Show Your Thanks + Get Involved
Hello Miner Community,
This week’s Weekly Buzz has everything you need to stay connected:
Give a shoutout to Dr. B during National Principals Month
Show appreciation on Custodial Workers’ Recognition Day (Oct. 2)
Get cleared now to chaperone fall field trips
Find your place on a PTO committee
Learn how to support Miner PTO through gifts
Plus: Community news from Hill Family Biking
Have a wonderful week, Miner PTO
PS: Last week, our mascot, Honey B., spent some time in a special classroom. We reveal who our bear friend met on Instagram @miner.pto
Upcoming Events
October is National Principals Month
Tuesday, October 2 is National Custodial Workers' Recognition Day
Wednesday, October 1 (6:00-7:00p): PTO General Meeting (In-person/Virtual)
Tuesday, October 21 (5:30-6:30p): Local School Advisory Team Meeting (Virtual)
Friday, October 24 (6:00-7:00p): Trunk-or-Treat (Miner ES parking lot) - we’ll share a volunter sign-up link next week
October is National Principals Month
Let’s celebrate Dr. B for her dedication and pursuit of excellence at Miner. Have 60 seconds? Send a quick thank-you note to Dr. Broquard. A kind word goes a long way, and we’ll share your messages with Dr. B throughout the month.
Tuesday, October 2: Custodial Workers’ Recognition Day
Miner’s custodial team — Travon Abbott, Desmond Burwell, Keith Moore Sr., Daniel Turner, and Daemeyell Walk — keep our school running every single day. Let’s show them some love!
Say thank you if you see them in the halls
Have your child draw a quick picture and drop it off in the office
Leave a short note of thanks in our form here - we’ll share your notes of appreciation with them
Want to Chaperone Field Trips?
To volunteer with students, all adults (18+) must complete the DCPS Clearance Application (valid for 2 years). It can take a few weeks, so start now if you plan to chaperone this fall.
Last year, some trips were delayed because classes didn’t have enough cleared chaperones — let’s make sure every class is covered.
Steps to get cleared:
Apply online (desktop/laptop only).
Schedule fingerprinting (instructions come after applying).
Complete the TB screening.
DCPS CLEARANCE PROCESS ONE-PAGER
Get Involved with Miner PTO Committees
This year, we’re organizing volunteers into six committees so the work is shared and sustainable:
Events
Teacher & Staff Appreciation
Fundraising & Sponsorship
Communications
Family Engagement & Student Enrichment
School Support (Beautification + Admin/Teacher Help)
Each committee has a lead (or co-leads) to coordinate, but you don’t need to do all the work — just join in where you can. The PTO board’s role is to support you with connections, resources, and backup. Please indicate on the form if you’re willing to be a lead/co-lead. We’ll discuss the first projects with committee members during our October 1st general meeting.
Support the Miner PTO
Financial and in-kind gifts from families, friends, neighbors, and our community make a real difference for Miner students. The Miner PTO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all donations are tax-deductible.
You can donate by check, Venmo, or our PayPal Giving Fund (no fees!). If you’d like a receipt for your records, email minerpto@gmail.com.
Community News: Hill Family Biking Kingman Island Family Day Ride - Saturday, September 27
Hill Family Biking is partnering with the DC Department of Energy & Environment for the 6th annual Kingman Island Friends & Family Day. For the Kingman Island Family Day Ride, we’ll begin the day at Stanton Park at 10:30am for a classic Hill Family Biking group ride to Kingman Island to kick off the event with live music. Food will be available for purchase, and you’re encouraged to bring your own picnic.
This update is shared on behalf of a member of the Miner community. If you’d like to submit an announcement or community news, please email minerpto@gmail.com. Submissions are reviewed and approved by the Miner PTO.