CHS PTO Agenda

August 9, 2010 7:00 to 8:00 PM

1. Welcome, Introductions and Contact Information review

Peggy Bowe and Christy Breckenridge opened the meeting by welcoming everyone to the first PTO meeting of the 2010-2011 school year. Twenty-two people were in attendance: Peggy Bowe, Christy Breckenridge, Susan Ryffel, Lori Cohen, Jane Callahan, Mike Nelke, Cindy Rapponotti, Sally Harrison, Bonnie Sternberg, Louise Losos, Liz Smith, Marcia Goldsmith, Sue Hodapp, Mary Hummell, Patty Cooper, Robin Rivard, Yun-Ho Sikora, Claire Schenk, Lori Elliott, Karen Stern, Liz Glynias, and Patrice Reddick.

2. Treasurer’s Report

· Proposed Budget Jane Callahan, PTO Treasurer, reviewed the proposed PTO budget. The current balance is $24,452.17. Committee budget amounts from last year have not changed. Budget items for the year that did change include: interest income reduced by $100 to adjust to current market rates, buzz book expense increased $700 to pay Meg Flach to input data, and student planners expense reduced $800 to reflect cheaper cost from a new company. Jane will be checking with Tina Holland to see if Funds for Excellence has a mailing budget. A motion to approve the budget was passed.

· Tax Letter, Reimbursement Form Jane reviewed procedures for expenses and reimbursements. She has the Tax Exempt letter if anyone needs it. Mike Nelke can provide the Sam’s Card and Purchase Order for any purchases from Sam’s Club.

· Centennial Plaza and Funds for Excellence Sue Hodapp reported on the most recent mailing (700 letters) for Centennial Plaza. The Centennial Plaza Committee has raised approximately $98,000 of the total $110,000 needed for the project. With Louise’s support the group approved a motion to use any Funds for Excellence money for Centennial Plaza.

3. Organization-Power Point and Website Tour Peggy Bowe reviewed the planned agenda for PTO meetings, the PTO Website, and discussed general strategies for event planning. She emphasized that advertising events in the Principal’s Newsletter requires one month lead time. Peggy and Christy will be following up with committees after events are complete to make sure that Event Description Reports are completed. Peggy also noted that PTO letterhead will not be posted on the website but is available from her if anyone needs it. For more information, the Power Point is posted under “Minutes” on the CHS PTO website.

4. Committee Reports

· Open House Bonnie Sternberg reported that plans for Open House are in order. Louise asked that Bonnie send her an email about the number of tables needed. An auction of graduation seats will begin at Open House, and close approximately one month later.

· Buzz Book Sally Harrison reported that Meg Flach, a CHS employee, will be inputting data for Sally to review. Christy asked that the book include a cross-reference list of last names. Sally will also add a calendar of important dates on the inside cover. The book goes to print on August 25, 2010. Sally also mentioned that Missy McCormick, a parent from the Family Center, is working on a district-wide database of Clayton student and family information that will simplify the production of buzz books in the future.

· Staff Appreciation Lori Cohen reported that the 2010 Staff Appreciation dinner before Open House will repeat the menu from 2009. She is asking for cookie bakers and volunteers to help. Debbie Hughes is the CHS contact for the event, Mike Nelke mentioned that he has tablecloths. The dinner hours are from 4:30 to 6:00. Lori also has events planned for Halloween, Valentine’s Day, and a spring treat.

· Mailing Committee Christy Breckenridge mentioned that volunteers to assist with a mailing on Thursday morning would be appreciated. Meet in the Principal’s Conference Room at 9:00.

· Parent Connections Liz Smith asked that the group consider funding Erin Walsh to speak to parents on the topic “Say Yes to No”. The fee is $2,000. The group asked that she look into sharing costs with another district or the middle school. Liz will investigate and report back at the next PTO meeting. Liz is also looking into a topic on helping students with homework and study habits.

· After Prom/Prom General discussion of After Prom. The PTO and CHS will consider all alternatives from maintaining the status quo, to an all-inclusive event, to no after prom. Prom date is set for April 16, 2011.

5. Principal’s Report Louise Losos reported that she has a personal goal of enhancing communication with parents. Quarterly parent coffees are planned, as well as a dessert night for tuition parents. She asked that we join as “friends” her CHS group on Facebook (see CHS webpage to join) and mentioned that she has a blog for parents to read (access on the CHS webpage as well). The Central Office is fielding requests about students from unaccredited districts. This issue is unresolved. Construction is proceeding, Stuber and locker rooms should be complete by September. Finally, Louise reported that one of the two College Counselors, Chat Leonard, submitted her resignation on the Thursday past. Louise is actively pursuing options for the coming Senior class.

6. Adjournment, next meeting September 13, 2010