Minutes from January 2012 Meeting

Gorman Fort Banks PTO

Meeting Minutes

January 11, 2012

Introductions –Dawn Manning calls meeting to order at 8:35 a.m. 

-       Introduction of board members. 

Principals Report- Mrs. Pearson

-       Book Flix –Mrs. Sullivan is running a trial program for 1 month.  PTO could possibly purchase a membership.  For 80 titles it costs approximately $900, 100 titles is about $1000. 

-Mrs. Pearson stated that the teachers have benefited from the monthly programs.  They are able to have common planning time.  They have also arranged using Title 1 funding to pay for substitutes for Jan. 30, 31 and Feb. 1 to work on portfolios.  This will allow for some instruction in formative assessments and student work.

-Professional Development Day – they had the opportunity to revise the emergency protocol plan.  They will not be practicing the new procedures with the children at this point in time.

Treasurer Report – Carolyn Gagnon

-       Still waiting for the scholastic check to clear.  - $4,364

-       Roughly $18,000 in the account – this does not include enrichment program costs for the rest of the year.

Volunteer Update – Kelly Parker – Jan. 25 at 9:00 am – Harvey room there will be a substitute orientation.  If you complete the class you can be placed on the sub list.

-       Book Fair in May – buy one get one free

-       Hotline – 2 people needed for Wednesday mornings.  Takes only 15-20 minutes and you can bring your child with you.

Literacy Night – Christa Shea is chairing this event. Please sign the sheet if you are interested in helping.  The event is scheduled for March 2.  Mrs. Pearson is working on finding a book and Dr. Seuss character is available for the evening. In the past we have been reimbursed through title 1 funds.  Budget of $750.00 set – Vote for $750 - Approved

Dawn – check with title 1 or scholastic to see about free books for literacy night.

Bingo Night- Please sign on the sheet if you are interested in helping out plan the event.  Scheduled for February 10 at Winthrop Yacht Club.  Pizza baked goods and drinks available again for purchase.  Set budget for food and prizes - Vote for $600 budget - Approved

Dawn – Mr. Gill is invited to next evening meeting in February.

            - Teacher luncheon – teachers would like it on April 27 during their regular lunch times.  They have asked for wraps, salads and fruits.  Hospitality committee can bake goods for dessert.  Budget of $800 asked for food.  Also asking room mothers to see if they can collect money- $5.00- from parents to help pay for the luncheon – instead of a Budget.  No Vote taken.

Discussion regarding Umbrellas and classroom gifts- table the vote till the next meeting.  We have changed the vote to no for classroom umbrellas based on teacher feedback.  Teachers and some parents would prefer a monetary donation for reimbursement of classroom items.  Vote at next meeting to determine amount of money to give - $75, or $100.  We may wish to vote that the total amount for the year is $150 given in 2 payments (fall and spring).

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

Open Forum –

School committee meeting- discussion regarding concern over agenda item.  In particular, the opportunity for the public to speak at the end of the meeting.  School Committee Chairman, Mr. Skomro, assured us that this was regarding having time to speak at the beginning of the meeting or during the meeting so that the public can discuss issues before items are voted on.  This would allow for more speaking, not less.

Butterfly and Frog Kits – approximately $90 – Vote – Yes

2^nd grade class T-Shirts – approximately $5.00 each - Vote- Yes

2 High School Scholarships - $200 each – Vote – Yes

Box Tops – Mrs. Polino received a check for only $62.00. She is going to check the receipt.  It should have been more.  She will update us at the next meeting.

Christine Bernstein – Showed us the Chamber News and because we are now Chamber members we can put information in the news of upcoming events and fundraisers.