Meeting Minutes

Meeting minutes are the notes from each meeting, including key updates, decisions, and action items. Our archive goes back to the 2016–2017 school year—expand the sections below (use the arrow) and click a meeting date to view.

Walker PTA General Membership Meeting Minutes 10/14/26

Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Scheduled Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Attendees: Mari Garvonado, Katie Garfinkel, Joel Goodman, Loretta Garza, Katie Flinn, Elizabeth W., Stephanie Maloney, Natalie Rubenstein, Sam Meister, Liz Ribeiro
Quorum: Yes, quorum established.

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 6:34 p.m.

2. School and Principal’s Update

Ms. Wharton provided school updates on behalf of Principal Gray.

Upcoming Dates: November 3 is a non-attendance day; November 4 is a half day; school pictures are scheduled for November 13.
Character Strong: Monthly family communications highlight character traits, including kindness, respect, and responsibility. Links to accompanying songs will be included in future communications.
Social-Emotional Learning: Instruction continues across grade levels through fine arts classes and classroom lessons.
District Updates: Recent District 65 Board of Education discussions regarding school closures and program changes were acknowledged. Staff remain focused on supporting students throughout the current school year.

3. Teacher Liaison Report

Robyn Robson shared staff feedback and requests.

WalkerFest: Staff requested plastic tablecloths for first-floor classrooms. PTA agreed to provide them.
Wolverine Mascot: Efforts to source a replacement mascot costume are ongoing.
Water Bottle Filling Station: Staff requested a water bottle filling station near the cafeteria (to be used by both staff and students). PTA leadership will discuss feasibility and funding responsibility with Principal Gray.
School Communications: Staff requested feedback on Walker’s Instagram account. Members shared positive feedback and discussed promoting both the school and PTA accounts at upcoming events.
Literacy and Family Engagement: Monthly book recommendations and a possible book club exploring the impact of social media were discussed. A family interest survey was suggested, with consideration for accessible meeting times.

4. Treasurer’s Report

The September Rummage Sale generated $764 in reported proceeds.

The One Fund distribution had not yet been received and was expected shortly.

The executive board will review the proposed budget following receipt of funds, with a full budget presentation anticipated at the November general membership meeting.

5. District 65 and Community Updates

Members discussed school closures, boundary changes, school-age childcare (SACC), and early childhood programs in connection with recent District 65 Board of Education deliberations.

Members emphasized the importance of directing families to official district information, including board agendas, meeting materials, and newsletters. Sharing upcoming board meeting agendas through PTA communications was discussed.

Loretta Garza offered to raise the question of distributing a SACC-related family survey at the PTA Council executive meeting.

Members also discussed potential welcome activities for families who may be reassigned to Walker if boundary changes are approved.

6. PTA Communications and Room Parents

Room parent assignments are being finalized.

The PTA Google Group was nearing completion and is intended to become a primary channel for family communications. Alternative communication arrangements were being coordinated for families not reached through the group.

7. Committee and Event Updates

Garden Committee — Saturday, October 17, at 10:00 a.m.

The fall garden cleanup is scheduled for October 17. Longer-term plans to increase student and classroom engagement in the garden were discussed, including potential spring programming.

WalkerFest — Saturday, November 14, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Event prep is underway – flyers, student raffle tickets, donations, and volunteer sign-ups.

The wristband system operates on a suggested-donation basis. No purchase or donation is required to attend. Volunteers will receive guidance to ensure welcoming and inclusive communication.

A coffee vendor is expected to participate and donate a portion of proceeds to the school.

International Night — Wednesday, October 21

Event coordination continues, with Katie Garfinkel and Sylvia Kim Kilcullen serving as PTA contacts.
A new passport activity will encourage students to visit cultural displays and learn from participating families.
All families welcome to attend, regardless of whether hosting a table or contributing food.

Outdoor Movie Night — Friday, October 16

The planned outdoor movie night remains weather-dependent. A final update will be communicated to families tomorrow Thurs 10/15.

8. Additional Business

Crossing Guard Funding: A question was raised regarding whether Walker crossing guard funding falls under Evanston or Skokie jurisdiction. Ms. Wharton will seek clarification and report back.

Skokie Park District Referendum: The upcoming referendum was mentioned for community awareness. Neutral informational resources may be shared through PTA communications.

9. Follow-Up Items

School Requests
PTA leadership will discuss the student water bottle filling station request with Principal Gray, including feasibility and funding responsibility.
District Questions and Student Safety
Loretta Garza will ask PTA Council about distributing the SACC survey through PTA communications. Ms. Wharton will seek clarification on Walker’s crossing guard jurisdiction and funding.
Financial Reporting and Budget
Joel Goodman will provide updated financial information following receipt of the One Fund distribution and prepare the proposed budget for presentation at the November meeting.
Family Communications
Work continues on the PTA Google Group. Sharing official district information and upcoming board meeting agendas through PTA communications remains under consideration.
Family Engagement
A survey to gauge interest in the proposed book club was suggested. Next steps remain to be determined.

10. Formal Business and Votes – none today
11. Adjournment – meeting adjourned at 7:32pm.

Next PTA Meeting

Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | 6:30 p.m.
Format: Zoom
Meeting Link: bit.ly/WALKERPTAMEETINGS

Draft for review and approval at the November 11, 2026 general membership meeting.

2026-2027 Prior Months

Walker PTA General Membership Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Scheduled Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Walker Garden
Attendees: Mari Garvonado, Jami Arceneaux, Joel Goodman, Katie Garfinkel, Stephanie Maloney, Katie Flinn, Liz Ribeiro, Mitali Vyas, Kymika Okechukwu, Kathryn Johnson, Loretta Garza, Lauren Martin, Darlena Simmons, and Jake Rubin, Teacher Liaison.

1. Welcome and Call to Order

The meeting was called to order, and quorum was confirmed.

Executive Committee members were introduced: Mari Garvonado, Co-President; Katie Garfinkel, Secretary; and Joel Goodman, Treasurer.

Jami Arceneaux was introduced as the Co-President nominee.

2. Principal’s Update

Principal Gray was unable to attend. No Principal’s Update was provided.

3. Teacher Liaison Update

Jake Rubin shared that he and Robyn Robson will serve as the PTA’s teacher liaisons for the 2026–2027 school year. They also serve as teacher liaisons to Student Council.

Mr. Rubin reported that the PTA Executive Committee and Student Council intend to partner more closely during the school year. Additional information will be shared as plans develop.

4. Membership and 2026–2027 Meeting Schedule

The PTA had 15 members as of the meeting. Families were encouraged to join through the Walker PTA Givebacks page.

The 2026–2027 meeting schedule will include both Tuesday and Wednesday meetings. Most meetings will be held virtually, with select in-person gatherings.

5. Treasurer and Governance Updates

Treasurer’s Report

The year-end financial report and annual audit were not yet complete, and the PTA had not yet received its One Fund distribution.

The PTA had approximately $5,000 in reserves, subject to final reconciliation and the annual audit.

Joel Goodman and Katie Garfinkel reviewed recent PTA spending:

Approximately $110 for the First Day Coffee.
Approximately $30 for the September Coffee with the Principal.
$1,466.56 for the Back-to-School Social, including pizza costs expected to be covered by the school.

These amounts were preliminary and subject to adjustment following reconciliation and completion of the year-end financial report.

Annual Audit

Joel reported that Gen Comeau was seeking two to three volunteers to support the annual audit. Kymika Okechukwu expressed interest in assisting.

Gen will provide additional information about the audit process, scope, and anticipated time commitment.

PTA Equity Project Update

Liz Ribeiro provided background on the establishment of the PTA Equity Project (PEP) and its role in promoting more equitable student experiences across District 65 schools. She discussed differences in PTA resources and the opportunities available to students across schools.

Liz reported that, under PEP’s cash-reserve guidance, Walker PTA may retain a portion of its reserves this year in connection with upcoming school closures, the opening of a new school, and year-end financial reporting considerations.

Additional Walker PEP representatives are needed.

6. Formal Business and Votes

Co-President Election

Jami Arceneaux was presented as the nominee for Co-President.

The election was deferred following discussion of the bylaws’ requirement that members hold PTA membership for at least 30 days before voting in an officer election. Members initially discussed holding the election at the October meeting.

Families were encouraged to join the PTA and attend future meetings.

Author Visit Funding

Mari Garvonado moved to approve $136.73 from the One Book, One School budget line for the September 2026 author and illustrator visit featuring Traci N. Todd and Vashti Harrison.

The purchase will fund 11 books—one for each classroom.

Liz Ribeiro seconded the motion. With quorum confirmed, the motion passed unanimously at 6:27 p.m.

7. Committee Leads, Open Roles, and Volunteer Opportunities

The PTA reviewed committee leadership and volunteer needs for the 2026–2027 school year. Families may participate as committee leads, co-leads, planning partners, or one-time volunteers. Several committees are preparing for leadership transitions as current leads’ children approach Chute Middle School.

Current Committee Leads and Opportunities

Audit Committee: Gen Comeau; Kymika Okechukwu volunteered to assist. Additional volunteers needed.
Book Fair: Katie Weiss and Liz Pawlak. Additional volunteers welcome.
Books & Bingo: Katie Garfinkel is providing interim support. Lead or co-leads wanted.
Community Engagement: Ailie Ayres and Kathryn Johnson. Additional volunteers welcome.
Fundraising: Additional volunteers and ideas welcome.
- Spiritwear: Amanda Hulse.
- Dine to Donate: Stephanie Maloney.
Garden and Climate Action: Sam Meister and Sylvia Kim Kilcullen. Co-lead or additional support wanted.
International Night: Lead or co-leads wanted. An established event playbook is available.
Kindermixers and New Families: Loretta Garza and Katie Garfinkel. Additional volunteers and ideas welcome.
Lost & Found / Evanston School Children’s Clothing Association (ESCCA): Stephanie Maloney, Tara Whitaker, and Lauren Martin.
PTA Equity Project (PEP): Liz Ribeiro. Additional representatives or co-leads wanted.
Rummage Sale: Katie Garfinkel and Mari Garvonado. Event volunteers needed.
Teacher Appreciation: Sarah Trulley and Loretta Garza.
WalkerFest: Erin Ellison and Amanda Hulse. Event volunteers welcome.
Yearbook: Darlena Simmons. A co-lead is sought to learn the role and support future succession; additional volunteers welcome.

Interested families were encouraged to contact walkerptagroup@gmail.com. Prior PTA experience is not required, and families may participate in ways that fit their availability.

8. Upcoming Events

Rummage Sale — Saturday, September 19, 2026

The sale is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Volunteer support is needed. The following planned volunteer hours were shared, with hours subject to extension based on event needs:

Thursday, September 17: 4:00–7:00 p.m.
Friday, September 18: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 19: 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

National Walk to School Day — Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Participation plans were being confirmed. Additional information will be shared with families.

9. Member Questions, Follow-Ups, and Adjournment

Community Volunteer Support: A local rugby team offered to provide volunteers for upcoming PTA events. The Executive Committee will identify appropriate opportunities and coordinate next steps.

Teacher Lounge: Mr. Rubin relayed a request to explore adding a hot- and cold-water dispenser to the teacher lounge. Katie Garfinkel will follow up with Ms. Wharton regarding feasibility and next steps.

The meeting adjourned at 6:39 p.m.

Next PTA Meeting

Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. | Virtual via Zoom

Meeting access information will be shared through Principal Gray’s family email and the PTA’s social media channels.

Post-Meeting Administrative Notes

Co-President Election: The election was subsequently planned for the November 11, 2026 meeting, with Jami Arceneaux as the nominee. The October 14 meeting falls 29 days after September 15, so members who joined on September 15 would not have completed 30 days of membership by the October meeting.

Meeting Minute Archive:

February 19th, 2026

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZQhjD40l4RdX5UhhaPgJulzzGQTEdsW1/view?usp=sharing

Remainder of 2025-2026 to follow.

2024-2025 School Year

May 19, 2025 Meeting Minutes

April 21, 2025 Meeting Minutes

March 17, 2025 Meeting Minutes

February 24, 2025 Meeting Minutes

January 27, 2025 Meeting Minutes

December 18, 2024 Meeting Minutes

November 18, 2024 Meeting Minutes