WHEN: Sunday, February 12, from 11 am to 3 pm

WHERE: Lost Valley, 200 Lost Valley Road
Auburn, ME 04210-8598
(207) 784-1561

COST: Lift tickets are $12/person &
Ski rentals are $12/rental.
(This is a 50%+ discount)

WHO: Hall Dale, Dresden, Richmond & Monmouth students, teachers, staff, parents & friends are eligible for the discounted tickets.
Questions? Contact maria.r.fuentes@gmail.com or
592-0227

Click HERE for flyer and coupon.

AMAZING RED BARN

Located at 455 Riverside Drive in Augusta
February 6th, 2012
4-6pm
Chicken and Haddock baskets are a minimum donation of $5
ALL proceeds go directly to the PTO – which in turn go directly back to our school and the enrichment of our children.  Don’t miss the opportunity to support our children and our incredible school.

Pre-buy your tickets now – just $5 !!!!

Contact Suzanne Gilbert 582-1276 or angelsg17@roadrunner.com
For questions or more information.

The HDES Civil Rights Team

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

6:00 p.m. to 6:30 pm

To be followed by regular PTO business until 7:00 pm.

Hall-Dale Elementary School Library

Program:

Mrs. Mansir and student members of the Civil Rights Team will be speaking about what their group does and how they positively impact the school. The students will be presenting a “mini lesson” on the effects of bullying.

FMI contact michelle.jolicoeur@gmail.com

Note:  This program is for parents, caregivers, and students. Free child care will also be provided by the PTO.

December 2, 2011

6:00 PM Hall-Dale Elementary School

FEATURING:  Polar Express or Happy Feet

Each child will receive a gift bag & sleigh bell.  Kids & parents wear your pjs!  Please bring a can of non-perishable food to donate to the food bank.  Super raffle tickets will be on sale; winners will be announced after the movies.  Refreshments (popcorn, sugar cookies, hot cocoa & water) will be available for purchase.

Sponsored by the HDES PTO

October 11, 2011

1. Welcome and Introductions
1. Aimee Ellis, PTO President, welcomed parents.  She requested that that anyone who has not yet, please sign the green membership book.
2. Secretary’s Report
1. The secretary’s report was presented.  Motion to accept was made and seconded; it was approved.
3. Treasurer’s Report
1. Treasurer’s report was presented.  Motion to accept was made and seconded; it was approved.
2. Request of funds for office:
1. The office has requested funding for $175 to purchase six walkie-talkies.  The walkie-talkies would allow staff on the playground to communicate with staff indoors in case of emergency or need.   Mr. Folsum said the six walkie-talkies do not provide total needed coverage, but would be a first step.  The PTO voted unanimous approval by secret ballow with 29 yes votes.
4. Special Guest, Superintendent Vergel Hammonds
1. Mr. Hammonds presented his current views of education as well as the present state of our RSU.  He conveyed his feeling that the education system across the country is “broken” yet there are schools, parents, eduators who are purposeful in their work to change.
2. He had come from school district that was lacking in meeting educational standards.  There was a high involvement in gang structures; high drop-out rates.  Speaking from his experience at his  previous school system, he saw a dramatic change from 25% proficiency to 70% proficiency in just a few years.  He attributed this change to the partnering with children and teachers to engage in problem solving around how to increase their proficiency.
3. In relation to RSU #2, we now have a unified curriculum across the RSU.  The teachers are focusing on measurement topics and creating tasks and assessments so all teachers will be working towards meeting those same measurement topics.   The RSU is using a program, Discovery Ed, which gives access to curriculum, lesson plans, videos, power points, etc.
4. Educate is a software program that provides on-line scoring tracking.  Mr. Hammonds stated that the RSU has encountered some difficulties connecting with Infinte Campus.  He indicated that this is an administrative software problem that the RSU is currently working to solve.
5. In the next month, trainings will be provided for parents to explain how to access student assessments and progress.
6. In regards to RISC, Mr. Hammonds indicated that the RSU will not be implementing all of the aspects of the RISC program; rather, the RSU will implement only those that best apply to our specific school community.
7. The RSU has also adopted a one through four scoring scale, which transforms the learning standards to rubrics and will more clearly define student expectations for learning.
8. Mr. Hammonds addressed parent concerns about student acceptance into universities or employment by stating that the goal of the RSU is to send students off into world fully capable of success.
9. In relation to Halldale Elementary, Mr. Hammonds feels the school has done an excellent job implementing measurement topics.
10. Mr. Hammonds concluded his talk by inviting parents to meet individually with him, as is convenient.
11. Open to Questions:
1. Mr. Hammonds was asked to explain how RISC compares to measurement topics.  He replied by stating that in a proficiency based model, students are allowed to progress to next standard.  This type of learning model is the goal.  However, in reality, our RSU is still using a time-based system, which groups students by age/grade.  He explained that measurement topics are listed by grade level, and teachers work to find opportunities to allow kids to move fluidly.  At present, students are not moved on until they have reached proficiency and the teacher rather than student establishes the pace of learning.
2. Mr. Hammonds was asked to explain the new Progress Reports and the difference between academic progress and behavior.  Mr. Hammonds responded by stating that currently students are assessed only on academic progress but they are working to establish a way to assess behavioral standards as well.  Mr. Folsum reported that initial progress reports will likely provide information on reading and math; however, as year progresses, additional measurement topics will be added to the database.
3. Mr. Hammonds addressed general confusion around progress reports and their comparison to past progress reports.  He indicated that new progress reports would continue to address the standards; however, the learning standards will now be directly related to Common Core.  He also stated that at middle and high school level, progress reports will address student progress and final grades will be provided at end of the school year.  At present, no final decision has been made on how progress will be reported, either at elementary, middle or high school level.  Mr. Folsum, however, stated that progress will reported at least the same levels as in the past.  Mr. Hammonds also indicated that the change in the format of progress reports is because of the adoption of a different software program.  Mrs. Bell indicated that new report cards will provide more specific tasks that students have mastered or are working towards.
4. A concern was expressed that students do not know what specifically is needed to reach the level of 4 (exceeding standards).  Mr. Hammonds indicated that the primary difference in the RSU this year is the unification around what the standards are, across all schools within the RSU and across all grade levels. This unification will allow all teachers to collaborate in determining what are items of evidence will demonstrate that a student has exceeded standards.
5. A concern was expressed that this method of learning feels too prescriptive and does not allow for the role of the individual in their learning.  Mr. Folsum responded by stating that it is a question of, “the what and the how”.  He explained that students are bound by the measurement topics and these are the “what” of their learning; however, the “how” is open to allow multiple ways of demonstrating that knowledge.
6. A concern was expressed regarding the social ramifications of moving so far ahead academically from age-peers.  Mr. Hammonds explained that at his previous school even advanced students could not advance greater than 2 years beyond age-peers.  Rather, advanced students were encouraged to participate in additional learning topics, delve deeper into mastered topics, pursue college course-work (for credit), participate in extracurricular activities and engage in independent study areas.
5. Other Items:
1. Super Raffle is approaching.  Maria Fuentes is looking for help in securing donors.  Raffle tickets will be sent home in the beginning of November, and the raffle will take place in December.  She will need additional help with the logistics of getting the tickets to students later.
2. IXL math was provided for students at home last year; Mr. Folsum stated that funding for this program is no longer available; however, he is working with the director of curriculum to try to secure funding.  The cost is approximately $1500 to provide license for nearly 250 students.
3. Mr. Folsum iterated that the changes that are occurring are stressful and a great deal of work, especially the structural changes that are necessary to meet the multiple needs within the school.   Informational meetings will be held in the future, likely after the upcoming progress reports are distributed.  He hopes to engage with parents to vision what a school looks like that meets individual challenges.

September 13, 2011

1. Welcome and Introductions
1. Aimee Ellis, PTO President, welcomed parents and introduced the executive committee.

1. Welcome from Mr. Folsom
1.  Mr. Folsum thanked parents for introducing themselves, as the year has begun.  He complimented the building, staff, parents, and students.  The new student-centered learning and standards based will be the focus for the year; more information will be presented later as the year progresses.   He also stated that safety is a focus for both he and the staff; he will communicate information regarding safety drills as the year progresses.
2. There are very few changes this year.  Dismissal will be promptly at 3:05.  The pledge of allegiance will be done in the morning, for all students who wish to participate.  There are some new staff members, who are becoming familiar with the school as well.

1. PTO membership
1. Aimee Ellis asked that all parents present sign the green book, to indicate their membership in the PTO.

1. Secretary’s Report
1. June minutes are in the folders given to all present
2. Motion made to approve minutes.  There were no questions or comments.  Minutes approved.

1. Treasurer’s Report and Presentation of 2011-2012 Budget
1.  Treasurer’s report from June is in the folder given to all present.  Treasurer Frank Waltz reviewed the report.  Motion made to approve the report.  There were no questions or comments.  Report approved.
2. Mr. Waltz discussed that the student allotments are $15/student this year.  The allotments are provided for teachers to use throughout the year at their discretion for classrooms.

1. Star of the Week
1.   Sherie Lizzotte is the SOTW coordinator.  She briefly explained the program.  She is looking for additional volunteers to help with interviewing children, early on Monday mornings.

1. Fundraising Ideas
1. Maria Fuentes will chair the fundraising committee.  Planned events for the year include a Super Raffle, with a spaghetti supper, a spring Read-a-Thon, Subway Night and a Red Barn Dinner.   The Red Barn Dinner is scheduled for February 6.

1. Enrichment
1. There is no enrichment committee yet this year.  Aimee Ellis will meet with teachers to discuss their enrichment and program interests and needs.
2. Caroline Eldridge offered to chair the enrichment committee.

1. Programming Ideas
1. Throughout the year different programs and topical discussions are presented at PTO meetings.  Please approach Aimee Ellis with any ideas or interests possible PTO meeting programming.  At present, no programming is scheduled beyond the superintendent of RSU#2’s appearance at the October meeting.
2. Michelle Jolicoeur offered some suggestions for upcoming meetings, including a presentation by the Civil Rights Team and a presentation on technology safety by the district’s technology specialist.

1. Additional Information
1. Aimee Ellis introduced Carolyn Nott as the teacher representative for the year.
2. Maria Fuentes reminded interested parents to complete the volunteer forms, found in their PTO folders.

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.

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 5^Th 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:

• $100 for the Civil Rights Team for a field trip associated with the Brady movie
• $354.99 for the Voit ball sets
• $320.94 for library materials

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 19^th 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.

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 19^th.  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