball setup.
• Amy is gathering pricing information.
• Parents may assist with installation to help reduce costs.

School Supplies

• The school district will no longer cover the cost of school supplies.
• More information will be shared via email.
• In previous years, PTO offered parents the option to purchase supplies through an online order form, with kits delivered to student desks during Open House.
• Amy and Rebecca are researching options and requesting quotes from different companies.

2026–27 PTO Board

• PTO is seeking a new Vice President and Secretary.
• Voting will take place during the May meeting.

Open Discussion

• 2027 Family Day is tentatively planned for March.
• Greenheck will contact Celline once scheduling opens for that timeframe.

Next Meeting

May 12, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

Meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.

March 10, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM

In Attendance:
Rick Koepke, Amy Ebeling, Kaitlyn Bruening, Celline Lakus, Rebecca Jarek, Annie Sims, Michelle Hendricks, Jennie Zastrow, Sarah Kwick, Becky Stadler, and Kendra VanSlyke

Approval of February Meeting Minutes

Treasurer's Report

Credits: $8,980 – Spirit Gear Fundraiser

Expenses: $6,942.73 - Fundraiser blankets, LoudCups, Facebook ads, 1st Grade orchard field trip, 3rd Grade Imaginarium field trip, Teacher meal, Quicken subscription

Balance: $22,533.97

Principal's Report

Amanda Thoma announced as next principal and already has a strong rapport with staff, parents, and students.

Upcoming Events:

• Forward Exam begins later this month/early April for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grades
• Math Night and Be Amazing Spring Fling — March 18
• 4th and 5th Grade Music Concerts — March 23

5th Grade Principal’s Cabinet met again

• "Good at Evergreen”=Music concerts and lunchtime music, Obstacle course in gym, Ms. Resch’s Candy Wars, Mr. Cash Science Blookets, Ms. Hanson joking around, Mrs. Winter’s Kahoots

Events Recap

Feb 19 & 26 - Scholastic Book Fair

• $1,320.80 earned in Scholastic dollars 
• Amy will talk to Mr. Heeren about possibly booking again next year 

Feb 19 – Teacher Conference Meal 

• Texas Roadhouse baked potato bar was delicious and appreciated. 
• Request was made for PTO to provide meal both days of conferences – or switch to providing it on the evening date after a full day of school 

Spirit Gear Fundraiser – Blankets and LoudCups 

• Met our minimum order quantity for LoudCups and Classic blankets, but not for the Stadium blankets; PTO bought inventory to make up the difference. 
• $5114.30 profit on items sold, but overall profit (minus cost of extra inventory) currently is $3,974.30. 
• Can try to sell more during Bridge to Kindergarten, Open House, and possibly during District Kick-Off event in the fall?? 
• Did not meet our goal of $10,000 – provide ice cream truck reward anyway? Rebecca will reach out again to ice cream truck for pricing, or PTO can buy ice cream bars for students on our own. 
• PTO will research playground improvements with a limited budget. Tether ball poles? Picnic tables? Other??  

Feb 27 – Family Night at GTCC 

• Busy night- very well attended, and had to turn lights off to get people to leave 
• Amy will work with Celline to pay invoice 
• Celline will look to book again for next year – winter months preferred but want to avoid hockey practice so we can have more time on the ice. 

Upcoming Events and Approvals

March 18th - Math Night at 5:30-6:00 pm and BeAmazing Spring Flight at 6:00-7:00 pm  

• No PTO presence required, but available if we want the opportunity 

May 4th-8th - Teacher Appreciation Week

• Christmas theme
• Kate will head-up the committee with Rebecca and possibly Charisse

May 12th - PTO Board and Officer Voting

• Rebecca (Secretary) and Amy (President) both stepping down 

June 4th - Bounce House Day

• Still have some freeze pops on-hand from earlier event; Celline and Amy will touch base about purchasing more

Sept 11th-28th - Fall 2026 Fundraiser

• Charleston Wrap catalog sales - 40% profit and direct shipping to customers

Funding Requests

• 4th Grade Madison Field Trip bussing — estimated $3,100. PTO approved contribution of $2,500, consistent with previous years
• 4th Grade bussing to High School musical — $263.25 Approved
• Painting wings in the Nest — $200 Approved

Next Meeting

April 14, 2026 at 6:00 pm

Meeting adjourned at 6:53 pm

February 10, 2026

Time: 6:01 PM

In Attendance:
Amy Ebeling, Celline Lakus, Rebecca Jarek, Michelle Hendricks, Gretchen Fox, Olympia Garrigan, Katelyn Schiro, Jennie Zastrow, Charise Saunders, Whitney Grzesiak

Approval of January Meeting Minutes

January meeting minutes were reviewed and approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Credits:

• $79.31 – Panera Bread Dine Out

Expenses:

• $1,625.37 – Bingo Night popcorn and prizes, new checkbook, Evergreen Scholarship, 11"x17" paper, 3rd Grade Shrek Musical field trip

Balance: $20,496.70

Teacher Report

• Thanks to PTO for the SOAR Store restock items and volunteers who run it every month.
• Parent-Teacher Conferences coming up on February 19 and February 26.
• New club starting: Girls Volleyball for grades 3–5.

Events Recap

BINGO Nights (January 27 & 29)

• Always more of a hit with the younger grades, but still lots of fun for everyone.

Upcoming Events and Approvals

Book Fair

• February 19: 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
• February 26: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
• 2-hour shifts plus 30 minutes for setup and take-down
• Looking for volunteers to help
• Amy will reach out to Kristel about Volunteer Tracker
• Amy will take care of getting the flyer printed and delivered to school soon

Teacher Conference Meal

• February 19 | 3:50–4:25 PM
• Repeating the baked potato bar from Texas Roadhouse
• Ordered for 40 people
• Celline will pick up at 3:00 PM and deliver to school
• Sign-Up Genius shared on Facebook and in the newsletter for families to help
• PTO will shop for any remaining items on February 18

Spring Fundraiser

• Orders due February 16
• Selling LoudCups and Spirit Blankets
• Sales are slow and need additional promotion
• Celline will deliver flyers to community bulletin boards
• Rebecca will email teachers with graphics to share
• Possible advertising at Greenheck and through sports teams
• Expected delivery likely in May
• Ice cream truck has not yet responded to school-wide reward request

Greenheck-Turner Family Day

• February 27 | 6:00–8:00 pm
• Amy to work with Kate on flyer and deliver to school soon

Teacher Appreciation Week

• May 4–8
• Theme has been chosen
• Need someone to lead planning

Fall 2026 Fundraiser

PTO needs to decide by the end of the week and get something scheduled.

• Charleston Wrap catalog sales
• Winter wreaths & porch pots
• Cash Calendar
• Florida Fruit
• Pancake Breakfast
• Holiday raffle baskets and ornament sales
• Race or Fun Run along the bike path

Note: Classroom competitions help drive sales—kids love them!

Funding Requests

• 3rd Grade field trip (March 25 – Imaginarium): $679 – approved
• 1st Grade field trip (May 27 – Rock Ridge Orchard): $622.79 – approved

Next Meeting

March 10, 2026 at 6:00 pm

Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 6:44 pm

Date: January 13, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM

In Attendance

Rick Koepke, Amy Ebeling, Kaitlyn Bruening, Celline Lakus, Rebecca Jarek, Annie Sims, Michelle Hendricks, Jennie Zastrow, Rebecca Pagel, Amanda Winter, Tammy Mcfarlane

Approval of November’s Meeting Minutes

Treasurer’s Report

Credits: $11,515.15 — Cherrydale fundraiser income, Red Robin Dine Out

Expenses: $497.22 — Donut Party, Staff Conference Meal, Spirit Monkey (Bingo spirit sticks)

Balance: $22,042.76

Principal’s Report

• Winter screenings will soon be taking place.
• aimswebPlus (ELA and Math screener) is already starting.
• Ms. Meyer facilitates the social/emotional screener in early February.
• District-wide shift to focus on state learning standards and prioritizing learning targets.
• 5th Grade Principal’s Cabinet met recently.

Student Feedback

Good at Evergreen:

• Pizza
• Nice kids
• Lots to do on the playground
• Feel listened to
• Safe place and not cramped

Do not like at Evergreen:

• Fire drills
• Need more Jake-time
• Toilet paper is too thin and hard

Events Recap

Dec. 5 — Dine Out @ Panera    

• 30% donation = $79.31 check  

• December typically does not do well; PTO should abandon future December dine outs

Upcoming Events and Approvals

Bingo Nights

Jan. 27 (Grades K–2) & Jan. 29 (Grades 3–5)
Time: 6:00–6:45 PM

Action Items:

• Kate will create a flyer to send home.
• Celline will purchase candy bars, bottled water, and popcorn kits.
• Kristel will post for popcorn volunteers both days.

Spring Fundraiser

Jan. 30 – Feb. 16 (Delivery target: mid-April)

• Selling DCE blankets and LoudCups™
• Funds will support playground improvements
• Ice cream truck reward for reaching school-wide goal of $10,000

Action Items:

• Rebecca will work on flyer to send home.
• Rebecca will contact the ice cream truck about availability.
• Amy will send PeachJar flyer when ready.
• Everyone will place fake orders to test the sales website.

Teacher Conference Meal

Feb. 19 — 3:50–4:30 PM

• Annie will repeat Texas Roadhouse order (approx. 40 people).
• PTO will send out Sign-up Genius for additional food donations.

Scholastic Book Fair

Held during conferences:

• Thursday, Feb. 19 — 11:30 AM–7:30 PM (2-hour shifts)
• Thursday, Feb. 26 — 4:30–7:30 PM (90-minute shifts)

Action Items:

• PTO will coordinate schedules and notify Kristel of volunteer needs.
• Annie will create flyer to send home.

Greenheck-Turner Family Day

Feb. 27 — 6:00–8:00 PM

• Spirit Sticks from last year can be reused.

Action Items:

• Kate will create flyer to send home.

Fall 2026 Fundraiser

• PTO will brainstorm ideas and be prepared to decide by the next meeting.

Funding Requests

• Scholarship Award — $500 Approved
• 3rd Grade Field Trip — $625 Approved (Shrek the Musical)

Open Discussion

Books for All Update

• The other half of the $1,760 funding request did not come through.
• Scholastic has been difficult to reach.
• Amy will continue contacting Scholastic and discuss ordering options with Amanda Winter (requester).  

Next Meeting

February 10, 2026 @ 6:00 PM

Meeting adjourned at: 6:53 PM

Evergreen Elementary PTO Meeting Minutes

Date: November 11, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM

In Attendance

Rick Koepke, Kaitlyn Bruening, Celline Lakus, Rebecca Jarek, Michelle Hendricks, Chelse Wodalski, Andrianna Leonhard, and Charise Saunders

Approval of October Meeting Minutes

Treasurer’s Report

• Credits: $15.00 – Late fundraiser payment
• Expenses: $1,483.52 – Spirit Monkey (fundraiser spirit sticks), Kindergarten field trip, teacher conference meal, SOAR Store restock, and administrative expenses
• Balance: $11,024.83

Principal’s Report

• Music programs are coming up on December 1 and December 3 and will offer live streaming on Facebook.
• New gates and fencing have been installed so the playground is fully enclosed.
• The Spooktackular Dance was a lot of fun. Each classroom enjoyed 20 minutes of music, dancing/screaming, and glow sticks as a fundraiser celebration.

Events Recap

• October 26 – Trunk-or-Treat: Easy repeat of last year, well attended, with leftover candy used for classroom Halloween parties.
• October 30 – Teacher Conference Meal: Baked potato bar and chili were enjoyed. Texas Roadhouse donated bread.
• November 5 – Fundraiser Pick-Up
• November 10 – Dine Out Night at Red Robin: 20% donation resulted in a $665 check.

Upcoming Events and Approvals

Staff Favorites Survey

• Several staff members have already completed the survey.
• PTO will send a reminder email and share results with parents in time for holiday shopping.

December 5 – Dine Out at Panera Bread

• 30% donation all day for online orders using code FUND4U.
• In-person orders from 4:00–8:00 PM (flyer required).
• Scheduled to coordinate with Wausau’s Holiday Parade.

January 27 & 29 – Bingo Nights

• Tuesday, January 27, 6:00–6:45 PM (Grades K–2)
• Thursday, January 29, 6:00–6:45 PM (Grades 3–5)
• PTO will order spirit sticks.

January 30 – February 16 – Blanket Fundraiser

• Sample blankets will be displayed at Bingo Night.
• Information sent home on January 30; orders due February 16.
• The group preferred lower MSRP options for both blanket styles.
• Rebecca will work to incorporate DCE logos into the blanket designs.
• Peachjar flyers will be used to advertise to district schools.
• Rebecca will set up a website to capture online sales.

February 19 – Teacher Conference Meal

February 19 & 26 – Scholastic Book Fair

• Thursday, February 19: 11:30 AM–7:30 PM
• Thursday, February 26: 4:30–7:30 PM
• PTO will work with Kristel to request volunteers through Volunteer Tracker.

February 27 – Greenheck-Turner Family Day (6:00–8:00 PM)

• Time will be split between the ice rink and climbing wall.
• Activities include bounce houses, gym games, turf sports, simulators, concessions, and more.

Other Items

• Books for All update – Amy will provide an update at the next meeting.
• SOAR Store restock ordered, delivered, and spending of $478.28 approved.
• Possible Booserthon fundraiser for next year – Kate will contact a representative for more information.

Open Discussion

• School needs and wishlist items for possible fundraiser spending:
  • Additional gaga ball pit
  • New soccer nets
  • Picnic tables for the back recess area
  • Rock garden refresh (weed guard and new rock)
  • Seal coating and repainting playground games
  • Shade options for the playground

Next Meeting

January 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM
No meeting in December

Meeting adjourned: 6:55 PM

Date: September 9, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM

In Attendance:

Rick Koepke, Amy Ebeling, Kaitlyn Bruening, Celline Lakus, Rebecca Jarek, Michelle Hendricks, Annie Sims, Sarah Lammert, Dawn Hanson, Isaac Bray, Jennie Zastrow, Whitney Grzesiak, Cassi Doran, Charise Saunders, Suzie Walters, Jon Ballgus

Approval of May’s Meeting Minutes (Minutes approved)

Treasurer’s Report

• Credits: $4,047.78 – Sonnentag Foundation grant, Open House sales
• Expenses: $11,588.81 – GTCC Family Day, Popsicles, end-of-year teacher meal, Bike Path cement pad, Staff and Kindergarten t-shirts, Spirit Sticks for Open House
• Current Balance: $8,022.22

Principal’s Report

• Focus at start of the year is on building relationships and learning routines (e.g., Recess Rodeo, S.O.A.R.ing Behavior)
• Fall screeners available this week to help form W.I.N. time groups
• Appreciation to PTO for new staff t-shirts
• Volunteer Tracker is now back online; information will be shared in school newsletter

Events Recap

• August 21 – Bike Path Grand Opening:
• Well attended; leftover snacks will be used at school
• August 25 – Bridge to Kindergarten:
• PTO presented to parents and gave free t-shirts to Kindergarteners
• August 25 and 26 – Playground Meetups:
• Kids enjoyed popsicles and received Kindness Spirit Sticks
• August 27 – Open House:
• 239 checklists turned in (up from 216 last year)
• PTO handed out Spirit Sticks and popsicles
• Table near book vending machine successful – 21 book tokens sold

2024–2025 Recap

• Financial graphic shared
• Categories reorganized for easier reporting
• Amy will prepare 2025–26 budget proposal for next meeting

Upcoming Events and Approvals

• September 10 – Dine Out and Sam’s Pizza (3–8 PM):
• 15% of sales donated to PTO; Sparky will appear
• September 19 – Fall Fundraiser Launch:
• Runs for 2 weeks
• Order forms and payments due to PTO by Oct 3; to Cherrydale by Oct 8
• Delivery scheduled for Nov 5 (aligned with after-school pickup)
• Cherrydale handling prize rewards
• Donations welcome (do not count toward prizes)
• Amy and Rebecca creating flyers
• Amy will look for promo videos
• PTO to finalize Spirit Stick incentives
• October 8 – Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day:
• Spirit Sticks ordered
• Volunteers needed for muffin handout and bus arrival support
• October 26 – Trunk-or-Treat (3:00–4:30 PM):
• Celline leading planning committee
• Kate will post on Facebook
• October 30 – Teacher Meal for Conferences

Funding Requests

• Request: $1,760 to cover 50% of the cost for the “Book for All” program
• Provides each student with a quarterly book from Scholastic
• PTO registered with Scholastic for free/reduced-cost books
• Discussion tabled: Amy will research program to reduce costs
• Suggestion: Use existing book supply and vending machine tokens to supplement

Open Discussion – Winter/Spring Fundraiser Ideas

• Raffle baskets at GTCC Family Event (Feb 27)
• Butter Braid frozen cookie dough
• Flower baskets/wreaths
• Sawmill Adventure Park event
• Christmas Tree Tour (raffles for trees, gift baskets, wreaths)

Next Meeting

Date: October 14, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM

Meeting Adjourned: 6:54 PM

Date: May 13, 2025
Time: 6:03 PM

In Attendance:
Amy Ebeling, Amanda Musson, Rebecca Jarek, Celline Lakus, Rick Koepke, Ann Heinzen, Kirsten Crist, Michelle Hendricks, Whitney Grzesiak, Kaitlyn Bruening, Annie Sims

Approval of April’s Meeting Minutes
Treasurer’s Report

• Credits: $0
• Expenses: $2,963.92
  • Scholarship
  • Ice Cream Truck
  • Staff Appreciation Week
  • Weatherizing materials for murals
• Balance: $15,543.25

Principal’s Report

Parent/Caregiver Survey

• Only 42 responses
• Areas to improve:
• More recognition and feedback
• Positive reinforcement
• Academic updates for parents
• Resources for students above/below grade level
• Technology and screen time
• Positive feedback:
• Supportive and caring environment
• Engaging activities
• Emphasis on physical activity (3 recesses per day)
• Positive learning experiences

Upcoming End-of-Year Activities:

May 23: 5th Grade Track-and-Field Day

• May 30: 5th Grade Field Trip
• June 3: Talent Show
• June 4: Bounce House Day
• June 5: SOAR Assembly & Last Day of School

Events Recap

April 27 – GTCC Family Day

• Well received
• Great variety of activities
• Will consider again – to be added to summer planning

May 2 – Ice Cream Truck

• Went smoothly
• Didn’t run out of flavors
• Menu availability helped

May 5–9 – Staff Appreciation Week

• Staff enjoyed the Wicked theme
• Appreciation for gluten-free options
• Parents found Staff Favorites list helpful – will be sent earlier next year

May 2 & 5 – Murals & Art Projects with Stephanie Kohli

• Some murals will be placed around Evergreen
• Beaded bike wheel to be installed at bike trail entrance
• Other art distributed around the community

Upcoming Events & Approvals

June 4 – Bounce House Day

• PTO to provide popsicles (Approved)
• Amy & Celline to coordinate
• Evergreen providing cookies (per Principal’s Cabinet)

June 6 – Teacher Meal (Final Work Day)

• Up to $700 approved

Fall 2025 Fundraiser – Cherrydale

• Up to $200 approved for materials to weatherize bike path artwork
• Fundraiser runs: Sept 19 – Oct 3
• Forms due: Oct 8
• Delivery: Early November

Scholastic Book Fair

• No fall dates available
• Book Fair scheduled for Spring Conferences

SOAR Store

• Amy will check vending machine restock need after Thursday

Other Items

• Sonnentag Grant Awarded
  • $2,600 grant received
  • PTO previously approved $2,600 for bike park entrance
  • Grant will now cover $1,200 of cement pour
• Bike Park Grand Opening
  • Delayed to Fall
  • Cement pad, gazebo, and picnic table to be completed this spring
• Thank You Received
  • For Indoor Recess Items
  • Kids enjoying new resources

2025–26 PTO Board Members

• VP Change: Amanda Musson stepping down; Kaitlyn Bruening voted in
• Returning Members:
  • President: Amy Ebeling
  • Secretary: Rebecca Jarek
  • Treasurer: Celline Lakus
• New Board Expansion:
  • Annie Sims
  • Michelle Hendricks
  • Titles and responsibilities to be discussed

Open Discussion

Evergreen T-shirts to be available for new students year-round

PTO will assess supply and reorder before 2025–26 school year

Next Meeting

Summer Planning Meeting – TBD

Meeting adjourned at 6:48 PM