Hall-Dale Elementary School
PTO
Minutes from meeting June 7, 2011
Facilitators: Aimee Ellis and Maria Fuentes, Co-Presidents
Members Present: 16
Welcome and introductions were done by Aimee Ellis. She mentioned that the new principal, Mr. Dana Folsom, may arrive at some point during the meeting.
Secretary’s Report: Kelli Baker
The report was sent to members via email and a paper version was passed out to those that didn’t have a chance to view them yet. It was moved by Cindy McLean, seconded by Frank Waltz and so voted to accept the minutes as presented.
Treasurer’s Report: Kathy Pelotte
Kathy reported that she, Aimee Ellis, Maria Fuentes and Frank Waltz had met to discuss the PTO budget for the upcoming school year and the future fundraisers for 2011-12. Kathy passed out a draft budget for the new school year with anticipated activity. The teacher allocations of $15 per student were included in the draft, and the proposal was to disburse the funds in the early fall.
Kathy also passed out the May Treasurer’s Report and she went over a few changes in the numbers, and outlined outstanding bills to be paid. There will be about $16,000 to roll over into 2011-12. Kathy reported that the Spring Cleaning Sale had a profit of $927.47.
It was moved by Kelli Baker, seconded by Frank Waltz and so voted to accept the $15 per student teacher allotment; the vote was unanimously in favor. The May report was accepted as motioned by Cindy McLean, and seconded by Tom Leonard.
Mr. Tom Leonard then presented a Summary of The Principal’s Discretionary Fund and the Field Trip Fund. He stated that every field trip in 2010-11 was funded by PTO through this account, and reported that Hall-Dale Elementary School took more field trips than any other school in the RSU. The $2000 is replenished and ready for field trips in 2011-12.
Mr. Leonard also reported that the Principal’s Discretionary Fund approved by PTO last year ($750) was used for the following items:
- 50 HDES posters with mission statement, etc.
- Electronic whistles for teachers to use on playgrounds
- Pen drives for photos
- A gas card for parents having trouble getting their child to school
- Lunch costs at Summer Rec for two HDES students
- Photo supplies for Mrs. Bouchard
He concluded his report, saying that he had used all the funds provided. He also thanked PTO for their support.
Financial Requests:
A request was submitted by Mrs. Bouchard to help offset costs of the birthday board supplies, photo supplies, tissues and disinfectant wipes for the office. Total requested was $250 (Originally it was $350 but Mr. Leonard funded $100 of photo supplies).
Maria said that if Nurse Margaret is busy, students go to the office for assistance. She also said the office is often filled with students prior to school starting in the morning. A discussion ensued about encouraging parents and caregivers to donate supplies not only to their child’s classroom, but also to the office. Suggestions were made to put the requests in PTO newsletters, as well as in emails/newsletters from teachers and from the office. It was suggested that a volunteer or two be responsible for checking front office supplies regularly to see what items are needed, and letting the school community know.
Mr. Dana Folsom, the new principal, stopped in to say hello and give a brief background to PTO members. He offered that he is available anytime for questions or to talk.
The PTO took a confidential paper vote on the request from Mrs. Bouchard and the results were 15 yes votes and 1abstention.
Maria suggested having the PTO donate $50 to buy books to be donated to the library in Mrs. McLean and Mrs. Rees’ honor, two long-time and very dedicated teachers who are retiring at the end of the school year. Members agreed that HDES families are very fortunate to have such a dedicated teaching staff, who continue to inspire our kids daily, despite tough times, budget cuts, etc. Mrs. Taylor has labels that say: Donated by PTO in honor of Mrs. Cynthia McLean/Mrs. Joline Rees (or similar words). Each teacher would have $50 in books donated in her name for a total of $100. PTO members present supported and approved the request.
Report of Nominating Committee: Maria Fuentes
The slate of officers for the HDES PTO 2011-12 was presented as follows:
§ President: Aimee Ellis
§ Vice President: Suzanne Gilbert
§ Secretary: Marella Averill
§ Treasurer: Frank Waltz
§ Teachers’ Rep: Carolyn Nott
It was moved by Kathy Pelotte, seconded by Shelly Waltz and so voted to accept the slate of officers as presented.
Other Business:
The Musical Enrichment Fund that was started in the fall was a one time donation of $2000 made by the PTO which would refuel itself each time there was an event. It was to be self sustaining. The fund currently has a balance of $1518.36.
PTO members had asked Mrs. McGuire for ideas for another musical enrichment event. She suggested a couple who perform folk dancing and singing. There is only limited information that we know right now, but they are educational as well as interactive and entertaining. There is planning that needs to take place before the school year starts, so PTO would have to provide direction as to whether to move forward with it. The group supported asking Mrs. McGuire to move forward, and asked that she not exceed the $1500 cost, which would need to be replenished with ticket proceeds. Mrs. McGuire will provide more information once the program is chosen. In addition to Maria, Marella Averill and Michelle Jolicoeur volunteered to help with the event.
Marella Averill suggested a way to get the HDES garden plot started: by having a group of people meet in the summer to plant pumpkins that the kids can use in the fall for classroom projects. If successful, the following year, there could be more items grown. She will email people about the Pumpkin Planting Project in the summer!
Upcoming Dates:
Thursday, June 9- Field Day Volunteers Needed
Saturday, June 11- The Brady Parmenter Fundraiser Volunteers
Needed
Next PTO Meeting is September 13, 2011, 6 pm.
