Minutes from December 7, 2011 Meeting

Gorman Fort Banks PTO

Meeting Minutes

December 7, 2011

Introductions –Dawn Manning calls meeting to order at 6:35 pm. 

-       Introduction of board members. 

-       Dawn states that Marcie Moline will be arriving shortly.

Principals Report- Dawn Manning

-       Mrs. Pearson is at a conference and cannot be here tonight.  There is nothing new to report.

Jeffrey Turco, Town Council President-

-       Update from Finance Committee – 30,000 for playground is there and the votes are there. 

-       Access road – road will be built.  He had to compromise and it was approved as an Emergency access road only.  Special session tomorrow to vote on eminent domain and making the emergency access road. 

-       A question was asked regarding eminent domain – Mr. Turco responds that that as a town we can only take land from the people lower than us on the chain.  

-       Next step – the conservation commission has made some issues of condition and it the DEP says yes, Stephen Calla will begin to put out bids for construction of the road. This could take several months.  We must also approve of eminent domain to get the land from Governor’s Park for emergency access only.

Volunteer Update – Kelly Parker not present – no report

Cookie Dough Fundraiser – Shannon Girard

-       Great news – we have made $11,290 on cookie dough sales!

-       Thanks for everyone’s help and hard work – special thanks to the room mothers who helped count the money and orders for us last week.

-       Delivery is expected on Tuesday, December 12 between 10-11.  I will confirm delivery time – please check PTO blog and face book for updates.  A letter and connect ed message will also go home regarding pick up times on Wednesday, December 13.

-       Please note that room mother help will be needed on delivery day to help with counting orders!

Treasurer’s report – Carolyn Gagnon

-       Currently, we have a balance of $22, 886 this includes cookie dough sales

-       With the help of Dawn Manning, we have figured out our expenses through the rest of the school year and we should have between $8,000-10,000 going out so that leaves us with a balance of around $12, 000- 13,000

-       Box Tops - $800 from last collection – another collection in February.

-       Stop and Shop – 90 households so far we have made $455

-       Grants – last year we got $900-$1000 we will find out in January and once the show goes through we get reimbursement.

-       Marcie – in the past the PTO has a history of donating for High School Scholarships.  We will donate for 2 – for $200 in June

Vote – Allocation of 1/10 of fundraiser to playground fund

-       Voted in the past to have 10% if money for in to the playground fund for maintenance issues.  We still need a surface and some equipment.  The spinning toy is up to code we can move foot rest if needed.  Landscaping in the spring with benches and barrels and a sign that will indicate sponsors.

-       Vote $1,120 – approved

Vote Allocation of funds for room gifts from PTO

            -Alicyn – Teachers requested umbrellas for pick up times.  We have looked into golf umbrellas for each classroom to have some shelter.  The umbrellas are $20-$30 dollars each. Instead of giving them supplies we could give them umbrellas with the classroom number on it.

-       Proposed – umbrellas for each classroom at a cost of about $1,000.  The room gift would stay with the classroom.

-       Vote approved

Wish list was also discussed.  PTO will get in touch with Mrs. Pearson about speaking with the classroom teachers to provide a wish list.

Vote Allocation of Safety Vests –

-       Safety vests for volunteers who do drop off.  Carolyn will check with Helco in the center to see if they are interested in making a donation.  Budget will be $250 for safety vests.  We will revote if it is more.

-       Vote approved

O2 monitor for nurse-

-       The nurse is thankful – she has used it many times. The cost came to $175.50. 

2 indoor basketball stations -

-       Basketball - purchased for Mrs. Finn the basketball hoops.  The children love them and the OT and PT also thanks us.  The cost was $586.00 for 2 plus shipment.

Tree Lighting -

      - Balloon City donated the bear we made a total of $343.00 selling raffle tickets, hot chocolate and cookies.  It was noted that because we are in the Chamber we could publicize and ask for donations for fundraisers.

Cross Cultural Council (Marcie Moline)-

-       Because of a need to help and reach out to families who do not speak or read English we might consider creating a committee or council across schools made up with Parents and Teachers that speak other languages to help staff and families realize that families and students may need help.  This would be an informal group to help support and provide information. 

-       It was noted that we should be careful with what we are helping families fill out or interpret because of legal issues.

Labels for Education – need a lot of labels for a only a little bit of money. 

Recycle rewards – getting a check soon.

Label 4 kids.com – labels for everything (clothes, Tupperware etc.)

Open Forum –

-       February Bingo – we haven’t discussed yet – we will put on January agenda

-       Ask Mr. Gill to come to our next night meeting.  We will give him a 5-minute window to introduce himself.  He told Dawn that he would be a loop parent when he has to drive his grandson. 

-       No cell phone zone will go to school committee

-       Walk to school – we attended a safe routes to school meeting.  There are funds from the state level that would provide signs and information regarding routes and safe walking.  It may take up to 2 years to happen.  In the springtime we would like to start the Walk to School Wednesday. Mr. Macero is on board.

-       School bus fees are being enforced for the school bus stop except for Point Shirley families.

-       By-Laws have changed regarding traffic patterns.  You can no longer take left turns out of Almont Street and you cannot turn left onto Locust Street from Revere St.

-       Chief Delahanty can be contacted if people are not parking legally.