PTO Meeting Minutes

PTO meeting minutes need to be approved by the members at each following PTO meeting.  When they are approved the minutes will be marked as so.


 

Pending approval

Sunnyside Elementary School PTO Meeting

Library Classroom

April 6th, 2010

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. and introductions were made

 

Attendees:  Claudia Mickas, Claudia Davies, Karen Bittle, Jennifer Steffen, Teena Edwards, Kym Dye, Angie Barnett, Kristen Robinson, Ellie Pope, Edie Talbot, Megan Brannan, Sian Ritchie, Lisa Marquart, Carrie Wolsborn, Lenore Turman, Sue Hilliard, Harmony Paulsen, Maggie Watson, Carolyn Joswig-Jones, Kara Roche

 

Secretary’s Report:  Claudia Mickas thanked Taco Del Mar for providing treats.  The minutes from the March meeting were approved as written.

 

President’s Report:  Claudia Davies asked everyone to please take a look at the Chair Sign-Up Sheet going around the room to verify/sign up for next year.

The PTO’s non-profit status is almost ready, with a few revisions needed for tax deductions. 

It may be a good idea to consider changing the fundraiser for next year.  SES earned $6,000 with Red Apple, but there was some overlap with other schools.  This amount is $2,000 more than with the fundraiser.  Claudia has received information from a company called Believe – please see her to look at the catalog. 

If anyone has any ideas for something new, please see Claudia.

Claudia Davies reported that the Sunnyside Pool Party Days will be on April 13th-15th from 3:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. 

Tuesday 4/13 from 3:30 – 5:00 will be grades K-1; Wednesday 4/14 from 3:30 – 5:00 will be grades 2-3, and Thursday 4/15 from 3:30 – 5:00 will be grades 4-5.  Please pre-register.  The PTO will look into scheduling on a Saturday next year. 

Requested donations are canned foods for the Food Bank.

Claudia will post a working budget on-line.  Please give any input to Claudia. 

 

Treasurer’s Report:  Bring Someone Special to Breakfast received donations of $226.  The PTO spent $500, which was over the budget of $300.  All classes received snacks.

Please claim your mini-grant money by May 30th. 

 

Principal’s Report:  The Palouse Discovery Science Center assembly will be held Thursday April 15th.  Individual classes will be going to the PDSC also as per their teachers scheduling.  A.M. Kindergarteners will also be able to attend the assembly. 

The Talent Show will be run this year by Mr. and Mrs. Emerson, Ms. Dye, and Mr. Johnson.  Forms will be out on Friday.  Tryouts will be held on May 3rd.  The evening performance will be held on May 27th at Pullman High School, and the school performance will be held on May 28th.

Mr. Bates reported that the campus is closed during school hours. 

The gate does have a latch to keep it from swinging.

 

Teacher’s Reports: 

 

Ms. Dye reported on the Jr. Joggers, which takes place every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at the last recess.  Every student does at least 2 laps around the playfield, and many do more than that.  They are trying to find funding for prizes so that each student can be given something for this year, and then next year expand it to t-shirts that say how many miles they have jogged. 

 

Mrs. Emerson reported that she will have an Earth Day exhibit outside the office with the sculptures that students made from recycled materials. 

 

Committee Reports:

Career Day:  Thank you to Jenny Hayton for organizing Career Day and to Claudia Davies for organizing the luncheon. 

 

Science Fair:  Sian Ritchie reported that the Science Fair went very well, and posed the question of weather or not anything should be mandatory.  JES does a “Science, Art and Technology” Fair. 

 

Spanish Club: Claudia Davies reported that Noche De Amigos will be held on May 14th.  Certificates will be handed out, and there will be songs and plays.  They have been implementing a prize system to encourage students to arrive to class on time.  It is also time for assessments and report cards.  Spanish Club ends on May 21. 

 

Nominating Committee:  Kara Roche reported that a President, Vice President and Treasurer are still needed.  There was a motion to postpone for a later date.  Motion carried. 

 

Unfinished Business:  Mini-grants are almost due.

Mrs. B’s mini-grant was approved

 

New Business:  Claudia Davies would like the PTO to invest in a thermos or coffee maker.  She has found them for $39.99 for the smaller sizes.  Mr. Bates said that if she went though Food Service, the PTO could get them at cost.  A motion was made to purchase 3 juice containers and 2 coffee makers.  Motion passed. 

 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:54 with a drawing

The next meeting will be held on May 4th, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.

 


Approved

Sunnyside Elementary School PTO Meeting

Library Classroom

March 2nd 2010

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. and introductions were made.

 

Attendees:  Claudia Mickas, Claudia Davies, Karen Bittle, Teena Edwards, Rick Bates, Meghan Solak, Jennifer Steffen, Jenny Hayton, Sian Ritchie, Carolyn Joswig-Jones, Ellie Pope, Kara Roche, Megan Brannan

 

Secretary’s Report:  Claudia Mickas thanked Jennifer Steffen for providing treats.  The minutes from the February meeting were approved as written.  The deadline for the next Newsletter is March 12th. 

 

Treasurer’s Report:  Lenore Turman reported that the Spaghetti Feed lost $130 this year. 

 

President’s Report:  Dan Peterson requested $183.95 to purchase pulse rate monitors and laminated heart rate charts.  This benefits the 3rd – 5th grades

Marion Yonge requested 2 number math balances with weights for each classroom to provide hands on experience for numerical relationships.  Cost: $76.26.

Mrs. Bruya requested a $200 Registration Fee for a Title 1 Conference to benefit all students at SES and serve grades K – 5.

 

Principal’s Report:  Dr. Bates reported that the attendance rate for conferences this spring was between 95-96%, but this number will probably go up as he receives information from additional teachers.  He thanked parents and teachers for all their support during conference week and reminded parents that teachers are always available to meet with parents at other times as well.

 

Teachers Report:

Ms. Solak reported that the student-led conferences were very successful this year.  The 5th graders are going to be busy this spring with the Science Fair, sports, getting ready for camp and visiting LMS.  They are starting a new science unit on astronomy.

 

Committee Reports:

Reflections:  Megan Brannan thanked everyone for their participation in the Reflections program this year. There were 140 entries by 110 students.  95 entries were in K-2 visual arts.  All students who entered got a participation ribbon, and an overall Grand Prize was awarded for each age group and in each category there were 1st-3rd place and Honorable Mention Ribbons for each age group.

Primary Division

Grand Prize:  Addie H

Photography

First Place:  Clara N

Second Place: William M

Third Place: Cassidy E

Honorable Mention:  William M

Visual Arts

First Place:  Clara N

Second Place: Megan B

Third Place: Peter S

Honorable Mention: Alex Z, Jana M, Nicole K, Shaden S, Daniella D, Simon B, Kelli H, Mariaha S, Katherine R

Secondary Division-

Grand Prize: Hayley N

Visual Arts

First Place:  Sydney A

Second Place: Fred Q

Third Place: Jacob W

Honorable Mention: Quentin R, Hayley N, Shyam V, Jessica E

Photography:

First Place:  McKenna C

Second Place: McKenna C

Third Place: Aneesa T

Literature:

First Place:  Allie T

Second Place: Hannah P

Third Place: Taylor R

Honorable Mention: Maekara K

 

 

Career Day:  Jenny Hayton reported that Career Day will be Friday, March 5th.  There will be 25 presenters.  She asked for help in showing presenters where to go in the morning from 9:45 until 10:30.  It was suggested that she also use 5th graders to help guide presenters.  Each child will be able to attend their first choice at Career Day.  The Luncheon is being organized by Claudia Davies and will be held from 11:20 – 12:20.

 

Clubs:

Claudia Mickas reported that Maekara Keopanapay won the SES Bee and will be participating in the regional bee at LCSC this Saturday, March 6th.  Thank you to Ms. Teisberg for all her hard work organizing the be, and thank you to Mrs. Sewell for being the pronouncer.

 

SES Supernova (Service Learning Club) is looking for plastic coated bags for clean-up around the school grounds.  Also, Mrs. Emerson is looking for clean glass containers to use for the student council’s “Pennies for Patients” drive.  If anyone would like to donate whatever they have (like spaghetti jars, fruit jars, etc.) they can just be left in her room or mailbox. 

 

Gardening Club: Thank you to Dr. Bates for having the greenhouse water pump replaced with a unit that works much better.  Last weekend, SYG donated several hundred containers.  There are probably 100 or more students each week.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Claudia Mickas at mickascougs@roadrunner.com.

 

Spaghetti Feed:  Claudia Davies reported that the spaghetti was delicious this year, and thanked Ginger Druffel, teachers and volunteers for helping this years event be such a success. 

 

Bring Someone Special to Breakfast: Claudia Davies reported that this even will be held on March 12th from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.  Any leftovers will be donated to individual classrooms as snacks.

 

Science Fair:  Sian Ritchie reported that the Science Fair will be held on March 25th.  Poster drop off will be on Thursday morning.  Then tables will be set up, and classrooms will come in.  Volunteers will organize who gets medals and certificates.  Judging will be Thursday after school.  Family visiting time will be Thursday evening.  On Friday, there will be more classroom visits, and then take down will occur at 1:00 p.m. on Friday.  Parks & Rec will move their activities for the day and Mr. Peterson will help coordinate with P.E. Classes. 

 

Palouse Science Center:  Volunteers will not be needed because students will be bussed to the Science Center

 

New Business

 

Claudia Davies reported that the PTO needs someone to chair the nominating committee for next years executive.  Please contact Claudia Davies if you are interested.

 

Camp Invention would like to publicize through SES.  Mr. Bates informed the PTO that this group has already contacted and been given permission to display at our school.  They did not receive approval to distribute pamphlets to the children individually.  In light of this, the PTO agreed to place a small ad in the newsletter and decline their request to distribute as this decision had been made.  Camp invention asked for the PTO to sponsor a scholarship for the camp.  The request was declined for the following reasons: a)  The camp is a for-profit corporation, b) The amount to fund one student through the program is excessive in our view; c)  The scholarship would not benefit the majority of the school body but only one student.  

 

Amy and Doug Cox have offered to donate a Pizza Party as a prize for a Box Tops Drive.

 

Currently the Talent Show has no leader.  Dates TBD

 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. with a drawing.

 

 

Approved

Sunnyside Elementary School PTO Meeting

Library Classroom

February 2nd 2010

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. and introductions were made. 

 

Attendees:  Claudia Mickas, Claudia Davies, Karen Bittle, Edie Talbot, Jennifer Steffen, Jenny Hayton, Marion Yonge, Lorna Bruya, Megan Brannan, Sian Ritchie, Teena Edwards, Carolyn Joswig-Jones, Rick Bates, Diane Swenson, Kris Alvarez, Meghan Solak, Ginger Druffel, Christina Parish, Lenore Turman

Secretary’s Report

Claudia Mickas thanked Cindy Wendle for providing treats.  The minutes from the January meeting were approved as written.

President’s Report

Questionnaire Preliminary Results

Claudia Davies reported that the PTO received 245 questionnaires back, out of approximatly380 families at the school, and thanked parents and teachers for an amazing response to the questionnaires.  There will be an executive audit of the questionnaires as they were tabulated for the PTO meeting.  An extensive review of the questionnaire was presented (Attachment “A”) and some comments raised as well as voiced during the PTO meeting can be found in Attachment “B”.  If anyone is interested in more information, please contact Claudia Davies at ncdavies@roadrunner.com 

Congratulations to Dr. Bates

Claudia Davies congratulated Dr. Bates on achieving his PhD in Education and thanked him on behalf of the PTO for his dedication to the profession, the school, and especially our children.

eScrip

Claudia Davies explained our eScrip fundraising campaign.  We have not actively pursued eScrip this year as we are trying to request for rules which may allow our school to earn a bigger pro-rated share of the funds given out by Safeway.  Currently, we are only receiving less than 0.5% of the sales made at Safeway in comparison to the 4% that was initially expected.  We hope to have a response from eScrip with regards to our concerns and pursue this fundraising more fervently in the future.  Having said that, the Back to School Campaign where Sunnyside collected receipts from other eScrip members brought us over $800 in funds this year.

Mini Grants

Kim Stockton requested $80 to purchase Boomwhackers to be used in music class by all K-5th grade students

Erin Boruff and Kimi Emerson requested $199 each to cover the registration fee for the “Powerful Early Intervention Strategies to Help Students Struggling With Reading and Writing” Conference on March 17th to learn practical intervention strategies for Tier 2 reading students.

Lorna Bruya and Stephanie Johnson requested $200 to support a school wide reading event as part of the Read Across America program.  This will take place in April with a different baseball theme for 4 weeks.  Popcorn, prizes, books, and bookmarks will be handed out.

Treasurer’s Report

Movie ticket sales earned more this year than last.  Lenore thanked Edie Talbot for all her hard work selling tickets. 

The PTO closed the Bank of America account.  The $1700 will be used to pay for tax preparation for both entities (PTO and PTA) and also to cover the non-profit application made on behalf of the PTO.

Lenore suggested no longer collecting Campbell’s soup labels due to the difficulty of removing the labels correctly.  Campbell’s soup labels raises “points” that can then be used to purchase school items.  These points amount to less than $100 per year and cannot be exchanged for cash.  In comparison, the “Boxtops Fundraiser” raises 10 times the cash equivalent per purchase.  Lenore recommended the program be continued for the short term.  The PTO will consider eliminating the program in the future.

Principal’s Report

Parent/Teacher Conferences are coming up the week of February 22nd – 26th.  Teachers will make every effort to accommodate sibling schedules – scheduling siblings back-to-back to make it easier for parents who have more than one student at Sunnyside.  Dr. Bates asked parents to please try to make the proposed schedule work due to the number of conferences scheduled, and thanked parents and teachers for their efforts.  Sunnyside usually reaches between 97%-98% attendance to parent conferences. 

Teacher’s Reports

Ms. Solak reported that 5th graders are busy with their 5th grade camp fundraiser, gearing up for the Spaghetti Feed and their Valentine’s Day party.  They are also preparing for conferences, which will be student-lead.

Mrs. Yonge reported that 1st grade is busily studying penguins and looking forward to their 100th day of school.  The class has raised over $200 in donations for Haiti.

Mrs. Bruya reported that Dibbles Assessments are completed, and students have now moved onto MAPS testing.  The Reading Buddies program is beginning again as well.  Mrs. Blehm has recruited some of the Sunnyside teachers and students to raise money for Haiti and the school seems to be very passionate and involved in the cause.

Committee Reports

Reflections

Megan Brannan reported that there were 140 entries by 110 students into this years Reflections program.  95 entries were K-2 Visual Arts.  All students who entered will receive a Participation Ribbon.  There will be an overall Grand Prize Ribbon for each age group and in each category there will be 1st – 3rd place and Honorable Mention Ribbons for each age group.  Megan is looking for volunteers to help display projects for the Showcase of the Arts during the Spaghetti Feed this Friday, February 5th.  Projects will be set up on Thursday, February 4th at 3:00 p.m. and taken down on Tuesday, February 9th at 2:00 p.m.

Clubs

Claudia Mickas thanked all the teachers who are mentoring clubs this year.  Most clubs have grown and have excellent participation. 

Gardening Club will begin this month.  Trevor Bond asked for volunteers to meet at the Greenhouse on Sunday, February 7th at 2:00 p.m. for a quick planning meeting and greenhouse tiding.

Spaghetti Feed

Ginger Druffel reported that the Spaghetti Feed will take place on Friday, February 5th from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.  There are many parent volunteers, as well as 5th graders, SES teachers, staff, and WSU students.  There has been a slight price increase, with tickets costing $12 per family, $4 per individual and $3 per child ages 3-12.  T-shirts will be sold at the Spaghetti Feed.

Career Day

Jenny Hayton reported that Career Day will be held on March 5th.  She has several presenters who have already volunteered, as well as some parent volunteers.  Claudia Davies will chair the lunch. 

Unfinished Business

5th Grade Camp Funding

Claudia Davies suggested that a 5th Grade Camp Wooten Chair be put in place to facilitate communication between the school district and our PTO, help in setting up fundraisers for the camp in conjunction with the 5th grade teachers, allow the PTO to be informed of the budgetary spending of the camp, and address other social concerns parents and the PTO may raise.  There was a motion to create a position of Camp Wooten PTO Chair.  Motion carried.  Ideally, a Co-Chair that has a child in 5th grade, along with a 4th grade camp chair was requested.  This would keep continuity from one year to the next.

Dr. Bates indicated that the fees for camp would likely increase next year, and then again the following year.

Science Center

Dr. Bates reported that the Palouse Discovery Science Center can provide Sunnyside with a program for all grades (K-5th) with a school wide assembly and each class taking a trip to PDSC on busses funded by Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories.  This will be a program tailored to different grade levels and curriculum.  It would include the Kindergarten classes for the in-class instructions and would be very similar to the program offered by the Pacific Science Center but at a reduced cost.

Total cost for this program would be $830, which includes $200 for the school wide assembly and $35 per class too participate in the program.

There was a motion to go to PDSC this year to support the community and as an equivalent alternative in light of budget constraints and to revisit the subject of inviting the Pacific Science Center next year.  Motion carried.

New Business

Sunnyside Swim Party

The Pullman Aquatic center has offered Pullman elementary schools the opportunity to have a free swim party at the center.  Lifeguards and toys will be provided, and the PAC will also provide on-site registration.  The dates suggested (now confirmed) for Sunnyside Elementary will be as follows:

Tuesday, April 6th  3:30 – 5:00 p.m. K-1 and their families

Wednesday, April 7th  3:30 – 5:00 p.m. 2nd – 3rd graders and their families

Thursday, April 8th  3:30 – 5:00 p.m. 4th – 5th graders and their families

It was decided to combine this program with one or several charities.  A canned food drive, paper goods drive, collecting change for Haiti, or collecting for endangered species were all discussed.  The charity will be decided in upcoming PTO meetings and will be on a voluntary basis as this school function will be free to all students and staff.  Pre-registration will be required. 

5th Grade Camp Spaghetti Feed Fundraiser

Karen Bittle reported that she went to the Jefferson Elementary School PTA meeting to discuss a 5th Grade Camp Spaghetti Feed Fundraiser to be held on April 16th at Lincoln Middle School for all 3 elementary schools to raise money for 5th Grade Camp.  A 5th Grade parent is needed to chair this event.  The next planning meeting will be held at Jefferson Elementary School on Thursday, February 11th at 6:00 p.m.

A motion was made and seconded to participate in this fundraiser.  Motion carried. 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m. with a drawing


Approved

Sunnyside elementary School PTO Meeting

Library Classroom

January 3rd, 2010

The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. and introductions were made.

Attendees:  Claudia Mickas, Claudia Davies, Karen Bittle, Kara Roche, Sheri Wadsworth, Rick Bates, Sian Ritchie, Lisa Marquart, Amy Rogers, Jennifer Steffen, Jenny Hayton, Kimi Emerson, Ginger Druffel, Carolyn Joswig-Jones, Megan Brannan, Katie Vandermark, Meghan Solak

Secretary’s Report

Claudia Mickas thanked Sheri Wadsworth for providing treats.  The minutes from the December meeting were approved as written.  The deadline for submissions for the January newsletter is January 15.

President’s Report

Pacific Science Center

Claudia Davies reported that the school district had cancelled the Pacific Science Center for all schools due to a substantial increase in costs.  The PTO is working on finding funds and the PSC may be able to come in March.  This year it will cost $2,175.  The PTO is requesting donations from local industry and asking the other two Pullman elementary schools PTAs if they would like to participate. 

The PSC’s “Science on Wheels” program allows students to participate in a full day of scientific activities.  In addition to a demonstration and hands-on activities, students are able to spend time investigating concepts in exhibit areas set up at the school.  There are also qualified science teachers who bring these concepts to life by visiting every classroom individually with age appropriate lessons.  The Science on Wheels programs are also united with the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements for Science and Mathematics.

Fifth Grade Camp:

The PTO has quickly reacted to the request by the district for funds.  It is recommended that the PTO donate $1,000 for this year from its existing budget, and to look into incorporating a budgeted annual donation to the program of $2,000.  Claudia Davies proposed this in order to support the Fifth Grade Camp without affecting the current budget along with its existing programs.  She suggested a vote be taken at the next meeting.  The PTO will help the fifth grade students with their fundraiser (cookie sales).

Treasurer’s Report

PTO funds and 2009-2010 budget

Information was passed around and presented to the attendees.

The PTO will have an approximately $2,500 shortfall this year from our fall fundraiser and eScrip. 

Principal’s Report

Mr. Bates reported that the cost of the Pacific Science Center has risen, and will be $2750 this year for just Sunnyside alone if they cannot combine travel with another school in Eastern Washington.  A date of March 23rd has been tentatively reserved pending funding for the event.

Mr. Bates also reported that Sunnyside is $2,300 in debt from last years Fifth Grade Camp.  Funds that used to come from grants and other funding will not be available this year, therefore, $6,500 will be needed for this years camp.  The PTAs from the other Pullman elementary schools make a yearly contribution towards their schools respective Fifth Grade Camps; however, all schools are facing a similar shorfall this year.  The $80 fee that fifth grade families pay will not increase this year, but students will no longer receive a discount for selling cookies during the fundraiser.  The student fee will be reviewed for next years camp.  SES is approaching the Pullman Education Foundation (PEF), and has requested that they concentrate their fundraising efforts on funding the Fifth Grade Camp.  The Otis Spunkmeyer fundraiser will be open to all grades this year. 

Teachers Reports

Mrs. Emerson reported that 2nd grade classes are working on collaborative efforts. 

Also, she will head a new Community Service Club, which will begin meeting on this Friday, January 8th where she will gauge interest in the club.  The first project will be to make Valentines using recycled materials for a local retirement home.  In addition, she will meet with a representative from Whitman County to help Sunnyside become a ‘green school’.  The club may also adopt an endangered animal, and would collect donations by collecting pennies and spare change that students may bring in.  Mrs. Emerson asked that anyone with a large water bottle to collect spare change in to please contact her.

Ms. Solak reported that 5th graders are at the midway points of their new Math and Social Studies units, and are excited about learning camp songs.  

Committee Reports

Spanish Club

Claudia Davies reported that Spanish classes will begin on January 11th.  There are 68 students currently enrolled and we have seen an increase in scholarships.  In order to reduce costs, the advanced and intermediate classes will be combined.

Reflections

Megan Brannan reported that information will go out to students on Wednesday, January 6th.  Entries are due January 21st.  The rules and theme will remain the same as the national PTA this year.  Megan will order ribbons so that everyone receives something for their efforts.

Clubs

Claudia Mickas reported that all interested 4th and 5th graders may participate in the Geography Club this year.  Meeting times will be announced by Mr. Church.  Please contact Claudia Mickas at mickascougs@roadrunner.com with any questions.

Spaghetti Feed and Showcase of the Arts

The Spaghetti Feed will be held on February 5th.  Ginger Druffel volunteered to chair the event. 

Unfinished Business

Sian Ritchie reported that she has looked into the Palouse Discovery Science Center working with Sunnyside on a theme of “Science and Music”.  This may be an alternate option to consider if the funds for PSC cannot be raised.

New Business

It was moved and seconded to approve Mini Grants as requested:

Ms. Solak and Mrs. Laird requested $200 each for the Northwest Council for Computer Education Conference on March 2nd – 5th, 2010. 

Mr. Church requested $200 for a CD Listening Center for his classroom.  Funds will be taken out of the Mini-Grant budget to cover the excess.  The annual $2,000 budget has not been exceeded.  All motions were passed.

Closing Remarks

Claudia Davies reiterated the PTO’s commitment towards Fifth Grade Camp and commended everyone on being able to react quickly and satisfactorily given the short notice and gravity of the situation. 

Sheri Wadsworth noted that she would rather cancel the Pacific Science Center and give more money to Fifth Grade Camp, but Mr. Bates said that would not be necessary because of the financial recommendations made by the president.

Sian Ritchie remarked that the PTO should be wary about giving extra money to SES to pay down the 5th Grade Camp from previous years.  She was concerned that PTO would be expected to cover any future shortfalls resulting from the districts decisions, regardless of our previous involvement or approval. 

Carolyn Joswig-Jones suggested looking into making the Spanish Club self-sustaining in the future.

The next PTO meeting is February 2nd, 2001.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. with a drawing.


Approved

Sunnyside Elementary School PTO Meeting

Library Classroom

December 1st, 2009

The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. and introductions were made.

Attendees: Claudia Mickas, Karen Bittle, Ginger Druffel, Edie Talbot, Teena Edwards, Sian Richie, Diane Swenson, Rick Bates, Meghan Solak, Sue Hilliard

Secretary’s Report

The minutes from the November meeting were approved as written.

Claudia Mickas thanked Jen Marbut for providing treats.

President’s Report

T-shirts with the Sunnyside Superstar logo are on sale.  Order forms were included in the newsletter. 

Treasurer’s Report

Initial PTO funds and 2009-2010 budget information was passed around and presented to the attendees.

Please contact Lenore Turman with any questions.

Principals Report

Mr. Bates reported that on November 17th, Dr. Sturm and Dr. Reyes met with Sunnyside parents to discuss PSD Policy 2311.  Updating the policy to reflect protocol for guest speakers and live speeches as well as who will have the autonomy to make decisions for showing such speeches was also discussed.  In addition, how to determine whether civics and politics fit into the curriculum will be analyzed.  In January, Dr. Sturm will bring together a committee to share ideas and discuss plans for future events, and whether some decisions should be left to an individual school or if it is more appropriate to act as a district.  Families will always have the choice to opt out of certain events.  Please direct any questions to Mr. Bates, Dr. Reyes or Dr. Sturm.

Katie Vandemark is now the full-time school psychologist, as well as the parent of a 1st and 5th grader at Sunnyside.  Together with Mrs. Vandemark, Sunnyside has been able to maintain certain programs in place from last year, as well as implement changes as needed.

Mr. Bates reminded parents that there are only 3 weeks in between Thanksgiving Break and the Winter Break, which makes it difficult for students to keep focused.  The staff is being proactive and keeping kids motivated.  Parents are asked to keep this in mind and to assure that students are getting enough rest.

Teachers Reports

Ms. Solak reported that the 5th graders are beginning a new science unit with a lot of excitement.

Committee Reports

Clubs

Claudia Mickas reported that the Chess Club has been meeting Wednesdays at lunch (11:30 – 12:15).  This year grades 1 – 5 are eligible to participate (previously it had been 4th and 5th grades).  Ms. Dye from 3rd grade has been helping with the club.  20 and 30 players are participating each week and Mr. Church plans on having a chess tournament in the spring.  Mr. Church has purchased additional chess boards due to the huge turnout and popularity of this club. 

Spelling Bee Club meetings are every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30 until noon.

Geo Bee Club will begin in January.

Gardening Club will begin in January

There are 21 students on the Math Olympiad Team this year, which is 4 more than last year.  The first competition results were improved over last year.  The participants are very excited and having a great time.  The next competition is December 15th.

Kimi Emerson is working on information and a mission statement for the new Community Service Club.  There will be 2 parts – a school-wide recycling project that can involve student participation, and a service learning portion which will begin with making valentines for the seniors in the area.

Registration for the next semester of Spanish will begin next week and handouts will be coming home with students.  Registration will be on a first-come-first-served basis.

The website has been updated with Club information.  Please contact Claudia Mickas at mickascougs@roadrunner.com with any questions.

Book Fair

Teena Edwards thanked everyone for their help during the Book Fair.  This year, the Book Fair earned $4,956.96 for Sunnyside.

Family Fun Night

Karen Bittle and Claudia Mickas thanked everyone who helped and participated in FFN.  FFN had a larger turnout than ever this year, and really accomplished the goal of bringing together teachers, family and friends.  It was a great night thanks to the efforts of Mr. Bates and staff, as well as all the parents who helped behind the scenes working hard and coming up with new ideas and games.

Unfinished Business

Science Fair Prizes

Sian Ritchie handed out pictures of new medals, which will need to be purchased for Science Fair prizes next spring.  The cost will be around $500.

Reflections

Megan Brannan reported that the Reflections Program will again be held in January.  The name will remain the same this year so as not to confuse students, but in the coming year, a contest may be held to come up with a new name.  This year, the categories will be: Visual Arts, Literature, Photography and Performing Arts (choreography, music composition and film/video have been combined to decrease the number of judges needed).  In addition, there will be a limit on number of entries that students may submit.  There will still need to be a theme chosen for this year, and awards and certificates purchased.  Reflections entries are due January 21sr.

Parking Lot Rules

Edie Talbot commented that a reminder of parking lot rules and etiquette should be included in the next newsletter.  Children have been crossing alone towards the exit of the parking lot. 

Bullying on the Playground

Some students have been bullied on the playground.  Mr. Bates and Ms. Solak reminded parents that students need to tell the Recess Teacher so that any bullying can be documented on the playground.  Communication with Mr. Bates and the children’s teachers is also needed.

New Business

5th Grade Camp

Mr. Bates reported that due to increased fees (food, camp rental, fuel, materials, supplies, staffing, etc.) and decreased funds (we have been using Associate Student Body [ASB] reserves that have been depleted), sending the 5th graders to camp this year will be more of a financial strain.  Laws and policies prohibit schools from fundraising to increase a building’s general fund.  Sunnyside Elementary can only fundraise through ASB or PTO.  Currently, the only fundraiser for 5th grade camp is the Otis Spunkmeyer cookie dough sale, which is run through the ASB and is handled by the 5th graders; only 5th graders have participated.  The cost to send a student to Camp Wooten is about $178 per child.  After the district pays for transportation and 5th grade teacher salaries and benefits, the remaining cost is $121 per child (through the school).  Each family is responsible for an $80 camp fee, however, if they sell 1 package of cookie dough, they can reduce their fee to $40.  Changing the fee reduction procedure and the possibility of making the fundraising a communal service project to make up the revenue to expenditure difference is being explored.

Mr. Bates requested a PTO donation or fundraiser to meet a goal of $2,000 (the amount contributed by PTAs at the other elementary schools) to help offset the deficit.  Fifth grade camp at Camp Wooten is a very important rite of passage for Pullman 5th graders.  It is a time for them to meet and bond with other students they will be joining next year at Lincoln Middle School (LMS) and a chance to interact with LMS staff and administration.  Students have an opportunity to learn valuable social and scientific lessons outside the classroom.

A school-wide cookie dough fundraiser was discussed, and Ms. Solak mentioned that a new fundraiser could also be considered.

The next PTO meeting is January 5th.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:46 p.m. with a drawing.

 

 

Approved

Sunnyside Elementary School PTO Meeting

Library

November 3rd, 2009

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. and introductions were made.

Attendees:  Claudia Davies, Claudia Mickas, Karen Bittle, Teena Edwards, Carolyn Joswig-Jones, Sian Richie, Carmen Roberts, Susan He, Jen Marbut, Diane Swenson, Amy Rogers, Zhaohui Zhu, Harmony Davis, Rick Bates, Dan Peterson

Secretary’s Report

The minutes from the October and September meetings were approved as written and a thank-you note was read.

Claudia Mickas thanked Teena Edwards for providing treats.

A sign-up sheet to provide snacks at future meetings was distributed.

The deadline for newsletter submissions is November 13th.

President’s Report

Mini-Grant Approval

Kim Johnson submitted a grant from last year after the books had closed in the amount of $183.08.  It was moved and seconded to re-approve this grant for this year towards her maximum amount for this year.  Motion Passed.

Claudia Davies reminded everyone that mini-grant forms will soon be available.  The PTO has $2,500 allocated towards teacher mini-grants.

Children at PTO Events

Claudia Davies reminded everyone that, unless otherwise noted, children are always welcome to help their parents volunteering at PTO events.

Mr. Bates added that children should not attend Sunnyside School field trips unless prior permission has been obtained.

PTO Membership

It was moved and seconded to make teacher PTO membership dues optional for the 2010-2011 school year.  Currently the PTO has almost 100% membership from teachers.  Motion passed.

Claudia Davies suggested changing the PTO dues structure for the 2010-2011 school year to reflect one price for both individuals and families.  The new memberships will be for families or teachers and the costs are yet to be determined.

Treasurer’s Report

Initial PTO funds and 2009-2010 budget

Information was passed around and presented to the attendees.

$$ from Red Apple

Principals Report

Mr. Bates reported that on November 10th at 7:00 p.m., Lincoln Middle School will host an internet safety presentation by Garron Shannon in the LMS commons.

On Tuesday, November 17th, Dr. Sturm and Dr. Reyes will come to the Sunnyside Library Classroom to discuss curriculum policies and procedures as they apply to PSD Policy 2311 -- Selection and Adoption of Instructional Materials.  This meeting is scheduled as a result of mainly Sunnyside parents who raised concerns, but it is open to all families within the Pullman School District.

Due to increased enrollment and funds, Sunnyside will have a full time counselor position for this year.  Kate Vandermark will fill this position, giving Mr. Bates more time in classrooms.

Mr. Bates also introduced the Accelerated Reader Library Program and will be possibly be requesting funding from the PTO.

 

Teachers Reports

Mr. Peterson is mentoring the SES Student Council this year, and reported that Student Council has been working on a school enhancement program by planting 50 tulip bulbs in front of the school sign.  Student Council received a 10% discount from ACE Hardware on purchase of the tulips.

Student Council has come up with many creative ideas for Crazy Fridays, including one to celebrate art.  Students will decorate tiles in Art Class to be hung in the hallway leading towards the playground.  The student council will fund this project

Student Council is also looking into the “Fuel Up to Play 60” program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, promoting healthy eating and playing for 60 minutes each day.  Prizes and points are awarded to schools who participate. 

More information can be found at: http://www.fueluptoplay60.com

 

The Turkey Trot will be held on November 20th.  A.M. Kindergarteners are encouraged come back to school to participate if they can.

Committee Reports

Clubs

Claudia Mickas reported that the Chess Club has been meeting Wednesdays at lunch (11:30 – 12:15)

Spelling Bees have been going on in classrooms, and the first club meeting is scheduled for Tuesday November 10th.  Meetings will be every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30 until noon.

Geo Bee Club will kick off within the next couple of months -- stay tuned for more information.

The Math Olympiad first competition will be November 17th.  There have been many permission slips turned in and a lot of interest.

Spanish Club is doing very well.  Pre-registration will go out for the next semester during the next week to students currently enrolled in Spanish.

Enrollment will then be open to all Sunnyside students beginning December 1st.  We will try to accommodate everyone but due to the large number of interested students, registration will be on first-come-first-served basis.

Information on a new Community Service Club will be provided next month.

The website has been updated with Club information.  Please contact Claudia Mickas at mickascougs@roadrunner.com with any questions.

Book Fair

Teena Edwards reported that she still needs some volunteers to help with the book fair.  People who can volunteer are encouraged to talk to Teena.  The book fair will remain open until 8:05 p.m. on Family Fun Night to allow parents to buy books all through Family Fun Night

Family Fun Night

Karen Bittle and Claudia Mickas reported that Family Fun Night will be Friday, November 6th from 5-8 p.m.

Each activity/game will cost 1 ticket.  Pizza will cost 2 tickets.

Tickets prices will be as follows:

PTO Member discount price - 1 ticket/$.33.

Non-members price - 1 ticket/$.50.

Events will include pizza, dancing, climbing wall, movie & popcorn, Book Fair, games (thank you to Gina Sturdy and Cindy Wendle for volunteering to help expand game selection this year to include a bean bag toss and fishing game as well as lollipop tree, face painting and a craft)

Cougar basketball players will come to play basketball in the gym

Butch will attend Family Fun Night again this year, and will be available for pictures from 6-7 in the art room. The art classes have been working on a back drop so bring your camera.

New Sunnyside Superstar t-shirts will also be sold at FFN.

Please contact Karen Bittle at brunobittle@yahoo.com or Claudia Mickas at mickascougs@roadrunner.com with any questions

New Business

Thank you

Mr. Peterson thanked the PTO for the wall enhancements and fitness additions.

New PE Equipment

Mr. Peterson introduced the Railyard Conditioning Course to further promote his vision of Physical Education equipment that is accessible, durable, available to all populations, portable, and expandable. 

The Railyard Conditioning Course is an obstacle course designed to promote physical fitness.  More information can be found at: http://www.railyardfitness.com/

Cost for the program is between $1,200 - $8,000. 

PTO funding is a possibility, and different ideas for fundraisers, including a walk-a-thon, were also discussed.

The next PTO meeting is December 1st.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:14 p.m. with a drawing.

 

 

Approved

Sunnyside Elementary School PTO Meeting

Library Classroom

October 6th, 2009

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m.

Attendees:  Claudia Davies, Lenore Turman, Karen Bittle, Claudia Mickas, Jennifer Steffen, Jen Marbut, Angie Barnett, Michael Church, Steph Johnson, Meghan Solak, Kristen Robinson, Teena Edwards, Justin Marquart, Fiona Cole, Anna Enger, Helena Belzer, Sian Ritchie, Carmen Roberts, Megan Brannan, Kimi Emerson, Harmony Davis, Rick Bates, Ginger Druffel,

President’s Report

PTO Secretary/Newsletter Vacancy

Claudia Davies reported that Tracy has moved away.  Tracy has done an incredible job for the PTO and she will be missed.  Claudia Mickas will be filling in as interim secretary.  Duties include: recording, distributing and filing meeting minutes, reading thank you notes at meetings and creating the SES newsletter.  Five newsletters are distributed throughout the year for the months of September, November, January, March and May.  If you have any questions about PTO secretary, please e-mail Claudia Mickas at mickascougs@roadrunner.com

Thank you for everyone’s help

Claudia Davies thanked everyone for all their hard work over the past few weeks.  Thank you to Lenore Turman and Cindy Wendle for the extra effort they put into the Red Apple Fundraiser. Thank you to Karen Bittle for all time and effort spent inputting memberships into the PTO manager.  Claudia Mickas has made great strides finding replacements for our club leaders and we thank her for her tireless effort starting up the clubs.

eScrip

Thank you to Ellie Pope for helping with our eScrip Back to School Campaign.  Claudia has put boxes at the Pullman and Moscow Safeway stores to collect receipts as an additional way of raising eScrip funds.  A total of $800 dollars was raised for the Sunnyside PTO as a result.  Safeway has been a great partner and we thank the respective managers for working with us during the last few weeks.

Vice President’s Report

Membership Drive

Karen Bittle reported that about 90% of the teachers are members of PTO.  The PTO funds many programs and will be looking at all Committee Chairs as well as Spanish Club registrants to make sure that they are all encouraged to become PTO members.  For Spanish Club, the PTO funds around $30 per student. 

For PTO sponsored events, PTO members will receive price breaks in the future, and any PTO subsidized programs will be reviewed to potentially offer subsidies for active members only.  Membership cost waiver is available upon request.  The main goal is to increase our membership to reflect the support we get from teachers and parents, while giving everyone a voice in our decision process.

Treasurer’s Report

Initial PTO funds and 09/10 budget

A copy of the budget and the year-to-date expenditures was passed out and it seems we are on track with our expenditure.

Lenore reported that the Red Apple fundraiser raised over $12,000, of which the PTO will keep 40%.  October 7th is the last day of Red Apple accepts orders from our school if they are sent via fax to Lenore.

Principal’s Report

Mr. Bates reported that a new staff member Amy Hood has been hired to teach 4th grade after Mrs. Riebold goes on maternity leave on Monday, October 12th.  Both teachers are teaching together this week to ensure a smooth transition.

School pictures will be handed out on October 7th, and picture retakes will be on October 14th.

A new Multicultural Education Program will be offered next year at Sunnyside offering more training for teachers including Guided Language Acquisition Design (GLAD) and the English Language Learner (ELL) programs.  Many of the children eligible for this program already live in the Sunnyside district, so there will be minimal impact on current students but some students may be displaced in the future years.

Teachers Reports

Mrs. Emerson reported that the 2nd graders were using GPS systems to navigate around the school and find hidden objects. 

Mrs. Barnett and Mrs. Robinson reported the third graders at Sunnyside have been included in a special grant in which we are partnering with the Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute (PCEI).  They came into the classrooms last Thursday to teach a lesson.  On September 28th, the classes took a field trip to Rose Creek to learn more about the natural Palouse habitat, specifically focusing on the animals that live there.

Mr. Church reported on the State Symbol project that the 4th graders worked on, as displayed in the school halls.  Please take a look at the great work of the students.

Ms. Solak reported on the 5th grade use of a web-based program called Moodle to enhance communication and learning.  The students appear to really like this new program.

Committee Reports

Clubs

Claudia Mickas reported that Mr. Church has graciously volunteered to mentor Chess Club & Geo Club. 

Depending on room availability, the Chess Club may start as early as next week.  Both the Geo Club and Spelling Bee Club will begin in November.

There is also work being done with Mrs. Emerson on starting a ‘Community Service Club’ which would focus on service learning, community projects, and also working with the recycling program to develop some ‘green school’ ideas. 

If anyone has any questions about clubs, please contact Claudia Mickas at mickascougs@roadrunner.com.

Reflections

Megan Brannan reported that since we are now a PTO, we need to think about making a similar program to the PTA Reflections program.  The areas of input needed are:  a new name for “Reflections”, deciding which categories we have or how we manage them, choosing a theme for the 2009/2010 school year, finding a way to increase participation (Megan offered options such as a later deadline and less paperwork), and making sure that the program is family-friendly and can be enjoyable to work on at home.  In addition, there are many small decisions that need to be made: awards, certificates, art dimension, literature length, deadlines, age groups, numbers of entries, etc.

If you are interested in sharing your ideas, please e-mail Megan Brannan at meganbrannan@gmail.com or sign up with her to join the e-mail conversation. 

Family Night Out/Family Fun Night

Due to confusion about the name of the event, a vote was held to determine if the event should be called ‘Family Fun Night’ or ‘Family Night Out’.  It was decided that the event would be called ‘Family Fun Night’.

Helena Belzer offered suggestions for games during Family Fun Night.

Claudia Mickas and Karen Bittle reported that the PTO sponsored Family Fun Night will be held on Friday November 6th from 5 to 8 p.m.  There will be mostly WSU students from the Center for Civic Engagement working during the evening.

Volunteers are needed for half-hour ticket sale shifts during the evening.  Tickets will be sold for $25 for a book of 40 tickets.  PTO members will receive a $5 discount.

Memberships will be on sale at the door for $8 and can be used immediately to get the $5 discount on Family Fun Night tickets.

Family Fun Night will include a DJ, music, pizza, cake walk, popcorn with a movie, and Climbing Wall.  It was reported that a Cake Walk Task Force has been working on addressing concerns from previous years about equitable cake-prize distribution.  Also, additional games will be added as well as a basketball game in the gym.  Butch will attend the event again this year, and there will be the opportunity of having your picture taken with Butch.  Volunteers were requested to help with making a back-drop for the pictures, as well as helping with equipment.  If anyone has any questions about Family Fun Night or would like to volunteer, please contact Claudia Mickas at mickascougs@roadrunner.com or Karen Bittle at brunobittle@yahoo.com.

There will also be Raffle Baskets again this year, which are themed baskets filled by individual classrooms donations.  Misty Ollgaard sent a note indicating that she will need help with makes copies, getting boxes for donations to the rooms, getting donations from the community, making the baskets, and setting up the night of the event.  If anyone would like to volunteer with the Raffle Baskets, please contact Misty Ollgaard at 432-3750

T-shirts with our new Sunnyside Superstar logo will also be available for purchase.

Book Fair

Teena Edwards reported that the Book Fair will be held before school, during lunch, and after school on Wednesday (11/4), Thursday (11/5) and Friday (11/6) in the Library Classroom.  On Friday afternoon, it will be moved to the gym for Family Fun Night

There will also be a Spanish Corner available

Teachers have submitted Wish Lists so that parents may donate books to their specific classrooms

Volunteers are needed for 30 minute slots throughout the fair.

Unfinished Business

T-shirt design and sales

Karen Bittle reported on the t-shirts for Family Fun Night.

The costs for a gray shirt are $9.25/ shirt for 50 shirts, and $6.50/ shirt for 200 shirts.  There is a selection of 3 different kinds of gray to choose from.  The PTO will order t-shirts and sell them at close to cost while giving members an additional discount.

There is also the possibility of allowing people to order from a catalog for other merchandise, such as hats, key chains, or mugs.  The PTO is looking at viable alternatives which will provide us with good quality merchandise at an acceptable price point.

Crossing guard issues around the school

Ellie met with the city and they will not put a crosswalk on Fountain because there is not a clear intersection.  Ellie will talk to Mr. Bates to investigate getting volunteers to become crossing guards.  The city is conducting a study of traffic at Center Street and Summer to assess the need for increasing signage at that location.

The next PTO meeting will be on November 3rd.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:54 p.m. with a door prize drawing.

 

 

 

Approved

 

Sunnyside Elementary School PTO Meeting

Multi-purpose room

September 1, 2009 

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM.

 

Attendees:  Claudia Davies, Lenore Turman, Ginger Druffel, Edie Talbot, Tracy Jewett, Sheri Wadsworth, Jennifer Houston-Howe, Jen Marbut, Karen Bruno-Bittle, Claudia Mickas, Kara Roche, Amy Rogers, Cindy Nazereli, Teena Edwards, Carmen Roberts, Diane Swenson, Carolyn Joswig-Jones, Rick Bates, Amy Cox, Meghan Solak, Jennifer Steffen, Ellie Pope, Megan Brannan, Kimi Emerson, Sue Hilliard, Sian Ritchie, Neal Davies, Amy Mulder, Susan Austin, Karen Johnston, Christina Parrish, Michael Church, Collette Edge

 

Secretary’s Report

Tracy thanked Claudia Mickas for providing treats.  A sign-up sheet to provide snacks at future meetings was distributed. The deadline for newsletter submissions is September 11. 

 

President’s Report

PTO Secretary/Newsletter Vacancy
Tracy will be leaving Pullman and a replacement secretary is needed.  Many thanks were expressed to Tracy as she has done a remarkable job in the last year as secretary.  Claudia Mickas will be filling in the interim.  Duties include: recording, distributing and filing meeting minutes, reading thank you notes at meetings and creating the SES newsletter.  Five newsletters are distributed throughout the year for the months of September, November, January, March and May.  If you have any questions about PTO secretary, please e-mail Tracy at jump4jewetts@clearwire.net.

 

Claudia is looking forward to her second year as PTO president at Sunnyside.  Members are encouraged to come to her with feedback and suggestions even if they are unable to make the monthly meetings.  She can be reached at ncdavies@roadrunner.com.

 

Vice President’s Report

Membership Drive

Karen Bittle reported that there are currently 52 PTO members.  Dues have not been increased and are still coming in.  As a PTO, we will keep 100% of money and want to do as much for SES this year as we did last.  Our goal is a new sound system. Student clubs as well as the Spanish classes are heavily subsidized by the PTO.  Please return your membership forms and encourage friends to join. 

 

Treasurer’s Report

Initial PTO funds and 2009-2010 budget

Last spring, initial operating funds were transferred from the PTA to the PTO with the excess given to Mr. Bates for future use in purchasing a sound system for the school.  Copies of budget reports were distributed.  Private insurance has been purchased. As a PTO, we now have access to software programs for finances and membership.  In addition, members have privileged access to the PTO website where documents and programs are shared.  

Principal’s Report

Mr. Bates welcomed everyone back.  The year is off to a good start.  Even with budget concerns and staff cutbacks, the district was able bring back those who wanted to return.  Amy Gordon took an 8th grade science position at Lincoln Middle School.  With kindergarten enrollment down, Allison Koerner moved to 1st grade and Sarah Corbin joins SES as a kindergarten teacher.  Counselor Jim Miller retired last year.  We now have Jane Rosenberg at SES three half-days a week.  Current SES enrollment is 435.  Kindergarten through fifth grades are enjoying the same curriculum for reading and writing and SES programs remain strong.  Mr. Bates looks forward SES, the PTO, teachers and community working together again this year.  Feedback is always welcome and encouraged!  The new stairs on Fountain street, additional bike racks at the top of Fountain, our new parking lot configuration and the playground gate are all a result of parent feedback. 

 

Teacher’s Report

Miss Solak, Mr. Church and Mrs. Emerson reported that their classes (fifth, fourth and first grades, respectively) are off to a great start.  The fourth and fifth graders are enjoying the “walk to math” program and Mrs. Emerson’s class is excited about their new standardized reading curriculum.   

 

Committee Reports

Ice Cream Social and Open House

The back-to-school social and open house was a success.  We had more volunteers than ever with greeters at the door and volunteers at each table.  There was plenty of ice cream for all.  Thanks to everyone for their efforts to make it a success. 

 

Suggestions for next year include making changes to the kindergarten check- in process.  Some parents and kindergartners experienced a 45-minute wait in the kindergarten bus-information line in addition to the wait to drop off supplies and meet the teachers.  More feedback to the kindergarten teachers would be appreciated.  The PTO would like to further facilitate making the process run smoother next year for our Superstar kindergartners. 

 

It was noted that the PTO only has jurisdiction over the Ice Cream Social and PTO display tables.  The Open House portion is run by the school and individual teachers.  Parents are encouraged to speak to the staff with any suggestions.

 

Spanish club - Claudia Davies

There are six classes this term with no more than 15 in each class.  Classes begin on September 14th.  The instructors are being hired and letters with class placements will be going out next week.  The PTO is happy to help fund this program again by subsidizing each student’s tuition by 25%.  The program is expected to be revenue neutral.  If you have any questions, please contact Claudia at ncdavies@roadrunner.com.

 

Red Apple Fundraiser – Lenore Turman

The PTO voted last year to do the Red Apple fundraiser as it is expected to bring in more funds than last year’s pizza fundraiser.  The Red Apple fundraiser is scheduled September 11th to 28th.  There are many incentives for students to sell, including a $200 Visa card in addition to smaller