SNIS PTO Meeting Minutes
SMS PTO Meeting Minutes
October 3, 2012
In Attendance: Olga Rella, Gia Johnson, Maria Gevinski, Kristen Blanchard, Jen Luis, Janet Taub, Mikki Harkin, Cheryl Andrejczyk, Jessica Ferguson, Jo Anne Costello
Administration: Mrs. Ford, Mr. Bilmes
Guests: Laura Cleary, Youth Agency
Call to Order:
Olga Rella called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m.
Approval of Minutes:
Olga Rellamade a motion to approve the minutes from the September 2012 PTO Meeting. Maria Gevinski seconded the motion. Minutes Approved.
Youth Agency:
Youth Agency is sponsoring a free Parent University on November 3rd– a ½ day series of workshops and lunch. Topics to choose from include Raising Digital Citizens, Child and Adolescent Depression, Navigating Friendship Issues, Building a Healthy Child, etc. All local parents are invited to attend, but pre-registration is required. Go to for more information.
Principal’s Report:
- Quassy Team Building trip for 7th and 8th graders will take place thisFriday, 10/5. Everyone who wants to go, can go – the school has covered hardships. The $47 cost is for: Quassy has developed a program specifically for Team Building/Relationship Building, science activity, scavenger hunt, and other academic activities. There are also games – i.e., volleyball, etc. You can see an overview of some of these activities on their website: Students will be able to go on rides for approximately 1 hour. The main goal of this trip is for teachers and students to form relationships early in the year – it gives students and teachers an opportunity to interact in a setting other than the classroom.
- Teacher Focus Groups have been developed, as a result of the climate survey that was distributed last year to address comments and concerns.
- “Tags” Pilot Program is going to start after Quassy trip. Tags are given out to students for demonstrating qualities of Citizenship, Leadership, etc. Mrs. Ford is also starting an SMS Bucks program to reward expected character trait behaviour. The Bucks can be redeemed in the cafeteria, or put into a raffle.
- Feedback on SMS Phone Messages – positive.
- Curriculum Night – some parents requested that schedules be emailed to them, rather than handwritten by students. Mrs. Ford will look into this.
- BYOD – this program is going well. Reminders: Students are NOT penalized for not having their own devices, there are devices available to them in school. Students are not to use them for any other purpose than schoolwork during school. Students are responsible for their own devices.
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SMS PTO Meeting Minutes
October 3, 2012
Treasurer’s Report:
Beginning Balance (as of 10/3/12) $5,298.32
Income
Merchandise $25.00
Fundraiser $6,819.06
Total Deposits $6,844.06
Expenses
Teacher Breakfast ($300.00)
Quassy Field Trip Grant ($581.00)
Total Expenses ($881.00)
Earmarked Funds
Rachel’s Challenge ($5,000.00)
Total Earmarked Funds ($5,000.00)
Available Funds $12,142.38
GRANTS:
Mr. Bilmes requested $850 to buy books for the library for Battle of the Books, and to pay for the reward (limo and pizza lunch at All Aboard) for winners of the schoolwide contest. Olga Rella made a motion to approve the grant (but first to research lower cost option of ordering books through Scholastic). Maria Gevinski seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. GRANT APPROVED.
Mr. Bilmes requested $500 for the May 7, 2013 visit of author Jake Halpern (Dormia). This will include 3 presentations to 725 students. Olga Rella made a motion to approve the grant. Jen Luis seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED. GRANT APPROVED.
Mr. Bilmes requested $150 for the Read-a-Thon pizza party. Researching Big Y pizza, and Book Nook donation of gift certificates. Olga Rella made a motion to table the grant pending cost research. Jo Anne Costello seconded the motion. GRANT TABLED.
Jeanne Dubray requested $1,095.00 for 5 Hover Cams ($219 each) for school (these are scanner cameras that are used in conjunction with the Smartboards. Olga Rella made a motion to table the grant pending research of possible Scholastic purchase. Mikki Harkin seconded the motion. GRANT TABLED.
OLD BUSINESS:
Great American Fundraiser Kick-Off and Feedback
Kick-Off went well. Fundraiser has not brought in the profits expected. Communication was sent to parents, urging participation, and giving an extra week for selling. Parents were also told that if they did not choose to purchase fundraiser products, the PTO always welcomes cash donations to help fund programs for the children and the school. Fundraiser pick up will be Wednesday, November 7th. Hours will be from 2:30 – 4:00, and from 5:30 – 7:00.
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SMS PTO Meeting Minutes
October 3, 2012
Curriculum Night
Curriculum Night was 9/12 from 6:30 – 8:00.
Picture Day
Picture Day was September 27th. Retakes will be on Wednesday, November 8th.
NEW BUSINESS:
Rachel’s Challenge – Chain of Kindness
Mikki Harkin gave an overview of this program. The program will take place during the day on October 15th, and in the evening (for adults and older children – recommended grade 7 and above), at SMS on October 16th. The evening program is for the entire community and all are urged to attend. Rachel’s Challenge is NOT an anti-bullying program, but rather a “Kindness and Acceptance” program, and goes hand-in-hand with the SMS Character Education program. We are still looking to get grants to cover some of the costs of this program, possibly requesting donations/sponsorship from local businesses. If anyone knows anyone that would like to sponsor Rachel’s Challenge, please contact Mikki Harkin.
Box Tops Contest
Janet Taub secured 2 family Glow Bowl 4 packs from Lore’s Lanes. Bank Street Theater donated 2 4-Packs as well. Watch for a contest flyer with full contest rules, etc.
Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair will be 11/26 – 12/5 (all New Milford schools will be having the Book Fair during this time). The Family Night will be held on 12/5 to coincide with evening conferences. An illusionist has been scheduled for this night.
Fundraiser Pick Up Date
Fundraiser pick up will be Wednesday, November 7th. Hours will be from 2:30 – 4:00, and from 5:30 – 7:00.
Meeting adjourned at 11:10a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jo Anne Costello
SMS PTO Secretary
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SMS PTO Meeting Minutes
October 3, 2012
Dates to Remember
10/8 – No School
10/16 – Rachel’s Challenge Community Event
10/17 – Early dismissal
1024 – Early dismissal
11/6 – No School
11/7 – Fundraiser Pick Up, from 2 - 4 and 5:30 – 7
11/8 – Picture Retakes
11/12 – No School
12/5 – Family Fun Night/Jim Sisti, Illusionist
REMEMBER TO CHECK THE PTO WEBSITE
FOR CURRENT NEWS AND EVENTS!!!