Minutes from our October 7, 2009 meeting
by Michaela Hermann, Secretary
Principal’s Report
H1N1 Flu: Mrs. Leddy reported that the H1N1 flu is predicted to be an issue. The school is practicing good hygiene. To date there aren't any reported cases.
5th Grade Field Trip: This year the 5th graders went on the Aurora in September, instead of waiting until May, which has been the tradition for a number of years. Last May we had many rainy days, requiring the trip to be postponed. In addition the end of school year events limited available times. It was felt that having the field trip earlier would avoid both of these issues. The schooner set sail on 9/29, around the bay and was described to be the best sail to date. The cost was covered by a grant that Mrs. Leddy received and the activities that the 5th graders did on the ship coincided with their science kit.
Updates to the Science Curriculum: The East Providence School Department has purchased a science software kit (Gizmo), which simulates science by combining text book lessons with hands on lessons. Gizmo is a science enrichment program that promotes science literacy.
Technology Upgrades: The school has received 50 new Hewlett Packard computers, which will be used mainly for the 3rd-5th grade classrooms. The PTO approved, during the last meeting in June, to purchase 7 new printers. The school is waiting for IT to come and set the computers and printers up.
NECAP Testing: The NECAP testing is scheduled to occur this month. The test is given to grades 3-5. During the first week, the testing in reading, the second week testing will be in math. For 5th graders, the last week will be testing in writing. The 4th graders will be tested on science, in the spring. The school had a pep rally for the tests, where each grade sang a song and enthusiasm for the tests was raised. The results from last year's 4th graders on the science test came back with 65% of the students being proficient in science.
Happy Birthday announcements: Mrs. Leddy wanted parents to know that to date this year, she has not made Happy Birthday announcements, over the loud speaker, because a new program that the school uses has not allowed her to pull up that information. She is working on it, and hopes to resume this practice as soon as possible.
October Calendar: Please refer to this month's calendar for the many events that are happening this month.
Treasurer’s Report
Reporting and Voting on Proposed Budget: Sonda Pimental reviewed this year's proposed budget. It was voted on and approved.
5013C/Audit: The PTO had last year's budget reviewed by a CPA. The accounts looked good. He made 3 recommendations:
- Stay Organized by using a Project Spreadsheet: The project spreadsheet will track all expenditures, deposits, and profits for school events. The spreadsheet will track both net and gross.
- Segregation of Duties: The bank statements will be reviewed and signed off by a second PTO board member.
- Filing for 501(c) 3 status: The 501(c) 3 status will make us an official non-profit organization. Our PTO has grossed more than $5,000 for the school, and having the 501(c) 3 status will put us in accordance to the IRS status. Additionally, being a non-profit organization will allow businesses, who donate money to the PTO, to write off their donations.
There is a one time fee to file for the 501(c) 3 status of $750. The board proposed taking the money from the emergency fund (and supplementing the $750 back later in the year). The proposal to file for the 501 (c) 3 status was voted on and approved.
Teacher Requests: Three teacher requests for purchasing some materials (2 u shaped tables and Quick Word Booklets for the students) were voted on and approved. (A flyer will be sent home for parents that would like to order an additional Quick Word Booklet for their child to have at home.)
Rewards Program: An envelope will be going home that will have a few reward programs from various retailers that can earn some money for our school.
Chair Updates
Fundraising: Angela Kondon reported on the many fundraising events that will be occurring throughout the year:
- Walk-a-thon (10/23).
- Restaurant Night every month, except in December, May and June).
- Holiday Shopping (12/4).
- 50/50 Raffles at most of the PTO events.
- Smencils (sales ongoing at the office.)
- Yankee Candle (in the spring)
- Collecting canned food items to donate to the Six Church Food Pantry
Box Tops & Apparel Update: Alison Roslonek reported that Box Tops collections and selling the school apparel are going well.
Play-A-Thon: Leslie Tente spoke with organizer for the first time Play-A-thon that is being sponsored by Hasbro. They will be matching up to $5000, with the money going to the Bread of Life Food Pantry. The event will take place on November 6th from 6-8 at Francis. Hasbro will provide some of their classic board games. The event will be open to other local schools. Flyer coming home soon with more details.
Event Chair Opening/Volunteer Opportunities: Leslie Tente wanted parents to know that there is a need for chair people for some of this year's committees. If you are interested in being a committee chair for the Yearbook, Boys Event, 5th Grade Promotion, and Food Bank Bingo, please contact the PTO.
Community Service: Stephanie de Abreu reported this years first community service event will be a Fall Food Drive from November 9-17th. Canned food will be collected in the school's foyer. Volunteers will be needed to transport the cans to the food pantry. Please let her know if you are able to help. There will be other community service events occurring through out the year.
Upcoming Events:
NECAP Testing (Grades 3-5)
Week of: October 5th (Reading), October 12th (Math), October 20th (Writing; Grade 5 Only)
Book Fair 10/20-10/22 (with Evening Book Fair 10/21)
Walk-A-Thon/ School Spirit Day 10/23
Townie Pride Parade 10/23 @ 5:45
After School Program begins 10/27
Fall Pictures (Mare Studios) on Oct/30
|
|
Next Meeting
March 7, 2012
in the library
Past Meeting Minutes
February 1, 2012
January 4, 2012
November 2, 2011
October 5, 2011
May 4, 2011
April 6, 2011
March 2, 2011
February 9, 2011
January 5, 2011
November 3, 2010
October 6, 2010
June 16, 2010
May 5, 2010
April 14, 2010
March 10, 2010
February 11, 2010
January 13, 2010
November 4, 2009
October 7, 2009
June 10, 2009
April 1, 2009
March 4, 2009
|
