Lynnewood PTO Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

In attendance: Jillian McGilvery, Melissa Baraldi, Andrew Heinerichs, Marianna DeHoratus, Jessica Porreca, Jenn McNulty, Karen McFadden, Beth McCormick, Monika Howard, Jodi Hollsteimer, Betsy McElreavey, Monica Burns, Danielle Vitale, Gabrielle Bucak, Jen Lemish, Kate Tronieri, Jill Kratzinger, Aimee Diehl, Karen Crosson, Julie Josefowski

Agenda Items: Welcome made by Melissa Baraldi. The minutes from November were approved.

Principal’s Report: Thank you to parents for support during the car line transition. Car line is going well. 20 new Ipads were purchased from Title I funding. We are still awaiting word on the grant from the Haverford Township Education Foundation. Final round of Geography Bee will be held on Thursday, January 15 with 10 finalists. Benchmark assessments will be administered in the next 2 weeks. Selected 4th grade students will take the NAEP assessment of February 3rd. New tile floor was added in office over winter break. Student bathrooms will be remodeled during summer of 2015. Chorus will sing at high school basketball (girls) game on Thursday, February 5th.

Teachers’ Report: Teachers appreciate all of the work that goes into Young Writer’s Day. It is a great day for both students and staff. Mrs. Garragoza appreciates her new rug. “Books, the Magic is Real” will be presented on Friday.

Co-President Report: Thank you for Young Writer’s Day – seamless transition with new coordinators. Talent show will need a new coordinator for 2015-2016 school year. Fundraisers- plan to make changes to Walk-a-Thon – will need a new chair for this event.

Committee Updates: Assemblies – Zoo Assembly was well received by students.

Community Service – MLK Day of Service – last year we made gift packs for homeless veterans. Kids will make meals for veterans this year. Also suggested to pack meals for Aid for Friends. Pampered Chef does workshops for children to “freeze a meal” – PTO could pay for food. Jared Boxes were suggested to make for children at CHOP. Sign up genius will be created for food items and items for Jared Boxes. Items to include in Jared Boxes can be found on CHOP website. Students will also make cards to go with the Jared Boxes.

Make A Lunch – Jenn McNulty reported that it started today and went well. They needed to purchase more items, receipts will be submitted. Make a Lunch needs to be listed on PTO website and blast.

Fashion Fundraiser – Clothes will be collected and donated. Money can be raised for PTO. Dates will be reviewed for Fridays in April.

Talent Show (5th Grade Act) – Clarification on how many days 5th grade students need to attend rehearsals. Parent volunteers are needed to stay at rehearsal to supervise. Volunteers also needed to make props for the show.

IntraDistrict Council – Did not meet last month due to holidays. Superintendent focus groups have been organized. Dr. Rotoli is retiring.

Landscaping – Progress has been made – volunteers are always welcome.

Learning Express Fundraiser – supporting local business – need to have flyer to get discount.

Marple Sports Arena – Contacted us to do fundraiser – percentage of money goes to school.

Market Day – will be cancelled – not making much money for school – November delivery did not make it before Thanksgiving.

Science Fair – February 12th (6:00-7:30) – projects will also be displayed the following day during school. PTO will buy tri-fold boards so that all students can participate regardless of cost.

Seasonal Decorations – Valentine’s Day Card Contest – Can students do cards in classrooms and use to decorate the lobby? Marianna cannot deliver to nursing home. Suggested that students give them to their own family members in nursing homes. Decorate a heart – students can win a contest. Can homeroom parents put a note in teacher mailboxes about this?

Parent Socials – Trivia Night – Brookline Fire Hall – January 30th. 5 teams already assembled. 8 -10 people per table. Great night for parents.

Sing Along – Frozen – Julie Josefowski will talk with Mrs. McGilvery about potential dates and planning.

Talent Show – March 1, 2015 – Mrs. McGilvery will talk with Wendy Toof about details.

Yearbook – forms will be sent home but also post in PTO newsletter with attachment. Checks only.

New Business – Kinder Club at CREC – can we get transportation? Adopt a school – thank you from Taylor Elementary for books. 5th grade field trip- Can all parents attend? The Phillies are changing their policy. Mrs. McGilvery will check on this. “All About Me Form” – homeroom parents – someone will be assigned - need ideas for appreciation.