Horace Mann Elementary School PTO
March 2,2017 8:15 AM
Meeting Minutes
In Attendance:
Karla Munoz
Val Desiderio
David Gullo
Saritha Reddy
Sarah Roberts
Beth Seigel
Pam Rogers
Doug Rainey
Ellen Maliff
Katie Korrison
Principal Faith Cole
Approval of February Meeting Minutes
Principal’s Report
Principal Cole reported that PARCC testing will begin the week after Spring Break.
She reported on the successful Birthday Gifts for Homeless Students program.
There was a 5th Grade visit to Irving to encourage students to meet & greet future Middle School classmates.
The Chorus is planning to go to Great America for their final activity of the year.
Following up on a question about proposed cuts planned if the D97 referenda did not pass Principal Cole confirmed that there will be cuts to Library programs including elimination of staff at Mann in the 2018-2019 year.
President’s Report
Doug Rainey reported the following:
Girls Choice Night was a success and made a small amount of revenue
The Spelling Bee was successful in terms of participation and outcome; there was a microphone issue which requires further investigation
D97 Referenda Information Meeting to be scheduled – 2 School Board members are available to speak along with parent representative. PTO council members cannot participate.
Mann Block Party upcoming March 11 looking for volunteers
PTO Board for 2017-2018 – Seeking a date in March for follow up on recruitment with a PTO meeting open to all parents seeking information on how to participate
Olympic Day – seeking chair for annual event which will be held on the last day of school this year
Library funding Commitment – Pres Rainey asked for a motion for $2000 to support the Mann Library
Motion seconded and approved
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Rogers reported there was $73000 cash on hand; $14000 non-restricted funds from last year.
She mentioned that approximately $2000 had been budgeted for field trips which was still available.
There is also $1000 budgeted for Odyssey of the Mind expenses.
Priorities for 2017-2018 will be determined at a May meeting.
Proposal was made to make funds to be available for expenses incurred for the chaperones of the 5th Grade Outdoor Education trip. Those funds will be placed in next year’s budget.
Fundraising Report
Working on recruitment of committee members for 2017-2018
Volunteer Report
Request for a discussion of more coordinated communication systems
Seeking volunteers for the Block Party
MannPower
23 classes have been proposed; the guide to be emailed next week and sign up to begin Sunday March 12.
There was a discussion of the differentiation between MannPower and the World Language Program offered at lunch. It was reported that due to the program being offered during the school day it could not use D97 teachers.
Special Events
There were thanks for the successful The Teacher’s Luncheon supported by PTO funding.
Upcoming there is the 5th Grade ceremony which will feature a song, photo and class gift.
Also – teacher appreciation week is May 1-5 this year. In addition, there will be three members of the Mann faculty who will retire. The district plans to have an informal party at Pinstripes Restaurant in Oak Brook.
New Business
Proposal was made to underwrite support for the spelling program “Words their Way”. This year other D97 schools have piloted this program.
Old Business
It was reported that the yearbook company was offering discounts for schools signing now up for the 2017-2018 year. The yearbook “unveiling” will take place either June 1 or 2
Motion for Adjournment was approved
Meeting Adjourned at 9:14AM