PTO Meeting Minutes

RMS PTO MINUTES - February 2008

February 5, 2008

Beginning time: 9:40 a.m.

Attendance: Nan and Greg Dorsey, Susan Monroe, Gwen Davis, Nancy Walsh, Karen Ellis, Dana Coppola, Pam Hawkes, Mary Silverman, Deborah Schultz, Connie Herr, Marge and Laura Skinger, Elise Sher, Ellen Goodridge, Sharon McDonald, Jason Bluestein, T.J. Salutari.

Guest Speaker: Nan and Greg Dorsey, Odyssey of the Mind

Odyssey of the mind is a 21 year old program originating in NJ that focuses on creative problem solving at different age levels. One of five long term problems are chosen and the children work in groups of five to seven, over a period of time. Parents are needed to guide and coach. This program already exists in two elementary schools in Region 15.

Membership is between $135 and $235 (dependent on enrollment) for RMS participation.

The cost to families is approximately $66 with additional nominal fees for competitions and materials.

Additional information can be obtained at www.odysseyofthemind.com

Motion was made for allocation of membership fee.

1^st Nancy Walsh

2^nd Dana Coppola Motion: passes

President’s Report (Dana Coppola):

School Store - Apparent lack of interest will table discussions for the school store and will be revisited next fall.

Outdoor Pavilion – Research will begin to get cost, labor and other necessary estimates for the building of a pavilion. The possibility of getting services donated was suggested and will be explored, as well as an “Extreme Makeover-like Project”.

Tax Status – The tax papers were completed and sent.

Status is pending.

Budget Meeting – Dr. Sippy will hold a budget meeting on 2/11/08 at 7:30 at Pomperaug HS.

Recognition Reception – The Recognition Reception was held on 2/4/08 and was a huge success.

Additional Board Members – A suggestion was made to add Board Member positions for next year. Considerations include: committee chair people, fundraiser chairperson, corresponding secretary and bi-law writer.

Teacher’s Report (Deborah Schultz):

Mrs. Schultz thanked the PTO and demonstrated the usefulness of the portable book carts that were purchased to enable easy transport of, both, pleasure books and unit topic books from classroom to classroom.

President Report (Nancy Walsh):

Book Drive – A book drive for the spring was suggested to collect age appropriate books in good condition. Karen Ellis volunteered to organize, and Sharon McDonald offered to help.

Fundraising – Fundraising options were mentioned including a Chinese Auction and Tea Cup Raffles. If interested in helping, speak to Nancy .

Vice President Report (Pam Hawkes):

Committee Binders – Status of committee binders is progressing. Please complete the “how to books” to insure easy transitions between outgoing and incoming chair people.

Principal’s Report (Mr. Salutari):

Visitors from China – Mr. Salutari discussed his enjoyable day hosting the visitors from China to Region 15, who were impressed with the quality of our educational system.

CMT’s – CMT’s will take place starting March 3^rd and the schedule of exams will be posted on the school calendar. Eighth graders will be taking a science assessment for the first time. 95% of the student population must take these exams, so parents should not remove students during this time.

Security System – The new security system is partially running and there are cameras that tape for 15 days continuously already installed. Eventually there will be a card swipe system and the building will be locked at all times. Three secretaries in the Main Office will “buzz” visitors into the building. Areas of concern are before and after school hours, but during this period of transition, all issues will be resolved, as best they can.

Vice Principal’s Report (Mr. Bluestein):

Literacy – A Spring Book Drive was proposed, as well as a summer reading brochure, the school all reading books by the same author, and a writing contest for next year.

The Scholastic Book Fair will be cancelled for the spring and alternatives were discussed.

Literacy team will meet in February and Mr. Bluestein will give an update at the next PTO meeting.

Treasurer’s Report (Susan Monroe)

Secretary’s Report (Mary Silverman):

Reports were distributed and there were no questions.

Committee Reports:

Plant Sale – Marise Jung

Baskets will be preordered this year with a possible photo posted on the web-site to help have the supply meet the demand.

Booster Club – March Madness will take place on 3/15/08 .

Motion to adjourn Meeting:

1^st Mary Silverman

2^nd Dana Coppola Motion passes

Respectfully submitted by:

Mary Silverman

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