Preliminary November PTO Meeting Minutes

Preliminary NOVEMBER PTO Meeting Minutes:
Please make any suggested updates/corrections for discussion at the January meeting. Minutes will be edited and accepted on January 7, 2010 at the monthly PTO meeting. Minutes below are subject to change.

11 in attendance- Jodie Gallant (Co-President), Dee Dee McCain (Co-President), Sarah Lapointe (Secretary), Lynn Long, Dawn Cilley, Heather Young, Jo-Ala Markson, Jen O’Reilly, Heidi Carey, Valerie Bergeron, Kevin LaChapelle

Meeting Opened 6:41 PM

Review of October meeting minutes:
-Jo-Ala motioned to accept
-Dee Dee seconded


Treasurer Report- Michelle was absent so Jodie reviewed in her place.
The Fall Fundraiser netted around $7300! $1800 less than last year but still great considering the economy.
The Fall Festival was also a great success and we broke even after bake sale, hot dog sales, and janitor/picture costs.

Volunteer Coordinator open position:
-Dawn Cilley for USS
-Jo-Ala Markson for SS
Jodie motioned to accept Dawn and Jo-Ala as VC’s for the 2009-2010 school year.
Heather Young seconded

With the success of the Fall Fundraiser are programs sponsored AIR, RIF, PBIS are all covered.
There were 2 bounced checks from the fundraiser. Michelle will check with the bank to see about getting fees waived since PTO is a non-profit.

Fall Festival Recap- Approximately 350 people attended. Dee Dee posted pictures on the PTO board at USS. The leftover pumpkins went to the SS art teacher. The leftover hotdogs, water, and chips will be used at future events.
Next year- We want more activities and to secure pumpkins earlier. Possibly a farm stand and cider press. Could contact Hackleboro Orchards, invite Mr. Southwick, have a petting zoo, children’s musician, clown, pie judging with ribbons, and/or a pie eating contest.

Holiday Fair- Wednesday, December 9th @ USS 5-7:30
Dee Dee put sign ups for the teacher’s for craft tables. We will recruit bakers for a bake sale from both schools. Last year the holiday fair raised $350. Teachers are reimbursed (open-ended amount)
Raffle to be a Nintendo DS package and a Movie & Dinner package. Dee Dee will be checking on passes to Smitty’s. Will sell raffle for $1 per ticket.
Motion for $250 to be allocated for 3 raffle prizes:
Jodie motioned to accept, Sarah seconded
Will also sell raffle tickets in the teacher’s room and secretary’s desks the day of the craft fair

Holiday Shoppe-Lynn Long/Michelle Joseph will let us know their needs when they come up
To be held Saturday December 5th 10 AM- 2 PM
-Will sell raffle tickets there 1st and continue through to holiday fair
-Can offer wrapping-wrapping paper and materials in Jodie’s office for use
-Will have a bake sale
Jodie motioned to accept we have the Holiday Shoppe and Kevin seconded.

ü Still no bulletin board at SS
ü Donuts with Dad will be in January
ü Valentine’s Day need a lead coordinator for hot breakfast. We will talk more in January about costs for these events
ü Movie Matinees-kids will vote on movie @ school. Will be the Saturday before vacation week
ü RIF,AIR,PBIS are all set thus far-principals will let PTO know when there is a need
ü Game night will be discussed in January
ü Tanger program-Sarah to get in touch with Eric @ Tanger to find out when to sell-possibly setting up table at school district and town meeting. It is a joint PTO fundraiser between all schools. Made $2300 from Tanger bucks last year. USS will receive this year’s funds for playground improvements. Will be sold at holiday fair and holiday Shoppe-will market to families.

Box Top- Southwick (Jo-Ala) $261, Union Sanborn (Dee Dee) $660

BJ’s Adopt a School Night raised $31 in Tilton store

Rescue snack program-Working out great. Received a ‘thank you’ from the 2nd grade teachers

Volunteer recognition/Valentine’s Day to include bus drivers and Grammy’s for appreciation day

Leftover/ not picked up fundraiser items- DD & Jo-Ala will call to have picked-up

Meeting Adjourned 7:43 PM -Jodie motioned and Sarah seconded.

PTO October Highlights

Genevieve's Fall Fundraiser

WOW! I can’t even begin to
express the excitement the
PTO Board shares with all of
you parents!
As the Fall Fundraiser run by
Lynn Long came to a close on
September 30, we were hesitant
to guess the outcome. I
am glad we didn’t because…
your dedication, commitment
and drive to sell for the benefit
of our schools shined high this
year.
With the economy down and
the courage to ask friends and
family to make fundraiser
purchases is intimidating at
best , BUT your work prevailed.
Thank you Students and Parents
of the 2009 PTO Fall
Fundraiser, you raised more
than $7500!
THANK YOU ALL!
A special thanks to Lynn Long,
as she was the lead coordinator
of the 2009 Fall Fundraiser.
The coordination for this effort
began last Spring before
school was even dismissed!
THANK YOU LYNN we could
not have done it with out you!

NOW FOR THE IMPORTANT
NOTICE:
FUNDRAISER PICK UP WILL
BE HELD ON THURSDAY
NOVEMBER 5 @ UNION
SANBORN SCHOOL FROM
4 P.M.—7 P.M.
IT IS THE PARENTS RESPONSIBILTY
TO PICK UP YOUR
ITEMS THIS NIGHT! PLEASE
MARK YOUR SCHEDULE.
FUNDRAISER PICK UP
THURSDAY Nov 5th
Union Sanborn School
4:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m.
COFFEE CAKES MUST BE
PICKED UP OR THEY ARE
DONATED TO A LOCAL
FOOD PANTRY THAT
NIGHT!

1st Annual Family Fun Fall Festival

The crowds came in droves, it
would be a guess to say that
more than 400 people came
out this beautiful sunny fall
afternoon.
The Hay Rides were full and
plentiful, the bouncy house
was stuffed to the brim and the
Bake Sale (thank you to 15
different moms that baked!)
came close to selling out.
Many children enjoyed face
painting while munching on
popcorn, while others smiled
as they took their freshly
painted pumpkins over to
show off to their parents.
It was our goal to keep this
event free to families offering
all activities at no charge. Successfully
with the help of over
15 local businesses we were
able to do just that. For many
did buy baked yummies, and
a lucky father took home $65 from the
50/50 raffle. The PTO is proud to announce
that with no intention, we raised close to
$300 at this event.
Thank you all for coming, baking, playing
and smiling at this years event. We plan to
take these wonderful proceeds and invest
it into the 2nd Annual Family Fun Fall Festival
for 2010!

PTO would like to thank the following local
business and parents for their help, support
and dedication to this special event:
Smitty's Cinema
Hannaford-Franklin
BJ's Wholesale
FritoLay
Coca-Cola
Up Country Builders
Tylergraphics
Pro-Froma/Piper Printing
Quick William
Project 4 Consignment
Hillside Agway
Burt Southwick Farms
Andy Roberts Farm
Appletree Nursery
Tilton Nursery
Lynn Long - Bouncy House
Surowiec's Farms
Students and Staff at Union Sanborn School/Southwick School
Winnisquam High School Student Council
Special thanks to the following Parent Volunteers:
Sue Collins, Tarra Lachapelle, Wendy DeSousa,
Cindy Cilley, Juli Marshall, Michelle Joseph,
Kevin Lachapelle, Sarah Lapointe, Jen O’Reilly,
DeeDee McCain, Michelle Mosa, Valerie
Bergeron (BJ’s), and Mr. Hines for their time the
day of the event, it would not have been successful
with out your time and hard work.

PTO NEEDS 2 Parent Volunteers to
be this years Volunteer Coordinators
for both Union Sanborn and Southwick
Schools. These 2 positions are
currently available and are needed to
sufficiently organize all the wonderful
events coming this year. If you
are interested or have any questions
please call Jodie Gallant at 393-7110
(jodie.gallant@gmail.com) or DeeDee
McCain at 286-2286
(irishluck@metrocast.net)
Thank you!
09-10 PTO Board of Officers!

Watch for more information on:
December Holiday Craft Fair
December Holiday Shoppe
Valentine’s Day Teacher Appreciation
Breakfast
Winter Movie Matinee’s
Donuts with Dads!

If you are interested in helping coordinate
or staff any of the above
events, please email today
jodie.gallant@gmail.com
Jodie will make sure the lead coordinator
gets your name and contact
information for your interested event.
Thank you in advance, the more parents
we have involved the better our
events are for our children, and we
love new ideas!

Preliminary October PTO Meeting Minutes

Preliminary OCTOBER PTO Meeting Minutes:
Please make any suggested updates/corrections for discussion at the November meeting. Minutes will be edited and accepted on November 5, 2009 at the monthly PTO meeting. Minutes below are subject to change.

USS/SS PTO Meeting Minutes- October 1, 2009

14 in attendance- Michelle Mosa (PTO treasurer), Richard Hines, Tim Neville, Susan Collins, Michelle Joseph, Jo-Ala Markson, Colleen Westerling, Brian Winslow, Valerie Bergeron, Jon Cilley, Sarah Lapointe (PTO Secretary), Dee Dee McCain (PTO Co-President), Jodie Gallant (PTO Co-President), and Lynne Long

Meeting Opened 6:31 PM

Review of September minutes:
-Sue Collins motioned to accept
-Richard Hines seconded

Treasurer Report (Michelle Mosa) - Nothing to report other than she met with Candice and is now all set. Jodie will use balance on last year’s BJ gift cards to purchase plastic spoons for teachers.

For personal reasons, Michelle Shatswell stepped down from SS Volunteer Coordinator. This position is now being recruited!

Fall Fundraiser Update (Lynne Long)-
ü Monies collected will be counted on Friday 10/2 @ Southwick School. Jodie, Lynne, and Michelle M. to count.
ü Items should arrive on 11/3 and will need to be sorted. Sue Collins and Michelle Joseph have volunteered to sort.
ü Pick up for items will be 3:45-7:30. Will need volunteers to help out with pick-up. Sue Collins will volunteer from 3:45-5:30. Dee Dee will also volunteer with item pick up.
ü The online fundraiser through Genevieve’s is available throughout the year and the schools still receive the credits. The directions on how to order online were given to the principals.

Spirit Clothes Update (Dee Dee)-
-$1044 for Kindergarten and 3rd graders
-Shirts will be in on October 2
-Will be handed out at next assembly in both schools

Open House Recap- Very successful. PTO gathered 75 email addresses and raffled off 2 MetroCast Kid’s Remotes

Box Tops (Jo-Ala) - All set and a notice went home October 1

Open Items:
PTO Bulletin Board @ Southwick- Mr. Hines is checking with the fire department for space between the 2 doors at the main entrance of school
Volunteer Coordinators to reach out to parent volunteers to see about coordinating a new board theme every 6 weeks

Rescue Snack Program- $25 per month per school for snacks for students who don’t have a snack.
Mr. Neville mentioned about peanut allergies- This will be managed by the school nurses
Jodie motioned to accept
Michelle Mosa seconded
Principals will inform teachers.
Jodie will go to BJ’s and purchase first batch of snacks for each school

Artist in Residency (AIR) - Brian Winslow explained this year’s AIR projects at both schools and the funds needed to cover the expenses.
Southwick School- Eco trails and outdoor classrooms
Union Sanborn- Quilting, geometry, square dancing
Total cost from PTO will be $1583 ($1218 from last year to be paid and $365 for deficit of this year not paid for by grants and school)
Brian Winslow motioned to accept the PTO to pledge $1583 for the AIR program. Lynne Long seconded. All approved to pledge $1583 to AIR program.

RIF- Mr. Hines and Mr. Neville discussed that the schools did not qualify for Federal money but will still receive a discount by going through them.
a. Total will be close to last year’s total of $2700
b. Timing on project is flexible

PBIS- Principals agreed this is also flexible and the programs will continue. There is no immediate need from PTO.

USS Preschool Playground- Mr. Neville explained the estimated cost of the playground and drainage will be $13,000-15,000 and this will be a capital improvement. There is no way to get it done quickly or before the ground freezes.
a. Tanger money in June will go to USS this year. PTO could ‘front’ the Tanger money to the school if need be before issued in June.

Teacher Requests- No requests or considerations made to either principal

Holiday Fair/Holiday Shop- Jodie explained we need to begin planning the Holiday Fair and suggested bringing back the holiday shop and how it can be either a fundraiser or free service. Discussion made that these will be 2 separate events and happening on 2 separate dates.
a. Fair - will be week after parent conferences (12/8 or 12/9-Principals checking on date) at Union as always – DeeDee volunteers to be coordinator of this event
b. Holiday Shoppe will be researched and presented at November Meeting by - Michelle Joseph and Lynne Long – Date to be suggested, logistics, needs, company, etc. – mentioned that larger parent room needed with refreshments, and a lot of volunteers to help keep shoppers moving and timely!

Donuts with Dad- Will leave on agenda but will probably be a January or February project.

Movie Matinee- Looking for volunteers. Most likely to be in February or March during school vacation

Fall Festival- Proposed event for Sat., Oct 17 @ SS Playground from 11 AM – 2 PM
a. Free activities to include: pumpkin painting (pumpkins donated from Mr. Southwick), lawn games, tractor hay rides, bouncy house, popcorn (donated from Smitty’s)
b. Food- hot dogs, water, chips (Jodie and Jen O’Reilly working on donations from vendors)
c. 50/50 raffle, bake sale
d. Police Set up for fingerprints (Dee Dee setting up)
e. Decorations to be donated from Mr. Southwick, Tilton Nursery or Roberts Farm (Michelle Mosa coordinating)
f. Hannaford’s paper goods (Jen O’Reilly working on)
g. Student volunteers (Michelle Mosa and Mr. Neville coordinating)
h. Bouncy House- confirmed from Jodie and donated by Lynne Long
g. Grill- confirmed by Jodie and Fire Dept.
h. Proposed costs for food, face paint, pumpkin paint, brushes, and custodial care to be $350
Total Estimated Income to be $900 ($300 hot dogs, $300 beverages, $150 chips, $100 bake sale, $100 50/50 raffle)
i. Jodie motioned for a $500 maximum cost to PTO for Fall Festival event in the likelihood to be closer to $350. Richard Hines seconded.
j. Valerie Bergeron volunteered to help out that day
k. Each classroom to do a pumpkin or scarecrow
l. Lowe’s donation a possibility
m. Flyers promoting the event to go out on 10/7 and 10/14

Make A Difference Day @ BJ’s on Tues., Oct 20th from 5:30-7:30 PM-Stop by and support as USS is adopted school

Next meeting Thursday, November 5 @ 6:30 SS Media Center

Jodie motioned to adjourn meeting. Michelle Mosa seconded.

Meeting Adjourned 7:51 PM

Congratulations to

DAVID HONEMAN (USS) and SARAH MARCOUX (SS)

for being the lucky winners of the MetroCast Kid's Remote

for signing up at the PTO table at the Fall Open House!

Be sure and join us at our next meeting Thursday, October 1st 6:30 @ Southwick School.
Free childcare is provided by teachers!

Preliminary September 2009 PTO Meeting Minutes

Please make any suggested updates/corrections for discussion at the October Meeting. Minutes will be edited and accepted on October 1, 2009 at Monthly PTO Meeting.
Minutes below are subject to change.

USS/SS PTO Meeting Minutes- September 3, 2009

21 in attendance- Sarah Lapointe (PTO Secretary), Jill Knowlton, Michelle Joseph, Sue Collins, Valerie Bergeron, Colleen Westerling, Nicole Piper, Jessie Gannett, Jo-Ala Markson, Marie Dion, Michael Ricu, Karen Shackett, Justine Pizzuti, Kristen Custance (USS VC), Amy Poole, Michelle Mosa (PTO Treasurer), Deirdre McCain (PTO Co-President), Candice Weingartner, Heather Young, Lynne Long, and Jodie Gallant (PTO Co-President)

Meeting Opened 6:34 PM

Jodie welcomed everyone and introductions were made. Neither principal was in attendance due to prior commitments.

A review was made of what the PTO financially supports and each was explained.

Goals of this year’s PTO:
-Sub-committees for special events-sign up sheets to be available
-1/2 year schedule for parents
-Keeping meeting to 1 hour
-Developing a Volunteer Recognition Program

Review of June minutes:
-Marie Dion motioned to accept
-Jessie Gannett seconded

Will be posting preliminary minutes on the blog for all future meetings

E-news communications program- Constant Contact- Jodie signed us up. This link will allow parents to sign up on blog. Will build a database from the sign ups, email address is on the volunteer form.
Few have unsubscribed due to children moving on to middle school
Jessie Gannett and Sue Collins commented on what a great idea!

Treasurer Report- not much going on since it was summer time. A little income from parents buying t-shirts. PTO liability insurance $499.
-Jessie Gannett motioned to accept
-Lynne Long seconded

Open board positions- Jodie explained why the positions will over lap (1 and 2 yr terms to avoid entire board swap).
Treasurer 1 yr term
USS Volunteer Coordinator- Dee Dee explained position of VC. Michelle Shatswell is the SS VC.
Jodie nominated Michelle Mosa for 1 yr treasurer. Lynne Long seconded. Accepted by Michelle and all in favor.
Kristen Custance nominated by Lynne Long for USS VC. Heather Young seconded. Accepted by Kristen and all in favor.
Southwick Box Top Coordinator- Jo-Ala Markson

Lynne Long discussed the fall fundraiser:
Genevieve’s voted on last year from board. Packets will be delivered to USS for both schools on Tuesday 9/8. Will need labels for both schools (Dee Dee provided for SS).
Volunteers for labeling packets- Sue Collins for USS and Jo-Ala for SS to have done by Friday to have sent home with kids on Monday 9/14.
Due back to teachers on 9/30. Will need to have 2 volunteers on Friday 10/2 to count money- Michelle Mosa, Jodie, and Lynne Long. Will also need volunteers to help sort items once they come in November. Will discuss sorting volunteers at October meeting.

Jessie Gannet suggested waiting until 2nd week of school to send form volunteer sign up form. Will garner better response. Was also suggested to send out again in January and possible via email.

Tanger Buck Coordination- Sarah Lapointe and Jen O’Reilly. Almost $2400 raised last year in Tanger bucks. Goes towards playground equipment.

PTO Social to be held in October/November- To be discussed at October meeting

Jodie motioned for Back to School BBQ to come back. Both schools to be @ SS for new playground ribbon cutting ceremony. Principals to cook. Menu to be hamburgers, hot dogs, water. Possible for firefighters to come set up and cook as well.
-Candice Weingartner motioned to accept
-Nicole Piper seconded

Open Items:
Donuts with Dad- 45 minutes before school, early morning donuts and juice
-BJ’s could preorder the pastries
-Raffle off sports tickets
-Could also be for uncles, grandfathers

Marie Dion suggested a gift card fundraiser.
Valerie Bergeron suggested Scripts fundraising company
Yankee Candle was also suggested but also mentioned that they are now at the Outlets

Jodie spoke about the teacher’s request for a Cricket paper cutting machine.

Marie Dion motioned for snacks for teachers for kids who forget their snacks. Michael Ricu seconded. Was suggested $25/ monthly to each school to have snacks on hand in office for teachers.
-Tabled until next month when the principals can weigh in
-Karen Shackett also suggested plastic spoons for teachers to have too

Heather Young asked about the ecology school. Jodie explained why the PTO cannot support (would put in another tax bracket, only benefits 1 class, too much money going through the PTO account).

Alternate AM/PM PTO Meetings will be polled at Open House for a larger group to weigh in on

Jodie motioned to adjourn meeting. Sue Collins seconded.

Meeting Adjourned 7:55 PM

Welcome To a New School Year & New PTO!

Wow! Can you believe it is already August? It has it been a great summer and the USS/SS PTO has been busy preparing to make it a very special school year. We have tons planned for the upcoming school year and want all parents/guardians/relatives to be a part of PTO! Look for us at school events, stop by to say hello, and please sign up to receive emails from our PTO to keep abreast of all the happenings at Union Sanborn and Southwick.
The USS/SS PTO is still looking to fill the following positions for the 09-10 school year:

• Volunteer Coordinator for USS
• Box Top Coordinator for Southwick
• We are also looking for parent(s) who are interested in updating the PTO bulletin boards at each school on a monthly basis. This would consist of promoting whatever is going on for the month and may be themed throughout the year. The more creative, the better! If you can help with 1 month or all 10 months, we appreciate the help!

The USS/SS PTO is pleased to announce that Union Sanborn School has been selected by BJ's for the "Adopt-a-School" program. Watch for special events sponsored by BJ's. We are possibly looking at a gift wrapping event this coming holiday season just for starters. Last year, Southwick enjoyed being the adopted school and we look forward to another rewarding year with BJ's and USS. Thank you BJ's!

Here are some important dates to jot down for September-

Sept 1- 1st day of school for everyone but Kindergarten. Kindergarten Visit Day

Sept 2- Kindergarten 1st day of school

Sept 3- 1st meeting of the USS/SS PTO for the 09-10 school year. 6:30 @ the SS Media Cnt. PLEASE COME & JOIN! Support your school & have some fun. Childcare is provided. Meetings will last approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.

To be discussed- Fall fundraising, Open House, PTO Support Programs

Sept 7- Labor Day, No School

Sept 8- Open House at USS along with book fair (book fair 9/8-9/18) 6:30-8:30 PM

Sept 10- Open House at SS

Sept 10- Picture Day at USS

Sept 14- Fall fundraiser begins!

Enjoy the rest of your summer and please be sure to sign up for the PTO emails. Hope to see you at the PTO meeting on the 3rd.

It's going to be a fantastic school year!

New Board Members

We're pleased to introduce you to the new Co-Presidents of the USS/SS PTO Board for 2009-2010.

Jodie Gallant

Email - jodie.gallant@gmail.com

Phone - 286-4325 (Home)

Deirdre McCain

Email - irishluck@metrocast.net

Phone - 286-2286 (Home)