Minutes for Morley School PTO Meeting – June 8, 2005
Attendees: Sharon McHale, Jenny Travers, Kris Monnes, Christie Kennedy, Judi Houpert, Kim Jackson, Ellen Rosow Stokoe, Mike Michaud, Peggy Mantz, Lisa Sandstrom, Bonny Slim, Sharon LaPointe
The meeting was called to order at 6:40 pm by Sharon LaPointe. Sharon thanked the PTO board members for all their work this year and stated that the PTO met all of its goals for the year. She gave notice of some changes to the PTO bylaws that will take effect next year. 1. Article 6 Section 4 Letter D: The treasurer will have all checks over $500 co-signed by one of the PTO co-presidents. 2. Article 9 Section 1: We will hold 5 regular PTO meetings next year instead of 7. A vote will be held at the first meeting of the year to make the changes official.
Sharon gave the budget report for the year and stated that she tried to budget as close to 0 as possible. She talked about fundraising and talked about the Scrip Program that Morley will use as a fundraiser for next year. 83% of the respondents from the PTO survey said they would use the Scrip Program if it was offered. We will start with $5,000 from the PTO to get the program started. (That is just a “loan” – we will make the money back and then some once the program is up and running.)
Sharon explained that the PTO makes a donation to the school every year and this year it was the Alpha – Smart Cart.
Judi Houpert made a motion to accept the budget for the 2005 – 2006 school year and Jenny Travers seconded the motion. A vote was cast and the budget passed for next year.
Sharon McHale proposes to start with up to $5,000 for Scrip cards and the motion was seconded. A vote was cast and passed.
Ellen began by thanking everyone for a great year. She then thanked Kim Jackson for all of her hard work this year and all she did with the 5th graders.
Ellen then reported on hiring for next year at Morley. After 18 years of teaching 1st grade, Dawn O’Connor will be “looping” with her class and moving on to teach 2nd grade. Katie O’Dell, who previously taught kindergarten at Webster Hill will be taking Dawn’s place in 1st grade. Ellen then stated that Pat VanInwagen will be leaving Morley to become a Media Specialist at Aiken School. More hiring will be done to replace her in 4th grade and also for 2 openings in 5th grade.
Ellen reported on the testing scores for Morley. For reading, Morley placed within the top quarter of the district scores. She also stated that there has been growth from K-5 grade levels in reading. Ellen then said that students who have not reached the mastery level in each grade will be given extra support in any areas that they need. Also, students who are not challenged enough will be given support too.
Peggy started by saying that the Kids Fund had 13 requests this year and most of them were granted. There was a budget of $4000 for the year. The payment for an artist in residence for $3500 has been deferred until next September, but is coming out of the 2004-2005 budget. Peggy also said that Sue Linclon’s request for a school bookstore has been deferred until next year.
Jenny stated that the first batch of volunteer forms went out to families and there has already been a good response for next year. Half of the positions that need to be filled by the beginning of the school year have already been filled.
Mike gave an update for the Morley picnic and states that pre-ticket sales are in line for the same as last year. He said that Radio Disney is coming with games, prizes, goody bags for everyone. There will be bouncies, a giant slide, face painting, PACT, Officer Basos, MEDC cake walk and Barb’s pizza.
Judi states that she is one of the new PT Council Presidents for next year and she is looking for a new member from Morley school for next year.
Election of Treasurer for 2005-2007 Term
Peggy Mantz nominated Sharon McHale for a second term as treasurer and Bonny Slim seconds the motion. A vote was cast and passed.
Sharon McHale ended the meeting by presenting Sharon LaPointe with a gift from the PTO and thanking her and Michael for all of their hard work.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted by Christie Kennedy.