Minutes from April 15, 2010 Meeting

Gorman Fort Banks’ PTO Meeting Minutes
April 15, 2010
Board members in attendance:  Dawn Manning, Marcie Moline, Jill Dorr, Cindy Silva, Jodee Harris, Kristen Fainga’a and Jackie Drevos
Meeting was lead by Co-Presidents Marcie Moline and Dawn Manning.
Shannon Girard spoke about fundraising possibilities for next year.  She invited a representative from Genevieve’s and a representative from Meadow Farms Fundraising to the meeting.  Each representative spoke about their products and provided samples.  We listened to what each representative had to share but did not take a vote. A follow-up discussion will take place during the May PTO meeting.   

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT:
Mrs. Pearson was not able to attend this meeting.  Marcie Moline spoke on behalf of Mrs. Pearson.  Mrs. Pearson requested PTO funding for the kindergarten and first grade science curriculum focusing on butterflies and tadpoles.  $245.70 was approved to purchase butterflies, tadpoles and supplies. 
FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES
Marcie Moline lead the discussion on the final “Fort Fun Run” walkathon logistics.  There will be two stations set up for check in: one for pre-registered walkers and one for last minute joiners.  Debbi will be bringing the stickers and stamps for the event.  Cindy Silva and Georgeane Coleman will oversee the can/bottle drive logistics.  Jill Buccini, Kelly Parker and Kerri Kinsella have volunteered to assist with the bottle and can drive facilitation.  Chrissy will oversee the cell phone and Labels for Education table.  Kristen Fainga’a, Jackie Drevos and Shannon Girard will oversee the refreshment stand.  Dawn Manning will be bringing trash bags, sharpies, gloves, water and snacks.  There’s a possibility that the water will be donated by CVS.  Walkathon collections are due by April 30, 2010 and will be gathered by PTO treasurer, Jodee Harris. 

• Fliers will also be displayed during the Winthrop Art Association Art Exhibit at the senior center.
• As the Walkathon approaches, a Save the Date notice will be sent home
• Cindy Silva spoke on behalf of the Cummings PTO and the possibility of allowing them to set up a table to sell their “Winthropoply” board game.  Many thoughts and opinions were shared, but a unanimous vote was not possible.  This will continue to be discussed by the board and walkathon committee. There were strong feelings on both sides. However, it was pointed out at the meeting that when we initially planned the Walkathon, it was our intent not to “sell” anything as we felt this would be too great a burden on our parents and the community to ask for more money after their generous donations.

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES:

• Dawn Manning informed all members that it is necessary for PTO to secure permits from the School Committee for any visitor to Fort Banks.  This includes visitors during school hours, after school hours, pro-bono or fee based.

• Jackie Drevos proposed adding Ooochworld,” an anti-bullying program to next year’s enrichment activity agenda. Many PTO members expressed the importance of supporting an anti-bullying presentation.  Lauren Sennot would like the Cummings School to participate in this program.   Both schools would then share the cost.  Jackie, Cindy Silva and Lauren Sennot will discuss the logistics.  Here is the pricing that was quoted:
• 2 Shows - $1,000  (normally $1,200)
• 3 Shows - $1,500 (normally $1,650) plus hotel if required based on the start time to fit in 3 assemblies.  There is also a travel fee for distances over 50 miles.  The fee for Winthrop would be $65, but we may be able to reduce that to $50. Jackie is investigating alternate funding through local organizations

• Jill Dorr noted that on behalf of the PTO, she presented Channel 7’s meteorologist, Jeremy Reiner with a $25.00 gift card to Starbucks and a $25.00 Dunkin Donuts gift card to the TSA Canine officer during “Zorro the Bomb Dog” visit.

• A motion was made and approved to make a $50.00 donation to canine training school in honor of “Zorro the Bomb Dog’s” visit in March.  

• Based on a letter from Winthrop High School noting Fort Banks’ past commitment to scholarship donations, Marcie Moline made a motion to donate two, $200.00 scholarships to Winthrop High School graduating seniors.  The awards are in memory of former principal William Gorman Jr. and former teacher, Loretta Thompson.  Motion was approved.

Additional Information:

• Marcie Moline and Dawn Manning presented a $1000.00 check to the Gorman Fort Banks’ PTO on behalf of FIJI Water, RollGiving and parent Steven Cassetta. As part of Mr. Cassetta’s employers charitable given program, Mr. Cassetta was eligible to choose a charity of his choice to donate $1000 and he selected our school.  The money has been earmarked for the school computer room.  Thank you Mr. Cassetta for thinking of Gorman Fort Banks!

• New volunteers will be needed next year for the ink cartridge Recycle Rewards program and Box Tops Rewards.  Current volunteers will meet with new volunteers to discuss these programs. 

• Co-President Marcie Moline and other PTO members will give a quick presentation to parents of incoming kindergarteners during Kindergarten Parent Orientation night on April 28 at 6:30.  Information flyers will be handed out to parents highlighting the role of PTO at Fort Banks.  Membership sign up sheets may also be handed out. 

• Marcie Moline and Kristen Fainga’a shared the idea of hosting a parent/child mixer for incoming kindergarten families during the summer.  Points discussed:  can we wait until class assignments have been posted, should we hold it at the Fort Banks playground, send flyer home with welcome packet, will need to get permit. 

• On behalf of Cindy Silva, Marcie Moline presented the idea of creating a school phonebook to sell for a fundraiser in the fall. The phonebook would list all children in the school, but families may opt-out of providing their address/phone number.  Idea was supported by members present at the meeting and will be presented to Mrs. Pearson for approval.  Cindy Silva will continue to research other models from other school districts.

• Christine Bernstein spoke about holding a clothing drive during the first week of June.  Christine is interested in starting her own clothing drive business and has secured a company to assist her with managing this event in June as a test run which will allow for a greater profit for Fort Banks.  Event date to be selected and approved by Mrs. Pearson.

• The Winthrop Chamber of Commerce donated their used ink cartridges to our Recycle Rewards program.  It was discussed to reach out to other local businesses or our own employers to ask for donations. 

• PTO meeting dates and times for the 2010-2011 school year will be discussed at the May meeting.

• Cara Huberman spoke about working with Dave Hubburd in coordinating a school field trip to the Deane Winthrop House.  Details to be discussed further.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Reported by Dawn Manning            

• Current Balance: $8292.95
• Deposits:
• $1000.00 from FIJI Water and Roll Giving (Steven Cassetta)

.  UPCOMING EVENTS:

• May 1, 2010:  Walkathon:  “Fort Fun Run” at Miller Field.  Walkers are welcome to come anytime between 9 am and noon.

• May 5, 2010:  Keith Michael Johnson “The Bubbleman” will be presenting to each grade. 

• June:  Clothing Drive - Date: to be determined

Remember, your thoughts and ideas are always welcome.  Please email Marcie Moline or Dawn Manning.   Marcie: marcie(at)craftraft.com

      Dawn: kmanningfamily(at)comcast.net 

      OR

Check us out at:  http://www.fortbankspto.blogspot.com


Next PTO Meeting: 
May 13, 2010 at 8:30 AM
Meeting ended:  9:15 PM
Minutes compiled by: Jackie Drevos and Kristen Fainga’a