February 2026

NEXT PTO MEETING: Tuesday, March 10th 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

REMINDER: The Van Hise Glow Dance is TONIGHT

6-8 PM

The PTO hopes all Van Hise families will join us for a fun and FREE dance.

All kids must have an adult on site. This is not a drop off event.

The gym will be split - 1/2 for running and 1/2 for dancing.

Quiet activities, coat storage and water will be available in the cafeteria.

February Newsletter Items Include:

• PTO Meeting Tuesday, March 10
• Carnival Is Coming
• February Events
• Updates from the School Social Worker
• Updates from Physical Education
• MMSD News
• Hedgie Gear
• Spring Conferences
• Garden and Green Spaces
• After School Classes
• Upcoming Reminders: Direct Appeal + Shake Shack

We Welcome YOU!

Our next PTO Meeting is Tuesday, March 10th.



Join us for our next PTO meeting in March where we will review and approve Spring 2026 grant applications.

The VHE PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) is a volunteer-run organization that works to engage our school community and enhance classroom learning by providing volunteer and monetary support to a broad range of events and projects that benefit students, teachers and families. All are members.

Please send any questions or agenda items to prez@vanhisepto.org.

We are looking for volunteers for the 2026-2027 year. Please reach out to prez@vanhisepto.org with questions or to learn more.

If you want to be contacted about opportunities to volunteer or have specific availability or interests, please consider submitting a volunteer interest form. 

If you have any feedback or thoughts about how to engage this year - please use the Hedgie Feedback Form.

You can also visit the VHE PTO sign-up genius page to see what opportunities are available to support our school community. 

If you plan to volunteer with VHE, MMSD requires volunteers at school-based events involving kids (including field trips) to be approved. Please work through the MMSD volunteer page to get approved or check your current status.

Carnival Raffle Sign-up

Please fill out this form by February 27th if you have a donation for the carnival raffle. Funds generated from the raffle and carnival Proceeds from the raffle support staff grants, after school programming, shirts and yearbooks for all students, and more.

Carnival Volunteer Sign-up

The carnival is our biggest volunteer event of the year. Please sign up here to help.

Events at a Glance | FEBRUARY

February 6

Read Your Heart Out (school day)

and

PTO Glow Dance (6-8 PM)

February 17

Shake Shack Fundraiser (11 AM - 9 PM)

February 20

NO SCHOOL

March 2 and 3

Spring Conferences

NO SCHOOL

March 10

PTO Meeting

In response to recommendations and requests from families, we have created a public PTO calendar (click to subscribe). Please let us know what you’d like to see included.



Updates from the School Social Worker

VHE RESOURCE ROOM: The VHE Resource Room was created to help our community alleviate any financial stressors that they are facing. We want all of our students to have access to some basic needs so they can engage in academic, social and play activities at school. This is available to the entire VHE community. 

Families can put in one request per month using this form. Requests will be accepted until the school year ends or supplies run out.This program is made possible by the generosity of our community. Please request only what you need so we can support as many families as possible. There are no requirements or questions asked to access the resource room. Once you have completed the form, please allow one week to receive the supplies. 

Information is confidential and not shared. School Social Worker, Amy Robel, manages the requests and the resource room.

Updates from PE

Kids Heart Challenge is Coming!

Starting March 9th - 20th, students will be jumping rope in PE. Students will learn about heart health and ways they could save lives. Mrs. Zimmerman is partnering with the American Heart Association and is excited to help create a community of lifesavers and is asking you to join her. Sign up to receive a wristband!

This year, VHE has an important goal to have 100% of our families learn the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR! It only takes a few minutes to learn, and it can make all the difference in an emergency.

1. Sign Up for Kids Heart Challenge by downloading the free “AHA Schools” app for Apple or Android or by clicking HERE.
2. Be a hero: Send 10 texts TODAY to help save lives.
3. Complete Finn’s Mission: Complete all 7 steps, learn Hands-Only CPR, and be entered to win two Super Bowl tickets!

By signing up and raising funds, you can help PE earn gift certificates for physical activity and recess equipment to support the health & wellness of our school community.  

Let’s work together to create a community of lifesavers. Thank you for your support in helping us achieve this incredible goal.

Spring Conferences are Coming!

Spring Conferences are Monday, March 2 and Tuesday, March 3.

The Hedgestock talent show sign-up will be available during Spring Conferences.

During Spring Conferences, the PTO organizes potluck meals to show appreciation for our hardworking teachers and staff.

Sign up here to help.

REMINDER: There is no school on March 2 and 3.

Van Hise Spiritwear

Are you interested in helping design spiritwear for VHE? If so, please contact communications@vanhisepto.org.

Garden and Green Spaces Team Updates

The Garden and Green Spaces Team is recruiting for the following volunteer opportunities:

• Summer Gardeners 
• Summer Gardener Coordinator(s)
• Administrative Support
• Team Members

Upcoming VHE PTO Garden and Green Spaces Events -

• Wednesday, April 8th (5PM - 6PM) - Garden and Green Spaces Team Meeting in the VHE Library
• Saturday, April 18th (10AM - 1PM) - Spring Workday (rain date Sunday, April 19)

After School Classes

We continue to work to find long term solutions to maintain the after school program at Van Hise.

Please complete this survey to help us better understand what the program means to you.

If you are interested in problem solving together, you may submit your contact information at the end of the survey.

More information about April - June programming will be available soon.



2025-2026 Direct Appeal

We are so grateful to everyone who has contributed to the direct appeal. You can still contribute as we work toward our goal. We have only raised about 25% of our total goal.

Due to district changes to how we operate, we have had to adjust our operating budget to account for more than $12,000 of unexpected facilities and insurance-related expenses. This means our annual direct appeal is even more important to give us the resources to support our Van Hise community.

Funds raised from this appeal will give us the opportunity to continue supporting favorite events as well as the ability to introduce new ones. Funds are used to support all staff, build classroom libraries, and remain rooted in equity.

Tuesday, February 17

11 AM - 9 PM

The PTO receives 25% of total meal purchases throughout the day.

You've reached the end.

We hope to see you at the dance tonight (2/6) and on Tuesday, 3/10 at the PTO meeting!

Check www.vanhisepto.org for updates.