Meeting Minutes
Somers, CT PTO Meeting
Wednesday, November 12th, 2014
Somers, CT PTO Meeting
Wednesday, November 12th, 2014
- Call Meeting to Order at 7:04pm
- Introductions: In attendance: Heather Modzelewski, Meg Munson, Emily Letourneau, Angie Roy-Obrien, Stacey Brown, Angela Hewitt, Jennifer Hale, MBA Principal-Mr. Clay Krevolin
- Secretary’s Report
- Reading & Approval of Minutes. Motion to approve Angie O. 2nd Stacey Brown. Minutes from all meetings now available on website after meeting.
- Treasurer’s Report
- Review & Approval of Monthly Reports- no report this month (Treasurer away), cannot approve last months report.
- Pilot for an after school program
- Introduction/ Discussion led by Anne Kirkpatrick – Moderator for Somers Congregational Church presented program proposal to hold an after school program for grades 5th-8th Tuesday-Thursday from 3pm to 5:30pm to be held in the Bugby Center located in the Somers Congregational Church. Looking to possible start program in Spring 2015. This would not be a church sponsored program and would be similar in structure to the coop preschool in which the program is not at all church affiliated but simply located within the church building. Anne Kirkpatrick is here as a representative to solely introduce the concept and will not be involved in the actual program. This program is looking to meet the apparent need for this age group of children to have a place to go after school. Historically, some students had been going to the library and this has created some problems. MBA principal has noted that since some fall activities/sports have stopped the fitness center has been full seems children need a place to go because they do not want to go home right home after school. Rec department cannot provide programs due to building permit issues, budgets, etc. One goal of program would be to get interested middle school teachers to come tutor during these days and would be compensated for their time. Bugby center has a lot of classroom space, kitchen, sewing machines, elevator and is handicap accessible. Program would be activity and homework based with some socialization time as well. Enfield and Granby have similar programs we can reference. Today discussion was to have the PTO assist in the creation of a parent survey to see if parent interest would support such a program. A survey has been done in the past by the PTA when the topic of a before and afterschool program had come up and showed little interest at that time to support that program. Several points/concerns were discussed:
- Emily volunteered to work with Nicole Karen and Sarah Moriarty to develop a parent survey.
- If survey shows interest parent meeting would be planned to be held at Bugby center.
- How would children be transported to Bugby center from school?
- How many children could be accommodated?
- Program could begin in Bugby center and move to a school building in future if possible.
- Committee Reports
- Communications
- Events/ Programs
- Halloween Happenings- Great feedback overall, higher attendance numbers than ever before, higher costs noted due to the small toy handouts vs. candy in past. DJ donated his time and services (thank you!)
- Book Fairs (November)- happening now await feedback
- Store Education Programs
- Movie Night (TBT)-still in the works, no new updates.
- Free to Be Me (December?)
- March into Spring Party – or replacement?- Teacher & Staff Appreciation (May)
- Field Day ( May/ June)
- Other updates/ Questions –MBA principal discussed scarecrow project this fall and noted it was a successful teambuilding activity as well as a competition and fundraiser for the Community Service Club. Raised about $250.00
- Cultural Enrichment-
- December 4th – “We the People” program, very well received by audience in past
- Hoping to get another program in at MBA before holidays
- January- “I am Special, You are Special”
- “Ugly Duckling” in March
- BMX program costs are still being obtained and Angela needed approval for more PTO funds in order to book more performances at MBA and SES. She will bring final numbers to next meeting
- working on May schedule now for both MBA and SES
- Suggestion was made to possibly send out blast emails to parents regarding cultural enrichment programs so that parents recognize this is a PTO paid program and not a school paid program to help encourage participation in PTO and fundraising in general
- Gayle DeBortoli Grant
- Fundraising- a lot of discussion surrounded this tonight with various options presented by PTO members from other school districts.
- Winter – Coupon Books & Gift Cards – approx. 34 books sold so far
- Raffles – Fall Conference time & Spring Conference time- PTO selling raffle tickets for gift baskets and so far doing well.
- Spring – Fun Run/ Walk for kids- Discussed Fun Run/Walk –date TBD but will be possible at lunch time, fundraiser –format still TBD but discussed people could donate with a flat fee or pay per lap completed
- Sprit Wear
- Other?
- PTA to PTO Transfer
- 501(c)(3) status approved by IRS.
- Officially PTO has been granted “not for profit” status
- General Discussion
- Next Meeting
- Questions/ Suggestions
- Adjournment- Motion to adjourn at 8:08pm by Emily, 2nd by Angela H. and Meg M.