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October Minutes

10/15/2018

 
PTO Meeting
Monday, October 15th, 2018


Members Present –
See sign in!  Thank you for coming!

Meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm.

Superintendent’s Report:  Long Range Facilities Plan
Brian came to update us on the upcoming referendum, and the Long Range Facilities Plan we will vote on.  Previously, in 2015, a comprehensive plan had been put together with regard to what needed to be “fixed” in our district.  A lot has changed during that time, so updated quotes were gathered over the summer, and we find ourselves in need of about $9 million worth of maintenance on site to all three buildings and our grounds.  

Highlights:  Elementary school needs general building repairs, carpet for auditorium, gym floor, classroom partitions, air handling unit in the Media Center, brick and mortar work on exterior of building, restroom compliance issues, oil tank replacement, partial roof replacement.  MBA requires about $87,000 worth of repair – hardware on doors, restroom compliance issues, tech ventilation system (safety issue). Kitchen appliances need to be updated in all three buildings, new storage building for maintenance. SHS needs about $350,000 worth of work - lighting system in auditorium, replacement of boilers, outfield and fencing of baseball fields, high school track.  The track is in very bad shape, cracks, sagging, repairing is no longer an option…it is not a regulation size track, and we are unable to host any meets here in Somers. This will be used for many other things as well….under the lights games, other sports teams, graduation….3/4 students will utilize this new “facility” if it goes through. There was a change in the cost from the initial estimate that was given.  The initial estimate was to remove and replace a ¼ mile track, but that is not what we currently have. A company that specializes in building athletic facilities came and gave an estimate of about $3 million. (Larger regulations size track, relocation or reorientation, interior field, drainage, pitching, irrigation, lighting, bleachers, etc.) NO LOCATION OR CONFIGURATION HAS BEEN FINALIZED. That will be decided upon when it is put out to bid after the bond has been approved.  Two step process – request for qualifications, and then obtaining proposals from the most responsible and qualified companies. There would not be any tax increase to the residents of Somers to approve this bond.

October 25th – Town Meeting at 7 pm – Brian will explain this proposal at this meeting and then it will go to referendum.

PLEASE VOTE – Referendum is on November 6th.



Mark Maciolek:
Mark congratulated Mike Szafir and the track team that he has developed at our high school.  He thinks a new track would be something great to support, and definitely worth the investment.

Mark came to our meeting to represent the LA teachers at MBA.  In the past, the PTO has supported authors for the middle school.  These students are at a critical age… they love to read, and the benefits are numerous when they see an author in person.  Someone they are looking into is Gary Schmidt, from Michigan. His books are taught in both 7th and 8th grade at the middle school.  Clay seconded the idea saying that this is good for kids….this is a valuable experience for all students.  The PTO support in the past has been very much appreciated. Mark will be in touch with Marissa with costs, so that PTO can see what we are able to contribute.  Perhaps the middle school can also do some fundraising to offset any additional costs.

Principal’s Report:
Dina Senecal - A link was sent home to all parents with an anonymous quia survey.  105 people completed the survey. 2 new questions this year, and the outcome of those are that parents want more of an SES social media presence.  Also, parents want more opportunities to be invited into the building for events. School wide assemblies occur each month, character traits are focused on, and students are recognized who exemplify those traits.  In the future, we are hoping to invite parents to the assembly if their child is receiving a reward. The new and improved SES Newsletter will continue to highlight all of the wonderful things that are happening in our building and also point to the PTO and all of the supports we provide.
Other suggestions that were mentioned in the survey comments were Book Bingo, Movie Night, PTO Carnival, Halloween Happenings.   
Reminder – contact the Bus Barn for transportation issues.

Clay Krevolin – Student government elections are being held to coincide with the state/national elections.  Campaigning for student body government is happening now.
6th grade is going to A Christmas Carol at Hartford Stage.
7th grade is going to the Storrs Adventure Park.
8th grade is going to Boston for a full day adventure.

Our wonderful resource officers have been working out so well, sharing areas of expertise with staff and students.  Clay is hoping to have them do a presentation for staff, students and parents about vaping. This is becoming a bigger issue – in school, on the bus, etc – not just in Somers, but everywhere.  Repercussions are strong, with police being involved in investigations and discipline. Education is key, kids and adults. (Can this be started in fifth grade, too, please????)

High School and Middle School have established a partnership with ShopRite, to recognize a student each month who exemplifies kindness and respect.  A donation will be made to a charity of the student’s choice, and their picture is posted at ShopRite. ShopRite will come to the schools to present the recipients with the awards.

All three schools are sending out a newsletter the first Friday of every month, highlighting different aspects of each building.

Secretary’s Report:
Motion to approve September’s meeting minutes by Jay, seconded by Lauren.

Treasurer’s Report:
See budget handout from Kate.  Motion to approve needs to be pushed to the next meeting because there are only two Board members present at this time.  Direct any questions to Kate. (Where are all of the donated 5th grade t-shirts from last year?  Was that taken out of the actual amount made that is listed?  Also, why is the new amount for t-shirts $500? Gift cards need to be removed since it was replaced with Yankee Candle.  Halloween Happenings needs to be changed as well – we will make less with only one school and making less per ticket.)

New Business:
No time for new business this evening!!

Spirit Wear:
Dorothy is looking for a new company, because the minimum order of 12 from our current company is hard to fill once the bulk order happens at the beginning of the year.  New items are big sellers, things that don’t require sizes (blankets, water bottles, etc). Dorothy will set up a table during conferences to sell Spirit Wear. Is there any money in our budget for Dorothy to have a “stock” of “stuff” that people can purchase on the spot?

Cultural Enrichment:

    Author Update – new addition….Marty Kelley, author and illustrator will present to K-5 (and can read to preschool in their classrooms) in the Spring.  The PTO has also generously agreed to purchase some of Marty’s books for our Media Center so that Becky can prepare all students for his arrival in the Spring.  Thank you very much!

    Jessie Chris –  October 30th, Anti-bullying assembly…singer and author.

Events/Programs:

    Square 1 Art – Marissa is sending them out tomorrow.  On November 7th the stickers will come in for orders, which will then come back before Christmas.

    Halloween Happenings – October 25th from 5-7.  Tickets are $15, $3 comes back to PTO per ticket.  Refer to handout and emailed flier for all of the details!  SES event only, but MBA students are welcome to sign up to volunteer (passing out candy on Trick or Treat Street, face painting, tattoos, etc.)

    XL Center – WWE Smackdown is this weekend, Marvel Live is coming up next on Sunday, November 4th at 4:00 pm.  We make $5 per ticket on those sales.

    Yankee Candle – Magazines and order forms already came home.  Orders can be taken now and are due November 5th.  Orders can be placed online and then you do not need to come to a pick up date/location for items.

General Discussion:

    Box Tops – Mandy is going to head that up for now, but is looking for volunteers.  Dorothy and Lauren have offered to help! Thanks!

Congratulations to Hannah Manzi for winning a free Halloween Happenings ticket from tonight’s meeting raffle!!

Next Meeting Date – November 5th, 5:30 pm at SES

Meeting was adjourned at 7:00 pm.





Respectfully submitted by Becky Leiphart.

​

September minutes

9/10/2018

 
Members Present –
See sign in!  Thank you for coming!
Meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm.

Superintendent’s Report: Brian was present and gave an overview of what is going on at the district level. He shared that no cuts will be impacting our school budget at the district level. This year the battle so far has been the heat.  The buildings cannot really sustain more than two days of heat, hence the call for the half day last week.  Mr. Czapla reported that the winter could also be a tough one.
The lack of routine maintenance to buildings and grounds has been neglected over the last few years, and some issues are in need of repair immediately.  The taxpayers of Somers are going to be asked to vote in November on a 6 million dollar bond that would be allocated to the schools for these necessary improvements if that budget passes. The town meeting is on October 25th where all residents are invited to hear more.  The suggestion was made to make a video that can be shared on Facebook.  (“The Long Range Facilities Plan” - There are two documents on the district website that would be helpful to those looking for more details on these projects.)

Principal’s Report:  Dina and Melissa would like to thank the PTO for the Welcome Bags for new staff members and incoming kindergarteners.  Adorable, and very well received!  Also, a HUGE thank you for all of the dates for this year’s Cultural Enrichment shows ahead of time.  Super helpful!  Teachers and students at SES braved the heat as well as we could with cooling stations around the building and water.  Looking forward to slightly cooler temperatures though!

Treasurer’s Report:  Kate shared the 2018-2019 budget.  Please review the handout that was provided.  The budget for Cultural Enrichment has been increased based on what we think we may have to give.  Motion to approve the budget by postponed until next meeting, pending some changes.

Fundraising:
We are discussing bringing back brochures to sell “something” ….Yankee Candle was a possibility that was mentioned.  October 1st we would get the information and catalogs, orders would be due November 5th.   Purchases could be made via order form or online, and merchandise would be already sorted by student order upon delivery.  Discussion was held, and a motion was made by Jay, and seconded to Maggie, to give Yankee Candle a try instead of gift cards this year.     

Spirit Wear:  Dorothy updated the order form for items available, including some new Dry Fit options.  Thank you!  Brittany will copy them for the PTO table at Back to School Night on Wednesday.  More copies will be available at future events and can go home with students.

Cultural Enrichment:
Becky provided an author update.  Peter Lourie is scheduled for early November for K-5.  Somers resident Kate Hanscom is coming in early February for K-2.  We are still looking for another author for 3-5 that is reasonably priced.  Becky is very hopeful that local author Renata Bowers will launch her newest Frieda B. book here at SES when it is finished!  More to follow on that.
All but one cultural enrichment event have been prepaid, so we received a discount on the cost.  The first show is on September 21st, the NED Show for all SES students, that focuses on PBIS Messages.

Purse Bingo:  A message will be texted to parents and flier will be sent home with students in the next few weeks.  It is on October 6th from 7-10.  Snacks and light refreshments will be provided, raffle baskets will be there, and attendees can BYOB.

Back to School Night:  Lemonade, water and Oreos will be served to all, compliments of the PTO.  Spirit Wear will be sold as well.

Square One Art:  The art teachers are working on this with students already.  Order forms will go home once artwork is submitted, and ordered items will come in prior to Christmas.

Halloween Happenings:  Sonny’s Place is out.  A few ideas have been discussed…..should we bring it back to SES and do a Haunted Hallway and dj in the building and a Trunk or Treat in the staff lot?  This would take A LOT of volunteers working many hours and seeing it through to the end.  OR….We could work with Chris Boucher at the Rec Department and do a Costume Run at the middle school cross country course, with a costume parade for the little kids or a smaller scale run, could bring in a food truck or ice cream truck (people pay for their own food)…trick or treating could be done on the field with the doors from last year’s Halloween Happenings at Sonny’s.  Rachel Medrek also mentioned a website where families can sponsor while their kids run….Get Moving…..to bring in more funds.
***We are going to call a special Halloween Happenings meeting for Halloween Happenings volunteers to plan this event!  Please spread the word!  A meeting will be held on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 at 7:00 at SES.  Potential Halloween Happenings date is October 25th (because kids do not have school the next day).

XL Center Events:  Brittany will get fliers to send home to families prior to each event…..
WWE - October
Marvel Superheroes – November
Disney on Ice – January
Globetrotters – February
Wolf Pack - March

Book Fair:
The book fair will be held again during Parent/Teacher Conferences.  The Fall book fair will be the regular three days.  The March fair will be two days, like last year.  BOGO will also be two days.  Perhaps we can do a preview of some sort for teachers?  The middle school has expressed interest in bringing their book fair back.  Someone needs to head that up at the middle school, however.  Allison has a few possible interested volunteers.
We need more copies (at least 100) of the kindergarten books for next year’s Welcome Bags.

Box Tops:  Becky will ask Dina if she has talked to the grandparents about heading this up for this year.  We need to start collecting and submitting!

Gingerbread houses:  If we want to do this, we need to reserve dates and start planning soon.  200 people total can fit in Joanna’s.  The Lions Club can partner with us for this event.  $5 per family is the suggested cost for this event.  Marissa will book a night at Joanna’s for December.

Possible Ugly Sweater Adult party:  Raffles, contests, etc.  This idea has been tabled until we see how the Purse Bingo goes.  (Another idea is an adult Brewery fundraiser?)
​

Meeting adjourned at 7:01.
Next meeting – October 15th at 5:30.
​Minutes respectfully submitted by Becky Leiphart.




November Minutes

11/9/2017

 
​Members Present:  See sign in sheet


Meeting called to order at 5:37.


Secretary’s report:  Motion to approve the September minutes by Brittany.  Seconded by Kate.


Treasurer’s report:
Halloween Happenings - $2,700 (Thanks to Marissa and Paul Marks for all of their help in organizing this amazing event!)
Opt Out - @$2000
MBA Raffle Baskets - @$500


Some funds have been paid out for Cultural Enrichment programs…some that have already happened, some that are upcoming.


Committee Reports:
Halloween Happenings – Is it possible to look into bringing Halloween Happenings back to SES, just for SES students?  This would require a lot more work, and we would need a large sub-committee to put this event together.  There were some issues with MBA students later in the night, and many students were dropped off and were not chaperoned.  The middle school will be notified about the poor behavior of MBA students.  Maybe “trunk or treat” in the parking lot for candy???  More to discuss on this in the future!


Book Fair - We are in desperate need of volunteers to set up and during book fair hours working with kids.
Flyers are all put together and ready to go out!
Top two box top collectors for summer box tops will both receive $10 certificates to the book fair!  Congrats to Jake Marks and Luke Gengenbach!
Families can still purchase books to donate to teachers/classrooms.


36 raffle baskets are ready to go for next week!  Thanks for all of the donations and the helpers who put them together!


Gingerbread Houses - Friday, December 1st will be the gingerbread house decorating event at Joanna’s again.  6:00-7:30.  The Lions club will pay for the pizza dinner and drinks.  Can we save the cafeteria milk cartons from lunch to use for frosting and decorating this year?  Erin will touch base with the people at Joanna’s to see how many students can fit.  We can use leftover candy from Halloween Happenings to decorate, but will need to purchase graham crackers and frosting.
Entertainment books – Brittany shared some options this year….we can do the regular dining books, and/or a new just “kids stuff” book, good for kid-friendly activities.  We get $12.50 per $25 book.  Last year we made $1,300 on these books.  Brittany will ask if we have to commit to purchasing a certain number of books before we proceed.


Gift card order forms are out now….they are due after Thanksgiving.


XL Center – Disney on Ice – Thursday, January 11th.


Globetrotters – February – more details to follow!


Purse Bingo – The organizer takes 20%.  $35 at the door.  We would bring our own food and drinks.  February??  Late February???  Let’s make this happen!


Gayle DeBortoli Grant – (Up to) $500 dollars to each SES and MBA to a teacher who submits an application.  Deadline is the end of January.  We will need a committee to go over submissions.


March conferences are only two half days…..BUT, can we still do the spring book fair on three days?  Possibly use the gym?  Or a classroom?  Jennifer will look into this.


Next meeting is Thursday, December 14th at 5:30 at SES.


Meeting adjourned at 6:29.  Motion to adjourn by Jay, seconded by Mandy.


October 2017

10/12/2017

 
PTO Meeting
Thursday, October 12, 2017

Members Present:  See sign in sheet…wow!!!

Meeting called to order at 5:35.  Everyone introduced themselves.

Secretary’s report:  Motion to approve the September minutes by Mandy.  Seconded by Kate.

Treasurer’s report:
Made $300 selling hot dogs at Geissler’s.
Made $500 on Spirit Wear.
Made $90 on bullriding.
Made $1,780 on Opt Out so far.

Committee Reports:

Communications – Facebook.  Allison Hill will take care of updating this.  Minutes will be given to her after each meeting.  All fliers will go to Allison to be posted as well.

Cultural Enrichment – Every month there is something scheduled!  Christina will get the write up out ahead of time so teachers can prep their classes.
October 17th – Author and poet Darren Sardelli
November 3rd – Reading Pep Rally…interactive storytelling and developing ideas
December 19th – Hartford Symphony Orchestra
January 9th – Dan Amarante - Meteorologist
January 26th – Yale Spizzwinks
February 5th – African Dance and Drum
March 6th – Sky Dome Planetarium (7 assemblies…90 students at a time)
April – Author Steve Swinburne
May 22nd – Game Show

Fundraising.:
Gift card orders from Script Pro will be coming out the last week of October.  They

will be due right after Thanksgiving.  
XL Center – Disney on Ice: Frozen (January) and Globetrotters (February)
Square One Art – Push until the Spring this year, closer to Mother’s/Father’s Day
(Brittany Dwyer)
Baskets at Parent Teacher Conferences in November – Flier went home last week
asking for themed classroom donations and Stacey B. will wrap them all.  Perhaps a prize that is appropriate for the class with the most donations…perhaps a reading chair.  Jennifer will send an email to staff explaining the basket concept.
Coupon Books – Entertainment Books – big money maker…Stacey will talk to Emily
Letourneau about that.
Purse Bingo – FUNraising for a Purpose – Beth Valente.  10 brand name purses as prizes.  $35 per ticket to play Bingo, typically done at Mt. Carmel.  BYOB.  They provide light appetizers, do all the set up and clean up, etc.  Tickets sold ahead of time, and they keep 20% of the proceeds.  Is there a minimum number required?  If we do it in the winter, would she offer a snow date?

Halloween Happenings – Thursday, October 19 (5-8, 7-10).  Tickets sold at the door.  Set up will happen at Sonny’s from 11 and later.  Closet at MBA needs to be visited prior to going to Sonny’s to bring “stuff” over.
Trick or Treat Street – doors like it used to be!
Fortune Telling – need volunteers!!
Glitter Tattoos – all set with 2 volunteers!!  Brittany will help get a large poster of
the tattoo options
NEED PEANUT FREE CANDY AND NON CANDY DONATIONS!!!!!!!
Clean up can happen immediately following!

Book Fair: During November Parent/Teacher Conferences
    Runs during school hours and conference hours
    Set up the day before, and clean up after – need volunteers
    Need volunteers DURING the day – will do Sign up genius and post on FB
        WHAT IF…teachers email parents with the time that they are visiting
the book fair and also ask for volunteers at the same time???

General Discussion:
    LifeTouch as a company….can we revisit them?  There have been some issues
and complaints with quality and orders, etc.
    Committee Sign ups – see Marissa to sign up to chair, co-chair or volunteer
for upcoming committees and events!

Meeting adjourned at 6:40 pm.




​

October minutes

10/13/2016

 
  1. Meeting called to order by Mandy at 7:03.  Seconded by Heather.
  2. Introductions:  Mandy Shonak, Co-President, Joanna Anderson, Heather Modzelewski, Co-Vice President, Allison Hill, Chris Castonguay, Treasurer, Jennifer Oliver, SES Principal, Stacey Brown, Co-Vice President, Keeley Joyal, MBA student, Mark Maciolek, MBA teacher, Pat Clark, Secretary and SES Media Specialist.
  3. Secretary’s report:  Approval of Minutes will be postponed until next meeting, as we did not have a complete report.  Mandy will email Rob Kepner for completed minutes.
  4. Treasurer’s report:  Chris Castonguay:  Taxes were sent to accountant.  Insurance has been paid and we are up to date.  Checks are coming in for the “opt out”; we are just under $2,000 currently.  A reminder needs to be sent, attaching the PDF.  Motion to approve the treasurer’s report by Stacey, seconded by Allison and Heather.
  5. Presentation by Mark Maciolek, MBA Language Arts teacher, re:  Kathy Cannon Wiechman, author of Like a River, a civil war historical novel.  She has written 2 more since.  Mark would like her to present to our grades 6-8 students on February 6th.  She would be staying at Mark’s house.  Keeley Joyal, 8th grade student, presented a petition of 122 student signatures in favor of bringing her to our school.  She gave us a synopsis of what her first two books were about, giving examples of the connections between language arts and history and the power of writing.  Her cost is $1500 plus $250 travel expenses.  The drama club would use their proceeds to purchase books for the students.  Discussion of this proposal was held following the exit of Mark and Keeley. Until we know the budget from the Cultural Enrichment Chair, who was not present at the meeting, the formal motion to approve this request is postponed.  A tentative motion to approve, pending the information was passed unanimously
  6. Events:  Halloween Happenings report from Stacey.  It is next Thursday, 10/20. Lack of volunteers for set up/take down.  Donations of candy still needed.  Trick or treating is free, an optional charge from Sonny’s for other activities.  A fortune-teller will be available this year.
  7. Book Fair:  Allison Hill.  No book fair at MBA this year, but 6th grade will be invited to the elementary school before or during school at SES.  Allison has a committee of 4, with volunteers.  
  8. Cultural Enrichment:  no report
  9. Coupon books:  Emily LeTourneau, chair, no report
  10. Gift Cards & XL Center:  Brittany Dwyer, chair, no report
  11. Raffles:  Stacey Brown—she will have them for conferences.  She had a suggestion to use classroom parent coordinators as resources for classrooms to create baskets.
  12. Square One Art:  In the process of being completed now, due date 11/4.  Liz McEvoy and Paul Dailey are in charge at SES, Sue Koulisis at MBA.
  13. General Discussion:  Next meeting date:  11/10 at 3:30 at SES.  Meetings will be second Thursday of every month alternating between MBA at 7 PM and SES at 3:30.  Meetings held in media centers.
  14. Meeting adjourned at 8:10 by Mandy.

Respectfully submitted on 10/14/16
Pat Clark, Secretary, SES Media Specialist

september minutes

9/22/2016

 
PTO Members Present:

Mandy Shonak – Co-President
Erin Grimes – Co-President
Chris Castonguay – Treasurer
Stacey Brown
Christina Kryzwicki
Allison Hill
Becky Leiphart (teacher)
Dina Senecal (SES Assistant Principal)
Rob Kapner (MBA Assistant Principal)

3:33 pm – Meeting called to order.

Approval of Secretary’s minutes from May’s meeting.  Chris made a motion to approve, Mandy seconded.

Renata Bowers, author, is coming to SES on October 27th.  Pat Clark will take care of getting her a thank you gift, as she offers her presentations for free to all students.  Pat will submit her receipts for reimbursement.

Treasurer’s report was passed out (see attached).  Reminder to sign up for Amazon Smile…make sure people know to choose Somers PTO as their charity of choice, and we get a portion of purchases.  Dina will look into hooking up our SES Corporate account to that.  Mandy will send Dina some PTO reminders to add to the October Newsletter (Amazon Smile, Target, Shop Rite, Box Tops, etc.)  A flyer will also be made to hand out at the movie night with this information.  As of the end of August, the PTO account has approximately $28,000, which is a comfortable place to be.  The previously approved budget was reviewed.  Chris is convinced that we will be in very good shape as long as the fundraising stays where it has been in year’s past.  

Erin is trying to set up a meeting with Mrs. Oliver and Mr. Krevolin in order to find out what they are hoping to accomplish with PTO this year.  Scheduling has proved to be difficult.

Covering cost of field trips for students on an as needed basis was discussed.  Dina will let staff know that if there is a need, the PTO can be contacted (or the child’s teacher can let Dina know and then she will contact the PTO).

Dina discussed the cafeteria account system that will most likely be coming down the pike….January maybe?!?  Very exciting!  

Motion to approve the Treasurer’s report by Stacey, seconded by Erin.

Mandy discussed a “Welcome Wagon” idea for new students/families  to the town.  Perhaps a ‘basket’ with important town and school info…a water bottle, local restaurant menus, Somers rec sign up info, local parks, school Remind app instructions, etc….Would Geissler’s perhaps donate their reusable bags to house each ‘basket?’  This would be a committee that would be in place for August…need a chair.

Movie Night September 30th!!  
Free movie and snacks for families.  Hotel Transylvania 2.  This is geared towards SES students, but thinking about another one in the spring for MBA students.  Movie Theater is donating popcorn, Big Y is donating candy.  We are partnering with the library for that.

Halloween Happenings at Sonny’s Place on Thursday, October 20th.  
5-7 for SES, 6-8 for MBA.  Looking for volunteers to help set up and break down.  Free trick-or-treat street.  Passes have gone up to $25 for the 2 hours.  Erin will check with the manager to see if the go kart and zip line rides will not “expire” in case of long lines.  Corn maze is OUT.  Discussion about POSSIBLE laser show in the white tent…maybe too expensive?  Dance party with Halloween music?  (Kevin Huss?  Bus driver Sandy?)  Pumpkin decorating?  Haunted hallway redefined?  This would require an enormous amount of volunteers….

Book Fair!  Mandy, Lauren and Allison will chair this year.  STILL NEED VOLUNTEERS!!  Volunteers for set up and during book fair hours.     

Take a look at the meet and greet sign up sheets for volunteers.  Set up takes a long time.

Book Fair-
Lisa Forest has a new job and can help run it but, cannot set up or clean up.  PTO doesn’t profit from the book fair, but they do get scholastic bucks for the library.
Possible idea- have the 6th graders come to SES before SES hours to shop at the book fair. A way for grade 6 to purchase books when they do not have a book fair specifically for grade 6…7:45-8:20am (ish… ). Just about the grade 6 first period.
Rob Kapner will talk to the grade 6 team and see if this is something they are interested in.

Cultural Enrichment-
Waiting on Corinne to confirm dates for the activities we are going to book.
Many of these presentations are going to include grade 6.
  • BMX Bikes- will include MBA. Corinne will coordinate with MBA on a date for those.
  • Mid-December for Painter. (to include MBA 6-8 grade performance) Corinne will coordinate with MBA on a date that works for both schools.
  • Met with Dina and Jennifer prior to PTO meeting to secure shows and discuss the dates.


Fundraising:
  • Notes to school (“opt out” forms- check box to include a free notes to school)
  • Coupon Books – will sell at the PTO table.
  • Raffle at Parent-Teacher Conferences.
  • Square 1 Art is happening at SES and MBA. Sue Koulisis has taken it on for this year with 8th grade. She will also allow for submissions from other grades even though they don’t currently have art.  Extra forms for other family members, but it might be difficult to explain. PTO will work on getting the word out. Put them out in school offices.
  • Butter braids – Make a lot of money. Labor intensive. Scrap it.
  • Gift Cards – may or may not do.

Next Meeting Date:  10/13 at MBA @ 7:00 pm.  

Adjournment:  Motion to adjourn by Erin at 4:35, seconded by Christina.

                Respectfully submitted by Pat Clark.

May minutes

5/11/2016

 
  1. Call Meeting to Order – by EL 7:10pm
  2. Introductions – attendance:  Emily LeTourneau (EL), Tina Saunders, Allison Hill, Many Shonak, Chris Castonguay, Erin Grimes, Holly Martello, Heather Modzelewski, Stacey Brown, Kathy Hoague, Tina Suter, Clay Krevolin, Lisa Horan, Brittany Dwyer.
  3. Secretary’s Report
    1. Reading & Approval of Minutes – read & approved by Allison Hill, 2nd by Mandy Shonak
  4. Treasurer’s Report
    1. Review & Approval of Monthly Reports – attach report;  reviewed & approved by Stacey Brown, 2nd Allison Hill.
      1. New report presented by Chris Castonguay;  will do recap ½ through school year and end of school year. “Somers PTO Budget Analysis”.
      2. Budget for next year will be reviewed with outgoing and incoming President(s).  Will then bring to all members for approval.
    2. Field trip assistance form – possibly for next year
    3. Surplus year – idea from Emily L to use the surplus from this year to fund 16/17; then funds from 16/17 to fund 17/18..so on and so forth so that President’s/ Principals can plan in August in terms of available funds for the school year.
    4. Chris mentioned that these past few years have been the first years in a long time with a positive budget.  Thanks to those who fundraise and to all committee chairs that help keep costs low.
  5. Elections
    1. Nominations:
      1. Co-Presidents:  Mandy Shonak & Erin Grimes; voted/ approved by All.
      2. Co-Vice Presidents:  Tina Suter & Tina Saunders  (Tina & Tina stated that they did not have time to take a board position next year and did not want to be included in the election) or Heather Modzelewski & Stacey Brown; voted/ approved by All.
      3. Treasurer:  Chris Castonguay; voted; approved by All.
      4. Co-Secretaries:  Jen Hale & Pat Clark (Pat for the 1st ½ of the year only); voted/ approved by All.
      5. Any additional nominations from the floor? – N/A
      6. Voting – all approved.  
  6. Committee Reports
    1. New Business
      1. Town Budget passed yesterday per Clary Krevolin – wonderful that all that work has been done.  Support from the community is great, a lot of a less painful process than prior school districts.  Very small voter turnout.  Per Lisa Horn/ severe cuts back in 2009 and one teacher per grade were lost.  Citizens for Somers Educational Excellence formed after that and have been spreading the word since.  Much education went into getting it to the point that it is in now.  
    2. Events/ Programs (upcoming)
      1. Book Fair – BOGO only at SES– next week; Allison sending up sign up for volunteers to help.  Need volunteers during the day.  Starts Wednesday; Chris to provide cash boxes.  
      2. Carnival – Erin Grimes praying for no rain/ most of the vendors cannot come 5/21.  Friday 5/20 5:30 – 8:00.  Need more middle school teachers for dunk tank volunteers.  Emily will help with Erin on sign up genius.  
      3. Field Day lunch – Brittany Dwyer will change slightly.  Less hot dogs, popcorn only – Smartfood, more watermelon, ice pops are in the freezer.  Need additional volunteers ; have 7 now; need 10.  Brittany will get the word out.
    3. Cultural Enrichment – new committee chair:  Christina Krzywicki
    4. Fundraising
      1. Field Day t-shirts – late this year, trying to gather all the orders.  Can we do this earlier this year?  All orders need to be in by Friday.  Lots going on, very hectic!  We need to change approach next year.  Thank you Brittany!!!
  7. General Discussion
    1. Thank you’s from teacher appreciation weeks. – Thanks to the teacher luncheon and teacher appreciation committees.  Thank you to Erin Grimes & Tina Saunders for all that they did.
      1. Donations from Hallmark were much appreciated. – Thank you Erin, Stacey & Linda Ford!
    2. E-mails (Emily took the time to add to the agenda so that everyone could share in the appreciation): - many appreciated Tina for her efforts.
  • Please be sure to thank everyone for all the efforts that went into Teacher Appreciation week and tokens of appreciation all week that were shown by students and parents to our teachers, paraprofessionals and tutors. In addition, please thank all those who helped with the luncheon. It was greatly appreciated by all who partook in the delicious food.    Best – Jennifer Oliver

  • On behalf of our Sixth Grade Team, and my colleagues here at MBA, I'd like to thank the PTO for your beautiful and unexpected gift bag. Teachers are abuzz with the thought of delivered supplies to our boxes!    Thank you again - Mr. M~

  • I wanted to thank the PTO for the wonderful lunch that was put together for the teachers at MBA.  There was a lot of thought and effort and time put into this lunch from the decorations to the food as well as the homemade desserts.  Everything was outstanding!  Please send my thoughts to all of the parents that worked so hard to prepare this beautiful lunch, it was appreciated by all.  Thank you again,   Sue Koulisis, art teacher-MBA

  • Hello - I just wanted to send a quick thanks for putting together a great lunch yesterday. It was a nice treat!  John Gieras!

  • Thank you so much for the amazing lunch spread you put together!  Teacher's morale makes a tremendous difference on student learning.  The positive and supportive environment here is to be treasured!  And the food was tremendous too. – Marika Kraus

  • Thank you so much to all the ladies for the amazing lunch yesterday!  There was so much we had leftovers today!  So yummy,  Christine Hillebrech

  • On behalf of my fellow colleagues I would like to extend a sincere thank you for the PTO's show of appreciation for teachers this afternoon. The delicious spread of savory dishes and mouth-watering desserts were simply sublime. I personally am about to mow my lawn (push mower) twice just to fit into my new suit for my daughter's wedding.   As for your support for Stargirl, the show is only days away and I know we couldn't have done it without the PTO's generous donation and support at a recent SEF meeting. Thank you for all that you do!  Best - Mark Maciolek

    1. Questions/ Suggestions
      1. Facebook – Emily updated Editors and Admins to those Board members and committee chairs who had requested access.
      2. Teacher luncheon – Tina Saunders will not be volunteering next year/ need new committee chair.  Tina also stated there was confusion over the budget.  Tina thought the budget was $1500, but stated that Emily confirmed at a “late date” that it was $700.  Tina asked about the budget at the last PTO meeting, and the information was not available so Emily confirmed 2 days later via e-mail.  Emily noted for future reference the budget is always approved early in the year.  Chris C’s new report should help to keep all committee chairs on track.  Tina was able to stay within the $700 budget with food and monetary donations.  Tina noted her concerns about keep the lunch and making it great for all SES & MBA teachers…all in attendance could not agree more.
      3. Committee Chairs – all committee chairs should be contacted and confirmed that they will be committing for 16/17 school year.  Brittany Dwyer, Emily LeTourneau & Caitlin Cooke will be chairing fundraisers.
      4. Used stuffed animals being collected – collecting in the SES main office.
    2. Next Meeting Date – June 8th? – confirmed.
  1. Adjournment – Stacy Brown, all adjourned.  

Respectfully submitted by Emily LeTourneau

april minutes

4/13/2016

 
​ 
  1. Meeting called to order by Emily Letourneau at 6:05.
  2. Introductions:  Rob Kapner (MBA asst. principal), Jennifer Oliver (SES principal), Emily LeTourneau (president), Chris Castonguay (treasurer), Holly Martello, Erin Grimes, Mandy Shonak, Stacey Brown, Tina Saunders, Brittney Dwyer, Jennifer Hale (co-secretary) Pat Clark (co-secretary)
  3. Secretary’s Report
    1. Questions/ Approval of Minutes (found on www.somerspto.org)  Motion to approve by Mandy, seconded by Holly.
  4. Treasurer’s Report
    1. Review & Approval of Monthly Reports—submitted by Chris Castonguay.  Motion to approve by Erin, seconded by Holly.
  5. Committee Reports
    1. Funding request:  A request was made by 5th grade teachers for monies to help defray the cost of the trip to Plimoth Plantation.  Transportation costs have risen dramatically.  $650 is requested ($6.50/student).  Motion to approve:  Emily.  Seconded by Holly.  Unanimously approved.
    2. Funding request:  Rob requested funding for upcoming MBA events:  Fieldtrips for each grade level, $500 per grade level.  Motion to approve:  Tina, seconded by Holly.  Unanimously approved.
    3. Book Fair:  Extremely successful, raising $6,731.29.
    4. Cultural Enrichment:  Jacqueline Davies, author of The Lemonade War series presented to K-6 students on 4/6.  Her 4 presentations were very well received by students and staff.  Comments from staff are attached.
    5. T’shirts:  report by Jennifer Hale:  Spartan, field day, 5th grade. ($10 per shirt, with $5 profit for the PTO)
    6. Carnival:  Report by Erin Grimes:  Fri. 5/20, raindate Sat., 5/21 5:30-8.  Dunk tank will be borrowed from high school.  Middle school teachers will be included this year.  Volunteers from SES:  Barb Anderson, Becky Leiphart, Jessica Sharpe, Colleen Meier, Tenley Stoltz, Andy Phillips, Mike Clarity, Kristin Baber, Stephanie Toney, Mike McDonnell, Joe Tarpinian.  Manning the dunk tank:  Dina Senecal, Jennifer Oliver.  Cheerleaders:  Lori Polis, Pat Clark.  MBA Volunteers:  Amy Avery, Rob Kapner. Several sponsorships have been received.  Big Y is donating hot dogs and buns.  Hallmark donated plush animals to give.  Children’s librarian, Marie, and the fire department are manning a table.  “Once Upon a Fairy Tale”  characters will be here.  Kara Walters will sponsor an activity—face painting. Two clowns will be performing.  Middle/High school students will be asked to assist, although it is Prom night!
    7. Teacher appreciation luncheon:  5/4 (SES), 5/10 (MBA)  Tina Saunders is chairing this.  “Cold” luncheon this year, donations for dessert.  Suggestion will be made for students to participate in this teacher recognition week.
  6. General Discussion
    1. Review committee open positions - Nominations for Co-President:  Mandy Shonak and Erin Grimes.  Vice President:  Tina Suter and Tina Saunders   Co-secretary:  Jennifer Hale/Pat Clark Cultural Enrichment:  Jennifer Oliver and Dina Senecal will handle this for SES.  Pat Clark will handle authors. Fundraising:  Brittney Dwyer, Emily LeTourneau. Voting will be at next meeting.
    2. Questions/ Suggestions:  none
    3. Next Meeting Date – 5/11/16 at SES, 7 PM
  7.  Motion to adjourn at 7:05 by Emily.  Seconded by Tina.
                            
                            Respectfully submitted by Pat Clark
                            4/13/16

March minutes

3/9/2016

 
​
  1. Meeting called to order by Emily Letourneau at 7:07.
  2. Introductions:  Rob Kapner (MBA asst. principal), Clay Krevolin (MBA principal), Stacey Brown, Mandy Shonak, Brittany Dwyer, Tina Suter, Caitlin Cooke, Emily LeTourneau (PTO President), Jennifer Hale (PTO co-secretary), Tina Saunders, Erin Grimes, Mark Maciolek, Chris Castonguay (PTO Treasurer), Pat Clark (SES Media Specialist, PTO co-secretary)
  3. Secretary’s Report
    1. Questions/ Approval of Minutes (found on www.somerspto.org)  Motion to approve by Tina Suter, seconded by Brittany.
  4. Treasurer’s Report
    1. Review & Approval of Monthly Reports—submitted by Chris Castonguay.  Motion to approve by Jennifer, seconded by Tina Saunders.
  5. Committee Reports
    1. New Business:  None
    2. Events/ Programs (upcoming):  Rob Kapner discussed an upcoming event: Bill Corbett:  “Raising Capable and Independent Kids” will be presenting to staff at 4/5 staff meetings and again to parents on 4/6 in the evening. Babysitting will be provided by the high school Honor Society.  Donations of canned goods for the food pantry will be collected.
    3. Clay requested funding for upcoming MBA events:  ice cream social during the day (last 2 periods of the day) for 6th graders--$300, plus volunteers??  Unanimously agreed to fund.  Emily will create a sign-up genius asking for volunteers to help serve.  Also asking for parent chaperones for the 7th and 8th grade dance…  He will also be looking for funding for upcoming field trips.
    4. Book Fair:  Tina Saunders reported.  Classroom teachers only will be getting a $30 voucher.  Chris will provide a cash box.  Stacey will be doing a raffle during conferences.  She will be looking for volunteers to help man the table.  Wed./Fri. afternoon and Thursday evening.
    5. Cultural Enrichment:  Jacqueline Davies, author of The Lemonade War series will be presenting to K-6 students on 4/6.  Book pre-order forms have been sent home and are due on 3/11.
    6. Field Day:  June 3rd.  Possibility of t’shirts?
    7. Carnival:  Report by Erin Grimes:  Fri. 5/20, raindate Sat., 5/21 5:30-8.  Dunk tank will be borrowed from high school.  Middle school teachers will be included this year.  Perhaps this year, vendors could come in to sell food or maybe the food service students from the high school?  Utilize community and high schoolers to man events
  6. General Discussion
    1. Mark Maciolek presented an iMovie about his upcoming MBA plays,  “Stargirl” and “A Pirates Life For Me”.  He would love to have some funding for the drama program.  It is a cultural enrichment opportunity for our students, as well as a learning experience for all of the students involved.  Over 85 students participate.  Suggestion was made to fund $500 for this year.  Unanimous approval.
    2. Review committee open positions - need volunteers for President/ Vice President/ Cultural Enrichment, Spring Carnival.  Nominations/voting will be at next meeting.
    3. Questions/ Suggestions:  none
    4. Next Meeting Date - 4/13/16 at SES, 7 PM
  7.  Motion to adjourn at 8:25 by Emily.  Seconded by Brittany.
                            
                            Respectfully submitted by Pat Clark
                            3/10/16

January minutes

1/13/2016

 
​1.  Meeting Called to order:  by Emily LeTourneau at 7:11.

2.  Introductions:  Emily LeTourneau (president),  Jennifer Oliver (co-principal), Allison Hill, Tina Suter, Caitlin Cooke, Naomi Paxton, Chris Castonguay (treasurer), Brittany Dwyer, Janelle Bohonowicz, Rob Kapner (asst. principal)

3.  Secretary’s Report
    a.  Questions/Approval of Minutes:  Minutes on website… we are going paperless!!  Move to approve by Brittany, seconded by Allison.

4.  Treasurer’s Report
    a.  Review & Approval of Monthly Reports:  by Chris:  We are doing very well with our fundraising efforts.  Profits  to date:
Taste Books:  $1,200
Gift Cards:  $919.00
UCONN/Disney:  $949.50
SES Book Fair:  $802.00
Box Tops:  $2,315

Move to approve by Allison, seconded by Tina.

5.  Committee Reports
    a.  New Business:  None
    b.  Events/Programs (upcoming):  Book Fair is all set.  Gayle DeBortoli Grant will be coming up.
    c.  Cultural Enrichment:  Teresa Pelham, author and dog rescuer visited all students at SES on 1/12.  Very well received.
    d.  Fundraising
        1.  Spring Raffle:  During parent conferences—Stacey Brown.
        2.  Carnival:  Erin Grimes will be asked if she wants to chair this…
        3.  IXL Tickets:  Hockey/Disney/UCONN:  report by Brittany.  Response has been positive.  Discussion of doing Circus (NO!), Gymnastics (NO!), Cirque de Soleil (YES!) in June also.

6.  General Discussion
    a.  Review committee open positions:
President, Vice President, Cultural Enrichment… and many others!  Nominations will be made in April, voting in May.
    b.  Questions/Suggestions:  Becky will check with Joe Tarpinian about scheduling Field Day, so that the committee (chaired by Brittany and Caitlin, supported by Geissler’s) can get started.
    c.  Next Meeting Date:  2/10 at SES.  

7.  Adjournment:  Motion to adjourn by Janelle at 7:50, seconded by Becky.

                Respectfully submitted by Pat Clark.



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