Minutes of the Morley Elementary School

Parent Teacher Organization

September 20, 2007

 

Present:  Sharon LaPointe, Sharon McHale, Michalee Merritt, Kris Monnes, Rachel Granquist, Georgette Sappington, Sarah Raskin, Martha Rosenthal, Dawn O’Connor, Monica Rockefeller, Christine Peach, Debbie Abraham, Liz Wallack, Deta Reid, Bonny Slim, Sharon Zajack, Lori Beste, Jennifer Druckenmiller, Barb Dorian, Lauren Tafrate, Winnie Dawson.

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:42 pm by Sharon LaPointe.  Sharon L. introduced herself as co-President.

 

Sharon McHale gave the Treasurer’s report.  The checking account balance is 13, 712.97 (with 7,000 set aside for the Kids Fund).  Another $1000 is set aside for room parents.  The Morley Marketplace is well underway and available Fridays before and after school.  Subscriptions are now available and around the holidays there will be cards to a large variety of retail stores, restaurants and gas stations.

 

Sharon L. then introduced a vote for two new board members: Lauren Tafrate will go to the PT Council and Barbara Dorian is co-fundraising chair.  Sarah Raskin nominated them and Kris Monnes seconded.  They were elected unanimously. 

 

Barbara Dorian gave the report for the Fundraising Committee.  Sally Foster sales end next month.

 

Kris Monnes gave the report for the Programming Committee.  The Pet Parade was to be the following week and Pumpkin Night is coming up in October.

 

Michalee Merritt gave the report on Volunteers.  A Chairperson is still needed for the Morley Marketplace and for the Morley Picnic.  Volunteers are also needed to do laminating.  Two people are needed once per week for about ˝ hour.

 

Sarah Raskin gave the report for the Community Service Committee.  We had a great supply of school supplies donated at the beginning of the year.  The next even is trick-or-treat for UNICEF.

 

Bonnie Slim reported on the KIDS Fund.  The committee has worked to organize the way the fund is used.  Now 10% will go to school improvement, 25% to technology and 65% to programming and materials.  All requests must be for one-time items.  There are guidelines available for requests.

 

Dawn O’Connor presented a request for the PTO to pay for K-2 kids shirts.  They cost approximately $5-600 per year.  It was decided to use the KIDS Fund for this year but from now on it will be a line item in the budget.  The motion to approve was made by Deta Reid and seconded by Dr. Stokoe.  It was passed unanimously.

 

Sharon L. reported for Rachel Schaumberger that Paul Cryan photos will be taken in October and the book swap will be the last Friday of the month the same day as Spirit Day.  She stressed the need to bring books on the same grade level as the child.

 

Sharon L. then reported on PTO membership.  We currently have $1610 in membership dues with a goal of $2500.  Please send in your dues!

 

Dr. Stokoe then gave the Principal’s report.  Morley achieved high scores on the CMT.  It was one of four schools to meet goal for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade in reading and math.  She stressed that character programs like Love and Logic and Second Step have an impact on academics.   She also stated that the disctrict asks for 78% to pass reading, math, and writing with each school goal based on numbers of free and reduced lunch students.  Based on our goal, we have a hig level to reach.  Nevertheless, Morley had the highest writing scores in the district in grades 3 and 5, and the strongest gains in the district in grade 3 and 5. 

 

Dr. Stokoe then reported that every 4 years the school is required to do a survey on the health of the school.  This survey of parents and teachers was completed last year.

 

She then introduced the idea of the new security greeter.  All 11 elementary schools now have them and there are new rules about visiting the school in the Morley reader.

 

New Business

 

Monica Rockefeller and Martha Rosenthal reported that they have decided not to do the Scholastic Book fair this year as the library’s fundraiser for the year.  They felt Scholastic was not responsive to their requests for a higher standard of books and less toys.  Instead there will be a one day event at the new Barnes and Noble at Blue Back Square.  You must have a voucher indicating that you are shopping for Morley school, but the cashiers will be able to give them to you in the store that day.   If Morley supporters spend over $10,000 Barnes and Noble will donate 20%.  If it is less than $10,000 Barnes and Noble will donate 15%.  This will cover all purchases except magazines and newspapers.    There will be book suggestions by grade and there will be teacher wish lists.  The tentative date is November 29.

 

The committee for the 80th birthday of Morley is making plans.  First, they supplied birthday hats to everyone on the first day of school.  They are also planning some kind of event to commemorate.

 

October is International Walk to School Month and October 3 is the Walk to School Day. 

Please try to walk to school whenever possible.

 

The Pond House event is set for April 4.

 

Spirit Day will be slightly different this year.  Every last Friday of the month will be Spirit Day and everyone will be asked to wear school colors or a Morley shirt.  Only grades 3-5 will be counted and involved in the competition.

 

New furniture is being purchased for the courtyard along with picture frames and a rug.

 

Deta Reid announced that on September 26 the British Art Center in New Haven will have a grand opening of West Indies Art with music, dance, food and wine.  It starts at 5:00 pm.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:17 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Raskin