Meeting Minutes from November 14 Meeting

PTO meeting Nov 14^th 2012

Introduction of board members

Mrs. Pearson Report:

            Thanks to the effort pf Mrs. Mendieta, we have received a grand prize of $2500 (sport authority gift cards) for physical education equipment.  Due to wording of contract/agreement of grant, Mr. Pearson will send to council and see if we can accept it. 

            School site council update: working on budget, looking to see the need of additional teacher, part time ELL?  This year we have over 70 in ELL program. Also looking at books and supplies. 

            Conie Gavin is retiring this December.  She has been with us for over 29 years.  She will be dearly missed.  Process to find a school secretary is underway.  Interviews have been ongoing.  Will soon choose the best candidate for the job.

Happy Thanksgiving.  And thank you for the common planning time!

Reminder that there is a school project meeting tonight.

PTO events:  Spooky Bingo was great.  Good turnout inspire of Hurricane. 

Cookie dough Fundraiser coming up soon.  Profit margin has changed (to 40%) but it is still a great idea.  This year we made $8124.00    Cookies will be delivered on Monday, sorted on Tuesday and Pick up will be Tues 1-3   5-7 and wed 9-11

    Should we do this again next year?  Is there another company?

Calendar Fundraiser  Floerence Cain

            Idea to make a calendar fundraiser.  She has been involved with this for many years and is offering to help us out with it.   A money calendar where with the purchase of a calendar and daily drawing you can make quite a bit of profit.    All depends on sale of tickets.  When would we hold this event? What is the price of the calendar?  Will have further discussion on this. 

T shirt order going out in the next couple days.  $8 for short and $12 for long.  We will need volunteers to fill orders. 

Vendor Spring  Fair -  Christa Shea volunteered to head this Fundraiser…next meeting more news.

Holiday Bazaar-  we have been offered a free table to raise funds.  Ideas?

Coat Swap- Erica Gore  Coats being donated to Methodist Church.

Jodi Rice Gorman Giving  need volunteers  Monday Dec 3-Dec 14. Can goods drive, cradle to crayons.

Hockey Rink Jan 13^th 4-6:30    VOTE= YES to holding event.. more to be decided.

Stop and Shop Rewards- Winners have been announced. We now have 132 in program.

Update on Financial  Status:  Aprox  $13,000 in acct today… but there are a couple of enrichment programs to payout.

Tumble books-  renewal $400.00  VOTE =YES

Chamber of Commerce renewal-   A yes vote was made in support of renewal for $100 and sharing the membership with other Winthrop School PTOs.

Enrichment program – today Operation lunchline

Jan.  MLK

Family Game night At Gorman Fort banks  6:30 pm  FREE event for community.

Meeting Adjourned.

June 2012 Meeting Minutes

The June Meeting Minutes are now available. Click here to view.

Meeting Minutes from May 9th Meeting

The meeting minutes from our May 9, 2012 meeting are now available. Click here to view.

Meeting Minutes from April 4, 2012

PTO

Meeting Notes

April 4, 2012

Mr. Macero – Touch base regarding playground.  Introduces Jerry Boyle, Facilities manager.

Mr. Boyle-  He will be I charge of the resurfacing. Next step to put out a bid for the outer playground surface.   Also, get bed for inner playground.  PTO may generously donate $ for it.

Q.            Who has the ultimate reasonability for the playground upkeep?

-         The town has no budget for the maintenance of the playground. Steve Calla stated that the town is in charge.  Discussed that it might be a good idea for signage to go up stating “School park for school hours.”  Open to town use from O-O. Park is a town park on weekends.

Discussion of usage of playground, a rubber surface would be ideal and safer.

                        Many years of lack of maintenance/budget/$ for the schools. 

Q.            Area outside park seeded? 

-         It was seeded today 4/4/12.  DPW had resources and time , so they went ahead and did it.  Would be beneficial to keep kids off grass.

-         Mr.Macero stated that the perk of having a mild winter, DPW taking initiative to clean it up and fix fields. 

-         Town trying to find money to maintain school grounds.

Mr. Boyle- Grass needs 6-8 weeks to grow.

Mr. Macero’s News- 

*Fundraiser for Viking pride. Schools will play each other.  Personnel from the various schools will participate.  This is done for two reasons, to build morale and raise $.  Will be held soon, date to be determined, probably may/june.  Will be held at little league field.

*Winthrop Schools have a Facebook page.  Up as of today.  Will feature announcements and information.

* Student Caytlin Ferro, placed 2^nd in State History Competition.  She will head to Maryland for National Competition.

Access road questions:  Steve Calla stated that there is no funding at the moment for the road.  Stated that it would be a great public comment question at the next town meeting.

Questions for Mr. Boyle:

            Q. Problem with the heating at the schools?

            He explained that there was 150K allocated to schools… Long laundry list of items included boilers, roof tops, still working on fixing items.  More discussion of the lack of maintenance of the school and town buildings from other parents. Who does the work? If it is in house or contractor? They are also working on training the current staff.   He is working on fixing those and other issues.  Most important preventative maintenance.

Q. What is being done to address the filthy High and Middle schools?

Mr. Boyle stated that these are older schools.  Some changed must and will be made to address this issue.  Agrees that the HS  is dirty.  Janitorial staff has been cut in the past years.   Mrs. Girard stated that the dust is visible and it is something that can be easily cleaned up. 

Mrs. Pearson asks: Can the DPW trucks abide by the agreement to stay off roads at the peak hrs. 

            Mr. Calla disagrees, states that his personnel is doing a good job.  He has maintained the BIG trucks out of the way. Other parents disagree with him, state that the safety of these children are at risk at it is a huge liability.  Mr Calla stated that they are doing the best possible.  Their hours of operation are similar as to the schools hours. Mrs. Pearson thanks him for his ongoing efforts.  Mr Calla states that is would be easier for his  trucks to move around if the parents would not park in the ILLEGAL area.

Discussion on what efforts have been made (police ticketing,  phone calls on how to follow the rules etc. regarding this and other safety issues (loop). Discussion on weather cones or horses in the area would help.   Mr. Calla states that he thinks a good resolution to the parking problem, would be to install a curb.  Stated that he is looking into it possible cost would be 12-15k for a granite curb.

PRINCIPALS REPORT

Community reading: was great, thank you letters are coming out soon. Was put on town newsletter.

Incoming Info Night will be held Thursday May 17^th     PTO will   set up at table 6:30-8:00pm

Kindergarten Registration:  Starting next week  at Town Hall.

Teachers are very excited about Recycle Rewards.  That same    day will be professional development.  

Bubble Guy is coming next week everyone is very excited!

A thank you to parents for Volunteer.

Think of a different/serious way to emphasize loop/parking safety.

            Marcie Suggested a video on WCAT.

Mr. Sacco could not attend had a meeting re: finance/budget.

Mr. Skormo-  Budget meeting to maintain current budget.  All contracts are being negotiated; teachers, esp, nurse, music, custodians. Separate bargaining units.

TREASURER REPORT

Carolyn states that we have approx $15,000 in acct. some expenditures coming out soon include: luncheon, teachers gifts, enrichment programs.  Expecting that we will end up with $8,000

Cara states that we have approx $4,000 from grants coming in.

Marcie states that there is a change in the board , Need to look at the following year. 

 Mrs. Pearson asked to see if the PTO would be able to set aside a small %  for staff development.  ($500 is the estimate for a day )

Other possible disbursement;

safety programs- would have to be an evening event.

Feeding your family fit- Health night theme?  Looking into this with Mrs. Pearson and Mrs. Tsiotis

TEACHER APPRECIATION LUNCH

Will be held on April 27  11am-1pm.  Need Volunteers. PTO is asking for donations $2.00 to offset the costs.  Fruit Salad, wraps and dessert.

SCHOOL WIDE PIZZA PARTY?

Pizza or slush is the question? 

$300 for slush on field day was the best option. 

RECYCLE MEMBERSHIP

 Teachers like it .  It can be a hit or miss..? But it is amazing.

CLOTHING DRIVE

Will be held closer to Memorial day week.

WALK TO SCHOOL WED.

Will start after School vacation

AFFILIATE PROGRAMS

Box tops check has not arrived yet.

Stop and Shop update will be coming soon.  Last time we were at $1100.

Cartridges- will ask chamber of commerce to see if we can get donations from local biz of their used cartridges.

Cara will get some boxes at the Market place for donation of Box tops and such.

Set up Table at the Center for Sidewalk sale? Raffle?

April 28^th Town wide recycle day at Cummings School.

May 19^th Town wide playground build for new park Pepsi is helping sponsor it.

Other Playground news:  *Town said no sand box for playground.

*Looking into a 5 person bouncing mechanism for inside playground.

*Looking for the options to set up a bench for around the trees.  The idea would be to  use the special decking material that does not need upkeep.

PTO board Positions available to next School year.

(will be posted soon)

END OF MEETING.

Minutes for March 2012

Click here to view the minutes.

March 7 Meeting and PTO Minutes for February

We are looking forward to a packed house at tonight's Literacy Night. Put on your best pajamas for tonight! Doors open at 5:45 pm. Please check in at the table with your last initial and get your passport so you can start your reading adventure at 6 pm.



Our meeting minutes for February 2012 are now ready to view here.
Our next meeting is Wednesday, March 7 at 8:30 am in the school cafeteria.

Can you spare 20 minutes on Wednesday, March 7th or Thursday or Friday of that week? Have you ever aspired to be a valet or door man? It's just 20 to 25 minutes of your time opening car doors and escorting children to the sidewalk. The time is from 8:45 am until school starts at 8:05.  Please leave a comment to the post if you have any questions or need to be contacted.

Minutes for February 2012 Meeting

The meeting minutes are ready! Town Council President Peter Gill addressed the PTO and answered our questions at our Februrary 8 meeting. Click here to see the minutes.

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.

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.