1. Meeting to Order at 7:05 by Emily L
2. Introductions- Emily L, Chris C, Clay Krevolin, Heather M, Tina S, Mandy S, Angela O, Leigh L, Angela H, Lisa S, Cheryl H, Pat C, Meghan E, Jenn H
3. Secretary’s Report
a. Reading & Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve Angie, seconded by Angela
b. Pat Clark announced that the Somers Education Foundation approved to fund $6,000.00 for the drop down projection screen, previously the PTO had allotted money to purchase a DVD/BlueRay player.
4. Treasurer’s Report
a. Review & Approval of Monthly Reports- Motion to approve Angie
i. Chris suggested we advertise collecting box tops, maybe on Facebook, as this is all free money. So far this year totals approx. $2300.00. Box top committee chair will be open next year. Grocery store sign up chair will also be open.
ii. Grant payment was made to Mrs. McEvoy for the Hover Cam.
iii. New Theaterworks check was sent out.
iv. Carnival –Chris reminded everyone that if needed he can send checks directly to vendor so people do not need to wait to be reimbursed.
b. Book Fair/ Fundraising totals-lots of fundraiser activities discussed today such as:
i. Book fair did well, awaiting final numbers. Historically this is run by PTO but all profit gets reinvested into buying books for the school. This committee chair will be open for next year.
ii. SES raffle during conferences did very well approx. $1400.00. This has very little expense as most (if not all) of the items are donated. Noted a lack of volunteers to sit at table for this event.
iii. Interskate event – still awaiting info back on how well this did.
5. Committee Reports
a. New Business
i. School Kidz Program (Leigh Anne Litz)- Leigh L came to inform us about the Staples SchoolKidz program which provides an opportunity for fundraising and also school supply prep for parents. Available for K-8 parents can customize a box of school supplies that will be given to their child on the first day of school. The box is prepared also with the teacher and/or grade level supply list then parents can add on or change. Discounts are offered on supplies, ordering is online. Staples gives lump sum money back to school, as well as 3% of sales. Cost is around $25.00/box for older kids. Emily, Leigh and Mrs. Senecal may meet to discuss this as an option next year. Question arose whether this can be used to fulfill a teacher’s wish list as well. Leigh will also email Mr. Krevolin and Mrs. Senecal.
b. Events/ Programs (upcoming)
i. Spring Carnival – May 1st (rain date May 8th)- moving forward quickly and coming together. Lots of donations coming in. Bounce houses, photo booth, crazy hair station. Home depot supplying craft station and manning it, princess will be coming for photos. Soccer school – discussed need to try and borrow balls from recreation department, basketball with Kara W, food, each child will leave with goodie bag, Chuckie Cheese donated some items. Donation check received today for event $750.00 and over $2000.00 has been received in sponsorship money. Fire department will be coming, teacher dunk tank- many have signed up to help with this in a ½ hr slot, magician and clowns. Still need some volunteers for set up and clean up. Need to bring/purchase towels for dunk tank. Also need some ball pit balls still for a game.
ii. Teacher & Staff Appreciation (May 6th MBA; May 13th SES)- This is historically a very nice event and much appreciated by the teachers. Discussion ensued about who this should be catered by. Some ideas were the new Copperhouse tavern, the other restaurant owned by Copperhouse owner or Moe’s who did a nice job in the past. Budget for this is about $1200.00. Still in need of donations for this – preferably fresh fruit, desserts. Emily to ask for blast email to parents to help with this. Someone mentioned doing daily teacher surprises like bring a flower on Monday, card on Tuesday, etc. Angela H suggested need to include specials teachers in the appreciation activities as well. The committee decorates in the teacher lounge as well as the school entry areas for this event.
iii. Teacher Appreciation Week May 4th – 8th
iv. Field Day - May 29th. Brittany and Katlyn are working on this.
v. Other updates/ Questions –
1. Last day of school is 6/18/2015
2. Mr. Krevolin announced a new 6th grade orientation program on 5/27/15 from 6:30-7:45p. There will be a welcome, scavenger hunt, 6th grade presentation, student council to assist with tours, teachers will be present. Mr. Krevolin asked for PTO support with possibly ice cream and coffee. “Step up day” will still be 6/17/2015.
c. Cultural Enrichment
i. Musical performance was cancelled due to the inclement weather and scheduling difficulties. May come next fall but need contract by 6/13/15. Budget has already been approved. PTO voted to move forward with this for fall 2015. Angela will get contract signed.
ii. Will need committee chair for this as Angela is stepping down but she is more than willing to help the new person get organized. She has been chair for three years.
d. Fundraising
1. Spring – Fun Run/ Walk for kids
a. SES – Friday 5/15/15 during recess and at the high school track. Emily was exploring ways to get the children sponsored online. Looked into program called “Get Moving” but has expensive start up costs so not an option. Trying to get donated pedometers for this event. Emily to contact Dicks’s and Chris will try Cigna.
2. Sprit Wear-Lisa F is helping with this and it is moving forward. Order form will come out next week.
3. Red Robin Fundraising Night – to benefit MBA field trips. Still in the work with this. They are also doing a safe grad event here on 4/29/15 so possibly need to change to another venue. Someone mentioned Chick A Filet as an option.
4. Macdonald’s in Ellington has a fundraiser event where the teachers can go and serve drinks for the evening. They get 40% of the profits that night.
5. Artwork fundraiser – art teachers can help with this project as the kids could create art and parents can buy it as mugs, garden flags, throws, etc. Erin volunteered to help organize this.
6. Amazon smile- choose Somers PTO link on Amazon when purchasing online for money back to schools.
7. New Middle school Fundraiser Chair position - Emily would like to see this for next year. Heather volunteered but would like to co-chair this with someone.
6. Board Nominations
a. Mandi and Carla P are interested in board positions. Pat C and Jenn H are willing to stay on as co-secretaries. Chris C is willing to stay on as Treasurer.
b. Thoughts/ Discussions on how to handle next year. PTO can change times and frequency of meetings, offer more babysitting during meeting.
c. Elections will be next month for a June 2015 turnover.
7. General Discussion
a. Next Meeting – Wednesday 5/13/15 at MBA
b. Questions/ Suggestions
8. Adjournment- 8:45pm by Emily, seconded by all.
Respectfully submitted by Jenn Hale
2. Introductions- Emily L, Chris C, Clay Krevolin, Heather M, Tina S, Mandy S, Angela O, Leigh L, Angela H, Lisa S, Cheryl H, Pat C, Meghan E, Jenn H
3. Secretary’s Report
a. Reading & Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve Angie, seconded by Angela
b. Pat Clark announced that the Somers Education Foundation approved to fund $6,000.00 for the drop down projection screen, previously the PTO had allotted money to purchase a DVD/BlueRay player.
4. Treasurer’s Report
a. Review & Approval of Monthly Reports- Motion to approve Angie
i. Chris suggested we advertise collecting box tops, maybe on Facebook, as this is all free money. So far this year totals approx. $2300.00. Box top committee chair will be open next year. Grocery store sign up chair will also be open.
ii. Grant payment was made to Mrs. McEvoy for the Hover Cam.
iii. New Theaterworks check was sent out.
iv. Carnival –Chris reminded everyone that if needed he can send checks directly to vendor so people do not need to wait to be reimbursed.
b. Book Fair/ Fundraising totals-lots of fundraiser activities discussed today such as:
i. Book fair did well, awaiting final numbers. Historically this is run by PTO but all profit gets reinvested into buying books for the school. This committee chair will be open for next year.
ii. SES raffle during conferences did very well approx. $1400.00. This has very little expense as most (if not all) of the items are donated. Noted a lack of volunteers to sit at table for this event.
iii. Interskate event – still awaiting info back on how well this did.
5. Committee Reports
a. New Business
i. School Kidz Program (Leigh Anne Litz)- Leigh L came to inform us about the Staples SchoolKidz program which provides an opportunity for fundraising and also school supply prep for parents. Available for K-8 parents can customize a box of school supplies that will be given to their child on the first day of school. The box is prepared also with the teacher and/or grade level supply list then parents can add on or change. Discounts are offered on supplies, ordering is online. Staples gives lump sum money back to school, as well as 3% of sales. Cost is around $25.00/box for older kids. Emily, Leigh and Mrs. Senecal may meet to discuss this as an option next year. Question arose whether this can be used to fulfill a teacher’s wish list as well. Leigh will also email Mr. Krevolin and Mrs. Senecal.
b. Events/ Programs (upcoming)
i. Spring Carnival – May 1st (rain date May 8th)- moving forward quickly and coming together. Lots of donations coming in. Bounce houses, photo booth, crazy hair station. Home depot supplying craft station and manning it, princess will be coming for photos. Soccer school – discussed need to try and borrow balls from recreation department, basketball with Kara W, food, each child will leave with goodie bag, Chuckie Cheese donated some items. Donation check received today for event $750.00 and over $2000.00 has been received in sponsorship money. Fire department will be coming, teacher dunk tank- many have signed up to help with this in a ½ hr slot, magician and clowns. Still need some volunteers for set up and clean up. Need to bring/purchase towels for dunk tank. Also need some ball pit balls still for a game.
ii. Teacher & Staff Appreciation (May 6th MBA; May 13th SES)- This is historically a very nice event and much appreciated by the teachers. Discussion ensued about who this should be catered by. Some ideas were the new Copperhouse tavern, the other restaurant owned by Copperhouse owner or Moe’s who did a nice job in the past. Budget for this is about $1200.00. Still in need of donations for this – preferably fresh fruit, desserts. Emily to ask for blast email to parents to help with this. Someone mentioned doing daily teacher surprises like bring a flower on Monday, card on Tuesday, etc. Angela H suggested need to include specials teachers in the appreciation activities as well. The committee decorates in the teacher lounge as well as the school entry areas for this event.
iii. Teacher Appreciation Week May 4th – 8th
iv. Field Day - May 29th. Brittany and Katlyn are working on this.
v. Other updates/ Questions –
1. Last day of school is 6/18/2015
2. Mr. Krevolin announced a new 6th grade orientation program on 5/27/15 from 6:30-7:45p. There will be a welcome, scavenger hunt, 6th grade presentation, student council to assist with tours, teachers will be present. Mr. Krevolin asked for PTO support with possibly ice cream and coffee. “Step up day” will still be 6/17/2015.
c. Cultural Enrichment
i. Musical performance was cancelled due to the inclement weather and scheduling difficulties. May come next fall but need contract by 6/13/15. Budget has already been approved. PTO voted to move forward with this for fall 2015. Angela will get contract signed.
ii. Will need committee chair for this as Angela is stepping down but she is more than willing to help the new person get organized. She has been chair for three years.
d. Fundraising
1. Spring – Fun Run/ Walk for kids
a. SES – Friday 5/15/15 during recess and at the high school track. Emily was exploring ways to get the children sponsored online. Looked into program called “Get Moving” but has expensive start up costs so not an option. Trying to get donated pedometers for this event. Emily to contact Dicks’s and Chris will try Cigna.
2. Sprit Wear-Lisa F is helping with this and it is moving forward. Order form will come out next week.
3. Red Robin Fundraising Night – to benefit MBA field trips. Still in the work with this. They are also doing a safe grad event here on 4/29/15 so possibly need to change to another venue. Someone mentioned Chick A Filet as an option.
4. Macdonald’s in Ellington has a fundraiser event where the teachers can go and serve drinks for the evening. They get 40% of the profits that night.
5. Artwork fundraiser – art teachers can help with this project as the kids could create art and parents can buy it as mugs, garden flags, throws, etc. Erin volunteered to help organize this.
6. Amazon smile- choose Somers PTO link on Amazon when purchasing online for money back to schools.
7. New Middle school Fundraiser Chair position - Emily would like to see this for next year. Heather volunteered but would like to co-chair this with someone.
6. Board Nominations
a. Mandi and Carla P are interested in board positions. Pat C and Jenn H are willing to stay on as co-secretaries. Chris C is willing to stay on as Treasurer.
b. Thoughts/ Discussions on how to handle next year. PTO can change times and frequency of meetings, offer more babysitting during meeting.
c. Elections will be next month for a June 2015 turnover.
7. General Discussion
a. Next Meeting – Wednesday 5/13/15 at MBA
b. Questions/ Suggestions
8. Adjournment- 8:45pm by Emily, seconded by all.
Respectfully submitted by Jenn Hale