PTO Meeting  January 24, 2008

21  People were attendance.

The December minutes were approved as is.

Dr. Oaks, Principal of Goddard Middle School, came to the meeting to talk about Goddard and to answer questions.  She explained that the job of the middle school is to prepare the students for high school.  There are currently about 750 students at Goddard.  Goddard is able to offer lots of programs and opportunities because of that.  In addition, this allows the opportunity for students to be grouped by ability.  Dr. Oaks urged parents who are interested in looking at the school to drop by and look around.  Also, parents can feel free to make an appointment with one of the counselors to have questions answered.  Placement decisions for 6^th graders are based on MAP scores, teachers, and parents.  The next opportunity for parents to visit Goddard is February 5. 

Treasurer’s Report – We have finished all fall fundraisers.  We made $4400 on Original Works.  We are still waiting on internet checks from gift wrap.  Lynn and Kathleen met last week to discuss budgets in regard to enrichment and technology. 

We approved the following budget items:

• Realigning remaining 3^rd grade budget of $2545 from storage cabinets to 3^rd grade level reading enrichment.   
• Using remaining Technology document camera/projector installation budget of $2100 to install same in Barb Burcham’s and Covered Wagon rooms.   
• $150 for PTO filing cabinet
• $200 for PTO laptop battery
• $200 laserjet printer for Silent Auction use.

Regarding the second computer lab, Lynn will be presenting information on where we are at the next PTO Executive Board Meeting.

Joe Rice is working on legislation that would exempt PTO’s from paying sales tax.

President’s Report – We are still in need of additional volunteers to do copying in the front office. 

Kindergarten registration is coming up.  We need 6 people to help with this.

VIPS – A list will be available at next month’s meeting that shows open chair positions for next year.

Principal’s Report – The parent portal will open for 4^th and 5^th grade parents on February 19.  This will show assignments, grades, and attendance. 

We are preparing to send out the parent survey.  It will all be done online this year.  Kathleen urged everyone to respond.  A flyer will be sent out with the dates of that survey. 

We are projected to have a stable enrollment for next year.  We will have 4 sections at every grade level with the exception of 4^th grade next year.  Next year there will be two 4^th grade classes in the covered wagon.  Additional security cameras will be added. 

Pending a successful Silent Auction, the new computer lab will go in Devon Reinert’s classroom.  Kindergarten Plus will be over at the church.  Mrs. Herman will move her classroom into the building. 

In regard to weighted staffing, we need a second person to participate in meetings and help make these decisions.  There will most likely be 3 meetings at 4:00 in the afternoon.  Dates are to be announced.  Ymmy Carrington volunteered to do this.

Kathleen asked that parents slow down in the parking lot during drop off.  She asked that parents not use the teachers’ lot for turnaround. 

Silent Auction – We are in need of additional donations.  There will be a donations committee meeting Monday, January 28, at 9:15 a.m.  There is a general meeting on Wednesday, January 30, at 7:00 p.m. at Patty Scriffiny’s house.  We do have a puppy again this year.  The event is at Pinehurst on March 15.  This year we will be offering reserved tables for 10 for $200.  The name will be on the table and these people can stay at the table all night.  The pre party will start at 5:00 p.m. to allow attendees to have an opportunity to see items and begin bidding.  The DJ will stay until 11:00 p.m. this year so that we can eliminate the bottleneck at check out.   There will be dancing.  We will have balloons available again beginning at 5:30 P.M.  Kristi Lucas would like PTO members to take forms out and ask businesses to donate.  She mentioned that they are working on putting together a big date night out basket to auction off in the live auction.  Additionally, we are looking for parents to host a social for the kids for Kindergarten and 1^st grade.  The donations deadline is February 22.  Silent Auction information will be coming out in today’s Thursday folders.  The Grocery Certificates/Scrips ladies have gift cards available for purchase. 

Back to School Event – Holly suggested the idea of having this in coordination with the open house outside the school.  She also suggested that maybe we don’t need to do this. 

Art Show – Paige Robertson asked for volunteers to sign up to help at this event.  The date is April 21.  The theme will be a “Wild World Cruise.”  Families will get to go to different parts of the world with their passports. 

New Business – We elected Ymmy Carrington as the Weighted Staffing Representative.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:55 a.m.