Minutes from our April 14, 2010 meeting
by Michaela Hermann, Secretary

The meeting commenced at 7:08 p.m. with 11 people present.

Principal’s Report (Mrs. Leddy)
a) NECAP Results/Overview: Individual reports from the NECAP tests were sent home today for the 3-5th graders with progress reports. Mrs. Leddy handed out a sample report and went over how to read the reports. There are 4 levels indicating a student's achievement level. Level 1 indicates that the student performed substantially below grade level and needs additional instructional support. Level 2 indicates that the student is partially proficient and may need some additional instruction to reach grade level. Level 3 means that the student has demonstrated that they are at grade level and any gaps of knowledge and skill can be addressed during through typical classroom instruction. Level 4 indicates that the student has demonstrated proficiency in the subject and has the knowledge and skills to excel in that subject.
Mrs. Leddy reported on the school results. The school has stayed steady over the last couple of years. This year 83% of the students were proficient in reading and 80% in math. The writing scores weren't released this year. Mrs. Leddy recommends that parents keep each year's report and monitor that their child is making growth over time.

b) Reading Week: The school is celebrating Reading Week this week. Lucinda Landon, author of the children's detective series books about Meg Mac Intosh visited the school yesterday. The mystery theme is going well. The school has had many guest readers and teachers have been collaborating with each other to incorporate the theme for different lessons and activities. A retired detective will visit the school later in the week to talk about what it's like being a detective.

c) The Book Swap is going well. Children are exchanging books and enjoy checking out the different books on the table. It will going on for a couple more weeks.

d.) Our school community has had some very sad news. Two families have lost a child. Parents have grouped together to help organize some help. Our hope is to help the families with some support but not add any further stress.


Treasurer’s Report (Sonda Pimental)
Sonda Pimental reported on this month's budget. All the events (Boy's Event, Scholastic Book Fair, and the After School Program) from the past month have gone very well. The Stop and Shop rewards program earned the PTO $600. We will re-enroll in the program at the start of next school year.

Chair Updates
Fundraising Update: Angela Kondon updated the group on the events. The Applebee's Restaurant Night happened last month with a turn out of about15 families. Thank you for your support. The Yankee Candle orders will come in before Mother's Day, but Angela has not heard from the company with exact date, yet.

Family Fun Night is scheduled for May 5th, with a rain date on June 6th. The event will be similar to last year's event. Mrs. Raposa will help with games, there will be a DJ, and in addition, some new game ideas are being explored.

Community Service: Stephanie De Abreu is working on the Feinstein Good Deeds Newsletter which will be coming out later this month.

The school is collecting food for the Bread for Life Food Pantry. Alan Feinstein is matching all items, as well as any monetary donations, dollar for dollar. He will give a dollar for each canned item we give to the food pantry.

During the last week of May we will be having a Baby Shower to collect items for families with infants and donate the item to EBCAP.

Upcoming Events: