Ray School PTO
Board Meeting Minutes

September 18, 2008

 

Present:

Karen Seltzer, Michele Sacerdote, Bill Mlacak, Sam Westelman, Tia James, Carmen Sedlacek, Hatsy McGaw, Julie Lirot, Barbara Abbate, Michelle Spaulding, Gordon Spaeth, Roger Lohr, Traci Rosenbaum, Susan Linsey, Joan Frankenstein-Mitchell, Helene Miles, Frieda Meehan, Elise Moore, Mary Fallon, Bruce Williams

Meeting was called to order at 3:05 pm.

Karen made a welcome statement, followed by introductions by all present.

Recent and Upcoming PTO Events

• Carmen reported a successful well-attended Ice Cream Social.
• Karen requested new involvement.
• Bill will prepare a list of volunteers. It is important to call on them.
• Michele announced the dance for the 26th, picnic 5:30 to 6, The Flames in the gym 6 to 7:30.  Bring nut-free dessert. She needs volunteers for 1/2 hour shifts. There was some discussion about switching to Saturday.  Friday is easier for staff and band, and cheaper for custodians. There would probably be less attendance on Saturday. Perhaps try it in the spring.
• Michele announced that Haven Helpers will be continuing with different months for different foods.  There is an all-food drive at the dance.
• Need a chair for spring dance.
• Karen reported on the Teacher Appreciation luncheon that was done just before school started.
  

Treasurer's Report

• Michele distributed the treasurer's report.
• To get reimbursement, send email to Michele, and put receipts and form in PTO mailbox. Blank forms are in PTO mailbox. Perhaps there should be 2 mailboxes in office.
• Reserve assets are about $13,000 due to no gifts distributed for 1.5 years.
• Gifts of $1700 were done last spring for French DVD's, new band music, K/1 science books.
• Gifts were approved by PTO board then school board.
• Julie Lirot and Sam Westelman volunteered to chair the Gifts committee.
• Motion by Karen to set gift budget at $3000 for this school year, seconded by Bill, motion passed.
  

Assemblies/activities

• Karen suggested that extra PTO funds could be used to fund assemblies, speakers for parents, school trips, etc.
• Suggested budget of $1500 for this fall and $1500 this spring.
• A parent survey can be done to solicit input on what to spend money on.
• There are fewer events now.
• Bruce suggested that PTO could fund Montshire Plus which is visits to school by Montshire staff. Cost is reasonable.
• Friends of Hanover Norwich School fundraise then give large gifts to 4 schools.
• Bridgman Trust gives $40,000 to $60,000 per year for other projects.
• Possible project is to clean up yard around Colonial House with apple orchard and split rail fence for $6000 to $10,000
• Board will develop list of possibilities for next meeting.
• Survey should provide concrete examples.
• Perhaps PTO role as forum for parent/teacher concerns
  

Transportation Committee

• Bill discussed the PTO transportation survey results and reminded parents about the transportation meeting on Monday 9/22 at 7 pm.
• Roger Lohr described the Walk to School day for Oct. 8.  He will tally distance and provide prizes.  He will also calculated CO2 avoided.
• Carmen asked for more places to park than Medical school, especially if coming in from North Hanover .
• Janice issued a caution about Rip Road due to construction projects.
• How can PTO help to make it easier for regular walking especially Grasse Road, Rip Road?

Birthday Book Club

• Why was income more than expenses?
• Committee will meet to discuss this.

PTO Committees

• Newsletter committee is dissolved - replaced by email newsletter.
• TV Turn Off week issue tabled until next meeting
• Make a Plate - tabled until next meeting
• Sam Westelman will chair Bike/Ski Helment program
• Carmen Sedlacek will chair Spring Picnic and Dance
• Traci Rosenbaum will chair School Photo Day
• Julie Lirot and Sam Westelman will chair Gifts.

Meeting adjourned at 4:12 pm

Respectfully submitted by Bill Mlacak (with assistance from Michele Sacerdote)