Morley PTO
Minutes of the Meeting of March 30, 2006
Present: Sharon LaPointe, Sharon Zajack, Caroline Anderson, Lisa Sandstrom, Stacy Raney, Michele Paul, Kris Monnes, Sharon McHale, Carolyn Martindale, Michalee Merritt, Peggy Mantz, Dawn O’Conner, Sarah Raskin, Rachel Schaumburger, Bonny Slim, Ellen Rosow Stokoe
Sharon McHale gave an overview of the budget to actual analysis and reported that the PTO is mainly on track for spending as compared to the budget. Michele Paul also reported that the Scrip Program has raised about $1,900 so far, the goal for the year being $2,500. The Scrip program has the potential to be a much larger fundraiser for the school if participation is increased. As an incentive, the Scrip committee is planning to raffle off a $50 Waldbaum’s gift card after April vacation to all who participate in the program. Sharon LaPointe expressed thanks to Michele Paul, Ruth Lawlor, and Sharon McHale for successfully starting up and managing the program this year.
Sharon McHale reported that there are only about 10 spots left for the Dancing in the Park fundraiser on April 7th. Currently it looks like we have more auction items than last year.
Lisa Sandstrom reported that the upcoming Talent Show on March 31st has 71 children participating. The 5th grade students will be selling refreshments as a fundraiser for their class. The Talent Show will be the last Programming event of the year.
Sarah Raskin reported that Crazy Hair Day will be held on April 4th, and in conjunction, students are asked to bring in $1.00 to donate to Locks of Love. There was some discussion about whether Morley might organize teams to participate in several upcoming Walk-a-thons in the area. Sarah agreed to coordinate teams for the Walk for Hunger in May (proceeds to go to Foodshare), and the Race for the Cure in June. It was also mentioned by Sharon Zajack that the Student Council is interested in working with the PTO to plan more Community Service activities.
Peggy Mantz reported on a new KIDS Fund request. Liz Wallack requested $82 for a Voice Booster. This is used to amplify children’s voices and will be used in the classrooms as well as for the 3rd Grade Play. It will be housed in the Media Center. The KIDS Fund committee approved the request.
Michalee Merritt reported that her husband Mark is again chairing the Picnic committee. The committee is having their first meeting on April 3rd and is looking for more people to help. They have decided not to hire Radio Disney again this year.
Michalee Merritt reported that the Nominating Committee is still trying to fill the two Fundraising Chair positions, as well as the Secretary position, for next year’s Board.
Dr. Rosow Stokoe reported that this was the first year of CMT testing for grades 3,4, and 5. She was very pleased with the scheduling and the execution of the testing, and the staff was happy with testing being moved into the spring vs. the fall. She expressed thanks to Sharon Zajack for organizing the testing schedules. CMT results will be mailed in the fall to the school and to parents.
Dr. Rosow Stokoe also reported that the School Board has recommended and approved moving World Language (Spanish) up to begin in third grade. The Board is also working to gradually replace the Reading Lab program in the schools with certified Reading Consultants. Webster Hill, Charter Oak, and Smith will be the first schools to have Reading Consultants, with other schools being transitioned over the next few years.
A question was raised about whether nets can be added to the basketball hoops on our blacktop. This request will have to go through the Town Plant Services, and Sharon LaPointe agreed to look into this.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 pm. The next PTO Meeting will be Wednesday, May 24th, at 6:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacy Raney
Secretary