Welcome to the William P. Gorman Fort Banks Elementary School PTO Blog, a parent run and supported site. Visit often to hear the latest news, plans, activities and ideas to support our school. Fort Banks is at 101 Kennedy Drive Winthrop, MA 02152.
Successfully complete the program and get a free cone from Twist n' Shake.
Many of the titles are available at the Winthrop Public Library to borrow. If they don't have it, you may request the book through their inter-library loan and the NOBLE network. Visit the Winthrop Public Library's website for hours, directions and their online searchable catalog. Also, check out Noble for Kids with child-friendly links to fun web sites and activities.
Recycling of textiles can help reduce our impact on the planet
It’s time to clean out your drawers and closets and recycle what you no longer have use for! We need your:
Clothing
All wearable clothing items, including coats and jackets
Shoes
Paired shoes (heels under 1.5”) and sneakers
Accessories
Pocketbooks
Scarves
Belts
Linens
Draperies & curtains
Sheets, pillowcases, bed spreads, blankets & towels
New & Used Toys
Small, stuffed toys
Everything must be free of wetness, moisture, grease, mold, solvents or food waste.
Thanks, but no thanks. We can’t take any:
Appliances, bulky toys, single shoes, shoes with heels over 1.5”, winter boots, skates, gummies or flip-flops, rugs, carpets, pillows, electric blankets, industrial uniforms, disposable clothing, hospital or medical garments; diapers (of any type). Also, do not include other industrial textiles such as, painters’ drop cloths, theatrical curtains, textile waste, wiping rags and shop towels. We can’t take JUNK!
All of Winthrop is invited to bring their donation. The Fort Banks PTO thanks everyone for their participation in this fundraising effort!
Board members in attendance: Dawn Manning, Marcie, Jackie Drevos and Kristen Fainga’a
Meeting was lead by Co-President Dawn Manning.
Dawn Manning opened the meeting by sharing the current budget and the results from the “Fort Fun Run”. A total of $3111.70 was collected from the bottle/can drive and the walk-a-thon. Also, some money is still coming in.
Pre-school teacher Ms. Andrea purchased butterfly kits and will be reimbursed from the PTO. A motion was made and approved.
A motion to allocate $100.00 to purchase electric pencil sharpeners for the Pre-School classroom was approved.
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT:
Mrs. Pearson reported based on the recent school survey sent home to families, the overall message was very positive. Families shared positive feedback regarding curriculum, materials and safety. The biggest concern shared was regarding the playground equipment. Mrs. Pearson recommended the PTO add the “playground initiative” to next year’s agenda.
Mrs. Pearson discussed the options for the Fort Bank’s summer reading program. Will continue to work with Sheryl Queen from “Twist and Shake” to offer ice-cream certificates for children who read over the summer. Mrs. Pearson offered to compile a list or she would be happy to review a list the PTO puts together. The book lists must have a level of integrity.
In regards to future enrichment activities, Mrs. Pearson commented that Keith Michael Johnson, “The Bubble Man” has been visiting FortBanks for several years and although his show is entertaining and the kids love him; it is also sometimes nice to bring in new “flavor.” Suggestions were to create a theme for enrichment or a social skills, math, literacy activity.
Mrs. Pearson also provided an overview of what the PTO has done over this school year:
She first thanked the PTO for a job well done! She noted having “Literacy Night” and a community reading day was something she was wanting since she came to FortBanks and is pleased that it happened and is hoping for each to become an annual event.
She thanked Kelly Parker and Carolyn Gagnon for their leading and organizing FortBanks’ Parent Substitute Volunteers. Mrs. Pearson also thanked the parents who have committed their time to this initiative. Not only is this initiative a valuable component it offers huge savings. With parent substitute volunteers in the classrooms, teachers were able to do the following:
Participate in professional development workshops
Attend student IEP/504 planning meetings
Attend an enhanced training for “Story Town”
Meet with outside math consultants
Perform DIBEL assessments
Core group of teachers met to plan new math curriculum
Reading teachers met 2x during the year
Attend TST meetings on Fridays
FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES
Dawn Manning reported that $3111.70 was raised during the Fort Fun Run and bottle/can drive. Some money is still trickling in. Final results to be posted in June.
CLOTHING DRIVE: The PTO is applying for a permit for June 10, 2010 to hold our Spring Clothing drive. Date to be finalized. Dawn will call “Scholars for Dollars” formerly, Bag2School, to arrange a time and date.
A vote was postponed regarding the fall 2010 fundraiser. Representatives from Genevieve’s and Meadow Farms attended our April meeting but many PTO members expressed keeping our fundraising efforts local. An idea to sell a “coupon” book with local sponsors was presented. Tanji Daignalout and Kristen Fainga’a will share what they learn about coupon books during the June meeting. Marcie Moline and Shannon Girard will be contacting Meadow Farms and Genevieve’s once a decision is made.
Carolyn Gagnon lead the fundraising efforts for a raffle on behalf of Ms. Murphy: The total raised was: $307.00 towards the Winthrop Teacher’s Association Scholarship fund
ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES:
Cara Huberman is looking into applying for a Grant through the Discovery Channel
Keith Michael Johnson visited in May and was a hit with the kids. A decision will be made in June regarding if he returns next year.
Additional Information:
§Carolyn Gagnon spoke on behalf of her and Kelly Parker and the substitute parent pool. She acknowledged that this program was extremely successful this year. She would like the PTO to consider adding the role of “Parent Substitute Liaison” to a position within the PTO, separate from the general parent volunteer pool coordinator. This also may require a vote similar to that for board member elections. This idea will also be discussed during the June meeting.
§Kelly Parker plans to speak to and recruit incoming K parents to consider being part of the parent substitute pool.
§Both Carolyn and Kelly will continue to lead this effort next year, but would like to invite parents interested in leading this effort for the 2011-2012 school year to shadow them
§Kelly Parker presented the idea of adding certain responsibilities to the role of “room parents.” For example: encourage room parents to attend PTO meetings, forward the PTO minutes to room parents to help share info with their child’s class. This will be discussed in June as well.
§Carolyn Gagnon has offered to write thank you notes to our supporters this past year. Jackie Drevos will assist Carolyn in this effort.
§Dawn Hurley proposed having a reading initiative in the fall. She was thinking of asking kids: “What would you do for reading?”
§Field Day for second grade is scheduled for June 16, 2010. PTO will sponsor the popsicles.
§A motion was made and approved to allocate no more than $1000.00 for the purchase of class gifts for second graders.
§It was approved to send Jodi Harris a “Thinking of You” gift for $25.00
TREASURER’S REPORT: Reported by Dawn Manning
Current Balance: $9312.40 (as of April 30, 2010)
(Above balance does not include the money raised from the Fort Fun Run)
. UPCOMING EVENTS:
§June: Clothing Drive - Date: to be determined
Remember, your thoughts and ideas are always welcome. Please email Marcie Moline or Dawn Manning. Marcie: marcie.moline{at}gmail.com
Dawn: kmanningfamily {at} comcast.net
OR
Check us out at: http://www.fortbankspto.blogspot.com
Meeting ended: 9:50 AM
Minutes compiled by: Jackie Drevos and Kristen Fainga’a
Learn how much we were able to raise at the Walkathon. Who is the man we affectionately refer to as, Mike the Bubble Man and why do the kids love him? What upcoming activities do we have planned? What can you do to get involved?
Join us in the school cafeteria Thursday, May 13th at 8:30 am.
