Minutes from February 9, 2011 Meeting

Click here for the print version.

Gorman Fort Banks’ PTO Meeting Minutes
February 9, 2011 6:30 PM
Board members in attendance:  Marcie Moline, Dawn Manning, Jill Dorr, Cindy Silva, Jodee Harris and Kristen Fainga’a

Meeting was lead by Co-Presidents Marcie Moline and Dawn Manning.

PRINCIPALS REPORT:  

• Mrs. Pearson addressed the last minute requests for substitute volunteers.  She apologized for this, but stated it is due to the necessity of finalizing staff availability.  The benefits of providing this coverage are tremendous.  Staff has the opportunity to meet and discuss the new GoMath program.  
• With the use of Title I money, Mrs. Sullivan is compiling useful data based on student’s progress with the GoMath, which allows teachers to note trends in learning/instructional strategies.  Teachers are able to uncover useful information which provides teachers the chance to identify best practices.  This will also allow teachers to prepare for the next chapter.
• Mrs. Pearson is looking forward to our 2nd annual Literacy Night to be held on Friday, March 4, 2011.  This year an activity will be planned for each day prior to Literacy Night.  Mrs. Pearson has coordinated a “Books Come to Life” program to visit from Winthrop High School to visit Friday March 4.  
• Mrs. Pearson has planned a Parent Night for March 10 from 7-8:30PM.  Parents are invited to attend an evening with a Hartcourt National Representative discussing our new Go Math program.
• School Enrichment Plan programs in place: early morning Lexia program, Title I afterschool program for students in need of extra reading support and Fun at the Fort.

• The first “Coffee Hour” will take place on:

Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 6:30 PM

VOLUNTEER UPDATE: Carolyn Gagnon is seeking volunteers for March 7, 2011.  Details to follow.

JEFFREY TURCO:  Could not attend this meeting but will be invited to the next meeting in March.

TREASURER REPORT: Dawn Manning spoke on behalf of Jodee Harris

• Current Balance: $20,901.87
• $7,500 has been deducted for the Playground initiative
• $670.00 will be needed for Manguito: Enrichment Program on 1/27
• $1500.00 needed to pay for Mother Goose enrichment program
• With these deductions, the new balance will be: $11, 220.87
• A $5000.00 donation for the Playground Fund from Mike Eruzione will also be deposited

SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH:  Cindy Silva.

• Winthrop School Committee is working with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees.  Committee is currently using school data to compile a list of interview questions for possible candidates. Committee will review applications on February 17, 2011.  Interviews set to begin in April.  The goal is to have a new Superintendent by July 1, 2011.

NEW BUSINESS:  

• Marcie led the discussion regarding PTO involvement with assisting Fort Banks’ families in need during a time of crisis. It was suggested that a policy be developed and PTO members will research other school PTO’s current policies to guide us.  It was also suggested to set a separate fund for such needs.
• Scott Kinsella raised concerns regarding the DPW’s lack of respect for traveling in and out of Kennedy Drive during morning and afternoon peek drop off/pick up times.  He suggested circulating a petition at Bingo Night on February 11. Many PTO members shared the same concerns and would like these issues addressed by DPW.
• Many expressed the need for an access road, but in the meantime, how do we resolve the current situation

PLAYGROUND INITIATIVE: Dawn

• Working with John from O’Brien & Sons
• The Playground is not up to code:  Monkey bars need to come down and replace panels
• $3100.00 was approved to convert the inner playground structure to 2-5 year old standards which will bring it up to code
• Next Step:  Reach out to local sponsors for donations
• Form Playground Initiative committee
• Dawn has some ideas for fundraising efforts

SCHOOL MOTTO:  Kristen Fainga’a

• Since there were only a few mottos turned in before the winter break, another flyer was sent home.
• The goal is to select a motto that will represent Fort Banks Elementary School
• ALL entries will be recognized and acknowledged on Literacy night.

LITERACY NIGHT: Kristen Fainga’a

• Date: Friday, March 4, 2011 at Gorman Fort Banks

• Theme: “The Best Part of Us”
• Mrs. Pearson will be our “celebrity” reader
• The night will feature: activities, music and book swap
• The committee is also planning activities to take place the week of February 28, 2011 which include Read Across America Day.
• Members of the Winthrop Community have been invited to read to students on Thursday, March 3, 2011
• Save-the-Dates have been sent home.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

LIBRARY:  Dawn on behalf of Dawn Hurley

• The library will be closed for 2 weeks before February vacation to be cleaned and organized.
• Volunteers needed any time between 8:30-12:30/T, W, Th, F
• 2 enrichment activities will be presented to students during their regular scheduled library time: Mother Goose and The Cat in the Hat
• A motion was passed to provide Dawn Hurley with $150.00 to purchase supplies for the library renovation project

RECYCLE COMMITTEE: Cindy Silva and Georgeanne Coleman

• Actively planning a town-wide recycle drive to be held after graduation ceremonies, possibly June 11th.
• A Gorman Fort Banks’ bottle/can drive will take place in conjunction with the spring walk-a-thon.
• Earth Day/Recycled Rhythm Program was presented to the committee for all grades: May 12, 2011
• Program was approved for $650.00

PARENT NIGHT OUT COMMITTEE:

• Prom Night has been replaced with Bingo Night.
• February 11 has been reserved at the WYC for a “Valentine Theme” family BINGO.
• A good response so far: 88 children/77 parents
• Raffles will be sold.  

• ENRICHMENT COMMITTEE: Dawn Manning

• Grants have been approved!!!!!  

1. Manquito: $680.00 grant
2. Curious Creatures: $400.00
3. Dean Winthrop House: $170.00
4. Ooch World Anti-Bullying Program-$510.00 dollars

• Ben Franklin will visit on March 24, 2011
• Recycle Rhythm will visit all grades on May 12 in celebration of Earth Day

• Motions were made and approved to plan the following programs:

1. Curious Creatures
2. Aquarium visit to PreK and K classrooms $838.00

ADDITIONAL ITEMS:  Christine Bernstein

• Christine asked about the plans to create smaller classroom sizes

• Mrs. Pearson commented that Dr. Lisi did request for 1 additional teacher for grades 1-5 in the Fiscal Year 2012 budget proposal
• It was also asked how the rent being paid by For Kids Only is being used. Where does it go? PTO will follow up at the next meeting in March.

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

Dawn: kmanningfamily@comcast.net

OR

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

Next PTO Meeting:  
Wednesday, March 9, 2011@ 8:30

Meeting ended:  8:15 PM
Minutes compiled by: Kristen Fainga’a