GORMAN FORT BANKS’ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PTO MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, October 7, 2010
BOARD MEMBERS: Co-Presidents: Marcie Moline and Dawn Manning, Co-Vice Presidents: Cindy Silva and Jill Dorr, Treasurer: Jodee Harris, Co-Secretaries: Jackie Drevos and Kristen Fainga’a
Special Guest: Town Council President and School Committee member, Jeff Turco, was invited to speak on behalf of the School Committee.
Mr. Turco discussed the following topics:
· current budget for the town and schools
· the implementation of free, full day kindergarten and it’s benefits
· Superintendent vacancy
· Making improvements: are there ways to do things better? Are we using money wisely?
· Current teacher contract Negotiations: School Committee met recently for 6 ½ hours will reconvene at Thursday’s Meeting, October 14, 2010
The following concerns were shared by PTO members:
· Playground improvements
· The “Loop” and safety concerns
· Too many empty seats on the bus
· DPW vehicles exiting and entering during drop-off and pick up hours
· Why is there compost hours between 1:00 – 3:00 on Fridays
Jeff promised to bring all these concerns to the school committee and report back
The next School Committee meeting is scheduled for October 14, 2010 at 7:00PM
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT:
· Mrs. Pearson personally thanked all the volunteers, especially Carolyn Gagnon and Kelly Parker, for their efforts in organizing this program. Mrs. Pearson expressed her appreciation to all volunteers assisting in the loop, it enhances student safety immensely.
· The teachers have temporarily suspended the “Work to School Rule”. Teachers will be available from 7:55 – 2:15. However this could change.
· There is one position available for a site council volunteer. It is a 1 year term. At this moment, there is not a teacher representative due to contract restrictions. There is also a community representative position open. The community rep CANNOT also be a parent of a Fort Banks student. If interested please contact the school office.
· Mrs. Pearson expressed her wish to have an overarching theme for the school year. Deferred to PTO member, Kristen Fainga’a to discuss further.
· Christine Bernstein asked Mrs. Pearson for an update regarding For Kids Only and rent. Currently FKO is paying a per pupil monthly fee, plus custodian fee.
·
PRESIDENTS’ REPORT:
A member of the PTO requested the results of the Scholastic Book Fair. A cash value of $1,200 was raised or a $2,800 “Scholastic Dollar” value. Scholastic Dollars must be spent via a Scholastic Catalog.
VOLUNTEER UPDATE:
Carolyn Gagnon thanked all the volunteers and informed everyone that she and Kelly Parker created a database to track the members and their duties. Currently there are volunteers covering the following:
· Morning traffic and school doors
· TST meetings on Fridays from 10:00-11:20
· Interim meetings
· Common Planning Time, 1st Tuesday of the month starting in November; in progress
A request was made for 2 more volunteers for the School Library from 10:40 – 11:40
There is a need to add 2-4 more volunteers to the pool. Please contact Carolyn or Kelly.
Marcie Moline asked members their opinion regarding the posting of PTO volunteer’s email/phone # on the PTO blog. It was agreed that a link and if possible, a password to a spreadsheet would be preferred.
FUNDRAISING FOR 2010-2011:
· Crazy About Cookies: Shannon Girard updated the PTO that the Crazy about Cookies fundraiser will begin before the Thanksgiving break and continue for 2 weeks. The Cookies will cost $10 per tub which will earn a 50% profit for the school. Each box will be delivered to the individual child per classroom. Mrs. Pearson approved having some sort of “kick-off” fundraising mini-event. Shannon will follow-up with Mrs. Pearson.
· Raffle Tickets: Christine Bernstein will work with Megan Noonan of the Winthrop Yacht Club in order to enter a raffle for an upcoming event being held the night before Thanksgiving. Christine will research a raffle item and report back to the PTO. A budget was not decided upon.
· Clothing Drive: Christine will meet with the Recycle Committee to derive a date.
· Spooky Bingo: Friday, October 22, 2010. The PTO Executive Board along with several members will meet separately on Saturday at 9:00am to discuss the details.
o Jackie spoke with Erin Flaherty at Saint Johns and requested 10th grade volunteers for this event.
o A Bake Sale will also be held at this event
o It was requested to offer a “family rate” admission
· Box Tops: Krissy Mercer volunteered to be the point person. A flyer will be distributed to the students by Monday. There will be an overall school goal – goal to be determined by the Box Top Committee.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Marcie Moline spoke on behalf of the Treasurer: There were no updates.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
· OOCHWORLD: Friday, October 8, 2010 for grades 1-5
o An anti-bullying program by Brett Outchcunis, please visit www.oochworld.com
o Cost is being shared by Fort Banks and Cummings schools
o Spooky Bingo is Friday, October 22nd. Details will be forthcoming on the PTO Blog and in backpack mail.
ENRIGHMENT ACTIVITIES:
· Dawn informed everyone of a musical group called Manquito, appropriate for grades 1-5. They represent a variety of nationalities and backgrounds. They will introduce students to the music of Latin America including the rumba and the Dominican meringue, while playing Latin musical instruments. They have previously performed at the school. Tentative dates: 1/13 or 1/27. The cost is $1300 for 2 shows.
o Jill Dorr will lead the enrichment group team.
o Dawn updated the members of the Grants that are available through the Cultural Council. The deadline for submitting grants is October 15. Dawn has applied for several Grants through the Council. Grants will not be approved until the beginning of January.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS:
· Kristen shared an idea for a family activity. The children would be given an assignment to work with their families at home on a School Motto. More information to follow.
· Co-Branding School Notices: school notices would be “sponsored” by a company
o Scott Kinsella volunteered to be the point person to lead and research this initiative
Please contact Dawn or Marice with any ideas, comments or feedback:
Marcie: marcie[at symbol]craftraft[period]com
Dawn: kmanningfamily[at symbol]comcast[period]net
Next meeting November 3, 2010 at 8:30am in the school cafeteria.
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