CURRENT ISSUE: 11/1/2026
Embedded Files
What We've Been Up To...
What We've Been Up To...
Book Fair Wrap-Up
Book Fair Wrap-Up
Both the Intermediate and Primary Book Fairs were a big success! Thank you to all the volunteers who helped during the day and the families for supporting our students and schools.
Soup Sharing
Soup Sharing
The demand for the soup recipes shared at conference meals was so high, we wanted to share them with you all! Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter to find the Tuscan Soup recipe.
Volunteer Spotlight
Volunteer Spotlight
Meet Kerry Mead!
Meet Kerry Mead!
If you have a student at the Intermediate School, chances are they've been part of programming supported by our Literacy Liaison & Book Fair Lead, Kerry Mead!!
Kerry works closely with the ELA teachers at the Intermediate School to develop awesome games and challenges to build enthusiasm for reading. Most recently, Kerry coordinated the Scholastic Book Fair (October 19 - 21) for the Intermediate School. Behind the scenes, she worked with the staff to develop a schedule for the classes to visit, coordinated parent volunteers, and worked directly with Scholastic to order everything needed for the Fair. Kerry worked to get the Fair set up, and at its conclusion, made sure all the 'leftovers' were packed to return!
Outside of her PTO volunteer role, Kerry works full-time from home as a Project Manager in the hospitality industry. She has three kids, a husband, and a dog named Bowie!
We are so grateful for our incredible volunteers, including Kerry! Simply put, the PTO would not be able to do what we do without the engagement of our parent community!! THANK YOU, KERRY!!
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
PTO Social Gathering
PTO Social Gathering
Wednesday, November 11
6:00PM
Merton Village Hall
Theme: "Gratitude & Grains" Bread & Soup Bar
PTO will provide: simple soups
Optional: Attendees invited to bring crusty bread, rolls, or baked goods, or a soup of your own to share!
Culvers
Night
Culvers
Night
Wednesday, November 18
5:00 - 8:00PM
Culver's Hartland
Join us at Culver's! We are looking for volunteers -- click here to sign-up. Dinner made easy!
Wednesday, November 18
7:00PM
Virtual
These Virtual Planning & Logistics meetings are open to anyone to attend. They're virtual (online), so you can 'call' in from the comfort of home in your jammies.
This meeting is where the PTO team (and you!!) sorts out the details, coordination, and logistics of our Events & Activities.
Even if you're not a lead on an Event, we'd love for you to join us to see what's going on & how you can get involved.
No RSVP needed! If you can make it, we'd sure love to have you join us!
In Case You Missed It
In Case You Missed It
Thinking about getting more involved? PTO is looking for volunteers to lead these events! You can work solo or put together a team.
Primary VIP Dance Role:
Target audience: 4K - 4th Graders & their 'VIP' (Very Important Person(s))!
Pick a theme & order decorations
Choose fun activities for the kids
Work with the PTO marketing team to develop promotional materials
Schedule volunteers as needed
Be at the event from start to finish
Date has already selected & booked: Friday, January 22!
Want to help? Let's talk! Reach out:
hello@mertonpto.org
Intermediate-Only Dance Role:
Target audience: 5th - 8th Graders only, no parents allowed!!
Pick a theme & order decorations
Choose fun activities for the kids
Work with the PTO marketing team to develop promotional materials
Schedule volunteers as needed
Be at the event from start to finish
Date has already selected & booked: Friday, February 5!
Want to help? Let's talk! Reach out:
hello@mertonpto.org
Tuscan Soup
Tuscan Soup
Ingredients
1 lb ground Italian sausage
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 large sweet onion, diced
4 cloves minced garlic
¼ cup dry white wine or sherry
2 Tbsp flour
4 cups chicken stock
1 cup heavy cream
4 small russet potatoes, cubed or diced
14.5 oz can diced tomatoes – preferably fire roasted
2 cups kale – remove hard center rib, chop remaining leaves
¼ cup shredded Parmesan Reggiano
Directions
In large saucepan or Dutch oven, brown Italian sausage, combined with red pepper flakes if desired for a little more spice.
Add the onion and sauté until the onions are soft and turning translucent.
Add the garlic and sauté for one more minute.
Pour in the white wine or sherry to deglaze the pan and get all the good brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let that cook off for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the flour to make a thickening roux. Stir continuously for several minutes.
Add a small portion of the chicken stock and mix vigorously to break down the flour-based roux (otherwise you will end up with clumps). Continuing adding in small batches until you have a consistent liquid and have added all of the chicken stock.
Add the potatoes and diced tomatoes. Stir to mix. Bring to a light boil and then turn down to a simmer until potatoes are cooked through. Cook too long and the potatoes may start to fall apart.
Add the heavy cream. Stir to combine.
Add the kale. Keep on a simmer to heat the heavy cream through and wilt the kale.
Before serving add cheese to either the entire batch or reserve for garnish – or both.
Serve hot and ENJOY!
*This soup thickens when storing. When reheating you may need to add additional chicken stock or water to thin the soup out to the desired consistency.
Merton PTO
supporting Merton Primary School & Merton Intermediate School
N68 W28460 Sussex Road
Hartland, WI 53029
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