Minutes for Fleming PTO Meeting 09/19/07
Present: Sharon Sturm, Toni Finnegan, Saramichelle Stultz, Dan Ryan, Wendy Jenkins, Karyn Roberts, Melissa Mazza, Theresa Utton-Jerman, Nancy Bissonnette, Carol Hutcheon, Lisa Libby.
Welcomes and Introductions: Sharon welcomed everyone to the first PTO meeting for 2007-2008 and thanked everyone for coming, and everyone introduced themselves.
Principals Report: Mr. Ryan gave the Principal's report and thanked parents for their participation and overwhelming support. The following were highlights:
Karyn Roberts asked if Mr. Earl would be willing to start up the Chess Club and it was agreed to ask him.
Staff Report: Wendy Jenkins Fleming's Reading Specialist reported that the teachers were all ready to be back, remarked that she was happy that the Fundraiser for the coupon books was occurring.
Report of the Treasurer: Toni reported that the beginning balance for 2007-2008 was a surprising $1,331.21. Nice! The Budget was reviewed and the Total funds needed are $5,705.00, which included the Artist in Residency grant of $2,525,00. Sharon explained that more information was requested before getting an approval of the grant, so it is pending.
Events: Sharon circulated Sign Ups for Committees. Thanks to those who signed up!! After some discussion, Wendy Jenkins moved and Dan Ryan seconded a motion to approve Melissa Mazza to be Co-Chair of the PTO. Way to go Melissa and Welcome to Fleming! Melissa and her family moved here from Colchester. Sharon reported that the Volunteer List sent out at the beginning of the year was a huge success. Thanks to those who filled them out to volunteer this year. With regards to Monday night's Open House, it was agreed to have the refreshments downstairs in the cafeteria and to place a jar for donations for the Principal's Discretionary Fund, with a sign explaining the Fund, which was set up to assist Fleming families in need. There was a discussion about the fact that many students are not able to pay for lunches and have to obtain lunch passes, which is becoming difficult to address. In addition to information about PTO and sign up sheets for PTO Committees, Karyn Roberts also suggested having the Campbell's Soup box and Hannafords box out for collection as well as any forms to register for other programs such as Price Chopper. All quick and easy ways to help make money for Fleming School! Sharon explained a letter from Mr. Earl, who would like to arrange a book discussion for parents on a book titled, Last Child in The Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, by Richard Louv. He asked the PTO for help in promoting the book among the Fleming community. He reported that a video about the book and author can be accessed at http://www.thefuturesedge.com/. He would like to plan an afternoon or early evening session at a time most convenient for those who are able to participate. Those who are interested can sign up at Open House or e-mail him at pearl@ejhs.k12.vt.us.
Fundraisers: Sharon thanked Kelly Charland for her seamless management of the Entertainment Books Fundraiser, which would continue through 9/21. Square One was beginning in Art and would be sent out next Thursday. Meadow Farms would begin on 10/22, and the members agreed to also send out information for Baked Beads, which would take place 10/5-10/7. There was discussion of the Box Tops Fundraiser headed by Anne Malle. Thank you Anne. It was also suggested to place these boxes in a more noticeable place in the school.
New Business: A bit of discussion was held about giving a donation in lieu of a gift to teachers at the holiday time. Melissa Mazza mentioned another community effort called Kids Can Help Food Drive. It was agreed that the babysitter was needed to help support those coming to PTO with childcare.
Next PTO Meeting: October 17, 2007 from 6:30-7:30 in the Fleming Learning Center. All are welcome to attend. Hope to see you there!