Morley PTO

Minutes of the Meeting of February 3rd, 2005

Present: Stacy Raney, Dan Walsh, Judy Eckert, Suzanne Ruffee, Peggy Mantz, Celest Benn, Nancy Cornell, Judi Houpert, Barbara Flores, Maryrose Verdile, Lorie Duzan, Michele Paul, Sue Staffaroni, Colleen Mitchell, Kim Jackson, Kris Monnes, Lisa Sandstrom, Pat Van Inwagen, Christie Kennedy, Laurie Brown, Michalee Merritt, Jenny Travers, Sharon McHale, Ellen Rosow Stokoe, Susan Gilmore, Sharon LaPointe, Michael LaPointe.

1.  The meeting was called to order at 3:45 pm.  Several of Ms. Wallack’s third-grade students played songs for us on their new steel drum, acquired this year through a grant from our KIDS Fund.

2.  Treasurer’s Report

Sharon McHale gave an overview of the PTO Balance Sheet and Income Statement.  She pointed out that after paying several pending expenses, the PTO’s checking account balance will be approximately $10,000.  She pointed out that PTO membership is above budget, and fundraising income is over budget, due mainly to the cookie dough sale and Election Day doughnut sale.      

3.  Principal’s Report

Dr. Rosow Stokoe encouraged all parents to attend the upcoming Love and Logic Program.  Love And Logic is a nationally acclaimed parenting program utilizing videotapes, parent handbooks, and discussion groups.  It will run for six consecutive Monday evenings in the Morley Auditorium beginning March 7th.  Childcare is available.  Charter Oak and Duffy Schools have completed the program and parents have given very positive feedback about the course. 

Dr. Rosow Stokoe reminded everyone of our upcoming Dr. Seuss Read Across America Celebration on March 4th.  Parents are invited to come into the classroom with their children at 8:30 to spend some time reading with them.  Refreshments in the auditorium (for parents and visitors) and a performance by the Morley Choir will follow the reading time. 

At Dr. Rosow Stokoe’s recent Leadership Meeting, there was a discussion about holding school on Election Day and the associated safety concerns voiced by parents and staff.  The School Board has voted to again have school in session on Election Day in the 2005-2006 school year.  Because of the many concerns, the Board will consider a proposal to have Election Day serve as a conference day in the 2006-2007 school year, therefore keeping children out of the school during voting.  The Board is asking for input on this proposal from PTOs through their Principals or PTO Presidents.

4.  Programming

Lisa Sandstrom reported that a “Winter Snowflake Dance” will be held on Friday, February 11th in the auditorium.  Those attending are asked to bring a baked good to share.  The Talent Show originally planned for March has been postponed until next year, so that sound and equipment issues can be planned properly.  The committee is considering hosting a Family Movie Night sometime in the spring.  The committee welcomes suggestions for future activities. 

5.  Yearbook

Christie Kennedy reported that the Morley Yearbook will be sold for $10 and should be ready by early to mid-June.  She asked for parents and teachers to submit candid photos of classroom or school-related activities to be printed in the yearbook.  Photos can be turned into the office and will not be returned.

6.  KIDS Fund

Peggy Mantz gave an overview of the KIDS Fund requests received this year.  KIDS Fund grants that have been approved are headsets for the computer lab, a steel drum for the third grade, an upcoming performance by the American Boys Choir, programming materials for childcare to be held during the Love and Logic Program, and a Glitterbug handwashing kit (to be used by the school nurse as a teaching tool).   A fund request for a digital camera is still pending.

7.  Other Updates

a)  Hartford Wolfpack Game

Applications are due February 9th for Hartford Wolfpack tickets on March 12th.  $3 per ticket will go to the Wolfpack Children’s Foundation (a local charity). 

b)  Hartford Children’s Theatre

Sharon LaPointe reported that a second session is now starting of the Hartford Children’s Theatre after-school program.  Because the second session has lower attendance than the first, Sharon will recommend holding only one session next year. 

c)  Rock Cats Date

Our Morley outing to the New Britain Rock Cats Game will be Sunday afternoon, May 15th.

d)  Publishing Committee

Sharon LaPointe reported on a new program designed to publish the writing and artwork of Morley students.  Students will work with their teachers to create and submit stories and poems, as well as artwork to the Publishing Committee.  The committee will review and choose pieces to be published in the Morley Reader and displayed in the courtyard.

e)  Community Service

Suzanne Ruffee reported that the Community Service Committee is asking for students to create Valentines to be delivered to the elderly in our area.  Pink forms were attached to the Morley Reader to be used in creating the cards.  Please deliver Valentines to the box in the office.   The committee is also asking for new or gently used books to be donated on Dr. Seuss Read Across America Day (March 4th).  The books will be donated to schools in Hartford.

f)  Box Tops Update

Michalee Merritt reported that Morley has collected $419 from the Box Tops program through October.  Room Parents will not continue collecting the Box Tops, as each classroom teacher has been asked to send them directly to the office each month. 

g)  Dancing in the Park

Our annual Dancing in the Park Fundraiser will be held on April 8, 2005 and will raise money for the purchase of portable Alpha Smart Cart computers.  The theme will be “Past and Present”.  Sharon LaPointe asked that parents and teachers turn in childhood photos for the event.  Photos can be given to Sharon LaPointe.  Also, items are needed for the silent auction.  Anyone with services or goods to donate may contact Sharon McHale or Kristine Holland. 

The meeting was adjourned at 4:55 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Stacy Raney

Secretary