Lots of Miner news this week!
Hi Miner Community,
November brings a lot of exciting updates. Together, we raised over $3,700, which will go to support Miner families through the Family Food Support Fund in the coming months, and we’re partnering with the DC Food Project to open an on-site food pantry launching in December.
Through our counseling team's partnership, students can now apply for the Student Ambassador Program, a new opportunity to build leadership skills and represent Miner at school-wide events.
And as the holidays approach, don’t miss our 10th Annual Holiday Greenery & Bake Sale, Miner’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Your purchases help fund teacher grants, family support, and school events.
We’re also thrilled to share that the PTO is now recertified on Benevity—check to see if your employer can match donations and give us a bigger boost this year.
Read on for more details below!
—The Miner PTO
Upcoming Dates
Tuesday, November 11
Veterans Day: No school for students, teachers, and staff
Tuesday, November 18 (5:30-6:30 PM)
Monthly Local School Advisory Team (LSAT) meeting (Virtual) - all are welcome to join.
Wednesday, November 26 - Friday, November 28
Thanksgiving Break: No school for students, teachers, and staff
Wednesday, December 3 (6-7 PM)
PTO General Meeting @ Miner Cafeteria/Virtual; Online pre-orders close for Holiday Greenery Sale
Friday, December 5 (5-8 PM) & Saturday, December 6 (9 AM-2 PM)
Holiday Greenery & Baked Goods Sale
Wednesday, December 17 (Time TBD)
Winter Concert @ Miner ES
Sync to PTO Google Calendar - all events have Zoom information attached.
Miner PTO Meeting Highlights
Here’s what we covered at the November 5 PTO meeting:
Principal’s Update: Attendance is up to 92%, and staffing remains stable with a new 2nd-grade aide, Ms. Hubbard, joining the team. Report cards for the first quarter will be mailed on Nov. 19. Dr. Broquard thanked families for their prompt response to concerns about food insecurity.
Budget Update: The PTO officially voted to add a “Family Food Support” line item to the budget. This ensures that the $3,700+ in community donations received between October 29 and November 2, in response to the urgent risk of losing SNAP benefits, will be used as intended — to support Miner families facing food insecurity.
Community Schools: Our new community school coordinator (in partnership with E/BFSC), Mr. Derrick Ford, announced a partnership with the DC Food Project to launch an on-site food pantry (Dec 2025–June 2026), supported by the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation. He’s also planning a winter pep rally and exploring a mentorship program for former Miner students to connect with current scholars. [What is a community school?]
Mental Health & Student Leadership: Dr. Charis (3rd-5th Grade Counselor) introduced a Student Ambassador Program to celebrate student leadership and boost family engagement, with two students per class recognized during PTO meetings and special events. Please encourage students to participate!
Music & Events: Ms. Chamberlain (Music Teacher) shared plans for the Winter Concert on December 17, featuring the Glee Club and other student performers.
PTO Updates:
Classroom Grants – Reminder: The majority of the PTO budget goes toward supporting students and teachers. Each teacher is eligible to receive a $200 mini-grant for classroom supplies. Put in your request anytime through May 2026.
Matching Donations – Miner is now on Benevity, so your workplace may match donations. See donation info below for more details.
Paw Print Crews are hard at work planning for our greenery sale, teacher appreciation initiatives, fundraising opportunities, family engagement, and more. Interested in joining us? Reply to this email!
10th Annual Holiday Greenery & Bake Sale – Online Pre-sale Open Now
Get in the spirit of the season and support our school community. This is Miner’s biggest fundraiser of the year — every purchase helps support our students, families, and teachers.
We’re offering trees starting at just $35, small & large wreaths, poinsettias (with proceeds supporting our partner school, Eliot-Hine MS), white pine garland, and a NEW cookie decorating kit — featuring sugar cookies baked by a Miner parent and professional chef (thank you!).
Pickup: Friday, Dec. 5 (5–8 PM) or Saturday, Dec. 6 (9 AM–2 PM) at Miner ES.
Enjoy hot cocoa, coffee, and baked goods while you shop — or just come by to soak up the cheer. All are welcome, whether you’re buying something or not.
Shop online now - We strongly encourage pre-orders to guarantee your picks, open through Dec. 3.
Volunteer with us - We rely on community helpers to make this event shine. Can you lend a hand?
Tree & Wreath Sales: Cutting, trimming, and helping families pick the perfect tree.
Donations: Bring baked goods, coffee, cocoa, cider, or lend a patio heater to keep everyone cozy
Sales & Goods Tables: Setting up, serving, and keeping our treats and drinks stocked.
Crafts & Activities: Helping kids with holiday crafts during the event.
Carolers: Join fellow parents and teachers to sing a few festive tunes (Friday 6:30 PM or Saturday 10:30 AM).
Setup & Cleanup: Before and after each sale day.
Pre-Event Volunteer Need: Can you put up flyers around the neighborhood to promote the sale? Please reply to this email! (We can provide the flyers.)
Support the PTO
The PTO helps bridge the gaps in DCPS funding so that Miner students can enjoy the kinds of experiences that make school feel like a special place to be.
Donate via PayPal Giving Fund, Zelle (QR code on website), check, or Venmo. We prefer PayPal, Zelle, and checks as they are not assessed extra fees.
NEW! Matching Donations on Benevity
The Miner PTO is now (re)certified on Benevity, a workplace giving platform used by many companies (like Google, Microsoft, Capital One, and others) to manage employee donations and volunteer programs. You can check with your HR rep if you’re not sure if your employer is set up.
If your employer uses Benevity, you can:
Log in to your company’s Benevity portal.
Search for “Miner ES Parent Teacher Organization” as a nonprofit or cause.
Make a donation directly through the portal; your employer may automatically match your gift (sometimes dollar-for-dollar or up to a set annual limit).
This means your contribution can go twice as far to support Miner students, teachers, and programs.
Need a Plan for No-School Days?
HoopEd is hosting All Sports & Games Camps at Miner for upcoming no-school days and winter break. Open to ages 5–13 | Aftercare available
Fall Days: Nov 26
Winter Break: Dec 23, 26, 27, 30, 31
Scroll down to ‘Camps’ and/or filter by ‘Miner Elementary’
Community News
Food Assistance
If your family needs immediate support, please reach out to Miner’s administration team or consult this list of local resources: DC Food Project – Emergency Food Access. Also, in December, Miner will launch its own pantry program in partnership with the DC Food Project. More details to come.
Rosedale 3rd Annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner Feast - 11/21 (2-6 PM)
For the third year in a row, our community is coming together for the Thanksgiving Community Dinner Feast at Rosedale Recreation Center, 1701 Gales Street NE. This event is open to everyone, with a special focus on supporting families, seniors, and anyone in need of a warm meal and a sense of belonging during the holiday season.
Interested in donating items or volunteering? Sign up here.
Hill Family Biking Event - 11/22 (10:30 AM-12:30 PM)
Join Hill Family Biking on Saturday, November 22, 2025 (10:30 AM–12:30 PM) for a family-friendly Littles Ride celebrating the grand re-opening of Garfield Park. Starting at Eastern Market Metro Plaza and ending at the park, children ages 3–6 can enjoy either a 0.5-mile ride or a 0.8-mile ride, depending on skill level.
Afterwards, stay to celebrate the newly renovated Garfield Park with DC Book Bike Storytime, and treats for everyone. Older siblings and parents are welcome to join, but we ask that you ride alongside your little ones!
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.
The Winning Trunk-or-Treat Car is…
Hi Miner families,
Friday was an exciting (and sugar-filled) night. Thanks to all the teachers, staff, and families who helped make Trunk-or-Treat a success. The creativity on display was unreal…and Barbie really stole the show. Most importantly, everyone had an absolute blast.
Check out the highlights and see the winning trunk on Instagram.
—The Miner PTO
Supporting our Community
Some families have reached out with concerns about how the government shutdown might soon affect SNAP benefits and have asked how we can support members of our community and neighborhood who may feel the impact. Miner has always shown up for one another in uncertain times, and we’d like to be ready to do so again if needed.
If you’re interested in helping coordinate or support an effort to provide assistance, please email us!
This Week: Uniform Donation Collection
Did you know Miner now has a Uniform Exchange? In partnership with Edgewood/Brookland Family Support Collaborative, we’re organizing uniforms on hand by size and type in clearly labeled bins, so if your student needs a uniform for whatever reason, we have them. Families can also bring in uniforms for laundering and swap them for freshly cleaned ones.
Starting Monday 10/27, we’ll begin collecting uniform donations using the same bins from Trunk or Treat candy collection; look for them at morning drop-off. If your child has outgrown uniforms or you’d like to clear out some closet space, please drop them in the bins outside the ECE building or in the main office.
Watch Dr. B show and explain the new system on this Instagram reel
What’s new with the PTO?
Our fall PTO projects are underway, and there are lots of ways to get involved—whether you’d like to lead a project or just lend a hand.
Paw Print Crews are focused on specific projects.
Events Crew has kicked off planning for Miner’s 10th Annual Holiday Market & Greenery Sale (Dec. 5–6). We’ll be looking for a few volunteers to help coordinate decorations, kids’ activities, baked goods, and general setup. Stay tuned for more info on ways to help soon.
Teacher Appreciation Crew meets tomorrow night (10/27) from 8:00-9:00p on Zoom. Reply to this email if you’d like to join us.
Fundraising Crew is looking for business sponsors for Miner’s Winter Glee Club Concert (tentatively Dec. 17). If you work for or know a business that might want to support the arts and celebrate our Miner community, please reply to this email. We’re aiming to raise about $2,000.
The Honey B’s are our one-time volunteers who pitch in for specific needs. Current needs:
Inventorying Miner apparel
Finding new or secondhand chairs for the teachers’ lounge
Fill out the volunteer form or just email us if you’re interested or can help with a specific task.
What makes Miner special?
The PTO helps bridge the gaps in DCPS funding so that Miner students can enjoy the kinds of experiences that make school feel like a special place to be.
This fall, we’re aiming to raise $1,000 from Miner families to keep field trips, classroom enrichment, and family events possible. That’s all it takes:
10 families giving $100, or
20 families giving $50, or
40 families giving $25
We know not everyone can give financially (and right now is extra hard for many), and that’s okay. Whether you donate, volunteer, or simply show up, you’re part of what makes Miner the kind of place kids love to come to every day. We appreciate you.
Donate via PayPal Giving Fund, Zelle (QR code on website), check, or Venmo. We prefer PayPal, Zelle, and checks as they are not assessed extra fees.
Upcoming Dates
October: National Principals Month (Send a quick thank-you note to Dr. Broquard)
This Week: Monday, Oct 27 – Fri, Oct 31
Spirit Week
Uniform Donation Collection
Monday, November 3
Records/Wellness Day: No school for students
Wednesday, November 5 (6:00-7:00p)
PTO General Meeting @ Miner Cafeteria/Virtual
Tuesday, November 11
Veterans Day: No school for students, teachers, and staff
Tuesday, November 18 (5:30-6:30p)
Monthly Local School Advisory Team (LSAT) meeting (Virtual) - all are welcome to join.
Wednesday, November 26 - Friday, November 28
Thanksgiving Break: No school for students, teachers, and staff
Wednesday, December 3 (6:00-7:00p)
PTO General Meeting @ Miner Cafeteria/Virtual
Friday, December 5 & Saturday, December 6
Holiday Market & Greenery Sale (details to come)
Need a Plan for No-School Days?
HoopEd is hosting All Sports & Games Camps at Miner for upcoming no-school days and winter break.
Fall Days: Nov 3 & 26
Promo code: CAPHILL for 25% off (through 10/31)
Winter Break: Dec 23, 26, 27, 30, 31 Promo code: SNOWBALL for 25% off (through 10/31)
Open to ages 5–13 | Aftercare available
Learn more & register
Scroll down to ‘Camps’ and/or filter by ‘Miner Elementary’
Want to Chaperone Field Trips?
Clearance is required for any volunteering with students, and the process takes a few steps, so start now:
Clearance Application + Guide
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.
October PTO Meeting Date Change + LSAT Election
A special mid-week note with important updates for October
October PTO Meeting Date Change
Our October PTO meeting has shifted from Wednesday, October 1 to Wednesday, October 8 (6:00–7:00pm) in recognition of the Yom Kippur holiday. There will be both in-person and virtual options.
We know the timing—right before teacher workdays and a long weekend—may mean some of you are away, but we really hope you’ll join if you can. This month, we’ll dedicate more time for families to connect around goals and shared interests.
LSAT Parent/Guardian Representative Special Election
We’re holding a special election for one vacant parent/guardian representative seat. The nomination period for candidates is now open.
The Local School Advisory Team (LSAT) is a group of parents/guardians, teachers, staff, and community members who work with Dr. B to guide decisions that shape our school. Every DCPS school has an LSAT to ensure families and staff have a voice in setting priorities and supporting student success.
This year, LSAT meetings are held virtually on the third Tuesday of every month from 5:30–6:30pm.
Nominations are open now through October 15.
Voting will run virtually from October 16–20.
The newly elected representative will be invited to join the next (virtual) LSAT meeting on Tuesday, October 21 at 5:30pm.
If you’d like to nominate yourself or someone else, please complete the 2025 LSAT Special Election Nomination & Interest Form by Wednesday, October 15.
Thank you for being part of the Miner community—we hope to see you on October 8.
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.
The Weekly Buzz
Hello Miner Community,
Welcome to this week’s Weekly Buzz. Here’s what you’ll find inside:
Updates on our email transition
Details for this Tuesday’s LSAT meeting (with Zoom link)
How to get cleared to chaperone field trips this year
Ways to plug into PTO committees
How to support Miner through donations
And don’t miss this week’s Honey B. mystery — our mascot has been spotted with a royal friend somewhere in the building!
Have a great week,
Miner PTO
Email transition
We’ve moved PTO emails from Google Groups to Squarespace so updates are easier to get — and everyone can receive them. As part of the process, everyone from the old list has been carried over. Thank you to those who confirmed your information; it helped us update addresses and double-check our records.
New process for sharing community news: If you previously sent messages to the Google Group address, please send them to minerpto@gmail.com and we’ll include them in our weekly newsletter.
LSAT Meeting this Tuesday, 9/16
Miner’s Local School Advisory Team (LSAT) meets virtually on the third Tuesday of every month, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
The LSAT is a group of parents, teachers, staff, and community members who work with Dr. Broquard to guide school decisions. Every DCPS school has an LSAT, and all meetings are open to the public. We encourage everyone at Miner to join.
JOIN THE LSAT ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83457341465?pwd=euVtMCcBbYbawhXFQaV3OU2yPcyYjO.1
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.
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.
That’s all for this week’s Weekly Buzz. But before you go… our mascot, Honey B., has been spotted somewhere new in the building. Can your kid(s) tell you where they saw our bear this week? Here’s a clue: Honey B. has found a royal friend nearby Check out our post and photo clue on Instagram and drop a comment if you solve the mystery.
This Week: Back to School Night, Field Trip Chaperones & Volunteer Needs
Hi Miner Community,
It’s been a busy start to the school year — full PTO meeting, bear name reveal, and lots of exciting events ahead. This email is your one-stop shop to catch up, mark your calendars, and find ways to plug in. Scroll for highlights, upcoming dates, and a few quick favors we need from you to keep things running smoothly. Thanks! -Liz M.
PTO Meeting Highlights
Slides are here if you want all the details. You can also click on Dr. B’s slide to see her video presentation. We covered upcoming events, volunteer needs, and school updates.
PTO Meetings are on the first Wednesday of each month. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, October 1 from 6:00-7:00pm.
Back to School Night – Thursday, Sept. 11 (5:30–6:30pm)
Start in the cafeteria, then head to classrooms. This is one of the best chances to meet teachers, see classrooms, and connect with other Miner families.
Local School Advisory Team (LSAT) – Tuesday, September 16 (5:30-6:30pm)
The LSAT is a group of parents, teachers, staff, and community members who work with Dr. Broquard to guide decisions that shape our school. Every DCPS school has an LSAT. Miner's LSAT meetings are on the third Tuesday of every month at 5:30pm.
Meetings are open to the public, and all Miner families are encouraged to attend. Zoom link will be provided next week.
Stay in the Loop with Our PTO Calendar
We’ve added a Google Calendar to the Miner ES website homepage — you can sync it directly to your own calendar so you never miss an event. Check it out at minerelementary.org.
Want to Chaperone Field Trips This Year?
To volunteer with students, all adults (18+) must complete the DCPS Clearance Application process (valid for 2 years). Processing can take a few weeks, so start early and aim to be cleared by early October if you plan to chaperone this fall. Last year, some classes had to delay trips because of a lack of chaperones, so let's ensure they have what they need! Here's how it works:
Apply online – complete the DCPS Clearance Application on a laptop/desktop (not mobile). This must come first or the rest won’t process.
Fingerprinting – schedule a background check (you’ll get instructions after applying).
TB screening – short questionnaire; some applicants may need a TB test.
You may also review the DCPS Clearance Process for Volunteers one-pager for additional guidance.
Immediate Volunteer Opportunities
Miner runs on more than the average bear — and right now we need a few helping hands:
Grant Application Help (urgent) – Support Ms. Emma with a FoodPrints grant (2–3 hrs, needed in the next few weeks). Email us ASAP if you can assist: minerpto@gmail.com
Trunk or Treat (Oct. 24) – Candy donation boxes will be in the lobby this October; we need families/teachers to donate candy and to decorate cars and hand out treats.
Choir T-Shirt Fundraiser – Help raise funds so students can wear Miner T-shirts at the Winter Concert (Dec. 17).
Teacher Lounge Upgrade – Help us source 6 comfy chairs + a mini fridge (secondhand is fine).
Teacher Spotlights – Interview staff for features in our Bear Bulletins.
Mascot Hosting – Take the bear home or to your classroom for a “Day in the Life” adventure.
Holiday Greenery Sale – Presale will open online Nov. 5; pickup at the Miner Holiday Market (Dec. 5–6). We’ll need bakers, sellers, and helpers to move trees.
Interested? Fill out our Volunteer Interest Form. There’s no commitment — just let us know what you’d like to help with, and we’ll follow up.
Please Confirm Your Contact Info
We’re moving our PTOemail list from Google Groups → Squarespace next week. Since the list hasn’t been updated in over a decade, we need most to re-confirm.
If you joined the list in 2025, you’re all set — no action needed.
Everyone else: please confirm so we can carry you over.
If you can't remember when you joined the list, just confirm to be sure.
If you don’t want to stay on the list, just ignore this step — we’ll remove you when we switch systems.
CLICK HERE TO CONFIRM YOUR INFO
We’ll send two more reminders this week before the switch next weekend.
Pro tip: Please addminerpto@gmail.comandpto@minerelementary.orgto your safe senders so our future emails don’t land in spam.Not sure how? Google “add to safe senders list” + your email platform (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, etc.). The internet will guide the way...
Thanks for being part of our Miner community — we’re excited for the year ahead.
Warmly,
Miner PTO Board
P.S.Our mascot finally has a name! Watch the big reveal on Instagram:@miner.pto.
Join Us Wednesday for PTO Kick-off + Bear Name Reveal
Dear Miner Families, Caregivers, Teachers, and Staff,
Week 1 is behind us—whew! Thank you to everyone who stopped for coffee and donuts. It was a great way to start the year together. Now it’s time for our first PTO meeting of the year. All parents, guardians, and staff are already members—there's no cost to get involved, so all you have to do is show up.
Wednesday, Sept. 3 | 6:00–7:00 PM | Miner ES Cafeteria (in person only for this first meeting of the year)
Pizza + Childcare: Childcare in the library (with pizza for kids) provided by Christ City Church, which holds weekly services in Miner's building. (Big thanks to their community for also donating school supplies before the year started!) PTO is providing pizza for everyone else.
Our agenda includes:
What the heck is a PTO, anyway? Quick PTO 101—who we are, what we care about, and where all that volunteer time and donated money actually goes.
Events & Plans for the Year: From big ideas to quick plug-in opportunities, there’s something for everyone.
The Big Reveal: Our Miner Bear has an official name. Be there to hear it first.
If you can’t make it, we’ll send a follow-up email with the slides, links, and details so you don’t miss out.
Looking ahead: while this first meeting will be in person only, future meetings will be hybrid. We encourage you to join in person when you can—it’s one of the best ways to connect with other Miner families, peek into the gym where your children run around, and finally see the staff office every child pauses to stare into with wide-eyed curiosity (hint: it’s right in front of the cafeteria).
We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday.
Warmly,
The Miner PTO Board
Coffee, Donuts, and a Curious Bear
Dear Miner Families, Teachers, and Staff,
We’re excited to kick off the school year with you this week! Nick, Laura, Liz, and Chris will be out front with coffee and donuts to welcome you to the first week of school.
Monday – 15th & 16th Street entrances
Thursday – in front of the ECE building
Please stop by, grab a treat, and say hi.
And mark your calendars: PTO meetings are the first Wednesday of every month, 6–7pm, in the Miner ES cafeteria.
Our first meeting is coming up on Wednesday, Sept. 3
Pizza provided
Childcare available in the library across the hall
This first meeting of the year is a great chance to meet other Miner families, hear about what the PTO does, and learn about the projects and events we’ll be supporting this year.
For those returning, welcome back—and for those who are new, welcome to Miner!
Warmly,
Miner Elementary PTO Board
P.S. We’re volunteers, so there’s no official content calendar...but there is a curious bear who shows up from time to time. Follow @miner.pto on Instagram for teacher cameos, hallway adventures, and plenty more to come.
Back-to-School Bash, Bear Bulletin, and... DIY Bingo!
Dear Miner Families,
The school year is almost here, and we have a few quick updates to share:
Back-to-School Bash – Volunteers Needed
Our first community event of the year is the Back-to-School Bash on THIS Friday, August 22, 3:30–6:30 PM. We’ll have activities for families, a chance to meet other parents and staff, and our PTO Spirit Wear table will be open (adult and kid sizes available).
We still need a few more volunteers to help with set-up, clean-up, and activity stations. If you can lend a hand, please sign up here: [Sign-Up Genius Link]
Welcoming Miner StaffParents and Caregivers: This week is Professional Development week for teachers and staff, and the PTO is organizing a few meals to welcome them back. If you’d like to chip in to help cover costs, you can make a contribution through our PayPal Giving Fund. Even $10 would be a nice gesture to show staff they’re supported as they gear up for the year.
Not in a place to give financially? You can still share a note of encouragement or thanks, and we’ll make sure it reaches the staff during the meals. A few kind words mean just as much as tacos and pizza. (Send to: minerpto@gmail.com)
Bear Bulletin – Meet the New Front Desk TeamOur Miner Bear mascot has been busy! Over on Instagram (@miner.pto), the Bear has started a new series called the Bear Bulletin. This week, the Bear meets our two new front desk staff, Ms. Footman and Mrs. Ding-Chong—and we'd like you to meet them, too.
We're also still taking name suggestions for the Bear for another week. Send 'em our way on IG or email us.
First-Day PTO Welcome TablesNext week: On the first day of K–5 (8/25), we’ll have PTO tables at the 15th Street and 16th Street school entrances. On the first day of PK3/PK4 (8/28), we’ll be set up outside the ECE building. Stop by for coffee and donuts and to say hi—we’d love to meet you.
Warmly,
Liz Miller
on behalf of the Miner PTO Board
P.S. Want to add some fun to the first week? Try Back-to-School Bingo! Download the card here: Back-to-School Bingo PDF (courtesy of Highlights magazine) and see how many you and your kids can spot.
Back to School Greetings from the PTO Board
Are you on the Miner PTO mailing list? Sign up via the form on our homepage! (You’re not automatically added to the list via enrolling in the school.)
Dear Miner Families,
Back-to-school season is here, which means fresh pencils, new routines, and those first “how was your day?” stories (...or complete silence).
The Miner PTO exists to bring parents, caregivers, and staff together to support every student at our school. We help fund enrichment opportunities, create spaces for families to connect, and work with school leadership to make Miner an even stronger, more equitable community for all of our kids. Whether you can give your time, ideas, or resources, your voice matters here. If you want to get involved this year, please fill out our Volunteer Interest Form.
As we get ready to start the school year, we also wanted to introduce your 2025–26 PTO Board:
President: Nick Kushner, PK4 & 2nd Grade Parent
Vice President: Laura Swanson, 2nd Grade Parent
Treasurer: Chris Santulli, 1st & 2nd Grade Parent
Secretary: Liz Miller, PK4 & 1st Grade Parent
Teacher Rep: Mr. Jason Yoho, Kindergarten
Principal: Dr. Carrie Broquard
As a board, our goal is simple: keep Miner’s families connected, our events well-supported (and fun), and our resources working for students and staff.
Here’s what’s coming up soon:
Back-to-School Bash [Friday 8/22] – Volunteers Needed!
Our first event in collaboration with the Miner admin team is the Back-to-School Bash on Friday, August 22, 3:30–6:30 PM. We’ll have activities for families, a chance to meet other parents and staff, and our PTO Spirit Wear table will be open for purchases—including both adult and kid sizes.
>> If you can help with set-up, clean-up, or selling spirit wear, please sign up here: [Sign-Up Link]
PTO Meetings – New Wednesday Schedule
This year, PTO meetings will be held on the first Wednesday of the month from 6–7 PM, starting Wednesday, September 3. The first meeting will be in-person only, and all following meetings will have a virtual option. Meetings are open to all parents, guardians, and staff—just show up to join the conversation.
Help Name Our New Bear Mascot on Instagram
We have a new Miner Bear mascot, but it needs a name. Follow @miner.pto on Instagram and add your suggestion to our naming post. We’ll take ideas through the first week of school, then post the finalists for a community vote.
We’re looking forward to a great year together. Thank you for being part of Miner’s community. Please feel free to contact us at minerpto@gmail.com with any questions or ideas.
Warmly,
The Miner Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Board