Minutes from our February 11, 2010 meeting
by Michaela Hermann, Secretary

The meeting commenced at 7:05 p.m. with 13 people present.

Guest Speaker (Mr. Piros, Martin Middle School Principal)
Mr. Piros, Principal of Martin Middle School, attended this evening's meeting to tell 5th grade parents about Martin Middle school. Mr. Piros said that the school is moving forward with more to come. He said that the school was built like a middle school so that there are houses that students stay in and that there isn't much transitions during the day. The school currently has three houses. Student's assignment to a house is done randomly. Mr. Piros has a dedicated staff. This past year, there are 27 new energetic faculty members, some technology updates have been made, and the library will be getting some more computers, with a total to be 25 computers. The three houses are run like individual schools and most often the children stay in the same house for the 3 years that the attend the school. Mr. Piros said the class size is 22-23 per class.

Mr. Piros plans to meet with current 5th children and parents before the end of the school year. The middle school plans to hold another Field Day. Last year the middle school had their 1st field day where they invited 5th grade students to the middle school during a school day and were able to participate in the events and meet other 5th graders from other schools and some of the teachers. It was well received by the last year's 5th graders.

Mr. Piros spent some time answering questions parents had about the school. He also said that he feels that the district strategies are starting to demonstrate consistent progress.

The PTO will keep families posted when they hear from Martin about upcoming dates.

Principal’s Report (Mrs. Leddy)
Mrs. Leddy did not attend this evening's meeting

Treasurer’s Report (Sonda Pimental)
Sonda Pimental reviewed the past month's activities. She also shared a thank you letter she and Andi White received for the Food Bank Bingo donations. The Bread of Life Food Pantry was very thankful for the donations (160 food items were collected) and $800 cash was given to them. This enabled the pantry to purchase two months worth of groceries!

Safe Routes to School: Sonda Pimental explained about a program that is federally funded that is available to schools to get a grant to make some changes to encourage children to walk and bike to school. The end of Horsford Street, where the street meets the school, does not have a sidewalk and that makes it potentially dangerous for students to walk there while buses are pulling out and cars are driving away. The school will apply for the grant that will fund having the city put in an extension to the sidewalk. The Safe Routes to School program will also give some money to the school to support some events and activities that promote walking and riding. The application will go in by the end of February and we should know by the end of the school year if it has been approved. A sub-committee will be formed with parents that will continue to promote fitness and family activity.

Chair Updates
Yankee Candle: Angela Kondon informed parents that the Yankee Candle packets have been sent home. The order forms will be due on March 8th. The orders will arrive at the school before Mother's Day.

Boys' Event: Leslie Tente informed parents that the boys voted on having the Mad Scientist return again this year. He will be performing a different show. Uncle Tony's has generously offered to donate some food again and Navigant Bank will sponsor some of the event, too.

Board Membership: Leslie Tente announced that there are openings for the PTO Board for next year. The positions that will be open are president, vice president, and secretary.

Spring After School Program: Sheila Vandal and Michelle Rogers will be organizing the program for the spring after school program. Flyers will be sent home the Monday after vacation.

Haiti Fund: Stephanie De Abreu reported that the fund collected $1400. She expressed how wonderful it was to see how the children shared what they did to raise the money and that it really was mainly the children that initiated this event.

Upcoming Events:
After School Program: March 23 - April 15

Boys Event: March 19

Restaurant Night at Applebee's: March 24