PTO Minutes
2009-2010
2009-2010
November 3, 2009 (Unofficial)
Routine Matters:
The meeting was called to order by Karrie Reynolds at 6:30 pm. She introduced the Second Grade teachers in attendance: Mrs. Wellensick and Mrs. Sorenson.
Principal’s report:
Mr. Chaussee was attending his night class, so it was decided that the principal’s report would be given later.
Secretary’s report:
The meeting minutes from October were approved.
Clarification was given regarding Book-a-Thon papers. The date for turning money in is after Thanksgiving in order to gather more family support. It is anticipated that most monies will be turned in after that date. The reading logs are to be turned in to teachers weekly and they can turn them in to the office so someone on the committee can pick them up and
distribute individual and class prizes.
Treasurer’s report:
A report was given by Karrie Reynolds for Marsha Kubica (treasurer). She reported that recent deposits that included both Booster Club and Book-a-thon were $1205. 00
New Business:
Karrie reported on the progress and status of the Book-a-Thon-which is part of the Booster Club fundraising.
We will receive a gift card of approximately $225.00 from Barnes and Noble for the October 30th Book Night that kicked off the Book-a-thon. Karrie complimented the BN worker who helped set things up and the committee feels they would be willing to have another Book Night with Barnes and Noble, hopefully resulting in more money for our school. The gift
certificate can be used in a variety of ways including supplying the prizes for Book-a-thon or to purchase library and/or classroom books. Mrs. Claussen was thanked for arranging Andy Armadillo of Texas Roadhouse to help kick off the Book-a-thon as well. A bulletin in the front hall will apprise people of Book-a-thon progress.
A question again arose regarding how information is distributed to parents and that the distribution of information electronically may be hindering participation. The discussion resulted in no conclusions being made regarding paper vs paperless. A reminder that PTO information is on Facebook.
A request was made for a sidewalk outside Mrs. Behrn’s exit door to facilitate a student in a wheelchair who will be in 5th grade next year. (At this time, Mr. Chaussee had arrived and was able to answer this request). This summer, the district put a sidewalk outside the west door on the front of the building for this reason. This will facilitate any 4th or 5th grade student who
needs a sidewalk on which to exit.
It was suggested that a goal is needed for fundraising so that parents know that the PTO hasan “item” or project in mind, and is not just soliciting money. Karrie reiterated that our fundraising goals have been listed on the Booster Club letter and on the Book-a-Thon letter.
Mr. Chaussee suggested that a long-term goal that would take place over years of fundraising (like the library project).
Committee chairpersons are asked to put together a binder, or some other way of organizingguidelines, directions, timelines, helpful hints, etc. This binder would be passed on to thenext chairperson of that committee. If a binder is already in existence, you are asked to update it and clean out any irrelevant materials.
Committee Reports:
• Buzz Books-waiting for money to deposit
• Box Tops-We’ll receive December check for $374.00. Campbell’s labels will be used to get equipment and supplies for PE and Art.
• Fifth Grade Farewell-A request was made for 4th grade parent to co-chair in order to facilitate a transition for next year’s farewell.
• Fun Nights-Fun Nights are ready to go for First, Kindergarten and Fourth and Fifthgrade.
• Hospitality-The chairperson praised her committee for all their hard work and dedication
• Publishing-A para-professional now helps laminate, etc.
• Room Parent-parties went well
• Safety/McGruff House-names have been turned in to OPD
• Welcome-Welcome committee will contact parents and families new to Abbott throughout the year as new families move in
• World Language-working on a summary of the projected program-a concern was raised about finding someone to teach the course(s), but anticipate that the club will be very well attended by students.
• Yearbook-The chairperson is experiencing some lack of cooperation with the company and is working to resolve that with Mr. Chaussee’s help
The Principal’s report was given at this time:
Mr. Chaussee reported on SWAMP time. This is a way to build assets of our students. Kids will be put in non-grade level groups of 13-14 students. They will meet once a month to dodifferent activities. Each teacher and most other staff members will be leading a group with pre-prepared lessons. The first SWAMP time will be before Thanksgiving.
Next meeting: January 12, 2010, at 6:30 pm
Routine Matters:
The meeting was called to order by Karrie Reynolds at 6:30 pm. She introduced the Second Grade teachers in attendance: Mrs. Wellensick and Mrs. Sorenson.
Principal’s report:
Mr. Chaussee was attending his night class, so it was decided that the principal’s report would be given later.
Secretary’s report:
The meeting minutes from October were approved.
Clarification was given regarding Book-a-Thon papers. The date for turning money in is after Thanksgiving in order to gather more family support. It is anticipated that most monies will be turned in after that date. The reading logs are to be turned in to teachers weekly and they can turn them in to the office so someone on the committee can pick them up and
distribute individual and class prizes.
Treasurer’s report:
A report was given by Karrie Reynolds for Marsha Kubica (treasurer). She reported that recent deposits that included both Booster Club and Book-a-thon were $1205. 00
New Business:
Karrie reported on the progress and status of the Book-a-Thon-which is part of the Booster Club fundraising.
We will receive a gift card of approximately $225.00 from Barnes and Noble for the October 30th Book Night that kicked off the Book-a-thon. Karrie complimented the BN worker who helped set things up and the committee feels they would be willing to have another Book Night with Barnes and Noble, hopefully resulting in more money for our school. The gift
certificate can be used in a variety of ways including supplying the prizes for Book-a-thon or to purchase library and/or classroom books. Mrs. Claussen was thanked for arranging Andy Armadillo of Texas Roadhouse to help kick off the Book-a-thon as well. A bulletin in the front hall will apprise people of Book-a-thon progress.
A question again arose regarding how information is distributed to parents and that the distribution of information electronically may be hindering participation. The discussion resulted in no conclusions being made regarding paper vs paperless. A reminder that PTO information is on Facebook.
A request was made for a sidewalk outside Mrs. Behrn’s exit door to facilitate a student in a wheelchair who will be in 5th grade next year. (At this time, Mr. Chaussee had arrived and was able to answer this request). This summer, the district put a sidewalk outside the west door on the front of the building for this reason. This will facilitate any 4th or 5th grade student who
needs a sidewalk on which to exit.
It was suggested that a goal is needed for fundraising so that parents know that the PTO hasan “item” or project in mind, and is not just soliciting money. Karrie reiterated that our fundraising goals have been listed on the Booster Club letter and on the Book-a-Thon letter.
Mr. Chaussee suggested that a long-term goal that would take place over years of fundraising (like the library project).
Committee chairpersons are asked to put together a binder, or some other way of organizingguidelines, directions, timelines, helpful hints, etc. This binder would be passed on to thenext chairperson of that committee. If a binder is already in existence, you are asked to update it and clean out any irrelevant materials.
Committee Reports:
• Buzz Books-waiting for money to deposit
• Box Tops-We’ll receive December check for $374.00. Campbell’s labels will be used to get equipment and supplies for PE and Art.
• Fifth Grade Farewell-A request was made for 4th grade parent to co-chair in order to facilitate a transition for next year’s farewell.
• Fun Nights-Fun Nights are ready to go for First, Kindergarten and Fourth and Fifthgrade.
• Hospitality-The chairperson praised her committee for all their hard work and dedication
• Publishing-A para-professional now helps laminate, etc.
• Room Parent-parties went well
• Safety/McGruff House-names have been turned in to OPD
• Welcome-Welcome committee will contact parents and families new to Abbott throughout the year as new families move in
• World Language-working on a summary of the projected program-a concern was raised about finding someone to teach the course(s), but anticipate that the club will be very well attended by students.
• Yearbook-The chairperson is experiencing some lack of cooperation with the company and is working to resolve that with Mr. Chaussee’s help
The Principal’s report was given at this time:
Mr. Chaussee reported on SWAMP time. This is a way to build assets of our students. Kids will be put in non-grade level groups of 13-14 students. They will meet once a month to dodifferent activities. Each teacher and most other staff members will be leading a group with pre-prepared lessons. The first SWAMP time will be before Thanksgiving.
Next meeting: January 12, 2010, at 6:30 pm
October 6th, 2009
Routine Matters:
The meeting was called to order by Karrie Reynolds at 6:30. She introduced the teachers that were there: Annette Mahoney, Suzie Behrns, Courtney Stevens, and Jill Classen. There were also 2 payback partners present: one person from Omaha State Bank and two people from Texas Roadhouse.
Mr. Eric Chaussee gave the principal’s report. He explained the the HAL functions were now being done by Kim Carbee, who is part-time. Because of that he would like the PTO to be in charge of the selection of the scholarship winner from the PTO. Someone volunteered and the PTO will now run the selection process for the Grace Abbott Scholarships (2 $500 scholarships).
The secretary’s report was given by Kristi Harte and Karrie Reynolds. Karrie explained what was discussed at the last meeting. Kristi helped to second the vote to o.k. the minutes.
The treasurer’s report was given by Marsha Kubica. She explained that this far into the year only 20 families have donated to the booster club. This brought in only $1200, which is well below the $15000 goal. The other matter of business was that there is only $1.50 spent on each kid for the Halloween parties, not $2.00. One last thing that was clarified by Marsha was that if anyone needed reimbursement for anything, he needs to fill out a sheet that is found in the PTO mailbox and turn it in to her with a receipt.
New Business:
1. PAYBAC Partners were introduced by Jill Claussen. Sue Koenig was at the meeting and she is from the Omaha State Bank. She explained that at the first Friday of every month kids can bank at the school. She also said that the bank would give some money back to the school if Abbott people open bank accounts with them ($5 for any account and $10 for a check account). She said that the bank donates prizes, Santa comes to the branch for Christmas, there is a Summer Savings Plan, and scout troops are welcome to come to the branch for tours. This is how they give back to Grace Abbott.
John and Jake came to take to the PTO from Texas Roadhouse. They brought treats to the meeting. They each took time to explain how much the restaurant likes to give back to the community. Texas Roadhouse is currently involved with 10 other elementary schools. They offer kids a free meal bookmark if they read 3 books. They also off “Grace Abbott” nights where part of the proceeds go back to the school. The staff is also willing to volunteer at the school.
2. PTO Facebook is up and running. Holly Rilantono set it up and explained to the parents at the meeting how to get to the page. She has put basic information on the site with upcoming events and reminders of these events. She wondered if this site could be advertised in the Gator Tales. There was some discussion in the group if there could be pictures put on Facebook without permission from parents.
3. The majority of the meeting was spent on the Book-A-Thon. It will be used to raise funds for the PTO. There are 3 people currently on the committee.
a. There is a form that the kids will get on October 19th. The kids will get donations from friends, neighbors and family members for reading. There are different choices on how people want to donate (pages, books, chapters, or flat amount).
b. The date of the contest is October 19th- December 1st.
c. Goal per family is $50.
d. There will be a letter that will explain things to the parents.
e. There will be a thank-you letter that will be sent to the people who donated.
f. There needs to be communication between PTO and teachers.
g. Big kick-off on October 19th? There were many that suggested this.
h. Keep track of reading using a reading log/book mark. Contest between the classes was suggested.
i. Countdown signs to the start of the read-a-thon and during the contest itself?
j. Hand out fliers to parents during pick-up time, Halloween parties, conferences.
4. There was a question by Suzie Behrns about the staff use of the laminating machine. The PTO voted that teachers could use the machine if they absolutely needed to. Otherwise, they could still use the same procedures.
Committee Reports:
1. Buzz Books are going to print this week.
2. The Box Tops contest is coming to an end. There are prizes to be given out this week for the current contest.
3. The 5th Grade Farewell will need 4th grade parents to work at the event in May.
4. World Language will talk to Mr. Chaussee about rules.
5. Yearbook decided (with the help of PTO) to go with a color yearbook this year. The price will go up to $15.00 a book. This is a jump in price but it is in color.
Next Meeting: Tuesday, Novemeber 3, 2009 at 6:30pm
