Update on Greenery Sale + PTO Meeting Wednesday
Hi Miner Community,
We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and a chance to rest before we head into a very full (and fun) December at Miner.
This week brings several important opportunities to get involved, starting with our PTO Meeting on Wednesday, where we’ll have a free Brighter Bites cooking demo for kids!
We’re also entering the final stretch of our 10th Annual Holiday Greenery & Bake Sale, and we need your help to finish strong (see our sale update below), whether that’s taking advantage of the Flash Sale (ends tonight), placing a pre-order before 8pm on Wednesday, signing up for a quick volunteer shift, or spreading the word to neighbors.
And with Teacher Appreciation on December 10 (still need 2 volunteers), our Belga Café Wine Dinner Fundraiser on December 18, and Winter Spirit Week just around the corner, there are plenty of ways to plug in, support our students and staff, and keep our community connected throughout the season.
Warmly & with gratitude,
Miner PTO
Upcoming Dates
Wednesday, December 3 (6:00-7:00 PM)
PTO General Meeting @ Miner Cafeteria/Virtual - Please join us for a Brighter Bites kids cooking demo!
Meeting Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82392472126?pwd=LBTHvyxFOzxLYIBolHlFm61lRMPcp6.1
Friday, December 5 (5-8 PM) & Saturday, December 6 (9 AM-2 PM)
Holiday Greenery & Baked Goods Sale
Wednesday, December 10
Teacher Appreciation Event in ECE & Main Buildings
Monday, December 15 - Friday, December 19
Winter Spirit Week (see flyer below)
Tuesday, December 16 (5:30-6:30 PM)
Local School Advisory Team (LSAT) Meeting @ Virtual/Zoom — open to the public, and we encourage Miner families to attend
Wednesday, December 17 (Time TBD)
Winter Concert @ Miner ES
Thursday, December 18 (6:30p)
Winter Wine Dinner & Fundraiser @ Belga Cafe
Sync to PTO Google Calendar - all events have Zoom information attached.
10th Annual Holiday Greenery & Bake Sale – Online Pre-Sale Ends Wednesday 12/3 @8p
Flash Sale through TONIGHT @8pm:
$10 off big trees • $5 off wreaths • $7 off cookie kits (our cookie kits are made by a Miner parent–chef!)
Sale Update:
We’re very close to covering our wholesale costs. We’ve reached nearly 90% of our break-even point, and once we cross that line, every purchase becomes direct profit for Miner.
Our goal is to raise $6,000 to support field trips, classroom grants, family events, student activities, and teacher appreciation. The next few days are what will get us there.
We’re also still looking for 2–3 volunteers for the Saturday day shift. Even one hour makes a meaningful difference and keeps the event running smoothly.
How you can help us finish strong:
Shop the Flash Sale (ends tonight) — $10 off big trees, $5 off wreaths, $7 off cookie kits
Place your pre-order for greenery and cookie kits before pre-sales close at 8pm on 12/3
Donate to help cover greenery costs for Miner families who request support
Share the sale with neighbors or listservs
Sign up to volunteer on Saturday (even short shifts help!)
Come shop on site this weekend
We’re right on the edge of turning the corner from “covering costs” to raising funds that directly support our kids and teachers. Every purchase and every volunteer hour helps us close the gap.
Thank you!
Shop online now - Pre-sale open through Wednesday 12/3 at 8pm
Volunteer with us - Your time makes the event shine
Tell your friends & neighbors! Our sale is open to the community; feel free to share the flyer below
Teacher Appreciation on 12/10
We still need one volunteer to drop off a bag of ice in the morning and one volunteer to help with cleanup from 2:30–3:00 p.m. Even a small contribution of time makes a big difference. Can you help us support our teachers on Wednesday, December 10th?
Fundraising Wine Dinner at Belga Café on December 18
Treat yourself to a special night out before winter break. Head to Belga Café on Barracks Row / Eastern Market on December 18 at 6:30 PM for a four-course dinner with curated wine pairings from guest sommelier and Miner PK3 parent Raquel Torres O’Brien.
50% of every ticket goes directly to Miner Elementary PTO, supporting our community of Miner Bears & their families.
Come enjoy an incredible menu crafted by Executive Chef Bart Vandaele — and celebrate the season with friends, family, and neighbors.
Explore the incredible menu and buy your tickets today
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.
Need a Plan for No-School Days? (New camp/discount code)
HoopEd is hosting All Sports & Games Camps and all NEW! HoopEd Create (Art and Active Games) at Miner for upcoming no-school days and winter break. Open to ages 5–13 | Aftercare available
Winter Break: Dec 23, 26, 27, 30, 31
Use promo SNOWBALL for 10% off (ends 11/30)
Learn more & register (Scroll down to ‘Camps’ and/or filter by ‘Miner Elementary’)
Email info@hoopeducation.com if you have any questions.
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.
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.