Brooklyn Avenue School PTA
Unit Meeting Minutes
Date: June 12, 2025
Location: Virtual Meeting via MS Teams
Meeting Start: 7:10 PM
Members Present: 14

1. Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance

• The meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM.
  
  

• The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
  
  

• A quorum was established.
  
  

2. Year-in-Review

• Robin discussed the PTA’s successes throughout the school year.
  
  

• Erica highlighted the impact of our fundraising efforts and givebacks:
  
  

  • 23 givebacks to 7 fundraisers this year — exceeding the 3:1 giveback-to-fundraiser ratio recommended by National PTA.
    
    

3. Treasurer’s Report

• Zonja presented the Treasurer’s Report through June 15th and reviewed the May Reconciliation:
  
  

  • Discussed changes made to the reconciliation.
    
    

  • Noted that most expenses occurred in May and June.
    
    

  • Projected year-end balance: $6,717.00.
    
    

4. Membership Update

• Robin reported on behalf of Priya:
  
  

  • The PTA ended the year with 147 members.
    
    

  • Although short of the State goal, the goal for 2025–2026 is to increase membership.
    
    

5. Board Transition

• Robin and Rachael thanked the outgoing Board for their service.
  
  

• Discussed the incoming Board for 2025–2026.
  
  

6. Committee Updates

• 6th Grade Committee: Not present; no updates provided.
  
  

• Founders Dinner: Mrs. Rappaport was honored in May and expressed her gratitude.
  
  

7. Teacher Representative’s Report

• Mrs. Carter spoke on behalf of the teachers:
  
  

  • Thanked the PTA for their hard work and generosity throughout the year.
    
    

  • Announced that Mrs. Panzo, Mrs. Bernstein, and Mrs. Calameiong earned tenure at the BOE meeting on June 11th.
    
    

8. BOE Update

• Robin congratulated Annette Mathew on her Board of Education win in May.
  
  

• The BAS community is thrilled to have representation on the BOE once again.
  
  

9. Closing Remarks

• Rachael thanked everyone for their support during her two years as Co-President:
  
  

  • Expressed her gratitude for serving alongside Annette and Robin.
    
    

  • Announced she will co-chair the 6th Grade Committee next year with Nicole Carollo.
    
    

10. Meeting Adjournment

• Motion to Adjourn: Made by Erica.
  
  

• Seconded by: Kim Kwabi.
  
  

Meeting Adjourned: 7:41 PM. 

Brooklyn Avenue School PTA

Unit Meeting Minutes

Brooklyn Avenue School PTA
Date: September 18, 2025
Location: 24 Brooklyn Avenue, Library
Meeting Start: 7:12 PM
Members Present: 21

Call to Order
The regular meeting of the Brooklyn Avenue School PTA was called to order by Co-President Erica Leap at 7:12 p.m. A quorum was present.
In the absence of the Recording Secretary, the Correspondence Secretary was appointed to serve as secretary pro tem.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Introductions
Co-Presidents Erica Leap and Robin introduced themselves. The agenda was distributed, including the announcement of the new website (www.baspta.org).

Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the June 2025 meeting were approved as presented. Motion by Amber, second by Kim. Motion carried.

Executive Board Introduction
Erica introduced the members of the Executive Board.

Reports of Officers and Committees

• Membership – Annette Dookeran reported on membership growth and announced a raffle prize of dinner for two at Panera. The PTA’s state membership goal is 157; the internal goal is 200.
  
  

• Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer Raj Mohabir reported the following balances as of August 31, 2025:

  • Checking: $6,180.13

  • Money Market: $915.31

  • Savings: [balance not specified]

  • The proposed 2025–2026 budget in the amount of $23,012 was presented. Motion by Katie to adopt the proposed budget, seconded, and carried unanimously.

• School Cents – Report by Kim: goal is to maintain first place.

• Box Tops for Education – Report by Kim: nearly $600 earned in the prior year; goal is to surpass this.

• Programs – Report by Adeola Wright: a survey will be distributed to assess interest in programs.

• Parent Delegates – Report by Shallon: no updates.
  
  

Teacher’s Report
Mrs. Carter expressed appreciation for departmentalization and the new line-up signs. She praised the Book Fair and thanked the PTA for sharing funds with students. Staff are being encouraged to join the PTA.

Principal’s Report
Dr. Comis encouraged families to enjoy the school year. His stated goals for the year include:

• Increase in student achievement and growth

• State assessment participation above 70%

• Improvement in attendance and reduction of absenteeism

• Strengthening of MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports)

• Increased visibility of the principal on 5th Street and on Class Dojo
  
  

Additional updates included:

• Acknowledgement of passive fundraisers

• Facilities: addition of a kindergarten classroom and one sixth-grade classroom; two other sixth-grade classrooms furnished with conference tables

• Fall NWEA testing in progress; preparation for conferences underway

• Safety: new “No U-Turns / No Double Parking” signs provided by the Class of 2025
  
  

Questions addressed:

• Field trips: teachers encouraged to provide at least two per year

• MTSS process clarification

• Program staffing: preference for BAS staff

• Winter show: there will be a chorus and instrumental performance; a district drama club is in planning
  
  

Unfinished Business
None.

New Business
The Executive Board proposed the appointment of Amber Koiner to the position of Ways and Means Chair. Amber accepted the position.

Upcoming Events

• Completed: Meet the Teacher, Scholastic Book Fair

• Ongoing: Hispanic Heritage Month

• Upcoming: Game Night, Photo Day, National Custodian Day, Pumpkin Patch, Pizza Friday, Red Ribbon Week, Fall Festival, Trunk-or-Treat, Raise Craze, PARP, Movie Night, Winter Clothes Sale
  
  

Community Events
Centennial Parade; Jewelry Making Workshop; Chess Club; Library workshop on telescope use; Breast Cancer Walk/Run.

Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at [time not recorded]. Motion by Kim, second by Annette D. Motion carried.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Brooklyn Avenue School PTA

Unit Meeting Minutes

Date: October 28, 2025
Meeting Opened: 7:08 PM

Approval of Minutes

• Prior meeting minutes approved by: Kim (1st) and Raj (2nd)

Past Events Recap

• Game Night

• Pizza Day

• Pumpkin Patch

Guest Speakers

Meg Fleming – SEPTA

• Presented information about SEPTA and its role.

• Noted that there are 14 schools across all districts in Valley Stream.

• Explained SEPTA’s mission and goals.

Jose Paulino – Nassau PTA, Male Engagement

• Discussed initiatives to increase male involvement in PTA positions.

• Emphasized the importance of diverse voices, not just spouses participating.

• Shared plans to build community and encourage participation through engagement and raffles.

Daniella Aiello – Student Representative

• Promoted membership for Scouts Pack 367.

• Spoke about scout ranks and upcoming events.

President’s Report – Erica Leap

• Reviewed proposed PA 2025 Resolutions.

• Retentions: Presented; all in agreement.

• Updates: Presented; all in favor.

• Recessions: Presented; all in favor.

• All members in favor of changes presented.

• Unanimous vote in support of Resolution #1.

Treasurer’s Report – Raj

• Presented current account standings.

• Discussed fundraisers and projected sales.

• Reviewed the budget, noting the PTA is still expected to be in deficit but upcoming events will help reduce it.

• Pizza sales consist of three separate sales.

• Suggested securing juice box donations to reduce costs.

Fundraising – Kim

• School Cents: School is still in first place.

• Box Tops: Encouraged continued submissions.

Membership – Annette

• Echoed the goal of increasing male and student involvement.

• Current membership stands at 87%.

Programming – Adeola

• Red Ribbon Week is underway.

• Provided updates on the magician event and the Pumpkin Patch activities.

Parent Delegates – Joel

• Attended the monthly district-wide meeting.

• Shared updates on other schools’ events and opportunities to collaborate or adapt ideas.

6th Grade Committee – Rachael & Nicole

• Clothing Donation Drive scheduled for November 23rd.

• Pretzel/Churro Sale scheduled for October 31st on the blacktop.

• Election Day Bake Sale planned.

Principal’s Report – Dr. Comis

• Praised the Pumpkin Patch; pumpkins were a highlight.

• Election Day and Night Conferences are scheduled.

• Shared information on the Athletes to Athletes program from the high school.

• Discussed 6th grade language selection process.

• Reported successful evacuation drills.

• Commended security guards for their work.

• Student Council elections are in progress.

• Halloween Parade scheduled for Friday.

Teachers’ Report

• No report.

Upcoming November Events (Reported by Erica Leap)

• Raise Craze

• Movie Night

• Winter Apparel Sale

• PARP (Pick a Reading Partner)
  
  

Additional Community Notes

• Candy Shop offering weekend art classes.

• Cradle of Aviation: Spooky Science event.

• LICM: Pumpkin Smash event.

Meeting Adjourned

• Meeting concluded at: 8:09 PM

• Motion to close by: Kim

• Seconded by: Annette

Brooklyn Avenue School PTA

Unit Meeting Minutes

Meeting Date: January 20, 2026
Meeting Called to Order: 7:08 PM

Committee Updates & Reports

Nominating Committee

• A Nominating Committee needs to be created for the new board.

• Amber explained the purpose of the Nominating Committee and encouraged members to join.
  
  

Events Recap

• November, December, and January events were a huge success.

• Feedback was very positive; everyone had a great time.

• Holiday Santa greeting included a personalized bookmark and book.
  
  

Treasurer’s Report – Raj

• Current bank balance: $10,653.76

Fundraising Report – Kim

• Passive fundraising initiatives discussed:

  • School Cents

  • Box Tops
    
    

Membership Report – Annette

• Current membership: 139 members

• Goal: 157 members by the end of the year

• Continued focus on recruiting new members
  
  

Programming Report – Adeola

• More updates to come

• Needs to connect with Mrs. China to schedule programming
  
  

Parent Delegates

• No report
  
  

Principal’s Report – Dr. Comis

• Expressed appreciation for all the work the PTA continues to do

• Winter assessments are currently taking place

• Holy Trinity sold to Bethlehem Assembly of God; new owners met

• Building tours have occurred

• Elevator for BAS under review

• Air conditioning for BAS under review

• Security doors for BAS under review

• Thanked custodial staff for keeping snow cleanup well-maintained
  
  

6th Grade Committee Report

• Wooden roses on sale for Valentine’s Day

• BJS Restaurant fundraiser planned

• Reminder to pay dues

• Ashokan meeting scheduled for January 29 (remote)

• Reminder: baby pictures needed for the yearbook
  
  

Upcoming PTA Fundraisers

• Raise Craze

• P.S. I Love You Day

• Founders Day (planning in progress)

• Karaoke Night
  
  

Motions

• Motion to accept last month’s minutes: Rachael

• Seconded by: Annette Matthews

• Motion passed
  
  

Questions & Comments

Meg Flemming

• Raised concerns about how raised funds are being used, specifically regarding the Winter Dance

• PTA clarified that funds are used to pay for student gifts

• Requested more free after-school events
  
  

Rachael Aiello

• Congratulated 6th grade students on spelling bee winners and All-County recognition
  
  

Mrs. Joyce

• Thanked the PTA for the spelling bee décor
  
  

Adjournment

• Meeting concluded: 8:11 PM

• Motion to adjourn: Annette Matthews

• Seconded by: Annette Dookeran