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

Brooklyn Avenue School PTA Meeting Minutes

Date: March 2026 | Time: 7:10 PM – 8:08 PM

Location: Brooklyn Avenue School

1. Call to Order

• Meeting officially called to order at 7:10 PM.

• Approval of Minutes: Previous minutes were not distributed via email; approval is deferred to the next meeting.

2. Guest Speakers & Presentations

• Advocacy: Anthony Cruz presented on effective strategies for student advocacy.

• Administration Update (Dr. Comis):

  • Installation of air conditioning and security doors is beginning.

  • Staff and Principal professional development is ongoing.

  • Expressed gratitude to the PTA for their continued support.

3. Financial Report (Treasurer)

• Current Standing:

  • Income: $3,800

  • Expenses: $2,100

  • Current Balance: $11,500 (Note: This total will decrease by $4,000 following the final settlement of the holiday boutique disagreement).

• Donations: Special thanks to Joe and Kim for their contributions to the Holiday event.

4. Committee Reports

• Membership: Current count is 150 members; 9 more are needed to reach the annual goal.

• 6th Grade Committee:

  • Popcorn Sale: $8,000 in total sales, resulting in a $4,000 profit.

  • Upcoming: Car wash planning and the return of blacktop snack sales as weather permits.

• Fundraising & Rewards:

  • School Cents: BAS currently holds 1st place.

  • Box Tops: Ongoing progress toward the goal.

  • Pizza Fundraiser: Taking place this week in memory of Jimmy Mitchell.

5. Upcoming Events

• Raise Craze: Scheduled for next month.

• Planetarium Trip: June 8.

• TBD: Swim Safety and Kindness Assembly (dates to be finalized).

6. New Business & Board Nominations

• The Board presented descriptions of PTA roles.

• The Nominating Committee provided an overview of the election process.

7. Adjournment

• Next Meeting: April 21 at 7:00 PM (In-person). Note: Voting for the new Board will take place at this meeting.

• Closing: Amber motioned to close, seconded by Raj.

• Meeting adjourned at 8:08 PM.

Brooklyn Avenue School PTA

General Membership Meeting Minutes — April 21, 2026

Call to Order: 7:15 PM

Adjournment: 7:39 PM

Chair: Erica Leap (Co-President)

Minutes Prepared By: Rachael Aiello (Corresponding Secretary), acting in the absence of Nicole Carolo (Recording Secretary)

Quorum: Established

I. Approval of Past Minutes

• The meeting minutes from January 2026 and March 2026 were reviewed.

• Motion to Approve: Rachael Aiello; Seconded: Annette Matthew. Motion carried.

II. Executive Board & Administrative Reports

• President’s Report (Erica Leap):

  • A brief update was given on recent school community events, noting that both the Pizza Lunch and the Easter Egg Hunt were highly successful.

• Treasurer’s Report:

  • The checking account balance at the end of March stood at $11,349.17.

  • The current balance is lower following the clearance of several checks throughout April.

  • Active fundraising efforts are ongoing; the organization expects to receive approximately $3,500 from the School Cents program and is seeing strong momentum from ice cream sales.

• Administration & Faculty Updates:

  • Teacher Representative (Ms. St. Jean): Announced that air conditioning units are scheduled to be installed soon. Extended thanks for the successful Easter Egg Hunt and noted that upcoming field trips, including a visit to Barrett Park, are being finalized.

  • Principal's Report: Dr. Comis extended his formal apologies for being unable to attend the meeting due to a prior family obligation.

III. Committee Reports & Ongoing Fundraisers

• Nominating Committee (2026–2027 Executive Board Slate):

  • The proposed leadership slate for the upcoming school year was presented as follows:

• • President: Erica Leap

  • Vice President, Ways & Means: Annette Matthew

  • Vice President, Programming: Robin Davson

  • Vice President, Membership: Annette Dookeran

  • Corresponding Secretary: Rachael Aiello

  • Recording Secretary: Nicole Carollo

  • Parent Delegate: Shallon Issacs

  • The following positions are currently vacant due to a lack of nominations received:

  • Treasurer

  • Parent Delegate (2)

• Fundraising:

• School Cents: The program officially closes on April 30. Final rankings and awards will be presented on June 6.

• Box Tops for Education (BTFE): Current earnings are at $421 toward the annual goal of $608.

• Membership: 

• Current enrollment is at 152 members, just shy of the year-end goal of 157 members.

• 6th Grade Committee:

  • Snack sales will be returning soon.

  • A Car Wash fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, May 30.

  • Sixth-grade student photos have been successfully completed.

IV. Upcoming Student Programs & Assemblies

The PTA is coordinating the following student enrichment programs:

• Raise Craze Kickoff/Assembly: Target dates are April 30 or May 1.

• STEAM Program: Anticipated for mid-May.

• Planetarium Experience: Scheduled for June 8.

• Water Safety Presentation: Scheduled for June 15.

V. Delegate & District Council Updates

• District Council Report: Members of the Board of Education from all local districts attended the latest Council meeting.

• VSCHSD Block Party (June 13): The Valley Stream Central High School District is hosting a community block party. Each individual PTA unit is invited to set up an informational or activity table.

• Clothing Bins Initiative: Contact Joosoo Kim for more information regarding this fundraising opportunity.

VI. Calendar of Upcoming Events & Key Dates

Date

Event / Activity

• April 23

• District Budget Presentation (Zoom Preview)

• April 30

• School Cents Program Closes

• May 4

• Full Public Budget Presentation

• May 4–8

• Teacher Appreciation Week (TAW)

• May 15

• Spring Photo Day

• May 19

• School Budget Vote & Board of Education Election

• May 29

• Scholastic Book Fair

• May 30

• 6th Grade Car Wash

• June 6

• School Cents Final Rankings Announced

• June 8

• Planetarium Assembly

• June 11

• End-of-Year BBQ

• June 11

• District Drama Production

• June 13

• VSCHSD Community Block Party

• June 15

• Water Safety Assembly

• June 28

• 3rd Annual BAS Family Fun Day at Citi Field (150 tickets total; priority given first to PTA members, then to non-member families and staff).

• TBD

• Spring Flowers Fundraiser

• TBD

• Founders Day / Executive Board Installation Dinner

• TBD

• May PTA General Meeting

VII. Adjournment

• Motion to Adjourn: Meaghan Fleming; Seconded: Annette Matthew.

• The meeting was officially adjourned at 7:39 PM.

Brooklyn Avenue School PTA

General Unit Meeting Minutes

Date: June 2, 2026

Time: 7:15 PM – 8:01 PM

Location: In-Person Only (Brooklyn Avenue School)

I. Call to Order & Opening Exercises

• Call to Order: The final meeting of the school year was called to order by President Erica Leap at 7:15 PM.

• Quorum Status: Quorum was initially not established at the start of the meeting.

• Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.

II. Approval of Minutes

• April 2026 Minutes: A motion to approve the minutes from the April meeting was made by Annette M. and seconded by Shallon I. Motion carried.

III. Administration & Faculty Reports

• Principal’s Report (Dr. Scott Comis):

  • Shared updates on upcoming and recent school events.

  • Proposed a "Sing Along" event for the upcoming 2026–2027 school year.

  • Shared data on student progress and notable achievements regarding the NWEA assessments.

  • Announced ongoing efforts/attempts for the PTA to secure an after-school student enrichment program for the 2026–2027 school year.

• Teacher Representative Report (Ms. St. Jean):

  • Reported that both teachers and students thoroughly loved the recent educational assemblies.

  • Noted that teachers expressed a strong desire to keep using the current student agendas/planners.

IV. Financial Reports (Treasurer's Report)

• Account Balances: The unit started the month of April with approximately $8,730 and concluded the month of May with approximately $14,630.

• Active Fundraisers:

  • Raise Craze: Brought in approximately $4,800 in total revenue (against an initial stretch goal of $6,500).

• Passive Fundraisers: Reported as doing very well across the board.

  • School Cents: Brooklyn Avenue School remains firmly in 1st Place.

  • Box Tops for Education: Year-to-date earnings currently sit at $429.

V. Committee & Program Reports

• Student Programming Updates:

  • Grades 4–6: Received the Robotics/Robots program.

  • Grades K–3: Participated in the Mad Science program.

  • Upcoming Planetarium Event: Scheduled for June 8th.

  • Swim Assembly: Scheduled for June 15th.

  • Mrs. Lazon Celebration: Scheduled for June 23rd.

• Installation Dinner: Scheduled for June 23rd, to be hosted in partnership with Palm Grill, a Rockaway Avenue new establishment. Keeping the dinner local and supporting a Village establishement after many years of holding it elsewhere.

• Sixth Grade Parents Club: Members reviewed and went over the full itinerary of end-of-year events for the graduating class.

• Year-in-Review: The board provided a comprehensive review of the year's successful givebacks, passive fundraisers, and active fundraising campaigns.

VI. Unfinished Business & Elections

• Quorum Update: Quorum was officially established later in the meeting.

• 2026–2027 Executive Board Election: The proposed leadership slate for the 2026–2027 PTA Board was formally presented to the membership. A vote was held, and the slate officially passed.

VII. Delegated Reports

• Parent Delegate / Council Report:

  • Announced that the District Council has successfully voted on and finalized their upcoming board.

  • Shared collective insights from the council meeting, where various district schools shared localized strategies and events that worked well this year.

VIII. Upcoming Events & Important Dates

• June 11, 2026: School BBQ & The Little Mermaid Jr. Performance

• June 16, 2026: BOGO (Buy One, Get One) Book Fair

• June 28, 2026: 3rd Annual BAS Family Fun Day at the NY Mets Game (Citi Field)

IX. Adjournment

• With no further business on the floor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:01 PM.

Minutes submitted by: Rachael Aiello in place of Nicole Carollo who was unable to attend meeting.