November 10, 2015 PTO Meeting Minutes

Next meeting is scheduled for December 8, 2015 at 6:00

Secretary’s Report

  • Minutes from the October meeting were emailed and posted on the website prior to the meeting. No changes were recommended.

Treasurer’s Report

  • No report. Juli Richards took the checks to be deposited to give to Kjersten Woodward.

Vice President’s Report

  • We are up to almost to 200 likes on Facebook. Thanks to Juli and Tim for utilizing Facebook to promote the Cheetah Run. This may have increased Sugar Creek visibility on Facebook. It was reported that we received a few Cheetah Run registrations through that means.

President’s Report

  • Bill Legett signed the contract with SchoolKidz for next year's school supply kits. Early signing provides a small discount.
  • Asked for interest in Treasurer's position for next year since we would like to begin the transition to the new Treasurer in February if possible. We will seek interest among the group who regularly attends PTO meetings then can post on Facebook or other means later if necessary.
  • We are also looking to put new President in place for next year and Bill Legett can serve as past president.

Principal’s Report

  • Annual Turkey Trot will be on Nov 25th and is led by Mrs. Chaon. Families will be encouraged to participate and info/times will be distributed. Juli Richards suggested running pictures of Cheetah Run during Turkey Trot. Discussion about location of projector. Perhaps can also show during lunch in multipurpose room as well.
  • Monday, Nov 30, was going to be "Out of the Blue" popcorn treat, but we can no longer do this because of food allergies and also because of federal rules and guidelines/regulations.
  • Friday, Nov 20 is newsletter deadline.
  • November 17th is Noodles Restaurant Night (Veterans Parkway location only). We will receive 10% of all sales.
  • There was discussion about SchoolReach calls. The company was bought out but the district can keep it until March. Administrators will be trained on new system once a decision is made.
  • Requested $25 to cover the remaining balance of Scholastic magazine for Mrs. Caslow's class.
  • Anticipating approximately $500 cost for 5th grade field trip.

Teacher’s Report

  • Information discussed was incorporated into Cheetah Run feedback.

Cheetah Run

  • Suggestions to consider for next year:
  • Please make sure water station remains until end of race.
  • Awards – discussed handing certificate to 2nd place winners if they are being announced; possibility of recognizing top 3 places; further clarification of who qualifies for the teacher award (restricted to teachers or open to any staff member).
  • $3093 gross (with possibility of an additional $100).
  • Expenses totaled $2377 with $957 for t-shirts and $900 to RaceTime.
  • $716 net profit plus an additional $500 State Farm grant due to Tim Richards’ volunteer time
  • There were 123 runners total
  • 68 runners for the 1mile (including 39 elementary children)
  • 46 runners for the 5K (including 14 elementary children)
  • 9 adult runners for 10K
  • Compares to 63 pre-registered last year with another 20 race day registered.
  • Beginning to plan for next year.
  • Juli and Tim Richards will attend race director's meeting through Lake Run Club to network, etc. Considering trying to have Cheetah Run a "circuit" race for the more serious runners. We want this event to continue to be a Sugar Creek community-building event but recognize the additional runners from Bloomington/Normal help add to our fundraising efforts.
  • May want to consider noting that we are fundraising a specific item(s) when we seek donations.
  • Discussion ensued about the following items:
  • whether to continue with t-shirts (perhaps give option),
  • possibility of seeking donations for scholarships for our Sugar Creek families
  • addition offun/mud run for Sugar Creek families and 5K/10K run for more serious runners. Try color/silly string/bubble runs instead??
  • Thanks so much to Juli and Tim Richards (and all the members of the committee) for all the hard work and terrific organization.

CAC Report

  • The last meeting was at Field (developmentally disabled student programs). Zeke Jarvis discussed how these students are being placed at Hy-Vee (about a dozen students) and Walgreens.
  • Zeke Jarvis is serving on the assessment committee and they are seeking feedback on standardized testing.

Room Parent Report

  • Michele will re-iterate food policies and volunteer screenings requirement to room parents. Treats must be store bought. We will discuss whether we need to provide a list of room parents to Doreen approved by teachers to arrive early.

Family Fun Report

  • Feb 27, 2016 with the theme of“Aloha, Cheetahs!”
  • We need to make a decision on food options since Rosati's is unlikely to be an option this year due to unforeseen circumstances. Food trucks, Flingers pizza, and Marco’s were discussed as possibilities.
  • Kelli Merrill asked if we wanted a bounce house (or two). We also may need two different hitting stations (one for elementary and one for EL).
  • Plan to run our own photo booth.
  • Zoo Lady will return again this year.
  • Working on American Girl doll and Walt Disney hopper tickets for basket raffle items.
  • We will continue to encourage teachers to help lead decorations for the event and participate in the evening. Perhaps we'll have a staff basket.
  • Discussed ideas for major basket items--TV or Kindle.
  • Will also encourage "$1 Break the rules" days after the new year to raise money for PTO Family Fun Night baskets

Restaurant Nights

  • Nov 17 with be Noodles Night (Veterans Parkway site only)
  • Earned $153 at Bob Evan's and $319 Chuck E Cheese.
  • December restaurant night--Carrie Vogel says she is in conversation with Pizza Ranch.

Hospitality Committee

  • Lisa Branch talked about the success of the staff luncheon for parent teacher conference day. Rachel Hoover assisted Lisa in securing sandwiches and chips from Destihl. The feedback was terrific!

Box Tops for Education

  • We received a check for $1,355.90
  • December 4th is the deadline for current BoxTops competition.

Building and Grounds

  • No report.

New Business

  • Approved $25.83 for Mrs. Caslow's Scholastic magazine remaining balance
  • Request to consider additional recess equipment for children - especially for the older students. Student Council will be leading "Minute to Win It" types of games two times a month for those with enough Cheetah Spots.

Old Business

  • None

Next meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.