October 11, 2011
Halldale Elementary School PTO Meeting Minutes
October 11, 2011
September 13, 2011
Halldale Elementary School PTO Meeting Minutes
September 13, 2011
June 7, 2011
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 (more…)
May 10, 2011
Hall-Dale Elementary School
PTO
Minutes from Meeting May 10, 2011
Facilitators: Maria Fuentes and Aimee Ellis, Co-Presidents
Members Present: 17
Maria Fuentes began the meeting with a welcome and introductions.
Secretary’s Report: Kelli Baker
The report was emailed to members and copies were distributed for those who hadn’t yet seen them. It was moved by S. Frautten, seconded by C. McLean and so voted to accept the minutes of the March meeting.
Treasurer’s Report: Kathy Pelotte
The treasurer’s report was handed out and Kathy went over the profits from this school year’s fundraisers. They are as follows:
o PSO: $1518.36
o Super Raffle: $5987.02
o Original Works: $1802.64
o Spaghetti Supper: $326.25
o Savings Cards: $4280.00 – Fifth Grade Portion goes to 5Th grade trip
o Spring Cleaning Sale: $1000.00
o Movie Night: $250.00
o Sea Dog Tickets: $600.00 approx.
o Hannaford Helps: $396.00
Kathy would like to create a draft proposed 2011-2012 budget to distribute at next month’s meeting and asked that anybody interested in assisting her should contact her. Also, Kathy reported that she and her husband applied for a grant from Wal-Mart (her husband’s employer) and that the total for HDES PTO would be either $500 or $1000! It was moved by K. Langmeyer, seconded by S. Gilbert, and so voted to accept the Treasurer’s Reports for May.
Fundraising:
*Spring Cleaning Sale Report: Kelli Baker
The sale was a success! There were many great donations and the team that helped organize and execute the sale was wonderful! It could not have been such a success without the help of all the donators, organizers and Red Shirt People involved with it all! The sale made $1000!
*Savings Card Update:
There have been 428 sold and there are more left! Overall, it has been a success.
Financial Requests:
The Spring Cleaning Sale proceeds were raised to help the PE program and the Library, so both Mrs. Taylor and Mr. Viselli put requests in for materials. PE asked for a Voit Ball set that was to cost $354.99 and the Library materials were $320.94. Also, Mrs. Mansir asked for $100 for a film project for the Civil Rights Team.
There was some discussion about Teacher Allotments, or the mini-grants that PTO provides to teachers as a result of PTO fundraising. Earlier in the year, PTO approved a $10 per student allotment and agreed to wait for fundraising results before deciding whether to provide an additional $5 per student. There were questions as to whether the teachers would prefer to have a $5 per student allotment now, or have it combined with the anticipated fall allotment to provide more certainty as to the total amount. It was agreed that the additional $5 for the 2010-2011 year would be combined with the $10 slated for the fall, and it would be in the teacher accounts at the beginning of the school year. That way, the teachers and staff know at the beginning of the school year that they have $15 per student available for field trips, enrichment, supplies, etc.
There was a question about the money that PTO allocated to the principal for a discretionary fund (750.00) and the field trip fund (2000.00). Questions were raised about whether the funds had been used, and if so, for what purposes. PTO officers will ask for a report of expenditures.
Maria passed around thank you cards from some teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week, which was a wonderful success! Thanks to all of those volunteers who helped throughout the week and getting ready for the week!
There was some discussion about having PTO send out letters to the families of students asking for donations of supplies for next year to help supplement the cuts in budgets for classroom supplies.
PTO members were asked to vote on paper for the following funding requests:
Each request received 17 votes, so they were all unanimous.
Other Business:
Bylaws Changes:
Maria Fuentes reported that Kristin Aiello had looked at the Bylaws – as requested by PTO – and suggested changes, which primarily consisted of changing “MSAD 16” to “RSU 2.”
Kathy Pelotte told members that as a point of clarification, HDES PTO is not exempt from Maine sales tax.
It was moved by K. Pelotte, seconded by S. Gilbert and so voted to approve the amended bylaws.
Nominating committee:
Members have stepped up to fill some of the officer positions for the PTO board, and the VP slot is still open. There will be a full report of the Nominating Committee at the June meeting, when elections will be held.
If anyone is interested in that position, please let Maria Fuentes or Aimee Ellis know.
Programming Suggestions for Fall:
Michelle Jolicoeur, who will again be Program Chair next year, asked the group about programs for next year. Specifically, she was thinking of having a Mental Health Professional come to a meeting and talk about the topic of our choice. Michelle will work on the idea and get back to the group.
Kindergarten Orientation Meeting:
Maria and Aimee will attend the Orientation meeting, and also discussed purchasing books from Scholastic to give out to each new student in Pre-K and K from the PTO.
Subway Cook’s Night Out:
Wayne Williams is the Manager (and a PTO parent) and he said that depending on sales, HDES could receive up to 33% of the profits from the sales on May 19th from 4 to 7:30 pm. The customers need to have a voucher for HDES to receive credit.
Music Enrichment:
Maria has discussed with Mrs. McGuire another musical enrichment event, but one that is smaller in scale than the concert with the Portland Symphony Orchestra. Mrs. McGuire is considering having a Folk Music/Dance group come to school for a fee, and then possibly have an evening event that families may participate in. Once there is more information, it will be distributed to parents.
Sea Dogs Night:
The Sea Dogs event went great! Suzanne Gilbert did a great job organizing the sales. Suzanne reported that she spoke with the owner of the Red Barn about having a Cooks Nite Out there in the fall. Although there are no more Monday nights available, the owner told Suzanne she may be able to squeeze HDES PTO in sometime in November.
Teacher Appreciation Week:
The appreciation week for teachers and staff was a big success, thanks to all the parents and caregivers who donated items, and thanks to all the volunteers that week.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:58 pm.
Next Meeting on Tuesday, June 7 at 6 pm in the library.
March 8, 2011
Hall-Dale Elementary School
PTO
March 8, 2011
Facilitators: Aimee Ellis and Maria Fuentes, Co-Presidents
Members Present: 18
Aimee Ellis welcomed the PTO members and made introductions to begin the meeting.
Secretary’s Report: Kelli Baker
It was moved, seconded and so voted to accept the Secretary’s report, which had been previously emailed to members.
Treasurer’s Report: Kathy Pelotte
The treasurer’s report was deferred until later in the meeting.
Programming Report: Michelle Jolicoeur and Adam Molesworth
The program chairs reported that the Bullying Panel will be on April 28. Michelle said she had contacted people to be a part of the panel and the planning is well under way.
Spring Cleaning Sale Update: Kelli Baker and Sherie Lizzotte, Co-Chairs
Kelli Baker reported that there have been several planning meetings and at this point, most needed are donations for the sale. Please bring your donations to Kelli Baker before the sale!
Fundraising Update:
The Savings Cards haven’t been selling well after the initial package went home to families. There were 1500 cards ordered and a very small number have been sold, so there will be additional information going home.
There are some upcoming events where members may be able to sell savings cards: Spring Cleaning Sale, Movie Night and at Parent/Teacher Conferences.
Wayne Williams, manager of Subway in Gardiner and an HDES parent, has volunteered to host a Hall-Dale Elementary Night at Subway. Thursday, May 12 is the decided date for “Cooks Night Out,” but the date was since changed to Thursday, May 19th. He will provide vouchers. Persons presenting a voucher between 4 and 7 pm will have a percentage of their purchase be donated to the school.
Aimee reported that she approached Mr. Viselli about a possible 5K Walk/Run as a fundraiser and/or community event for the fall. There could be a 1-mile Fun Run for children to participate in as well. If anyone has any ideas or would like to help Aimee, please contact her. Sponsors may be needed for t-shirts.
Aimee also suggested it may make sense to take a year off from the Original Works fundraiser. It is a great deal of work for a minimal profit and maybe the 5k or another event can replace it. If the 5K were a fundraiser, there would be a registration fee to participate in it and the children might get pledges to raise money.
Treasurer’s Report: Kathy Pelotte
Kathy distributed the February financials and went over the activity for the month. She mentioned starting a Finance Committee to help make recommendations about the disbursement of PTO funds, and anybody interested should see her. It was moved and seconded to accept the Treasurer’s Report, and the motion passed.
A/V Equipment Request
The group reviewed a request from Mrs. Gordon, representing all teachers, asking for four 32” HD Televisions, four Blue-Ray DVD players, connection cords and wheeled carts, totaling $4679.96.
There were questions from the group such as: Can we find cheaper prices? Do we really need four sets? Who is going to maintain them?
Jim Wallace reported he had done research on pricing and said Target would provide a 20 – 25% discount off the entire purchase of TV sets and blue rays. The carts could be ordered online, and the price would be less than what is in the proposal. Mrs. Jamison suggested that because “smart boards” have been installed in many classrooms, four sets of equipment are not needed. A motion was made to purchase two sets of A/V equipment and carts. After a confidential vote using cards, the motion passed unanimously.
Announcements/Other Business
Aimee reported that the movies being considered for Movie Night are “Despicable Me” and “How to Train a Dragon.” She also said that volunteers are needed for Movie Night.
April PTO Meeting
Aimee and Maria suggested that because there are so many conflicts on Tuesday nights in April (concerts, vacation), that PTO should consider canceling a PTO business meeting for April, particularly since we are hosting a Bullying Panel at the end of the month. The members present agreed to cancel the April meeting.
Nominating Committee
Aimee Ellis mentioned a Nominating Committee is needed to nominate PTO officers for 2011-12. Maria Fuentes and Kathy Pelotte agreed to be on the committee. Aimee encouraged anybody who is interested in helping out to contact Kathy, Maria or Aimee.
Teacher Appreciation
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 2 – 6. Currently, there is no chair/co-chairs of this program and Aimee asked if anybody would step up. It was agreed that the week does not have to be as extensive as last year. The consensus was that it could be a more “low-key” event, and the teachers and staff will be very appreciative just the same.
Enrichment
Ellen Freed suggested bringing Mr. and Mrs. Fish back to school; they can come on March 24 to would be doing a Waste Water presentation. Because it is sponsored by the local water district, there would be no fee to have them come again to HDES. All agreed this was a great idea and thanked Ellen for making this happen.
Marella Averill reported that the school is going to be able to have their own garden plot in the community garden this year. Volunteers will be needed to help maintain and care for it through the summer months. Please contact Marella Averill if you are interested.
The meeting was adjourned at 7 pm.
Next PTO Meeting: Tuesday, May 10, 6 pm
Upcoming Events:
March 12 – Spring Cleaning Sale
March 18 – Movie Night
May 6 – HDES Sea Dogs Night
May 18 – “The Reluctant Dragon” by Theater at Monmouth Actors, HDES
February 8, 2011
Hall-Dale Elementary School PTO
Meeting Minutes
February 8, 2011
Members Present: Forty-five
Facilitator: Maria Fuentes, Co-President
Maria Fuentes greeted the members present in the cafeteria and encouraged new members to sign the green PTO book if they had not already done so. The book was passed around.
Secretary’s Report: Kelli Baker
The report was emailed to members prior to the meeting. It was moved, seconded and so voted to accept the Secretary’s Report.
Treasurer’s Report: Kathy Pelotte
Kathy reported that the Sea Dog Tickets have been paid for and the $600 due from UMA for the Portland Symphony Orchestra concert had been received. She further reviewed the account activity. It was moved, seconded and so voted to accept the Treasurer’s Report as reviewed.
Spring Cleaning Sale Update: Kelli Baker, Co-Chair
Kelli Baker reported that the planning was going smoothly and everything is on track for the March 12 sale. Donated items for the sale are needed, as well as volunteers who would like to help execute the sale.
Fundraising Update- Discount Cards: Debbie Paszyc
Debbie Paszyc reported that the discount cards are almost ready to go to print. Debbie and her committee organized 31 sponsors to be on the Hall-Dale Elementary Cards and they will be 2 x 3 1/2 inches and will sell for $10 a card. Debbie introduced Jayson Pare, the branch manager for Savings Bank of Maine in Hallowell, who has offered to sponsor the printing of the cards. This means HDES gets to keep 100% of the profits from the sales. Also, the bank will give the HDES PTO $50 every time someone opens a new checking account with direct deposit between now and the end of the school year. A flyer will go home about the collaboration with Savings Bank of Maine and hopefully the cards will be available for sale before February vacation. The group thanked Debbie and Jayson for their work on this card. Members were excited that there are so many discounts and the hope is that most families will buy or sell cards to make this fundraiser a great success.
Maria reported that Mr. Leonard needs more parent/caregiver volunteers to ride the bus routes and serve as bus monitors. Please see Mr. Leonard if you are interested.
The business meeting was adjourned for the program portion of the meeting. Maria introduced Michelle Jolicoeur and Adam Molesworth who are the Program Chairs and they introduced the speaker for the night whose discussion topic was “Helping our kids cope with anxiety”. The speaker’s name was Dr. Sarah Kate Bearman, and all agreed that she made an excellent presentation. Members present, and others who were unable to attend, asked for a copy of Dr. Bearman’s presentation. She said she would get it to Michelle, who will make it available to parents and caregivers who are interested in a copy.
The next PTO meeting is March 8, 2011 at the HDES Library.
January 11, 2011
Hall-Dale Elementary School
PTO
Minutes from January 11, 2011
Members Present: 21
Facilitators: Maria Fuentes and Aimee Ellis, Co-Presidents
Aimee Ellis began the meeting with introductions, and then moved on to the meeting agenda.
Secretary’s Report: Kelli Baker
Passage of the minutes was tabled until the end of the meeting, so that members could have more time to read them.
Treasurer’s Report: Kathy Pelotte
Treasurer Kathy Pelotte reported profits of $1802.00 from the Original Works fundraiser. Kathy also reported that all of the major outstanding debts have been paid, except for the Sea Dogs tickets. It was moved, seconded and so voted to accept the Treasurer’s report.
Enrichment Report: Marella Averill
Marella reported that Slapstick Science was a great success! The children loved it and there has been a great amount of positive feedback. She also recommended that Monmouth Theater come on May 18. It will be an age appropriate show suitable for all grades, and the price is $650. There was a vote on the theater coming and the result was 21-0, all in favor of the enrichment activity.
Programming Report: Michelle Jolicouer and Adam Molesworth
At the next meeting there will be a special program – speaker Sarah Kate Bearman, Ph.D. who is a Research Scientist at Judge Baker Children’s Center. She will be coming to discuss stress among our children and how to cope with it. Michelle mentioned giving her a token of appreciation or some small gift, and the members agreed. It would be beneficial to advertise that she will be here and that it is going to be a very helpful and informative program.
The topic of bullying was brought up and Michelle and Adam wanted to know whether the PTO wanted to promote it as a large event, encouraging others outside our area to attend, or whether it should be simply for HDES PTO families. There was also discussion about having a speaker or a panel. Someone mentioned having a bullying seminar on a separate night from the PTO meeting, when there would be more time for the discussions. There was discussion about including cyber bullying as well as general bullying, and it was suggested to have a panel of three people. The month of April seems to be the best month for this to take place. The program chairs will proceed after hearing the input from the group.
Fundraising Report:
Spring Cleaning Sale: Kelli Baker and Sherie Lizzotte, Co-Chairs
Shelly Bishop is no longer able to participate, so Sherie Lizzotte agreed to be the other Chair person for the committee. The ball is rolling on the planning, posters and organization. Volunteers are needed for carrying out the set-up, sale and clean-up.
Subway Night: HDES PTO will only have to pass out the vouchers and pick a date for the fundraiser; a percentage of sales generated from those with vouchers will go to the PTO. The group thought May could be a good time for this fundraiser.
Coupon Cards: Debbie Paszyc
Debbie has shopped around to find the best cost and the best type of card to sell. It is now important to pick the businesses that will be targeted to be a participant in the HDES Pride Cards. There needs to be about 20 businesses. Gardiner Savings Bank of Maine has generously agreed to pay for the printing of the cards, as well as buying a bulk amount of the cards. Debbie suggested selling the cards at an inexpensive cost to the public. Also, the profits that the fifth grade class earns from selling of the coupon cards will be used towards their fifth grade trip this spring. There will be a spreadsheet of some sort created to keep track of individual sales. Debbie would like to start selling them in February and have them be good until January 2012.
Bus Program: Mr. Tom Leonard, Principal
Mr. Leonard explained that there are Hall-Dale Elementary School buses that are in need of parent volunteers to sit on the routes to help keep the noise level and behavior under control. Mr. Leonard would like to target the buses that have the most problems first. It would consist of a parent agreeing to ride the bus and just be an adult body present. If anyone is interested please contact Mr. Leonard. The first two buses to try this program will be buses 11 and 13. The volunteers will need to have a background check done first. Mr. Leonard hopes that PTO can get the word out. Mr. Leonard would train the group of volunteers to help them understand their role and their part in the program. The volunteers could meet at the bus garage area to start the route.
Teacher Appreciation Week:
PTO is looking for volunteers to work on planning and executing Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, which occurs in May. If there is anyone interested in becoming a part of this committee, please contact Maria or Aimee.
Finalization of Minutes
There was a motion and second made, and a unanimous vote to accept the January Minutes.
Meeting Adjourned
Next PTO Meeting is on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 6 p.m.
Events coming up:
December 14, 2010
Hall-Dale Elementary School
PTO
Meeting Minutes December 14, 2010
Facilitator: Maria Fuentes, Aimee Ellis- PTO Co-Presidents
Members Present: Seventeen
Maria Fuentes began the meeting by welcoming the group and doing introductions. She introduced Adam Molesworth and Michelle Jolicoeur who are the Co-Chairs for Programming. Adam introduced one of the Program Speakers of the night, William McKenzie, who is an expert on youth substance abuse issues.
Mr. McKenzie brought a list of ten tips on talking to your child about difficult topics. As he began, he said that he uses the terminology “healthy” vs. “unhealthy” choices and there are obviously no guarantees when it comes to children. Even those from great homes with stable surroundings can get into drugs and other harmful habits. He also says that we can “never totally insulate our kids from harm”.
The 10 tips were:
1: Start Early: It is never too early to talk about healthy lifestyles and choices. Also, evaluate your own attitudes, beliefs and to be aware of what you portray as a role model.
2: Initiate Conversations with Your Child: Talk with your child and use the “teaching moments” to do so. Those moments are ones that naturally occur during normal tasks or activities and are easily relatable to the child.
3: Talk about drugs and alcohol: Be real. Talk about the difficult stuff because the more they know, the more they can make educated choices in their own life. Own your own experiences and be honest. The world knows more information on the harmfulness of the drugs today compared to many years ago.
4: Create an open environment where your children will feel comfortable and free to discuss any topic. It is important to remain as non-judgmental as possible.
5: Communicate your own values and talk about where they came from and why your family/personal beliefs are the way they are.
6: Listen to your child. Listen, listen, listen. Let them talk. Hear what they are saying and give them plenty of opportunities.
7: Try to be honest. The truth is usually good enough. They will ask questions about your past and be as honest as you can, but be careful. Society knows more about the effects on growing brains compared to the past.
8: Be patient. Give information at age appropriate times. When a child is developmentally ready to know info, discuss it.
9: Use everyday opportunities to talk. Be casual, matter-of-fact, but don’t minimize issues. Children need to know it is serious.
10: Talk about it again and again. And, again. Keep communication open. Being a good role model is key.
Mr. McKenzie answered a few questions and then he excused himself.
Michelle Jolicoeur introduced the next speaker, Renee Page. Renee is an employee of Healthy Communities of the Capital Area and does a plethora of tasks with youth in central Maine to help keep them healthy and avoid the harmful chemicals in society.
Renee explained her job and what her coalition does and shared with the group data from a study, using a slide show. The data was collected from students, including students from Hall-Dale. It was a survey that was conducted in 2009 and questions included topics on drugs and other healthy lifestyle choices. The data overall was disturbing in that some children are experimenting at an early age. Also, Renee pointed out the emerging trends in the drugs/alcohol world such as: prescription drug misuse, smokeless tobacco products, inhalants, synthetic marijuana and alcoholic energy drinks. The types of drugs have evolved over time and there are so many more kinds of chemicals available to young people.
Renee discussed the forum that took place at HDHS School and talked about the panel of professionals and how Hall-Dale is going to take action against drugs and alcohol. She highlighted that it is important to focus on the healthy choices, develop positive interests in sports or hobbies or other areas, educate children on how to deal with peer pressure and be a good role model that can answer hard questions asked of them. It is also important to live a positive lifestyle as well. Renee offered literature and pamphlets on topics related to young adults, drugs and other important information.
PTO Business Meeting
Secretary’s Report: Kelli Baker
The minutes were emailed and handed out to the members. They were accepted and passed unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report: Kathy Pelotte
Kathy passed out a copy of the most current account activity, as well as previous months. Kathy has converted reports to a format that works best for her and is most meaningful for members. She also has succeeded at getting bank account statements to close at same time to make the treasurer tasks easier. She would like to email all of the reports each month to save on paper. Kathy went over the procedure to get reimbursed by the PTO. There is a reimbursement form that needs to be filled out and returned along with the original receipt of purchase, and is available in the PTO file cabinet in the front office.
Kathy said that after the PSO Concert figures are finalized, there should be about $1500 in the PTO account for future opportunities. The Super Raffle made approximately $6000! The spaghetti supper made about $325 and was very enjoyable and all had a great time putting it on! Great job to Aimee Ellis for organizing it!
There was a motion and second made to accept the Treasurer’s Report, and the group voted unanimously to accept it.
Programming: Michelle Jolicoeur & Adam Molesworth, Co-Chairs
In January there is no program. In February Sarah Kate Bearman from Boston will be coming to discuss non-pathological stress in children. She is a researcher from Harvard Medical School and she needs about 45 minutes to talk. In April, they suggested possibly having a panel of speakers to discuss “Cyber Bullying”. It was suggested to invite other schools in the RSU to the programming nights where there is a speaker coming. Members also suggested expanding the topic to include all bullying, not just cyber bullying
Spring Sale Update: Kelli Baker & Shelly Bishop, Co-Chairs
The sale is on March 12. The committee needs volunteers and item donations for the sale. There will be a meeting held in January to discuss details. Nora Gray has a rough draft of the ad poster that needs to be finalized and hung up in February.
Enrichment: Marella Averill
Slapstick Science is scheduled for Friday, December 17 from 8:45-10:05.
Shelly Bishop reported that that with Campbell’s Labels we were able to get some playground balls that will be donated to Mr. Viselli and the PE program. Also, Teacher Appreciation Week is in May and it will be talked about at the January meeting.
Next HDES PTO Meeting: Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 6 p.m.
November 9, 2010
Hall-Dale Elementary School
PTO
Meeting Minutes November 9, 2010
Facilitators: Co-Presidents: Aimee Ellis and Maria Fuentes
Members Present: 25
Aimee Ellis began the meeting with introductions.
Secretary’s Report: Kelli Baker
The minutes were handed out to the members. A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes as reviewed. The motion passed unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report: Kathy Pelotte
Kathy is still working with the bank to get the checking and savings statements to print together at the end of the month, which will make the financial reporting simpler. She explained the treasurer’s report, and a motion was made and seconded to approve it. The motion passed unanimously.
Kathy handed out the Fundraising Report from the PSO concert and explained the figures. At this point, there should be a balance of about $1500 for future experiences if the figures are accurate and there are no additional expenditures.
Kathy explained that additional donations had come in, so not all of the revenue was from ticket sales. One family donated $200! All agreed that Nora Gray did a wonderful job designing the posters and programs. Jim Wallace did a great job getting a discounted price on the printing. Kristin Aiello suggested that the PSO poster be framed and hung in the hallway of HDES. A quote will be requested from the Renaissance Gallery in Farmingdale.
Enrichment: Marella Averill
Marella is investigating having Slapstick Science and Monmouth Theater return to HDES this year. The show that Slapstick Science would perform is on “Flight” and needs to take place in the gym. Mr. Leonard and Mr. Viselli will be asked to coordinate times for the show to be set up and taken down. The date that Marella is looking at is Dec. 17 which is also the anniversary of the Wright Bros. first flight. There are two shows that Slapstick Science presents, one appropriate for K-2 and one for 3-5. The cost is $995 which is more than last year’s show because of the extra set up and clean up time: 1.5 hours to set up and 1 hour after. We do get a discount for being HDES. A motion was made and seconded to approve having Slapstick Science perform at the school. A paper ballot was taken and the motion passed unanimously.
Programming: Michelle Jolicoeur & Adam Molesworth
Michelle explained some ideas that she and Adam had but also asked for feedback from the group. She mentioned Renee Page coming to discuss drugs and alcohol in December, as well as another speaker coming to discuss children and handling stress. She also suggested possibly having Nurse Margaret come in to discuss mental health type issues or nutrition with Mr. Viselli. Another thought was to have a program on deployment issues if there is a need for it in this area. Both Adam and Michelle want the group to give opinions or thoughts on the ideas they have presented. Bullying in the school and especially on the bus was discussed, as well as electronics and inappropriate books that our children are reading.
Fundraising:
Super Raffle consists of some generous donations. Some tickets have been returned at this point. The spaghetti supper is meant to be a community event and not just a fundraiser and raffle drawing. We cannot use the gym and can only have 200 people eating at once. Different seating times were mentioned. Aimee is still working out all of the details of the dinner. There is going to be a minimal charge for the food to make it possible for all families to attend.
The Campbell’s Soup Labels program was discussed, and it was suggested to possibly use them to get playground balls for the outdoor recesses. Members discussed having a reminder sent home with the students that informs them that HDES does collect Box Tops as well as Campbell’s Labels. Maybe the teachers could add it to one of their classroom newsletters. If anyone would like to help Shelly Bishop organize and utilize the Campbell’s Labels, please contact Aimee, Maria or Shelly.
At the Scholastic Book Sale that Mrs. Taylor held, about $5000 was sold, which gives about $1300 to the HDES library! Great job Mrs. Taylor. PTO needs to promote the book fair more next year because it is a great fundraiser with a great product: books!
Community:
Renee Page handed out data from surveys on youth in Maine on substance abuse, as well as a flyer about a HDMS/HS Community Forum on substance abuse being held on November 18 in the Theater of the MS/HS. Renee works for Healthy Communities of the Capital Area and she works in the schools with the kids. She deals a lot with tobacco and alcohol. She explained that the forum will be designed for the parents and adults, not for the students and it is not just for high school parents. Renee asked if the PTO would be agreeable to promote the Community Forum and support it. She said that paperwork would be sent to HDES PTO to okay the partnership/support of the forum. There was a motion and second to accept having HDES PTO be a sponsor, and it passed unanimously. There were a couple of comments about how to prepare the younger children to handle drugs and alcohol pressure in HS, as well as what the policies are for drugs/alcohol at school events.
Other Business:
Discount Pride Cards: Debbie Paszyc explained the card concept. A discussion took place about the sponsors and the type of card we choose dictating the price we charge for them. The fifth graders would like to have their portion of the card sales to benefit their fifth grade trip. The group was all in favor of doing the cards, letting the fifth graders have their portion and deciding on the details at a later date. Next meeting the bylaws will be touched upon by Kristin Aiello. She suggests looking at them before December’s meeting!
Next meeting: Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at 6 p.m. in the library.
October 12, 2010
Hall-Dale Elementary School
PTO
Meeting Minutes October 12, 2010
Members Present: 32
Facilitators: Aimee Ellis and Maria Fuentes, HDES PTO Co-Presidents
The meeting began with a welcome from Maria Fuentes and introductions around the table. Principal Tom Leonard introduced the newly hired art teacher, Mr. Mike Hickey. He spoke of his background and how he came to HDES. He has been involved with children in the classroom as well as at Camp Kieve as a counselor. Mike Hickey spoke about his excitement to be on the staff at HDES and his ideas for the children and their artwork. He has ideas of involving the children with an art gallery in town and with Colby College. His enthusiasm was great. (more…)
