Minutes from our January 13, 2010 meeting
by Michaela Hermann, Secretary

The meeting commenced at 7:08 p.m. with 17 people present.

Principal’s Report (Mrs. Leddy)
H1N1 Flu Clinic Update: The second flu clinic is scheduled for February 3rd from 4-7:30 p.m. The times will be staggered again according to last name. It is expected that there will a smaller number of children getting the second dose. The CDC recommends a second dose for children under 10. Mrs. Leddy is looking for volunteers. Let her know if you can help.

Tech Update: Mrs. Leddy explained that although the request for additional printers was approved by the PTO in the fall, there was a change in the school departments IT schedule and it has taken longer than originally planned to get printers installed in all the classrooms. The Gizmo program, for the 5th graders is up and running. Study Island, a recent purchase, is not up and running yet. Mrs. Leddy's goal is to have a work station in the teacher's room that will be online. There a computer in the conference room that are on-line and being used for teachers.

Writer's Workshop: The teachers in grades K-2 are participating in a professional training that is concentrating on a writing curriculum that is teaching children an approach to writing where they first start by talking about their story, second drawing it out, and than writing it out. Mrs. Leddy has purchased high quality sketch books for all students in grades K-2. Children are appearing to enjoy this process. They will also be able to select the story that they want to have published and read to an audience.

Response to Intervention: Francis has been selected, along with Waddington, for the teachers to get a comprehensive training that will allow the teachers to rank order the class and compare by state, country and worldwide. This will enable teachers to assess where their class has some strengths and some weakness and will allow teachers to augment their lessons to make progressive changes.

Culture of Achievement: Superintendent Cirillo has met with the East Providence's PTO presidents and has started to explain his vision for the East Providence schools. He has scheduled a few more meetings with the PTO presidents and encouraging the PTO presidents to bring questions for him. Contact Leslie Tente if you have some questions that you would like to ask him. Dr. Cirillo has also put the information regarding his vision for the East Providence schools on the district website for those interested in viewing it.


Treasurer’s Report (Sonda Pimental)
The monthly and year-to-date budgets were reviewed as well as a teacher request which was voted on and approved.

Reward Updates:
Shaw's enrollment has been processed. You can signup to give Francis credit when you shop at Shaw's. It is somewhat more limited than Stop and Shop, but can also benefit our school.

Stop & Shop A+ Program will end on March 25th. We currently have 75 families that have registered. Thank you. We would like to see even more people participating. Please get the word out!

There are some hand-outs, in the office, for anyone interested in the reward programs from the rewards programs mentioned as well as Subway, Foot Locker, and Verizon Wireless.


Chair Updates
Food Bank Bingo (Angela Kondon) - Event took place on January 8th It was a success and seemed to be enjoyed by all who attended. The event raised $838 for the Bead of Line Food Pantry and over 100 cans were collected. Thank you Mrs. Crocker for doing a good job!

Sweetheart Dance (Angela Kondon) - The event is scheduled for February 5th (snow date Feb.26) Erin Tewksbery will contact volunteers soon.

Restaurant Night (Angela Kondon) - There are three more planned for the remainder of the year. Dates to be determined.

Spring Fundraiser (Angela Kondon) - Yankee Candle will be sold for the spring fundraiser. Packets will be sent home February 22.

Restaurant Night (Angela Kondon) - Three more restaurant nights are planned. One in February, March, and April. The exact dates still need to be determined. Information will be sent home.

Play-a-thon (Leslie Tente) - It is unclear if this event will be rescheduled. It was originally planned to take place in November but was cancelled due to concerns of the H1N1 flu. Leslie Tente will follow up and let us know if there will be another date.


Upcoming Events:
Sweet Heart Dance - February 5 (Snow Date 2/26)

Spring Fundraiser - Yankee Candle-Packets to go home February 22

Family Fitness occurring during February

Boys Event - March 19