John Lewis Childs School PTA 

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​https://jlcspta.givebacks.com/public/uploads/61cd9d87-40d6-471e-9c72-728689397625

THE NEW YORK STATE CONGRESS OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS, INC.

Branch of the National
JOHN LEWIS CHILDS SCHOOL PTA

04/23/2025

The meeting of the PTA was called to order at 6:09 pm by Kristin Jakab, Co-President.
Approval of the last general meeting’s minutes presented by Kristin Jakab for Recording Secretary,
Nicole DiStefano. They were approved by Nicole DiStefano and Christina Vincent.
Meeting Agenda:
Budget Presentation:
Superintendent, Dr. Ruiz
Assistant Superintendent for Business, Dr. Linda Macias
Proposed 2025-2026 Budget Presentation; School District Revenues; Final Tax Levy Limit – Tax Levy
Change from Last year: $534,016; potential impact to homeowners; Governor’s State Proposal (24/25;
25/26); Revenue Considerations; Expenditures; Budget Highlights; Continued Support for Safety &
Security; adding additional teachers to address student needs – hiring OT and PT for in-house, speech
therapist, full time orchestra teachers; Curriculum and Instruction – New Science program – Three
dimensional learning model; Capital Reserve (on ballot for $9,000,000).
Proposed Budget (2024-2025)
Revenues: $40,359,720 – Expenditures: $40,359,720
Budget vote date: May 20, 2025
Principle update:
Principle, Mrs. Kristina Lynch:
 NYS Testing Day 1 was successful
 Code of conduct assembly hosted in March
 Thank you for the Laser Show – kids loved it and was entertained.
 Shrek was amazing
 School Safety/Internet Assembly – Officer Murphy visited the school
 Fun 6 th grade events coming up
 Thank you to the PTA for the wonderful support
Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer, Elysia Murphy
 The balance in the account is: $26,000 +
 Upcoming expenses: End of the year initiatives; 6 th grade; Staff appreciation; Student
celebrations; the board initiation dinner and volunteer recognition.
 Past Events: Family Bingo; Laser show; Ice skating/bowling/carnival; movie day; mom’s night
out

 Upcoming Events: Spirit day with pizza, ice cream and JLCS Headbands
 Giveback: working on the purchase of a rolling smart TV for the second cafeteria and a school
sign for the new wing.
Correspondence Report: 
 Please look out for our monthly newsletter that is sent to all members.
Nomination Committee - JLSC PTA 2025/2026 SLATE:
Presidents- Dana Laffey
1 st Vice President- Christina Vincent
2 nd Vice President – Nicole DiStefano
3 rd Vice President – Elysia Murphy
Recording Secretary – Lisa Conway
Corresponding Secretary- Kaitlyn Goldstein
Treasurer- Victoria Cummings
Upcoming Events – Dana Laffey, Vice President
 Spirit Day – June 2 nd and June 3 rd
 Red Nose Day – May 22 nd – we will be asking families to donate new, standard sized cereal boxes
for us to donate to local food pantries and organizations.
 Volunteer Thank you – TBD
 Police Week – May 11 th – May 17 th
 Staff Appreciation – Week of May 5 th , luncheon May 7 th
 Plant pre-sale pick-up – May 6 th
 Plant Sale – May 8 th – May 9 th
 Parents Night Out – June 13 th
 Met Game/Chorus – May 23 rd we are sold out.
 Next PTA Meeting – June 5 th @ 9am
 PTA Installation Dinner – June 10 th
PTA Board 2024/2025
Co-Presidents- Angela Rella & Kristin Jakab
Vice Presidents- Dana Laffey, Christina Vincent and Jackie Leonard
Corresponding Secretary – Lisa Conway
Recording Secretary- Nicole DiStefano
Treasurer- Elysia Murphy

Keep in Touch with us��
 Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/jlcspta/
 Remind- https://www.remind.com/classes/jlcspta
 Website- www.jlcspta.com   
 Instagram- @jlcsptafp
 Textcaster- Sign up for Textcaster to receive text updates.
 Memberhub- jlcspta.new.memberhub.store
 GMAIL: JLCSPTAFP@GMAIL.COM
  
The meeting was adjourned at 6:49 pm by Co-President: Kristin Jakab
Submitted and typed by Nicole DiStefano

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE NEW YORK STATE CONGRESS OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS, INC.

 

Branch of the National

JOHN LEWIS CHILDS SCHOOL PTA

 

02/06/2025

 

The meeting of the PTA was called to order at 9:04 am by Angela Rella, Co-President.

Approval of the last general meeting’s minutes presented by Angela Rella for Recording Secretary,

Nicole DiStefano. They were approved by Nicole DiStefano and Kristen Jakab.

Meeting Agenda:

Principle update:

Principle, Mrs. Kristina Lynch:

 Thank you for all the prayers, thoughts and thoughtful gifts for her son’s surgery.

 2025 New Year’s celebration was enjoyed, the children’s resolutions are hanging up in the

hallways.

 Slime lab was a huge success – bought science and the curriculum together for a wonderful event.

The live video was a huge hit by the parents and administrators.

 A-Capella was a HUGE hit – kids were signing, and it was very uplifting.

 Ned was enjoyable – yo-yos are being purchased by the kids.

 Movie day was amazing – another date is in the works for the older kids.

 Boosterthon great success – all the kids are looking forward to give-back trips.

 Bingo night is coming up.

 Special persons day is Friday, 2/14 – each child gets a ticket to hand in. Student Council will be

there to assist.

 PS I love you day – wearing purple.

 Winer Break is the week of 2/17

 March – parent teacher conferences week of the 24 th

 Drama Club 20 th and 21 st of March

Treasurer’s Report:

Treasurer, Elysia Murphy, report presented by Dana Laffey  

 The balance in the account is: $50,000 +

 Boosterthon bought in $45,000 – great fun run, we had a great team from Boosterthon.

Boosterthon Givebacks:

 Carnival – Clowns.com – Pre-K, K, 1 st

 Bowling – 2 nd , 3 rd , 4 th

 Ice Skating – Port Washington – 5 th , 6 th

 

Givebacks:

 

JLCS winer beanies.

Working on the school sign for the wing

Smart TV for the cafeteria

Nomination Committee:

Thank you to the committee. A google form for the nomination will be emailed soon. The slate will be

done by the end of March. Several spots open. In the summer email will go out for committees and chair

opportunities.

Correspondence Report: 

 Monthly Newsletter

 Bond Past Thank you

 Thank you to our class parents

Events – Kristin Jakab, Co-President

Past Events:

 New Years Celebration

 Holiday Fair

 6 th Grade Trip Graff Lab

Upcoming Events:

 Boosterthon pick-up – February 10 th 3 pm – 6 pm.

 Carnival – Pre-K – 1 st Grade

 Bowling for 2 nd , 3 rd 4 th

 Ice Skating 5 th & 6 th

 Bingo Night

 Red Nose Day

 March 6 th – Laser Show

 Staff Appreciation

 Plant Sale pick-up and Plant Sale

 Met Game

 Mom’s Night Out

 National Circus Project – May/June 3 day program organizing with gym teachers

 

Reminders – Angela Rella, Co-President:

 Newsletter

 Family Bingo – February 13 th

 Sign up for the PTA – renew membership every year

 Follow us on social media

PTA Board 2024/2025

 

Co-Presidents- Angela Rella & Kristin Jakab

Vice Presidents- Dana Laffey, Christina Vincent and Jackie Leonard

Corresponding Secretary – Lisa Conway

Recording Secretary- Nicole DiStefano

Treasurer- Elysia Murphy

Keep in Touch with us��

 Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/jlcspta/

 Remind- https://www.remind.com/classes/jlcspta

 Website- www.jlcspta.com   

 Instagram- @jlcsptafp

 Textcaster- Sign up for Textcaster to receive text updates.

 Memberhub- jlcspta.new.memberhub.store

 GMAIL: JLCSPTAFP@GMAIL.COM

   

The meeting was adjourned at 9:23 am by Co-Presidents: Angela Rella & Kristin Jakab

Submitted and typed by Nicole DiStefano

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE NEW YORK STATE CONGRESS OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS, INC.

 

Branch of the National

JOHN LEWIS CHILDS SCHOOL PTA

 

06/04/2024

 

The meeting of the PTA was called to order at 9:04 am by Marisa Kowalski, Co-President.

Approval of last general meeting’s minutes presented by Angella Rella for Recording Secretary, Nicole

DiStefano. They were approved by Christina Vincent and Dana Laffey.

Treasurer’s Report:

Treasurer, Elysia Murphy, report presented by Dana Laffey   

 The balance in the account is: $20,000.00.

Meeting Agenda:

Principle, Mrs. Fazio – Principle’s Report

 Mrs. Lynch will be doing the principal update for next year

 We are having a pre-orientation earlier in the year in August.

 The new math program is iReady, a new screener star is gone. Star didn’t give much info

once score was out. Screener gives a path - my path work on their level. This does not

stop them will push them past 6th grade. Went to Long Beach Massapequa and Mineola.

It is a big shift in the way math is being taught. You will see actual progress. Child

friendly - More project-based math.

 Gifted and talented is coming back

 COGATS test - grade 2 on paper, grade 3-5 computer

 Thank you for all you have done if I had to sit here and say thank you, I’d be here for

hours and hours

 

Correspondence Report: 

Co-Presidents, Marisa Kowalski and Liz Santos:

 Change to 24/25 slate - congrats to Michele Vincent; Jackie Leonard is going to retain

her position as 3rd VP.

 Big thank you to Nicole Distefano she planned Boosterthon trips give backs.

 Staff appreciation- thank you to Geraldine Brand and Annie Lee

 Thank you/Staff appreciation, Jackie O’Donohue and Dana Laffey - we invited past PTA

presidents. Retirees came as well

 Founders day celebration

 Plant sale great success - Big thank you to the plant sale committee

 Met game over 600 JLCS families came

 Letter I day was last week- Kona ice truck, thank you to Kristen Yu-Um and Julie

Glickman

 Memorial Day parade- Liz Santos and Marisa Kowalski marched for the JLCS PTA and

stripey came.

 Marisa presented fun and new PTA awards

 

- First award - Victoria Cummings most spirited - new event with the Islanders -

thank you for making it a bit more fun.

- Busy bee - Nancy Kelleher - at every PTA event

- Taking the step and being more involved this year - Jessica Botticelli and Brittany

Lamonaca

- Rookie of the year - Mary Jo McKloskey - pre k or kinder parent who has

volunteered to chair a committee and volunteer at other events. Thanks for taking

a swing and hitting a home run.

- Shout out to Caitlin Jordan for the great inspiration on the presents she made the

knitted awards

Upcoming events - installation dinner we do it annually open to anyone we install

Reminders – Angela Rella, Vice President

 

Corresponding Secretary, Christina Vincent:

 Correspondence – many thank you cards for the staff appreciation lunch.

 Ms. Olsen and Ms. Papagallo thanked us for all the surprises on staff appreciation week.

 Mrs. Lynch and Mrs. Fazio thanked us for flowers and breakfast.

Upcoming Events – Dana Laffey, Vice President

 Installation dinner we do it annually. All are invited. This is where we install and

welcome the new Executive Board.

 Flag day June 14, 2024

 Parents night out

 Next PTA meeting in sept.

 

PTA Board 2023/2024

Co-Presidents- Marisa Kowalski & Liz Santos

Vice Presidents- Angela Rella, Dana Laffey, and Jackie Leonard

Corresponding Secretary – Christina Vincent

Recording Secretary- Nicole DiStefano

Treasurer- Elysia Murphy

 

New PTA Board 2024/2025

Co-Presidents- Angela Rella & Kristin Jakab

Vice Presidents- Dana Laffey, Christina Vincent and Jackie Leonard

Corresponding Secretary – Lisa Conway

Recording Secretary- Nicole DiStefano

Treasurer- Elysia Murphy

 

Keep in Touch with us��

 Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/jlcspta/

 Remind- https://www.remind.com/classes/jlcspta

 Website- www.jlcspta.com   

 

 Instagram- @jlcsptafp

 Textcaster- Sign up for Textcaster to receive text updates

 Memberhub- jlcspta.new.memberhub.store

 GMAIL: JLCSPTAFP@GMAIL.COM

   

The meeting was adjourned at 9:33 am by Co-Presidents: Marisa Kowalski & Liz Santos

Submitted and typed by Nicole DiStefano

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE NEW YORK STATE CONGRESS OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS, INC.

 

Branch of the National

JOHN LEWIS CHILDS SCHOOL PTA

 

02/07/2024

 

The meeting of the PTA was called to order at 6:30 pm by Marisa Kowalski, Co-President

Approval of last general meeting’s minutes presented by Recording Secretary, Nicole DiStefano. They

were approved by Christina Vincent and Dana Laffey.

Treasurer’s Report:

Treasurer, Elysia Murphy   

 The balance in the account is: $57,000.00, with a large portion of these funds coming from

Boosterthon.

Meeting Agenda:

Principle, Mrs. Fazio – Principle’s Report

 Mrs. Fazio appreciates everyone’s support and Thanks Mrs. Lynch for all of her hard work.

 Boosterthon is beyond her expectations every year and we are very lucky to have the support in

JLCS.

 Mrs. Fazio is excited to see the Broadcasting Club get started.

 Celebration of Chinese New Year festivities.

 100 th Day of School festivities.

 Special Persons Day 02/14/2024

Assistant Principle, Mrs. Lynch

 Presented upcoming programs:

- Understand the Power of Language “Words Matter” 5 th & 6 th grade with Nancy S. Kaplan,

Ed.D.

- Building Community Workshops Elementary School Students with Nancy S. Kaplan,

Ed.D.

Correspondence Report: 

Co-Presidents, Marisa Kowalski and Liz Santos:

 The events have been a success – Holiday Fair, Multicultural Assembly sing-a-long, Booster

Glow Run.

 Boosterthon Field trips were presented: K-2 (LICM); 3-4 (Cradle of Aviation w/planetarium

show); 5-6 (Queens Museum w/ planetarium show).

 Hopeful to start Broadcasting Station with fundraising efforts from Boosterthon (est. $5,000 -

$6,000).

 Explanation of Nominating and Nominating Committee for 2024/2025 PTA.

Reminders – Angela Rella, Vice President

 Newsletter – trying to limit sending correspondence, the newsletter has all the information in one

spot.

 Textcaster – last minute reminders

 Follow JLCS on social media.

Corresponding Secretary, Christina Vincent:

 

 Correspondence – Thank you cards read by Christina Vincent.

 Many members expressed thanks for the hot coco tumblers.

Upcoming Events – Dana Laffey, Vice President

 Family Game Show Night

 Family Bingo, 02/15/2024: thank you to class parents for putting together the class raffle baskets.

 Red Nose Day, 03/15/2024: asking families to donate cereal boxes to donate to local food

pantries and organizations.

 Be Kind Assembly: the Be Kind People Project will be coming to our school from Arizona.

 Next JLCS PTA Meeting, 04/17/2024

PTA Board 2023/2024

Co-Presidents- Marisa Kowalski & Liz Santos

Vice Presidents- Angela Rella, Dana Laffey, and Jackie Leonard

Corresponding Secretary – Christina Vincent

Recording Secretary- Nicole DiStefano

Treasurer- Elysia Murphy

Keep in Touch with us��

 Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/jlcspta/

 Remind- https://www.remind.com/classes/jlcspta

 Website- www.jlcspta.com   

 Instagram- @jlcsptafp

 Textcaster- Sign up for Textcaster to receive text updates

 Memberhub- jlcspta.new.memberhub.store

 GMAIL: JLCSPTAFP@GMAIL.COM

   

The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 pm by Co-Presidents: Marisa Kowalski & Liz Santos

Submitted and typed by Nicole DiStefano

 

 

 

 

 

`THE NEW YORK STATE CONGRESS OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS, INC.

 

Branch of the National

JOHN LEWIS CHILDS SCHOOL PTA

 

11/14/2023

 

The meeting of the PTA was called to order at 6:02 pm by Marisa Kowalski, Co-President

Approval of last general meeting’s minutes presented by Recording Secretary, Angela Rella. They

were approved by Christina Vincent and Dana Laffey.

Treasurer’s Report:

Treasurer, Elysia Murphy   

 The balance in the account is: $22,000.00- Jarad Campbell, 6 th Grade budget and dues and PARP

bookmarks from Yvette Chang, This Home Life.

Meeting Agenda:

Principle, Mrs. Lynch

 Mrs. Fazio appreciates everyone’s prayers and support. Mrs. Fazio will be back in January.

Correspondence Report: 

Co-Presidents, Marisa Kowalski and Liz Santos:

 The events have been a success.

 Harvest Fair was amazing.

 Picture Day was a success.

 All smiles with Jarad Campbell’s assembly for both children and families.

 Tulip planting was fun.

 Pumpkin Patch was a success, and the older kids loved the haunted hallway.

 PARP

 Leader Corp assisted with the book fair.

Corresponding Secretary, Christina Vincent:

 Correspondence – Thank you cards read by Christina Vincent

 

PTA Board 2023/2024

Co-Presidents- Marisa Kowalski & Liz Santos

Vice Presidents- Angela Rella, Dana Laffey, and Jackie Leonard

Corresponding Secretary – Christina Vincent

Recording Secretary- Nicole DiStefano

Treasurer- Elysia Murphy

Keep in Touch with us��

 Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/jlcspta/

 Remind- https://www.remind.com/classes/jlcspta

 Website- www.jlcspta.com   

 Instagram- @jlcsptafp

 Textcaster- Sign up for Textcaster to receive text updates

 Memberhub- jlcspta.new.memberhub.store

 GMAIL: JLCSPTAFP@GMAIL.COM

 

   

The meeting was adjourned at 6:23 pm by Co-Presidents: Marisa Kowalski & Liz Santos

Submitted and typed by Nicole DiStefano

 

 

 

 

 

THE NEW YORK STATE CONGRESS OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS, INC. 

Branch of the National

JOHN LEWIS CHILDS SCHOOL PTA

09/20/2023

 

The meeting of the PTA was called to order at 5:07 pm by Marisa Kowalski, Co-President

 

Approval of last general meeting’s minutes presented by Recording Secretary, Nicole DiStefano. They were approved by Angela Rella and Dana Laffey.

 

Treasurer’s Report:

Vice President, Dana Laffey   

•    The balance in the account is: $29,560.00- We will start spending money on the Harvest Fair on September 29, 2023, from 4 pm – 7 pm. 

 

Meeting Agenda:

Principle, Mrs. Fazio

•    Principle’s Update and Welcome Back 

•    Introduction of other speakers to include, District Administration to discuss School clubs and committees (i.e. Strategic Planning, Safety, Parent University, etc.)

•    Parent Square 

•    Shannon Myer, Director of Special Education, Intro to special education services. 

 

 

Correspondence Report: 

Co-Presidents, Marisa Kowalski and Liz Santos:

•    Membership Update – what is included in your membership and volunteer google form. 

Corresponding Secretary, Christina Vincent:

•    Correspondence – Thank you cards read by Christina Vincent

Vice Presidents, Angela Rella and Dana Laffey:

•    Reminders, Angela Rella and Dana Laffey – Mum sale order by 9/21; class parent assignments; Friendship book; Harvest Fair tickets, Reflections. 

 

Upcoming Events:

 

September 28th – Mums Pre-Sale Pick Up Date. 

September 29th – Harvest Fair 

October 13th – Photo day 

October 18th – Unity Day 

October 27th – Jared Campbell Concert 

October 30th – Pre K – 2nd Grade Pumpkin Patch 

October 31st – Haunted Hallway and 2 pm Halloween Parade 

November 1st – Parp Packets distributed

November 14th / 15th - Scholastic Book Fair 

November 14th – Next PTA Meeting and Twilight Reading 

 

 

 

 

 

PTA Board 2023/2024

Co-Presidents- Marisa Kowalski & Liz Santos

Vice Presidents- Angela Rella, Dana Laffey, and Jackie Leonard

Corresponding Secretary – Christina Vincent

Recording Secretary- Nicole DiStefano

Treasurer- Elysia Murphy

 

The meeting ended at 5:31 pm. 

Keep in Touch with us😊

•    Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/jlcspta/

•    Remind- https://www.remind.com/classes/jlcspta

•    Website- www.jlcspta.com    

•    Instagram- @jlcsptafp

•    Textcaster- Sign up for Textcaster to receive text updates

•    Memberhub- jlcspta.new.memberhub.store

•    GMAIL: JLCSPTAFP@GMAIL.COM

    

The meeting was adjourned at 5:31 pm by Co-Presidents: Marisa Kowalski & Liz Santos 

 

Submitted and typed by Nicole DiStefano