Columbia Middle School PTO
Meeting Minutes for October 21, 2014
Recording Secretary's Report – Meeting minutes approved from September PTO meeting, Principal's Forum and Superintendent's Chat.
Corresponding Secretary's Report – The PTO received a thank you note from last year's Teacher of the Year, Ms. Sena for the History of Math book donated in her honor to the CMS library.
Treasurer's Report – We have received another $170.00 from book sox revenue.
Principal's Report -
ñ Governor Livingston will be hosting another 8th grade “Open House” on October 23rd.
ñ The district is also looking into a “freshman for a day” experience for 7th and 8th grade students.
ñ The CMS administrators are evaluating the EP experience for all CMS students. They are looking into ways to offer students deeper experiences than the traditional cycle classes. This dialogue is an ongoing process, and the PTO will continue to receive updates as the investigation continues.
ñ The B-Wing construction continues. The walls are enclosed, sheetrock is going up.
ñ PARCC planning continues. Parents and students can orient themselves to the new test by visiting http://www.parcconline.org/
Vice Principal's Report -
ñ The Week of Respect was held from October 6th-11th. Festivities included spirit days, with the message of encouraging anti-bullying behaviors and respectful interactions.
ñ Red Ribbon Week will be held from October 26th -31st. Bracelets will be distributed to the students for the opportunity to win prizes. There will be spirit days, and a door decorating contest. The GL group TREND will be coming to CMS to deliver a positive drug free message.
ñ On October 30th the PTO will be hosting the Hip-Hop Dance group to promote natural highs.
ñ The 6th grade Halloween Party will be held on October 29th.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Book Fair – The teachers have received the items that they ordered last month from the use of the Scholastic Bucks generated from last year's Book Fair.
Cultural Arts – The Cultural Arts Committee has completed their schedule of events and is as follows:
ñ October 30 Hip Hop Essentials for 8th grade
ñ January 9 Frederick Douglass for 8th grade
ñ February 13 Rock Roots History of Pop Music for 7th grade
ñ May 18 Shakespeare Company – A Mid-Summer Night's Dream for 8th grade
ñ June 10 Chariots of the Sun for 6th grade
ñ June 12 Mayhem Poets Slam in the School for 7th grade
Curriculum Liaison – The first meeting is on November 4th. We will have details for you next month.
Directory – The committee has received the information collated from the district's input mechanism. The directory is being collated and will be ready for review and distribution soon.
Enrichment Day – Enrichment Day is scheduled for Friday, May 29th, 2015. The committee is hard at work confirming previous presenters and looking for new and exciting presenters. If you have an interesting career or hobby that you feel middle schoolers might enjoy learning about, please contact Diane O'Halloran or Patty Branthover. The Committee is also looking for a 6th grade parent to join the Committee. If you are interested please contact the CMS VP Angela Penna. Volunteers are needed for the day of the event! Please let Patty and Diane know if you are interested.
Membership – We have 478 parent members representing 318 families. We have 40 faculty members. We have collected $2,590 in dues and $7565 in donations.
Teacher Grants – Two grants have been approved this month. One to Mrs. Marcy, 8th grade English, and one to Mrs. Froehlich, 8th grade science. Both teachers requested APPLE TV for their classrooms. This technology allows them to project content from their I-PAD to the Promethian Board. Each grant was for $99.
One grant request was denied after review by the Executive Committee. Mrs. Dolan had requested $100 to cover postage to mail home last year's 8th graders' “Letters to Themselves.” The committee felt these could be distributed with diplomas, or mailed home with report cards.
Local Teen Arts - Discussion took place regarding Columbia's participation in Local Teen Arts this year. Last year GL hosted the event and had over 300 participants. Columbia had 37 participants. The Executive Board of the CMS PTO feels that we need greater student participation to continue funding this event. The event costs $500 to participate in, and countless volunteer efforts. Mr. Geiger and Mrs. Acosta will discuss with the staff the Executive Board's position, and get back to us.
SpiritWear – Spiritwear is online and can be found on the left side of Columbia's homepage. under the links section. All items must be ordered by November 14. All items will be delivered in time for the holidays.
Old Business
Air Conditioner update. The district is working with its electrical contractors to determine the fee for installing a 220 line from the panel to the windows in each of the 8 classrooms. Once that fee is determined, the PTO will be in a better position to determine the feasibility of funding this Gift.
New Business
Teachers' Room Upgrade – The teachers have requested an upgrade to their outdated, dreary Teachers' Room. After an initial meeting with teacher representatives, and determining the scope of work, it was asked that the reps consult with their colleagues to determine if they would be willing to use the funds set aside for Teacher Appreciation Week ($700) to help fund the project. Teacher reps will let us know. In the meantime, VP Angela Penna has a contact that she will be working with to seek possible donations for the necessary upgrades. This dialogue will continue. Look for updates next month.
Courtyard Upgrade – Mr. Geiger and CMS PTO president met with landscape businessman, Joe Franchino to discuss upgrades to the CMS Courtyard. Mr. Franchino installed the Highlander Way at GL. Mr. Franchino's estimate for grounds upgrades include hardscape pavers and planters along the perimeter; turning the pergola into an outdoor classroom by adding seating and long tables around the perimeter; options of hardscape pavers or a turf like substance that is becoming very popular in playgrounds. The very broad strokes estimate for a complete overhaul of the courtyard is $30,000.
This project could be spread out over several years, and pavers could be sold as a fundraiser. This project would need the support of the entire PTO and a 6th grade parent to volunteer to take on the Committee Chair Position of Courtyard Upgrade. Plans will be kept with Donna Mouchtaris. Anyone wishing to see the plans or volunteer to take on this project, please contact Donna Mouchtaris.
Meeting adjourned.
Donna Mouchtaris
PTO President
11-11-14