April 2026

NEXT PTO MEETING: Tuesday, May 12th at 6:30pm.

IN PERSON @ VHE in the library. Zoom link HERE

This is a long email! Make sure to expand your email to view the whole message. You'll see a singing hedgehog at the end!

www.VanHisePTO.org

April Newsletter Items Include:

• After-School Enrichment Update
• 4/14: Noodles & Co. FUNdraising
• 4/18: Garden Clean Up, Volunteer Needed
• 4/21 - 5/28: Class Volunteers needed for Rooted Garden Education Program
• 4/21: Shake Shack Fundraising Night 4-8pm
• 4/22: Baptiste Paul Author Visit 2:25-3:10 PM
• 4/24: Deadline to order additional yearbook
• 5/4-5/8: Teacher Appreciation Week (watch for more updates!)
• 5/8: No School, Staff Only Day
• 5/12: PTO Meeting Tuesday 6:30 PM at VHE Library
• 5/16: VHE Forward Madison Soccer Game

Important: After-School Enrichment

Due to new district mandates regarding facility fees and insurance, the PTO cannot guarantee after-school enrichment classes for the 2026-2027 school year.

• Current Status: All Spring 2026 classes will continue as scheduled through May/June.
• Action Needed: Please make alternative childcare plans for the fall of 2026-2027.
• Next Steps: The PTO is actively investigating solutions and will issue a detailed statement before September.

Thank you to the volunteers and teachers who make these programs possible. Your support remains vital as we navigate these changes.

Noodles & Co. Fundraiser: Dinner Made Easy

When: Tuesday, April 14th, 4-8 PM

Skip the cooking and dive into a bowl of Wisconsin Mac & Cheese or protein packed Pesto Cavatappi & chicken! It’s the ultimate "easy button" for dinner—get a delicious meal via dine-in, pickup, or delivery while supporting our school.

How to Support VHE:

• Participating location: 3600 University Ave. Madison, WI 53705
• Dining in: Mention Van Hise Elementary Fundraising when ordering
• Order Online: Log in to your Noodles Rewards account (or create one) and enter code GIVING25 at checkout. A portion of every meal goes directly to the PTO!

Spring Garden Clean-Up

When: Saturday, April 18th, 10 AM-1 PM

(Rain Date: Sunday, April 19th, 10 AM-1 PM)

Where: Meet at the garden shed (Waukesha St. side)

Help us get our outdoor spaces ready for the Rooted garden classes! Whether you can stay for twenty minutes or the whole morning, we need community hands to make this happen. Families and children are encouraged to join—snacks will be provided!

Activities include:

• Adding soil nutrients & mulching the Butterfly Habitat path
• Pruning trees and picking up litter
• Questions? Email Elyse Ford at emford@madison.k12.wi.us.

Rooted Garden Class Helpers Wanted

The student-favorite Rooted program is back! This is a PTO funded, hands-on agriculture education to ALL VHE students. Our kids are so excited to spend more time outdoors, and we need your help to make it happen. Please scan the QR code or click the button below to sign up.

From 4/21 to 5/28, we need volunteers for multiple 30-minute planting sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

• No Gardening Experience Needed
• Flexible Timing: Stay for one 30-minute session or several between 1-3 PM
• Requirements: Must be a Level 2 MMSD Approved Volunteer
• Logistics: Must sign in at the office and meet the class in the gardens near Waukesha Street/the library

April 21st | 4 - 8 PM

Use code DONATE online or tell the cashier it is for the Van Hise PTO to ensure 25% of your purchase goes directly to the VHE PTO!

Order Additional Yearbooks

Every Van Hise student automatically receives one free copy of the 2025-2026 yearbook (designed by our 5th grade after school Yearbook Class!).

If you would like to purchase additional copies for $15 each, please click order here below. If you only need the one free copy, no action is required.

• Deadline: Friday, April 24 (No late orders possible)

Next PTO meeting

All are welcome to the PTO meeting on May 12. We will be meeting in the VHE Library at 6:30 PM. Childcare is available during the meeting.



We invite all to join us in person. We will also stream the meeting from 6:30 - 7:05 PM over Zoom. At 7:05 PM we will switch to in-person conversations.

VHE Night at Forward Madison Soccer

When: Saturday, May 16. Gates open at 4:00 PM, game begins 5:00 PM

Where: Breese Stevens Field

Join us for a night of soccer!

• RSVP by May 7th
• Students: Every VHE student gets one FREE ticket.
• Adults: $20 per ticket ($5 goes back to the PTO!).
• How to Buy: Click the link below to purchase ticket and use code Vanhise.
• Note: Families with multiple VHE students must call 608-204-0855 to claim all free student tickets.

Hedgestock is back! | Thursday, May 26

Hedgestock is our all-school arts event that happens each year in May!

Things to know:

1. This is an outdoor event. Dress accordingly. Rain Date is 5/28/26

2. There will be an all school concert - 2:30-3:00 PM, outside

3. Starting at 4 PM other events will include a talent show, 5th grade maker market, book making, bubble zone, ice cream (5-6 PM), and more!

Stay tuned for additional updates and opportunities to get involved.

Brought to you by the VHE Specials Team and The Hedgestock Helpers

You've reached the end.

We hope to see you on Tuesday, May 12th at the PTO meeting!

Check www.vanhisepto.org for updates.