PTO Meeting September 11th, 2026 @ 9AM in HMS Library

Attendees

Jocelyn DiRienzo Julie Holt Amy Martin Susan Harris

Cathie Gray Christine Johnson Charlena Vollmerig Jackie Hamilton

Jackie Hamilton Heather Mann Laura Smith Megan Hartsfield

Jenn Marten Tiffany Perry Penie White Virginia Lacy

Dana Fitch Randy Stolle Ms. Ramirez

Welcome - The meeting was called to order by Jocelyn DiRienzo at 9:00am. Amy Martin made a motion to approve meeting minutes. Christine Johnson seconded the motion. All were in faovr andthe motion carried.

President’s Report - Jocelyn welcomed everyone. There will be a HMS spirit night at The Spot. She also has the magnets organized to distribute to Invest in HMS students. She discussed ordering more magnets since inventory is low. She asked about finishing out this year with the same design, but asked if we should change the magnet design for future years. Everyone seems to agree that a change in design would be good.

Treasurer’s Report - Julie Holt discussed the financial statement from August. Tiffany Perry made a motion to approve the August statement. Amy Martin seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Principle/Administrator’s Report - Dr. Finch asked about Parent Night feedback. Our consensus is that having the 6th grade parents set to be in groups was preferred. The 7th and 8th grade parents preferred to have their individual teacher speak. Parking was frustrating. Some people chose to leave after not being able to park. Parent University is coming up in September. It is more geared towards helping parents use the student resources. HMS is now using AIMSweb to measure math and reading progress, which is more skills based. It replaced the STAR test.

Committee Reports

VP of Events - Heather Mann reported that the first dance was successful. There were a lot of students in attendance. The next dance will be the glow dance in February. There were 302 tickets sold and a few sold at the door. Overall, the kids looked like they all had a good time.
Membership - Tina Herring gave Jocelyn an update. There are $7000 of students and staff members signed up for Invest in HMS as of today. She will organize Sonic drinks for those teachers who invest. There will be a custard party set for Thursday, October 22rd. As an incentive, if we meet our goal of 10,000 Invest participants by 10/9/26, we will have an inflatable race planned for October 23rd. The school will run on a pep rally school schedule to allow time. 10/9/26 cut off date to invest for the student custard party. HMS magnets have been distributed this week to students who have already signed up for Invest in HMS.
Hospitality - Christine Johnson had a teacher appreciation Sept 9th is Martin’s BBQ for a teacher appreciation lunch. It was delicious and much appreciated by the staff. The next teacher appreciation is Oct 7th. She plans to have Firehouse subs, and there will be a sign up sheet for chips and drinks. Custodian day is Oct 3rd. Lacie and Jen did a birthday card for a staff birthday already.

Corporate Sponsors - Amy Martin thanked everyone who helped bring in corporate sponsors. We brought in over 20,000 and she still has a few delayed checks on the way. She will send all of the sponsors thank you notes soon and a Christmas card in a couple months.

Communications - Gia Rickman has nothing to report.

Front Office/Badges - Charlena has the calendar of badge making dates, and it is in the weekly newsletter. The next one will be October 9th after the PTO meeting. It may not be as busy due to it being the day before Fall Break. Jocelyn bought a new camera with a stand, and it should make the process easier.

Copy Room - The copy room signup link on the HMS PTO Facebook page.

Spiritwear/School Supplies - Cathie Gray closed out her first spirit wear order, and it made a profit of $750. Orders will be dropped off on September 20th and distributed from the front office. She will start another spirit wear order for the winter around October and have orders distributed around November just in time for the holidays. We discussed the 8th grade shirts and when the best time to have them ordered. We also think it would be great to have a student design the shirts.

Beautification - Katherine Ehrhardt had nothing to report.

HMS Athletics - HMS has the last volleyball and soccer games at home on 9/14/26. The last home football game is 9/24/26.

Concessions - Tiffany Perry said the concession stand is booming on Wednesday. She thanked all of the volunteers. She reports how hard it has been getting volunteers during sports events. She has reached out to the coaches as well as other school organizations trying to fill spots.