Originally delivered on 11/17/2025 8:19 am

SUBJECT: Stevens Superstar Spotlight | November 2025, Issue #1

Superstar Spotlight: Illuminating News from Stevens PTA | November 2025, Issue #1

As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to share my appreciation for our amazing Stevens families, staff, and volunteers. Your support, enthusiasm, and teamwork make every event and initiative possible.

Thank you for showing up in so many ways for our students. I hope this season brings your family rest, connection, and plenty of joy. Happy Thanksgiving!


— Nichole Harrell, PTA President

November PTA Meeting Recap

Our November meeting covered several key updates and celebrations! ⭐ Thank you to Jen Salisbury for another fantastic Book Fair and to Marian Eck and the Monster Mash team for what may have been our biggest turnout yet. The PTA also approved adding a budget line to hire an accountant and file a tax extension.

The Board of Education shared that the district has officially passed a new AI policy and launched an AI steering committee. The superintendent search has begun — letters of interest may be sent to HR Director Dacey Bonney. Lunch flow continues to improve, with added staff support and prepackaged Uncrustables easing concerns.

Principal Vacca reported that lunch timing is improving, Student Council has been selected, and the Dan Santat author visit was a huge hit. Veterans Day Breakfast and the SPAC dance residency are coming up, and dismissal feedback will be reviewed at this month’s Building Council meeting.

On the committee front

🥧 Holiday Pie Fundraiser — Pickup on 11/24 (4–7 PM) at Stevens
📸 Picture Retakes — took place November 12 (permission slips required).
🎁 Wrapping Paper/Catalog Fundraiser — Orders due 11/18; distributed 12/16–12/17.
📚 Book Fair — Earned over $8,000 in sales; PTA received 50%. Spring BOGO Fair recommended.
🧣 Warm Hearts, Warm Hands — Collecting winter gear for students in need.
🧻 Toilet Paper Drive — Supporting First New York’s annual collection.
🥳 5th Grade Party — Planning is underway; Pizza Works discount cards on sale.
🎨 Art to Remember — Moving forward for spring.
Ski Club — Registration remains open.

Mark your calendars for upcoming events, including the Parent Social at Galway Rock Winery on 11/20, Family Movie Night on 12/5 featuring The Grinch, and the Santa Drive-Thru at BH-BL High School on 12/2. Plus, save the date for miSci Science Night on January 22!

📄 Read the full meeting minutes here.

Pizza Works Fundraisers – Support Our 5th Graders!

Join us at Pizza Works in Burnt Hills on Tuesday, November 18 from 3–8 PM for our Dine to Donate event. Whether you dine in or drive thru, a portion of your order goes directly toward the 5th grade year-end celebration. Bring family and friends—no flyer or promo code needed!

And while you’re in the Pizza Works spirit…

🍕 Pizza Works Discount Cards – On Sale Now! 

Support the Stevens 5th Graders and their year-end celebration by purchasing a Pizza Works Discount Card for just $10. Each card includes over $75 in savings and never expires, making it an easy holiday gift or stocking stuffer! 🎁

🗓️ On sale now through November 26
📬 Delivered mid-December

Treat yourself (and your friends!) while helping our 5th graders celebrate in style. 

Last week to donate!

We’ve teamed up with First New York FCU, our student banking sponsor, for their annual Toilet Paper Drive. We’re collecting rolls through November 21 to support Catholic Charities Tri-County Services.

Stevens earns 25¢ for every roll, so every donation helps twice!
Drop your rolls in the bin located in the Stevens vestibule.


Questions or want to help? Contact Kimberly Heikaus at kheikaus@gmail.com

💰 Student Banking Needs Volunteers!

Our School Banking Program with First New York FCU is going strong, and we need a few more volunteers to help on Thursday mornings from 8:20–9:00 AM in the cafeteria. It’s a simple, fun way to support our students as they learn to save.

If you can spare even one Thursday a month, we’d love to have you!

Contact Kimberly Heikaus at kheikaus@gmail.com if interested. 

Winter Clothing Support is Here!

Our Warm Hearts, Warm Hands program is back to support our fellow Stevens Superstars! If your student(s) could use warm clothing—such as coats, snow pants, gloves, and more— for the upcoming winter season, please fill out the form below.

Rest assured, all family information is kept completely confidential. We're here to help keep everyone cozy this winter!

Complete the secure and confidential form here. Reach out to Makenzie Bobrow at mstahler@bhbl.org with any questions.

December

12/3: Building Council, 3:20pm, Library

12/4: PTA Meeting, 6:30PM, Library

12/5: Family Movie Night

12/12: Holiday Shop

January

1/6: PTA Meeting, 6:30PM, Library

1/7: Building Council, 3:20pm, Library

1/8: Stevens Music Concerts

1/22: Science Night, MiSci

1/30: Popcorn Friday, sponsored by Mohawk Honda


View the full Stevens PTA Calendar

November

11/18: SEPTA Meeting, 6:30pm, High School

11/19: K-5 World's Fair, 6-7:30pm, High School Cafeteria

11/20: Conference Day. Half Day K-12

11/21: Conference Day. Half Day, K-5

11/26-11/28: Thanksgiving Holiday Recess, No School

December

12/10: Half Day, K-12

12/10: Board of Ed Meeting, 6:30pm, high School

12/14: Hanukkah begins

12/17-18: School Bus Drill

12/22-1/2: Holiday Recess, No School

12/25: Christmas

12/26: Kwanzaa begins


View the full BH-BL District Calendar

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