PTO Calendar Morley Parent Teacher Organization
Minutes of the Meeting of September 18, 200
Present: Ross Joel (President), Sharon McHale, Lisa Noble, Karen Edwards, Bonnie Redderoth, Dawn Niemiroski, Michelle Wallen, Maryrose Verdile, Michael LaPointe, Judi Houpert, Kristine Holland, Suzanne Ruffee, Anne Michelle Wieczorek., Kelly Will, Patti Joel, Maureen Kelleher, Marguerite Tracy, Corinne Wollschlager, Michalee Merritt, Cyndi Van Doren, Mary-Lynn Michaud, Mike Michaud, Michelle Zeuschner, Peggy Mantz, Ruth Lawlor, Sarah Dalton, Diane Venora, Bonnie Slim, Ellen Rosow, Sarah Raskin (n=30)
The meeting was called to order by Ross Joel at 6:36 pm
Ross Joel opened the meeting by having all members present introduce themselves. He also announced the idea of a monthly e-newsletter. Cyndi Van Doren agreed to be Webmaster.
It was announced that one room parent for each grade must attend each PTO meeting.
Ross announced that West Hartford will be holding a celebration for its 150th year. The town wants a school coordinator to facilitate our involvement in the celebration. The celebration will take place on a Saturday in May.
Ross announced that there are applications to be reviewed for the School Improvement Council. This council works on critical issues for the school.
Ruth Lawlor gave a report on PTO membership. To date we have 168 families who are members. We have received $2475 in membership and $120 in donations.
Margueritte Tracy gave a report on fundraising. The wrapping paper fundraiser has started. The deadline is September 25. Patti Joel announced that Quest teacher Mr. Keefer owns a corn maze. We can pick a Saturday or Sunday as a Morley fundraiser. He will donate $2 from each admission. The maze is in Storrs and the website is http://geocities.com/merrowcornmaze/
Karen Edwards and Bonnie Reddereith gave a report on Programming. Diane Venora and Angela Fox agreed to help with this committee. So far already planned are the Pet Parade, Fall Dance, Bingo Night, and Pond House Auction. There was a discussion of whether the auction should be continued as part of the Pond House Event. A suggestion was made to include a live auction, but it was agreed that there are not enough items generated to make that work.
Mike LaPointe reported on the playground committee. At the golf event there were 36 golfers and over $2000 was raised. A 1.5 mile Walk-A-Thon is being organized by Sharon and Mike LaPointe for November 8 at 9:00 am. Volunteers are needed to serve as crossing guards. There will also be a Buy a Brick Fundraiser and contributions from the Pond House event.
Sharon McHale gave the Treasurer’s Report. Sharon presented a detailed budget based on last year’s income and expenses. There was a discussion about whether the picnic should be a fundraiser. Sarah Dalton suggested that funds for student council be increased. Ross moved and Bonnie R. seconded $250 increase to the student council. It passed unanimously. Judi Houpert moved and Suzanne R. seconded that the budge be accepted. It passed unanimously.
Dr. Rosow gave an update on the State of Morley. The district goals will be available in the foyer. The School goals for 2003-2004 will support the District Goals and the Morley
mission statement to develop and demonstrate a greater understanding of
Respect and Responsibility. This will involve the staff in the study of the
Second Step Curriculum and the Six Pillars of Character during the fall
Staff Development Wednesdays which will be integrated through lessons in
the classroom. Sarah Dalton and Maureen Kelleher gave a brief presentation on this program. There will also be an artist-in-residence to work with each class on creating a mural in the library that represents respect and responsibility as interpreted by the students.
Anne Michele and Suzanne R. discussed the status of volunteers and Patti Joel made an appeal for playground pals.
Judi Houpert explained that we need to change the term By-Laws to Articles of Interpretation for IRS approval. Ross moved and Mike L. seconded this change. It passed unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:43.
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Raskin