MHS/WES PTO
November 7, 2007 Meeting Minutes
President, Lynn Breau Vice President, Fred Ellsworth
Treasurer, Kim Samson Secretary, Jenn Dewey



Meeting Commencement
Lynn Breau opened the meeting at 6:35pm with 26 parents in attendance and David Marble and Beth Foster from the staff. All PTO board members were present.

Secretary’s Report
Jenn Dewey presented the Secretary’s Report. Jenn motioned to accept the minutes, Fred Ellsworth seconded, all approved.

Treasurer’s Report
Kim Samson presented the Treasurer’s Report. Kim noted that money is still coming in for student directories and dues. She also explained that the large checkbook balance is due to the fact that the fundraiser has not yet been paid, that balance will come down roughly by half once the company has been paid. The playground fund balance has also decreased due to the purchase of the benches. Lynn Breau motioned to accept, seconded by Fred, all approved.

Principal’s Report
David Marble welcomed all and thanked everyone for making the time to attend tonight. He began by explaining the recent staff development day that our professionals and para- professionals had a chance to attend. Mr. Marble emphasized that these development seminars are crucial for our teachers to stay on the cutting edge of educational curriculum. On this particular day, our teachers had the chance to work and share ideas with professionals from the Narragansett and Gardner school districts on differentiated instruction (teaching to each student’s strengths and weaknesses at all levels). There were over 25 presenters including educational consultants, superintendents, principles, etc. Educational standards, curriculum content and lesson planning were addressed at each grade level. The para-professionals received training in Reading strategies as well. Mr. Marble stressed that this was a great day for our district’s teachers and specialists to gain as well as offer new ideas to other professionals in other districts. Mr. Marble also informed the group that the Superintendent has new guidelines regarding any fundraiser being offered in the schools. Anyone or group that wants to offer a fundraiser, has to submit it to the Office of the Superintendent for approval 30 days prior to sending it to students. The Superintendent has developed a matrix system of all the fundraisers in our district in order to make sure that there are not too many being offered at any given time.

School Improvement Council Update
Monica Blessington reported for this committee. She informed all that at the last meeting five key things were discussed. First, how to get more community members into the schools as well as building a strong relationship with the community. Fred Ellsworth commented that it’s important that the people living here get to see and utilize the schools in some capacity and in turn they’ll want to take care of the schools. He suggested thinking about offering the schools as a meeting site for the local Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club or Women’s Club in the afternoons or evenings. Monica continued with the second item of discussion being, contacting Dr. David Haddad for possible seminars on parenting, behavior management, etc. Third, the new lunch and recess parent volunteers were discussed and all felt they were working out well. Fourth, the budget was addressed. This committee wants the parents to be well informed about the budget and the effects of the current losses due to the failed override. This committee discussed the possibility of having the principal and superintendent speak about the budget at the January PTO meeting. The fifth and final issue the council addressed was the situation in which the Forbush Memorial Library has to house their children’s library probably at MHS due to their renovation project. David Marble assured everyone that if this does occur, they would not be open to the public during school hours. Also, there is the possibility of sharing the Forbush’s librarians which would help our schools in light of Mrs. Klemetti’s retirement. Tiffany Davis also commented that it might be a good idea for this council to explore getting the school’s involved with the town’s 250yr celebration festivities which would be a great way to stay connected to the community.

Committee Reports
Family Fun Night ~ Sarah Dellasanta reported that this was a very successful event due to Leslie Lothrop’s guidance as well as the many volunteers who lent their time and energy on this night. She said the peer leaders were wonderful and the DJ was terrific, very appropriate and in tune with the children. She also felt that 2 hours was enough for this event and that $200 may be coming in as a profit.
Wish List ~Jessica Parvey informed all that she had met with David Marble and came up with a few options for the PTO to consider (a written overview of the options was distributed to all in attendance). Last year there were 29 grade level teachers that were given money. This year there are 32 grade level teachers and this committee feels that the 4 special subject teachers and school nurses should be included as well. This committee recommends that the 32 teachers, 4 specialists and school nurses should each receive $100 each for a budget of $3700 with a cushion of between $300-500 in addition to the base budget. There was much discussion at this point regarding the proposed budget. Kim Samson explained from the Treasurer’s Report that there are still many unclosed encumbrances which could be moved back into the General fund (about $1300) which would make the budget for this committee attainable. Some members, one being Sarah Dellasanta, asked if we could host a separate event, maybe with teacher involvement (i.e.: talent show, car wash, etc.) Beth Foster, a kindergarten teacher thought this could be a good idea. David Marble reminded everyone about the Superintendent’s new guidelines regarding fundraising, having a separate event may be counterproductive. At this point, Lynn Breau suggested tabling any discussion about separate ways to raise money for this committee and speaking for the board, assured everyone that even though we need to be cautious about how we distribute money; the original proposed budget is attainable and should be voted on. Tiffany Davis motioned for $4000 for the Wish List committee, seconded by Sarah Paiste, all approved.
Student Directory & Recycling ~ Tiffany Davis reported that everyone should have received a directory by now and if you haven’t you should contact her. Everyone in attendance informed her that the directories looked great. Tiffany thanked all that helped out and welcomed any suggestions for the future. As for the recycling of the inkjet and laser printer cartridges, Tiffany informed all that the first shipment has been sent in and we’re waiting for a check to come back. This committee is still looking to get more collection boxes out there. She said to contact her if anyone knows of area businesses willing to house collection boxes.
Holiday Workshop ~ Paula Varieur reported that this group had their second meeting and decided on the actual crafts to be offered at each grade level. November 27th from 7-9pm will be a craft prep night and the event will take place at the WES Café from 10-11:30am. She has also reserved the building from 8:30am-12:00pm to incorporate set-up and clean-up.
Christmas tree lighting ~ Juliet O’Brien reported that all is going well for this committee with the event to be held on Dec. 2nd @ 4:00pm @ Academy Hill. Andy Willette from the Montachusett Tree Service will be utilized this year and the Town Selectmen have approved this per a licensed electrician to work the electrical. Aubuchon Hardware has donated a lot for the lights. The big tree may be able to be decorated if all goes well. The lights will then remain up from Dec. 2-Jan.8th. In the past the PTO has been able to fund pictures with Santa, unfortunately due to the failed override; this group will only be able to offer candy canes and cocoa. Juliet motioned for $200 at this time to cover these expenses, seconded by Fred Ellsworth, all approved.
Boxtops/Soxtops ~ Kim Samson informed all that boxtops were submitted on 10/30 from both schools and we’re waiting for a profit check on this for $1121.81. The next deadline for boxtops is February and she urges everyone to keep clipping. The Hood Soxtops were submitted on 10/30 as well with a $92.70 profit due back. Everyone cane keep collecting Hood caps for future submission. Also, Kim informed all that the date for the Hannafords receipts is Dec. 1st and these should be turned in to your child’s teacher or put in the collection boxes prior to this date.
Scrip ~ Sarah Paiste reported that this program is doing quite well with the upcoming holiday season. There is already a profit of $600 for the schools, double the profit at this time from last year. The program will be offered every week in November, look for paperwork through the backpacks. There are a lot more stores available this year, especially online. Any questions, please contact Sarah Paiste @ 978-874-4020 or Leslie Lothrop @ 978-874-0703.
Playground Update ~ David Marble reported on this as well as including a written update from Laurie Ellsworth, the landscape architect that has coordinated these efforts. The general plan is that the benches for MHS will be in before the snow season. Right now, the anticipated delivery and installation date is either 12/7-12/8. The teachers are in the process of deciding between 4 different layout plans. As for the ground renewal, that will take place in the spring. The school is currently looking into recycled tire material which is more durable than wood chips.
Parent Volunteer Program Update ~ Juliet O’Brien reported that this program which has parent volunteers assisting at lunch and recess is going very well. She informed all that this program does need more people. There are some time slots that still need to be filled. People wishing to volunteer need to be CORI checked and ideally willing to commit to a weekly or biweekly schedule so that the students have a chance to become familiar with the volunteers. Right now, WES could really use volunteers for the 3rd and 4th grade lunch and recess. This program will also look into the possibility of utilizing High school seniors as volunteers as part of their community service. People who are interested in this program should contact Juliet @ 978-874-1192 or email jmcsmob@verizon.net.
*Last Minute* Kim Samson informed all that the PTO is currently looking into creating an email list for members to receive PTO updates on the weeks that a school newsletter doesn’t come out. This will be explored over the next few weeks.
Meeting Adjourned: 8:00pm

Respectfully Submitted, Jenn Dewey