Morley PTO

Minutes of the Meeting of September 23, 2004

Present: Ellen Rosow Stokoe, Mike LaPointe, Sharon LaPointe, Stacy Raney, Cyndi Van Doren, Gary Reger, Bonnie Schneider, Ruth Lawlor, Michele Paul, Priscilla Hooper, Judi Houpert, Kris Monnes, Lisa Sandstrom, Denise Moss, Kim Jackson, Alicia Rinaldi, Carolyn Lombardo, Christie Kennedy, Rachel Kudrle, Timothy Kudrle, Shqipe Gjonbalaj, Pat Boyce, Suzanne Ruffee, Mary Ann McGuire, Sharon McHale, Kari Riley, Sarah Raskin, Celeste Calabotta, Sally Lynch, Robin Lane, Bonny Slim, Michalee Merritt, Jenny Travers, Peggy Mantz.

I.                    The meeting was called to order at 6:05 by Sharon LaPointe.

II.                 Referendum

Jack Darcy, chairman of the Board of Education, was our guest speaker.  He encouraged the Morley community to vote, and to vote Yes on the budget referendum on September 28^th.  He gave an overview of the budget process and the negative impact that West Hartford schools will face if the referendum does not pass.

Judi Houpert explained that all Room Parents have been asked to phone the parents in their class on Monday, September 27^th, to encourage them to vote on September 28^th. 

Judi also reported that volunteers will distribute flyers on Sunday, September 26^th throughout the Morley neighborhood, explaining why residents should vote Yes for education!  She estimates that 16-17,000 flyers will be distributed.  Judi also mentioned that the West Hartford Parent-Teacher Council will be sponsoring a debate with the candidates for State Assembly and State Senate to discuss educational funding that we receive from the state.

III.               Sharon LaPointe introduced the Executive Board for 2004-2005.  She stated that some of her goals for the school year are to see the budget referendum passed, continue Morley’s great reputation for community closeness, and possibly purchase a new sign for the school, as well as a “Smart Cart” portable computer system.

IV.              Principal’s Report

Dr. Rosow-Stokoe welcomed new and old families to the meeting.  She expressed thanks to the playground committee and noted the success of the new playground. 

Two new faculty members were introduced: Kim Jackson, 5^th grade teacher,  and Alicia Rinaldi, an intern from St. Joseph’s College who will be helping students with reading.

Dr. Rosow-Stokoe explained the district (four-year) goals of achievement, safe schools, and community collaboration.  She also explained her school goals, which fall in line with the district goals.  K-2 students will be focusing on a new math curriculum this year, and 3-5 students will be focusing on writing, as part of her achievement goals.  She also has a goal of making sure we are “living and breathing” our mission statement of kindness, caring, respect, and responsibility. 

Dr. Rosow-Stokoe explained the Love and Logic program which will most likely be presented during the second half of the year.  It is a national program which teaches the language of parenting.

Dr. Rosow-Stokoe is concerned about the traffic that will be coming through the school on upcoming election days: September 28^th, October 12th, and November 2^nd.  She would like parent volunteers for all three election dates to direct voters in and out of the school.  She also requested that parents try to walk their children to and from school on election days to avoid traffic and parking problems. 

V.                 Updates

Treasurer:  Sharon McHale presented a budget for approval.  There was a discussion about where the income from fundraisers and special events is directed.  It was suggested that a list of specific “needs and wants” be prepared for the next meeting.  Voting on the budget will be postponed until the October meeting.

Membership: Sharon McHale reported that 135 families have joined the PTO so far. 

Fundraising: Ruth Lawlor gave a summary of the fundraisers planned for this year.  This fall there will be the Snacks and Wraps fundraiser, followed by a cookie dough sale, and a Krispy Kreme bake sale on Election Day (November 2^nd).  She encouraged participation in the Snacks and Wraps fundraiser because the school earns 50% on these sales.

Programming: Lisa Sandstrom gave an overview of the upcoming October events: the Pet Parade and Pumpkin Night. 

Volunteer Coordinator: Michalee Merritt reported that they still need people to chair the following positions: Playground Pals, Pond House, Morley Loves to Read, Scrap Paper Recycling, Cultural Council, and Keyboarding.  Dr. Rosow-Stokoe explained that we have a new keyboarding lab for use by third through fifth graders, but we need parent volunteers to assist with this.

Volunteers are needed for Playground Pals and the School Store.

Box Tops will be collected in each classroom this year and there will be a contest for the most box tops collected.  A Room Parent from each class is requested to make a shoe box to collect them in, and deliver them monthly to Michalee.

There is a box in the office for empty printer ink cartridges.  These are delivered to a program which returns cash to our school.

School Improvement Council:  Sharon LaPointe reported that she needs more applications for joining the School Improvement Council.  This is a two-year term, with four meetings per year. 

Golf Outing:  Mike LaPointe encouraged people to sign up for the Golf Outing on October 17^th. 

Health Council:  Mary Ann McGuire and Sally Lynch presented some ideas they have to promote health, fitness and nutrition.  They asked for feedback from parents about which topics are of interest.  MaryAnn will present more at the October meeting.

Morley Directory:  Cyndi VanDoren reported that the directory should be out in early October.  She also reported that the website is up and running with pictures of the new playground, the mural and the Art Show.

Community Service:  Sarah Raskin reported that they tried collecting school kits for children in Hartford, but got no response; therefore the third grade Brownie Troop took over this project.  The Brownies donated supplies and assembled 25 kits for needy elementary students in Hartford.  The Walkathon is scheduled for October 30^th and will raise money for a community organization.  The Student Council has been asked to suggest some organizations to which we could donate the funds.  Sarah also reported that there will be an upcoming Book Drive.

Yearbook:  Christie Kennedy reported that for the first time we will have a Morley Yearbook.

VI.              General Discussion

Dr. Rosow-Stokoe reported that we will share an author-in-residence this year with Charter Oak School.  The date is still unsure at this point.  The author will be Patricia Polacco.

Sarah Raskin reported that the Hartford Children’s Theater program was over-enrolled and a waiting list was created.  It seems to be a great success.

Dr.  Rosow-Stokoe reported that the French Club will be starting up again hopefully in mid-October.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Stacy Raney

Secretary