Gates School Parent Teacher Organization Minutes

 Tuesday, September, 19, 2007

 

 

I.                   Welcome

Lucinda Sears called the meeting to order at 7:10pm.  There were 17 people

in attendance. See attached sign in sheet.

    

II.                Motion was made to approve minutes for February 13, 2007 meeting.

Minutes were approved and will be posted on-line and on the PTO board at Gates school.

         

III.             Walter McGrail report  

Walter reported on the recent fire alarm that at school, stating that all teachers and students reacted very well and students were allowed back in the building as quickly as possible.  He also report everyone was settling in to the new year very well, and that cleaning initiatives over the summer were all completed as planned.

 

IV.            Treasurers Report (see attached)

Sharon Berka Muzilla reported on the PTO financial standing.  We are currently in good shape due largely to the money brought in by last year’s auction.  The revenue was approximately $10,000 over the projected earnings.  Other events brought in the estimated projected amount. For example, the Ice Cream Social which has always been an event focused on bringing Gates families together now brings in about $3000 for the PTO.  Also, a new source of revenue is cash donations which the PTO appreciates and is using wisely.  One concern is that we are projected to spend $71,000 this year for all the areas the PTO supports, like classroom assts, library books, programs and activities and we are on target to raise $62,000.  The PTO is aware of this short fall and is planning appropriately.

 

V.               John Peterson PIP (see attached pamphlet)

John was a guest speaker at the meeting talking about the Parent Involvement Program (PIP).  We are looking for a person to represent the Gates school and help in planning theses events.  The three events are 3rd grade Math Mania, 4th grade Star party, and the 5th grade Math Mania.  Anyone interested please contact Lucinda Sears as soon as possible.

 

VI.            Auction Report 

Jim Tabner reported that the auction is off to a great start!  The auction theme is Season of Learning.  The logo is being finalized now.  Jim reported that most chair positions are filled and that the first meeting will be Wed. September 26, at 7pm.  Jim gave a brief description of the auction to parents who had never attended the auction before. We still need a silent auction chairperson.

 

VII.         Fundraisers 

Lucinda reported on the fundraisers we have planned for this year:

·       Family Photo Day- successfully completed

·       Simon Mall Shopping Night

·       Gift wrap fundraiser

·       Gates Apparel – being sold now in school or on-line

A.   Child Art Fundraiser - Emily McDowell reported that the fundraiser has begun.  The information was sent home in back pack to day.  She reported that we get a 30%profit off every sale.  Additional cards are available for siblings who would like to participate.  Emily has helpers: Allison Takas, Erin Bettez and she can always use more help.

B.   Fall Fundraiser - Ellen Smith will be heading up the fall fundraiser along with Stef Parker.  The event will be held 10-12-07 at the Acton Discovery Museum.  The event is a social and a fundraiser we will sell baked goods and raffle tickets.  Volunteers are needed

C.   Scrip Program - Donna Bottari reported on the Scrip program.  The gift cards are sold to Gates families for face value and we buy them for a discount where in lies our profit.  We made $800 in 2007 and $1700 in 2006.  The discrepancy lies in the fact that we got a late start on the program in 2007 and missed the holiday buying opportunities.  We are very excited to have Donna running this program this year!

 

VIII.      PTO going electronic 

Lucinda is very proud to announce that Gates School communications will be going electronic.  The school will be using less paper, and the PTO will need fewer volunteers to get communications out the parents.  As of October 1, 2007 all messages will come via e-mail unless you sign up for a paper communications with a form you can get in the office.

 

IX.            Volunteers 

There are still a few open positions for which we need parent volunteers:

o   PIP

o   Kindergarten Activity Day

o   Ice Cream Social Co-Chair

o   6th grade Play Producer

 

X.               Announcements 

A. Jim Tabner asked if the school could make an announcement about an upcoming forum about keeping our children safe on the internet.  The panel of speakers includes a Gates parent, Todd Fenniman.

B. Donalen’s receipts are still being collected at the front of the school, so please drop off yours.  Last year Walter McGrail purchased a wireless microphone system for school assemblies with these reward dollars. MR. K. bought some new equipment for gym class

C. Granny Awards moneys have not yet been allocated by the teachers.

D. Gates Amazing Mornings are currently happening, it was requested that we give parents at least two weeks next time to sign up for the classes.

E. New PTO notice board was purchased and it is hanging in the lobby.  Please

look at for upcoming events.

F. Next Tuesday night is Back to School Night!  Hope to see you there.

G. Next PTO meeting is Tuesday October 16, 2007.

 

XI.            Motion to Adjourn 

Meeting ended at 8:15pm

 

 

Minutes respectfully submitted by Cindi Hoggard, Recording Secretary