June 7, 2012 Minutes

Union Sanborn/Southwick School PTO Meeting Minutes Thursday, June 7, 2012 6:30pm Southwick Media Center In attendance: Julie Nieder, Rick Honer, Cindy Cilley, Rich Hines, Cynthia Proulx, Kathleen Lauretti, Kathleen Morrill, Bridget Puffinburger, Leigh-Anne Phelps, and Judie Milner. Julie Nieder called the meeting to order at 6:37pm. Rich motioned to approve the minutes of the May 3, 2012 meeting, Cindy seconded. Motion carried. Treasurer’s report: Cash balance is $14,991.86 as of 6/1/12; PTO still needs to buy paper for schools for around $200 and Mrs. Roy has invoice for around $14. There are a few outstanding items to purchase for this school year such as popsicles for field days and 5th grade graduation supplies. Rich moved to accept the Treasurers report, Julie seconded. Motion carried. 2012/2013 budget estimate: Cindy Cilley discussed her budget estimates and assumptions. Based on this year’s experience, we reduced the expected receipts from fall fundraiser. Fund raiser incentives have changed – Krazy Kids, $100 Toys R Us gift cards, $75 classroom for party or zoo adoption. The group discussed spirit T-shirts. It was decided to stick with old logo because cost of designing a new logo is too expensive ($2000 for 150 shirts). Mrs. Lauretti introduced Cynthia Proulx as the new principal of Union Sanborn School. Volunteer recognition gifts: Rick is writing thank you cards, inserting the Dipsy Doodle cards, and giving them to the principals before year end to distribute. Judie will give Rick more PTO cards and email Rick the listing of volunteers. The group discussed purchasing 5 gift card for teachers (Ms. Kitto and Ms. Horgan) who provide child care for the PTO meetings and teacher homework helpers (Ms. Pederzani, Ms. Bickford and, Ms. Lawrence) in the amount of $50 each to Ninety Nines. Rick moved the purchase, Judie seconded. Motion carried. The group discussed the many positive comments received from teachers regarding teacher appreciation week. Principals will stagger pizza next year so all teachers even recess teachers will get some. That seemed to be the only small issue. Attendees discussed Breakfast with Mom done in May. Some Moms commented that they would like egg sandwich like dads; 262 breakfasts were served at Southwick; 340 breakfasts were served at Union Sanborn. The group discussed parking at Union for next year. May allow parking on lawn at Union similar to Southwick. 5th grade graduation: The group discussed 5th grade graduation. Based on last year we decided that we only need one cake. We have $50 card at BJ’s, so Cindy will order and deliver on the 15th at 9:15 am. Heidi will find out about balloons by tomorrow (if we need to pay or if they will be donated); Leigh Anne will get 10 table clothes (blue and white) and streamers/banners; Julie will get napkins, fruit punch and gingerale from Walgreens; Cindy will get plasticware and sherbet from BJ’s; Bridget will bring in punch bowl. Volunteers needed to set up food area at 8:30am Friday 6/15. Judie, Rick, and Bridget volunteered to assist Friday morning. Decorations are done Thursday after school at 3:45pm - Judie, Leigh-Anne and Bridget will decorate. Mrs. Morrill discussed the possibility of purchasing a rock wall for the Southwick gym. Mrs. Morrill has $500 US Games gift certificates (which expire 10/27/12) to use. Mrs. Morrill stated that a 20 foot wide wall costs approximately $3000 with the mats. Mrs. Morrill explained that the system doesn’t require gear because it is elementary (not tall) rock wall. Mrs. Morrill may also have a 20% coupon – Mrs. Morrill will check to see if the company will allow the use of both the gift certificate and coupon. Mrs. Lauretti discussed the need for folding chairs at Union Sanborn at a cost of approximately $4000; however, Mrs. Lauretti will call the representative suggested by Mr. Hines to get better pricing; Picnic tables were also discussed - Board decided not to support picnic tables as it is not educational. Bridgette nominated Heidi to chair the fall festival. All were in agreement as Heidi did a fantastic job of chairing the event with short notice last year. Attendees discussed how to better promote the PTO and get more people at meetings and volunteering. Used free service for blog and attached to website. Teachers tried to advertise PTO at Circus Smirkus, artist is residence, etc. The group reviewed the survey results prepared by Cindy Cilley. A possible monthly back pack express was considered. The group decided to discuss this more at the September meeting. Back to 2012/2013 budget: Only Union Sanborn needs artist in residence this year (school are going to take turns with artist in residence) – Mr. Winslow asked for $3000 however attendees thought we may fund $2000; Mr. Hines discussed purchasing kindles for the 5th grade class at a cost of $8000. Lots of discussion ensued regarding the kindles - didn’t pick ipad because of expense – kindle screen is large enough to handle assessments program they are doing – nooks are cheaper but technology person recommended kindle as best value. Need to add $2000 to kindle line for a total of $8000. School is purchasing the cabinet for the kindles. School is funding purchasing books this year. Rick mentioned leasing the equipment- the leasing company will replace if broken and obsolete. Mrs. Lauretti said Union Sanborn doesn’t need $1000 for tiger cart in last year’s budget. Considering budgeting $500 for PBIS. The group felt these items were a lot to absorb and needed additional time to think about priorities since we can’t fund all the requests in the 2012/2013 budget. Budget tabled until July 19th at 6:30pm at Leigh-Anne’s house. The group discussed again how to get more people involved. It was mentioned that Belmont has a very active PTO with many volunteers. Judie will call Belmont to see what they do. Meeting adjourned at 8:23pm.