Friends of Briggs/PTO Meeting
John R. Briggs Elementary School
Friends of Briggs PTO Meeting Minutes
October 20th, 2005
Vice Presidents: Kelly Behringer & Kristin Hayes
Secretary: Brenda Brown
Kelly Bradley, of O’Connor Photography, presented an overview of their yearbook packages. Members of the PTO present and Board voted unanimously for a 48-page, soft cover, color yearbook, by O’Connor Photography, for the 2005-2006 school year. As part of the package O’Connor Photography supplies a photographer to come to J.R. Briggs for a day and take candid shots of a typical school day. This date will be coordinated between O’Connor Photography, Tracy Poulin, Yearbook Chair and Mrs. Wright and/or Mrs. McGrath.
Brenda Brown presented the Secretary’s report. Motion was made, seconded and approved to accept the secretary’s report as presented.
Ann Horgan presented the Interim Treasurer’s report. A copy of the latest bank statement was included in the report. The balance at this time is: $33,403.51. The large balance is due to the fact that the Katherine Beich Fall Fundraiser has not been paid yet. Motion was made, seconded and approved to accept the treasurer’s report as presented.
Karen Lemieux and Becky Pilsbury, chairpeople, were very pleased with how smooth the fundraiser went. Katherine Beich was helpful in all areas of the event. They will have final numbers and a summary at the next meeting. Their recommendation would be to stay with this company for future years. 60% of J.R. Brigg’s students participated. 20 students sold over 20 items, which entitles them to a “go” in the money machine. 5 students sold over 40 items, which entitles them to a Limo/Lunch ride.
Family Fun Day @ Wildwood Farm
The day’s activities were a success. We had approximately 139 people attend. Events included a hayride, popcorn, petty zoo, corn maze and a small craft. The PTO made approximately $44.00 on the event. Our intent was not to make money but to provide a fun family day. Many families commented on what a good time they had!
The evening’s activities are underway for Friday, October 21st from 7:00-11:00pm at the American Legion. We have approximately 28 vendors ready for the evening. There will be a $3.00 entry fee and a 50/50 raffle every hour. The bar will be open for beverage purchases.
Grade Level Milestone Brochures
Grade Level milestone brochures were presented to the PTO members, which contained age milestones for elementary students. It was recommended that we order these brochures to be available for each student at teacher conferences. The cost would be approximately $300.00. The PTO would be responsible for half the cost and the Enrichment Fund would be responsible for the other half. A Motion was made, seconded and approved to purchase these brochures and be responsible for half of the cost.
The PTO has been asked to allot approximately $200.00 to purchase textbooks for the 5th grade RISE program. The information in the textbooks will be very helpful in presenting the RISE program to the 5th graders. A Motion was made, seconded and approved to purchase these textbooks for the RISE program.
RISE T-Shirts
The PTO would like to purchase the RISE t-shirts for the 5th grade students completing the RISE program again this year. The cost would be approximately $722.00. A Motion was made, seconded and approved to purchase the 85 t-shirts for the 5th grader’s graduation of the RISE program.
School Address Books
Entries are coming in for the J.R. Brigg’s Elementary School Address Book. Donna Toothaker has agreed to collect the information and create the book. The children’s information will be listed by classroom and then alphabetically as a whole school. Donna has asked that we include her name and website in the back of the book for advertisement. Entries are due to the school by November 1st. A Motion was made, seconded and approved to print Donna’s name and website in the back of the book for advertising.
Make a Difference Day at BJ’s
The Cadette Girl Scout Troop #123, instead of the PTO, will be helping BJ’s customers create hair care bags and toiletry bags for the Salvation Army on Saturday, October 22nd, 2005 between the hours of 10:00am and 1:00pm as part of the National Make a Difference Day.
BJ’s Food Drive
BJ’s customers will be donating non-perishable food items to benefit a local food pantry of our choice. Ann Horgan and Kelly Behringer have already picked up one collection and have delivered it to the Ashburnham Community Church’s Food Pantry. The food pantry currently services approximately 30 families from Ashburnham, Ashby, Gardner and Winchendon.
BJ’s Membership Renewal Forms
Kelly will be sending membership renewal forms to current J.R. Brigg’s family members.
Human-a-Tees
The company has recently closed their doors. We will be thinking on another option for our Spring Fundraiser. Karen Lemieux will look into a possible Katherine Beich Spring fundraiser.
Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast
The breakfast is scheduled for Sunday, November 6th, at the Town Hall from 8:00am to 11:00am. Tickets are $4.00 each. Tickets are going slow… so tell all your friends and bring a few along to the breakfast!
Grade Level Raffle Baskets
Each grade and special has requested a theme for the raffle baskets. Letters to the parents for donations will be going out soon. The date to help put the baskets together is November 28th at 9:00am in the teacher’s lounge if you can help!
Harry Potter Movie Day
Gay Houghton will look into scheduling a PTO Family Day at the Movies: Harry Potter and the Quest for Fire. We’re looking at Saturday, November 19th in the morning. The event will be $5.00 for each ticket. Families will be responsible for purchasing their own refreshments. Information will be coming home to parents soon.
PTO Treasure Election
Kim Gauvin presented her interest in the PTO’s Treasurer position. Kim gave an overview of her background in banking and record keeping. A Motion was made, seconded and approved to elect Kim Gauvin as the PTO Treasurer for the 2005-2006 school year.
Halloween Candy Bags
Candy bags will be “stuffed” at the end of tonight’s meeting and handed out to the J.R. Brigg’s students on October 28th.
Co-Vice President Kelly Behringer closed the meeting at 7:52pm. Thanks to all the parents and teachers who came to the meeting. We look forward to seeing your return to future meetings and the upcoming PTO events and invite parents who missed the meeting to attend the next PTO meeting on Thursday, November 17th. If you wish to be removed from minutes email distribution please let me know.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brenda Brown
PTO Secretary