September 2010

Blue Heron PTO General Meeting September 20, 2010 7:04 Call to Order A motion was made to approve the May minutes (S/A) President’s Report-Kris Fredrick introduced Derek Sadowski as an interested candidate for the vice president position. A motion was made and seconded to vote in Derek as the new vice president. Kris also mentioned that the PTO and teacher representatives should start conversations of how to spend fall fundraiser proceeds. Treasurer’s Report-Kristi Herbrechtsmeyer reported that as of today’s date, the available funds balance is 10, 786.00. Principal’s Report-Mr. Melde welcomed all PTO members. He reported that it has been a great start to the new school year. Current enrollment is 695, which is down about 5 students from last year, however it is up from the projected numbers. Assessments are underway in the classrooms. AIMS web reading assessments are currently in progress as is the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) test. This is a 2-5 reading and math testing. This year the 2nd grade only will take the test in September. The 3rd-5th grades will be taking the test in November just as a check in. There are 5 lock down drills a year and 5 fire drills per year. Some are planned and some are unannounced. Swings purchased with last year’s PTO funds are up and cemented. Final steps will be edging, woodchips, and hanging of the swings. Lots of field trips are coming up. Mr. Melde is currently collecting recommendations from the staff as to how best spend the fundraiser proceeds. One possible expenditure idea is to purchase some adjustable basketball hoops. Advertising in the Schools—Mr. Melde was asked by the school board to elicit a discussion regarding the possibility of advertising in the schools for the purpose of generating funding. The purpose of the discussion was to get feedback and questions from parents about this possible initiative. The process consists of a company coming into the schools and measuring usable advertising space in the school such as floors, walls, and lockers. (None of the space inside of classrooms would be used.) If we only used 10% of measured usable space in district it could bring in approximately $10,000. Money would go into the general fund. District has the final say but at this time, the school board is seeking feedback, questions, and concerns from the parents. Teacher’s Report-Mrs. Waldvogel and Mrs. Youngbauer introduced themselves as PTO representatives. They will be sharing the position. Entertainment Books—Sold about 30 books. Sold at parent information night rather than open house like last year. Approximate profits were $330, however this not meant to be a fundraiser but rather a service to the parents. PTO brainstormed other possible locations/events to have the books available for purchase. Fall Fundraiser—The fall fundraiser is going well. The duck program is a big hit with approximately 130 ducks per day on average being given out to students. Money counters are needed for Thursday the 30th of September to count and tally all fundraiser proceeds. Sock Hop—Sock Hop preparations are underway. DJ was confirmed. Looking for volunteers for set up, food sales, chaperoning, and clean up. Fall Bookfair—Tracey Strantc reported on the progress of the fall bookfair. Bookfair dates are Nov 15-18 Mon-Thurs. Will follow a similar process to past bookfares regarding parent night events. The theme this year is Heros. Turkey Bingo will coincide with the final night of the bookfair. Turkey Bingo-Tara Johnson, Rachael Chiapetta, and Kristi Herbrechtsmeyer will co chair this event. The bingo license is already completed and in house. They will continue working on the rest of the details. Date was set for Thursday the 18th of November. Spirit Wear—Display will be up for the Sock Hop. Orders will be due a few weeks later. School Supply Kits-Jen Wenzel reported that all went well. Teachers were given a survey to get information on how helpful they found the program to be. 97% of teachers surveyed thought the program went well and of the 97% one hundred percent of them were in support of the program for the next school year. A motion was made, seconded and approved to continue the program for the 2011-2012 school year. Art Adventure—Meeting tomorrow morning to discuss art projects. Missing some volunteers as of right now. Still are in need of some volunteers for 5th grade and Kindergarten. Funding Requests A motion was made to approve $700 for Sock Hop expenses, and to make this expense a reoccurring expense. (S/A) A motion was made to approve $100 for copying expenses for PTO informational flyers. (S/A) A motion was made to increase the PTO misc printing fund from $100 to $150 as a reoccurring expense. (S/A) A motion was made to approve $380 for copies made during the 2009-2010 school year. (S/A) Items Not on the Agenda PTO is looking into the possibility of organizing a Science Fair. Mrs. Gerst is interested in helping to organize the event with the support of the PTO. No decisions were made. PTO agreed to add this topic to the October Agenda. Box Tops-The summer collection contest results will be counted on Wed Sept 22nd. 8:06 Meeting Adjourned