PTO ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES   

WED October 3^rd 2007

Attendees: Michelle Alvord, Liz Falconer, Joni Ganci, Kelley Gurvis, Len Hamm, Connie Herr, Carol Hubert, Sue Isaacs, Jen Minchella, Jackie Muhall, Lois Lanning, Janice Phillips-Robinson, Juan Rodriguez-Torrent, Nancy Walsh, Sandi Carbonari Welsh

 I.         Secretary’s Report was approved with spelling change - Hibbard.

II.         Treasurer’s Report. No change. Current balance is $2070.56.

     III.        Dr. Lois Lanning

CT tour of public schools will be held at PHS on 10/24 from 9-11 am.  Participating in the tour will be legislators, commissioners, state BOE members and educators from CT.   They will visit 5 classes.  A public session is planned at the end and available students may assemble for a “town” like meeting.  PHS was selected to represent DRG  B.

Region 15 received a 2 year federal grant for an elementary math coach. 30 other districts received the same grant.  What does it take to make a difference?  Jeff Haddad will be the district wide coach with over 100 hours of training.  There will be designated days at each school with one on one coaching.  The scores of school and CMT tests will be used where needed.

Curriculum.  SS was revised and will have a staggered start.  HS & MS done. 

Gearing up for LA program revision.

Continuing to work on the 5 year infrastructure plan. Looking at capital improvements and cost benefits.  There are new laws governing funding.  Architecture approvals are required before going forward with funding requests.

Bus issues should be forwarded to Keith McLiverty.  They are working on some issues.

    IV.        Carol Hubert, Town of Southbury, PTO Advisory Rep.

New voting machines will be used in the 11/6 election.

       V.          Old Business -

                     Project Panther.  Official dedication was at the home game on 9/28.  The new stands are great.  Still looking for donations to complete the project.

                     Meet the Board of Education Candidates sponsored by the PTO Advisory will be held on 10/25

                     Looking for a contact for each school to help coordinate and share expenses for cultural arts programs.  Suggestion …. Use HS students from the music programs, National Honor Society, etc. for cultural arts programs.

                     DYK’s:  September DYK - Meet the Candidates forum was sent as a stand alone.  October DYK – Project Panther.    November DYK – Math Coach Grant.

     VII.          New Business – The subject of distribution of non-Region 15 and non-PTO flyers was discussed.  They are time consuming and costly.  Kelley Gurvis will send a note to Dr. Sippy asking for his input.