WOODBURY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – PTO
May 14, 2008 Meeting - Minutes
Present: Patricia Tedesco, Tim Faryniarz, Heather Lanphear, Kim Sample, Kelly & Matt White.
Meeting called to order at 6:40pm.
Patricia introduced a new Vermont-based fundraising company called Red Barn. The company provided literature and gave us a cheesecake and lemon pound cake mix (which Heather graciously cooked for us). There was general consensus to move forward with Red Barn in the 2008-09 year as a fundraiser to see how it goes. There was much discussion about timing – in terms of the Red Barn fundraiser (which is all Vermont-based food products) and the Yankee Candle fundraiser.
ACTION: Patricia will call Yankee and get the spring catalog to see what types of products are in a different season's catalog. Patricia will talk to Amy Barr at Red Barn to see if there is a better time/season to sell their food products.
ACTION: Kim will look into the possibility of selling Pizza Hut discount cards.
Check request for $350 from Jayne Donahue for African drummers/dancers to come to the school on May 29th to culminate the African art unit, as well as integrating music and movement.
MOTION by Heather to approve the request; 2nd by Tim. Passed – unanimously.
General discussion about Mr. Swanson's guitar being damaged accidentally at school and how we could help. Discussion included replacing the guitar, buying a guitar for the school, setting a precedent about replacing/repairing personal items damaged on school grounds, better security for personal items.
MOTION by Heather for the PTO to match up to $250 of whatever is raised by the WES community to go towards the replacement of Mr. Swanson's guitar, which was damaged beyond repair; 2nd by Kelly. Passed – unanimously.
MOTION by Heather to accept the minutes of the April 10, 2008 meeting; 2nd byTim. Passed – unanimously.
Treasurer's Report presented by Tim. He put the "rainy day" $1,000 into a short term (4 month) CD because the interest was higher than a longer term CD. Kim asked about putting any remaining balance after our June meeting into a CD over the summer. We are in good shape and have several pending bills. Discussion about a budget for next year which will reflect, more accurately, what a year's worth of expenses might look like.
Camp scholarship money was discussed. After a lengthy discussion about whether to first allocate an amount of money and divide it up or first look at the financial information on the applications, it was generally agreed upon that Heather, after meeting with Michaela on Thursday, May 15, will call PTO board members and let them know the overall financial need. A decision will be made as to a total scholarship dollar amount at that time and then Heather and Michaela will make the detailed decisions about who gets how much, etc.
Basketball court repairs. Lindsay Whalen was unable to attend the meeting, but let us know that there has been no progress. Apparently the items we have paid for are in a storage facility and Debbie Platka said the company has been unable to get them delivered to the school. Lindsay is in contact with Debbie and community member Brian Shatney who has volunteered to help with installation. Lindsay will provide information as it becomes available.
Kelly asked about security cameras to monitor (prevent/reduce) vandalism to the new basketball court items, once installed.
ACTION: Kelly will investigate security cameras.
ACTION: Tim will talk to Michaela and Larry Eldred about putting up a security sign.
Picnic table report. Harry Dailey was unable to attend the meeting, but let us know that the materials are in and the project may take longer than first expected. He related earlier that Larry offered to help with the project, as well as have students help.
Teacher/Staff Breakfast review. Overall, comments were very positive. Kids were very active in the planning and carrying out of the event. There was enough food. Next year: more attention to the specifics of certain food allergies, larger plates for the teachers, and hopefully the new microphone/PA system the PTO is purchasing will make it easier to hear students when they speak. We approve the purchase of a new system last fall, but unfortunately it was not ordered/purchased in time to use for this event. We received a thank you note from Mrs. Tucker for including her.
A general discussion took place about students having the chance to practice public speaking, in using the microphone of the PA system, in having families attend morning meeting and be greeted by their students. There was a general consensus that families were interested participating/attending morning meeting, but that there needs to be better communication about when specific grade or student sharing is happening.
ACTION: Patricia will relay this information to Michaela.
End of the Year event for the WES community. Patricia asked Kelly & Matt White about the possibility of having a dance for the students and families, as many students have asked about this type of event. After much discussion, there was general consensus to hold the event (provided the gym is available) on Friday, June 20 (school gets out Wednesday, June 18th). We would have a dance, beginning at 7pm. We expect the event would begin with mingling and refreshments and have the dancing end at 9:30pm at which time Tim is investigating the possibility of a special display/finale. Tim will check the specifics on that. Pricing: we will have a suggested donation of $5 per family, but people could pay more or less depending on their circumstances. No alcohol is allowed on school grounds. Refreshments will be offered, by donation.
MOTION by Heather to spend $150 on a DJ for a WES community year end dance; 2nd by Kim. Passed – unanimously.
Bills were paid. Adjourned 8:35pm
