Morley PTO

Minutes of the Meeting of March 10, 2005

Present: Sharon LaPointe, Michael LaPointe, Ruth Lawlor, Michele Paul, Judi Houpert, Maryann McGuire, Lisa Sandstrom, Stacy Raney, Christie Kennedy, Michalee Merritt, Patti Mohler, Sharon McHale, Ellen Rosow Stokoe, Laurie Brown, Kim Jackson

1.   The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.

2.   Treasurer’s Report

Sharon McHale gave an overview of the budget and circulated a budget to actual analysis for review.

3.   Health Council

Maryann McGuire reported on the following items from the Town-Wide Health Council:

Handwashing has been a focus for the Health Council this year.  Accordingly, the Morley KIDS Fund funded a “Glitterbug” Handwashing Kit for our school nurse to use in educating children about the importance of handwashing.   In addition, Conard and Hall high school students will be designing posters for school bathrooms to remind students to wash hands.  The Health Council is also conducting a cost/benefit analysis regarding the installation of hand sanitizers in schools.

The Health Council sponsored a “Healthy Choices/Healthy Lifestyles” Celebration during the month of March, including a “Love Your Heart” nutritional series also sponsored by Morley.  Several other town-wide events were held in the schools, focusing on fitness and nutrition.  The Health Council plans to hold the “Healthy Choices/ Healthy Lifestyle Celebration” during March each year. 

The Council plans to begin a new food labeling system in school cafeterias in September 2005.  The child-friendly labeling system, called “Whoa, Go, Slow”, will convey nutritional content of foods through the use of red (“Whoa”), green (“Go”), and yellow (“Slow”) stickers.  The system will encourage children to pick a variety of foods to ensure a balanced meal. 

4.   Programming

Lisa Sandstrom reported that no additional programming events are being planned for the year. 

5.   Yearbook

Christie Kennedy reported that sales for the yearbook have begun and that orders should be in by March 23.

6.   Dancing in the Park

Sharon McHale reported that 32 tickets have been sold for the event so far, and that the silent auction donations are going well.  The fifth graders are creating an art project with Mrs. Reid that will be auctioned at the party.  Also, many local businesses are being asked to sponsor the event through program advertising.

7.   Annual Picnic

Michalee Merritt reported that her husband is chairing the Picnic committee and that the committee is hard at work.  The Senior Girl Scout Troop of West Hartford has been lined up to volunteer at the event.

8.   Fundraising

Ruth Lawlor reported that the last fundraising event of the year would be the notecard fundraiser.  The committee is also working to plan a Morley t-shirt sale, although this will not be an actual fundraiser.

9.   Community Service

Sharon LaPointe reported that the Valentines made by Morley students were a big success and enjoyed by many of our elderly neighbors.  The Book Drive held in conjunction with the Dr. Seuss Read Across America Celebration was also a huge success.  The PTO thanks those who made these events a success. 

10. Other Updates

a.   Rock Cats Game – The Morley Rock Cats event will be on Sunday, May 15.

b.   Box Tops – Michalee Merritt continues to track the Box Tops donations and encourages families to continue sending them to school.

c.   Foundation for West Hartford Public Schools – The Foundation will hold its annual Cooking Event fundraiser on April 9.

d.   Cultural Council – The Cultural Council sponsored a wonderful mask performance and presentation on March 10, which was enjoyed by all students and teachers. 

e.   KIDS Fund – The KIDS Fund recently awarded a grant to purchase quilting supplies for the fifth grade project. 

11. Principal’s Report

Dr. Rosow Stokoe reported that the Love and Logic parenting sessions have begun with about 50 parents attending.  She also reported that the proposed school budget for the 2005-2006 school year incorporates a 6% increase and that all elementary school programs have been left intact.  She encouraged all parents to support the proposed budget. 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Stacy Raney

Secretary