Canyon Ranch Elementary PTO Board Meeting Minutes

Date: Monday, October 5, 2026

Time: 5:15 p.m.

Location: CRE Cafeteria, with Zoom participation

Participants: PTO Executive Board; Principal Ashley Minton and school administration; coordinators; volunteers; and PTO members

Prepared by: Ravi Chaubey, CRE PTO Secretary

Distribution: CRE PTO Executive Board and General Membership

Meeting Summary

The meeting focused on the Coyote $25K Challenge, school and district updates, business sponsorships, playground equipment concerns, UIL and spirit wear progress, Trunk or Treat planning, and the teacher grant process. The $25K Challenge had raised $15,280, or 61.12% of its goal, with 181 student participants reported. Trunk or Treat on October 22 remains the next major community event.

Fundraising and Finance

Coyote 25K Challenge

• The campaign total was $15,280, or 61.12% of the $25,000 goal. Four additional envelopes had not yet been included.
• Tracking showed 181 student entries, with family participation lower than desired.
• Most contributions were online; envelopes supported families who preferred paper forms.
• A final printed reminder and more frequent updates after fall break were discussed.
• Pajama Day is scheduled for October 13 for surpassing the $10,000 milestone.
• The fundraiser deadline is October 16; no extension decision was made.

Business Sponsorships

• Total sponsorships: $3,250, with $250 expected from Raising Cane's.
• Sponsorships are tracked separately unless tied to employer matching for the challenge.
• A new soccer net was delivered; UIL coach shirts were purchased.

School and District Updates

• Coppell ISD reported 49 National Merit Semifinalists and seven perfect ACT/SAT scores.
• Adult volunteers are sought to lead Friday passion groups.
• The Pack Rally on October 7 ends the first nine weeks; report cards follow fall break.
• Fall break: October 8, 9, and 12; staff learning days on October 8 and 9.
• Upcoming dates include Trunk or Treat (Oct. 22), Red Ribbon Week, and conference days.
• Coppell ISD ranked No. 1 in Dallas County by Niche for the second year.
• District events include a bus tour, playdate, tailgate, and Scare on the Square.

Playground and Facility Use

• Equipment has been damaged during community use, including a removed basketball net.
• Camera coverage has helped identify older students involved in incidents.
• Parents were asked to reinforce respectful equipment use.
• Formal groups should reserve district facilities; cricket signage options were discussed.

Program and Event Updates

Homecoming, UIL, and Spirit Wear

• CRE participated in the September 23 parade with a Disney-themed float supported by a $500 sponsorship.
• UIL tryouts begin October 17; the event is November 14; a $380 program budget was approved.
• Some tryouts will be hosted in homes due to facility shortages.
• Spirit wear second order includes 73 shirts, with delivery starting October 13.

Trunk or Treat

• Committee communication occurs via WhatsApp and written minutes.
• Two Candy Monster collection boxes were committed.
• Arya's Kitchen and Shave Ice confirmed as vendors, offering 15% giveback; teachers receive a 20% snack discount from Arya's Kitchen.
• Gold sponsors received booths; Heartfulness will offer free henna.
• Bounce house and fire department participation pending.
• Youth volunteer target: ~50 students, coordinated before event day.
• Teacher trunks remain free; other games use tickets.
• The event is designed to remain affordable, with a goal of cost coverage.

Teacher Grants

A simple grant form will open after the $25K Challenge. Principal Minton will review submissions. Past requests included flexible seating, instructional tools, book sets, and garden supplies.

Recognition

• Chandrika Kota was recognized as the September 2026 Volunteer of the Month.

Decisions and Agreements

• Business sponsorships tracked separately unless linked to an employee match.
• Teacher trunk activities will be free; other games may require tickets.
• Youth volunteers must be assigned roles before the event.
• Teacher grants will open after the fundraiser and require school approval.
• No formal motions or votes were recorded.

Action Items

Next Meeting

Virtually - Thursday, November 12, 2026. Meeting time and format will be shared separately.