Morley PTO
Present: Kris Monnes, Jenny Travers, Michelle Zeuschner, Michele Paul, Ruth Lawlor, Sharon McHale, Peggy Mantz, Michalee Merritt, Kim Jackson, Ellen Rosow Stokoe, Janine Chapdelaine, Kerry Boyle, Sharon LaPointe, Michael LaPointe, Stacy Raney, Nichola Dustin
1. The meeting was called to order at 6:40 pm. The minutes from the meeting of March 10 were approved.
2. Treasurer’s Report
Sharon McHale presented the Balance Sheet and Income Statement for review. She also presented an overview of the revenues earned from the Dancing in the Park Fundraiser, showing that the event raised approximately $10,000.
3. KIDS Fund
Peggy Mantz reported on recent KIDS Fund requests. There has been one request to start a bookstore, which will be discussed in further detail next year. An additional request was made by our Interim Curriculum Specialist for a $3500 grant to help fund our children’s author-in-residence, Patricia Polacco, who will be visiting Morley in September. The members present voted to approve the request.
4. Principal’s Report
Dr. Rosow Stokoe thanked the PTO for the Alpha Smart Cart computer system that has been purchased with the profits from the Dancing in the Park Fundraiser. Teachers have been receiving training on the Smart Cart system and it will be integrated next year into each grade level’s units of study. The PTO is also considering giving a demonstration of the system for parents during a PTO meeting next year.
Dr. Rosow Stokoe conveyed her happiness with the turnout for the Love and Logic parenting program and the positive feedback received on the parent evaluations. She plans to purchase the teacher version of the Love and Logic program for use by the staff as well.
5. Annual Picnic
Michalee Merritt reported that the committee is almost finished with planning for the Annual Picnic, except for volunteer recruitment. The committee will be recruiting volunteers in the coming weeks to help with activities during the event.
6. Fundraising
Ruth Lawlor reported that summer workbooks will be sent home the week of May 16th. Parents will have the option to purchase the books but have no obligation. Unwanted books can be sent back to school. The purchase of the workbooks helps us earn “points” for our school, which can then be redeemed for products for the school.
7. New Business
Sharon LaPointe led a discussion about the sale of Morley t-shirts. The group discussed whether t-shirts should be kept in stock and sold year-round, or sold only during a one-time fundraising event. The majority of the group was in favor of keeping t-shirts in stock year-round, while also making efforts to sell them at various school events (Annual Picnic, Family Breakfast, etc.) Several PTO members will be looking into a Morley t-shirt design.
Sharon McHale proposed the idea of forming a school team for the Komen Race for the Cure event on June 11th. The event includes shorter 5K walk/run races that would be appropriate for children and families. There was positive feedback to this idea, so Sharon will work on gathering more information.
8. Guest Speaker
Guest speaker Kerry Boyle, Morley parent and Athletic Director at Watkinson School in Hartford, gave an informative talk about the importance of physical activity and athletics for girls. Her talk encompassed statistics showing that female athletes have significantly lower rates of tobacco and drug use, obesity, depression, and teenage pregnancy. She also suggested ways for parents expose girls to more physical activity and to model physical fitness.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacy Raney
Secretary