Dansville Elementary PTO Meeting Minutes

January 12, 2012

Present:  Jackie Bashore, Andy Cox, Missy Crandall, Fawn Dunbar, Judy Gorrell, Lisa Harris, Kelly Jones, Maureen Mans, Lauri McDaniel, Ann Meade, Sarah Mosher, Rashonda Schild, Caitlyn Soelberg, and Kim Smith

Meeting called to order 6:32 pm by president, Missy Crandall.

OLD BUISNESS

• Review of Minutes:  Kim moved to accept the December meeting minutes, Jackie seconded, motion carried.

NEW BUISNESS

• Principle’s Report:  Mr. Cox reported:
  • AMESweb screening was done in record time, only 3 days.
  • Math and Science night was well done and received good feedback.
  • Ipads have been distributed to all staff.  Training will be soon.
  • He attended an anti-bullying conference in regards to the “Matt’s safe school law” which is an anti-bullying legislation that passed December 6, 2011.
    • There is no literature on the website and it is in the beginning phases.  All schools are required to have an anti-bullying policy.  The conference gave guidelines as to what is or what isn’t bullying.  It will require a community effort and there will be documentation and an information night to inform  parents of the policy
    • Asked PTO for assistance and ideas in doing school Fundraisers.
      • Committee mentioned the walk-a-thon which did not occur this year, considered moving it to the fall.
      • Stay away from sales.  Suggested idea of a pickle sale for the kids.
      • Read-a-thon during March/reading month.  Lisa will research idea and it will be addressed at the February PTO meeting.  Possibly use with a $5000 Lowe’s grant to get physical fitness playground equipment.
• Teacher’s Requests:  PTO agreed to purchase the rug Joan Weber was requesting for the library ($488).  The 12 reading cushions will be purchased through a donation drive.  Kids can bring in money donations, each (of 17 total) classroom could sponsor a pillow.  Each classroom will need a receptacle for the monies.  Jackie will chair the drive.  Teachers will be informed at the staff meeting on Tuesday.  The drive will be for February 1-14.
• Secret Santa:  Kim reported that there was $5,297.34 in total sales, $3,958.00 was paid to Fun Services for the product, which left a profit of $1,338.34.  This is a higher than normal profit since Kim purchased product during the 2010 Secret Santa event, and then sold it this year (there was a $100 deficit last year).  Kim signed back up with fun services so we receive a $279 returning loyalty bonus.  Tina worked with Kim and Tina had previously volunteered to organize it for next year.
• Movie Night:  Maybe have as a reward at the end of the read-a-thon

• Support Staff Appreciation:  Will be on February 3^rd.  Rashonda will chair the committee.  Fawn and Jackie agreed to bake.  Rashonda will organize some sort of baked goods/goodie bag (possible a lunch ticket or Biggie B gift card) for each of the support staff.  Mr. Cox will get a list of eligible staff first names.
• Science Night:  Fawn reported:
  • Kids liked the M & M’s!
  • Participation was the same or a little better than last year.
  • The raffle (which needs more advertising next year) made $17.  Raffle winners were drawn at the PTO meeting.  Bill & Erin Sherwood won the Impression 5 family membership.  Joshua Carpenter won the 5 free passes to Impression 5.
  • A robo-call and e-mail went out to parents as a reminder, although not everyone received those messages.  Mr. Cox has fixed that for future calls.
  • The college kids were very helpful, although they were playing soccer in the gym and accidentally broke a window.  The cost to repair the window will be $150-$300.
  • Suggestions for next year:  Need more volunteers, set up earlier, need a map or directions, do on a Friday night or a Thursday when no school on Friday.

Motion to adjourn meeting made by Fawn, seconded by Judy, motion passed.  Meeting adjourned  at 8:00pm.

Next meeting Thursday, 2/9/12 at 6:30 in the Elementary Library

Dates to Note:

March 5-8                                      Book Fair

March 7-8                                      Parent Teacher Conferences

Teacher Conference Dinner

March 8                 6:30pm            PTO Meeting

Respectfully submitted by Lisa Harris, secretary, January 13, 2012.

Dansville Elementary PTO Meeting Minutes

December 8, 2011

Present:  Becky Ames, Jackie Bashore, Missy Crandall, Fawn Dunbar, Judy Gorrell, Lisa Harris, Lauri McDaniel, Ann Meade, Sarah Mosher, Tina Rector, Rashonda Schild, and Kim Smith

Meeting called to order 6:30 pm by president, Missy Crandall.

OLD BUISNESS

• Review of Minutes:  Fawn moved to accept the November meeting minutes, Becky seconded, motion carried.

NEW BUISNESS

• Treasurer’s Report:  There has been difficulty with getting the process down.  Andy Cox now needs to sign all checks.  Becky’s computer was down, but she reports, there is around $8300 in the account which includes the $800 in profit from food sales and $1500 in 2012 Craft show pre-sales.  She still needs to pay for Mr. Gucky’s black out stuff, $200 for the kitchen during the craft show, and may still have to pay for the 5^th grade camp scholarships.
• Principle’s Report:  Mr. Cox could not make it to the meeting as his father-in-law recently passed away.  Rashonda reported for him.  Mr. Cox wants to thank everyone for the great craft show, he and his family had fun.  There was a first citizen’s breakfast with around 30 families.  The teachers choose the kids who received a certificate, pennant and pencil.  PTO website is ready to be added to.  He attended a literacy instruction conference with several teachers last week to help with student engagement strategies, fluency and comprehension.  All of our teachers will be receiving Ipads and training through an ISD grant..
• Teacher’s Requests:  Joan Webber is requesting a rug ($488) and 12 reading cushions ($210) for the k-2^nd grade corner of the library (total of $852.96).  Committee agreed to do one but not the other, maybe make other purchase next year, let Ms. Weber decide which one she would like.  It was also suggested that maybe the PTO should do a coin collection the Friday after school resumes as a fundraiser.  Need to review that with Joan and Andy first. 
• Reading Month:  There was discussion of doing something in the library (possibly Feb 2^nd) to read with family members and hand something out instead of buying books.  Need to fill out teacher request.  Will go on next months agenda
• Movie Night:  Movie night cannot happen as the school will be closed for cleaning.
• Secret Santa:  Kim reported that the Inventory is here and in the library.  She will be setting up on Friday, December 9.  She has to be able to push the tables aside as the teacher holiday dinner moved to Wednesday.  She is getting a good turn out of volunteers, all the teachers have signed up for a day, and envelopes for the money will go home in the Friday folder.  We will do scholarships again of $10 per child, Brenda is willing to help hand out.  The motion to approve scholarships was made by Fawn, Becky seconded the motion, the motion was carried.  The shop will be open Tuesday night after the 2^nd grade program for parents to come in and buy stocking stuffers.  There was a cost loss last year, so the committee agreed to raise prices with a mark up of 6%, then round up to the closest $0.50 (Kim to user her discretion).  Part of the loss may have been that Kim did purchase some product last year, so that product will be all profit this year.  Missy made a donation of pencil bags to the store.

• Science Night:  Will be on Jan 11, 2012.  Fawn reports that Impressions 5 donated 3 passes and 50% off a scholarship, which will be $100 for 2 hours (for them to come in and do a station).  Fawn will donate $50, PTO will pay the other $50.  Monday, December 12 is the training with Family engineering and Fawn is the only person signed up.  She has 5 volunteers lined up.  A flyer needs to be worked up, Becky will help.  Flyer should include possible raffle, free admission, PTO concessions, and brush bots (to be sold at a discounted price).  Fawn will contact Mr. Cox about a raffle and Missy will work on some posters.
• Craft Show:Missy reports that regarding the 2012 Craft show; 54 crafters said they will return next year, 8 did not give a response and 2 crafters said they would not be returning.  There were no complaints but there were a few broken tables (that is something maybe the PTO should look into slowly purchasing new wood tables – not the white plastic ones).  The Girls Scouts did different crafts with the kids which went well.  The food went well, especially the sloppy Joes and 24 box lunches were sold, they will make 36 next year.  Crafters being in the hallway went ok.  Becky will work on the signs, 6 of the new signs were either stolen or blew away.  Lauri McDaniel discussed issues of competition and inappropriate comments made by certain crafters about other crafters attempting to influence shoppers to purchase at their store.  There were too many deserts, but Ms. Gorrell reports that many teachers did not sign up to help bake.  Thank you notes went out in the Friday Folders to save money on postage.
  • NEXT YEAR: Maybe have a Santa there for pictures with the kids.  Work with other elementary craft shows for advertising.  No music next year, the sound system won’t work right.  Add to the contract regarding other crafters being polite to each other.  The show will be 9:00 am – 3:00 pm instead of 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.  Advertise at the Mason craft show.
• Teacher Conference dinner:  Missy reports that Caity did arrange the dinner and there was lots of food left over.
• Aggie Wear:  Becky is too busy and is not going to be able to arrange for a sale before Christmas.  She additionally needs to hand off this task as she is over extended!  Rashonda will e-mail out for a volunteer to chair Aggie Wear.  Otherwise, Lisa has volunteered to head the committee as a last resort.
• Mary Fran:  Mary Fran will have open heart surgery tomorrow.  The PTO may donate a gift.  Additionally, she won the Education Foundation Community Service Award.

Motion to adjourn meeting made by Jackie, seconded by Becky, motion passed.  Meeting adjourned  8:00pm

Next meeting Thursday, 1/12/12 at 6:30 in the Elementary Library

Dates to Note:

January 11, 2012               6-8pm              Science Night

February 3                                                 Support Staff Appreciation Day

Respectfully submitted by Lisa Harris, secretary, December 20, 2011.

Dansville Elementary PTO Meeting Minutes

November 8, 2011

Present:  Becky Ames, Jackie Bashore, Missy Crandall, Fawn Dunbar, Lisa Harris, Lauri McDaniel, Sarah Mosher, Tina Rector, Rashonda Schild, Caityln Soelberg, and Kim Smith

Meeting called to order 6:35 pm by president, Missy Crandall.

OLD BUISNESS

• Review of Minutes:  Rashonda moved to accept the September meeting minutes, Becky seconded, motion carried.  Lauri motioned to accept the October meeting minutes, Jackie seconded, motion carried.

NEW BUISNESS

• Treasurer’s Report:  Becky reports that she is still missing some transactions from Brenda.  She said to transfer $3000 for the reading program.  There is a balance of $5,226.81.  More money will come in at craft show time.  Kim motioned to approve the report, Rashonda seconded, the motion carried.
• Principle’s Report:  Rashonda gave report in lieu of Mr. Cox.  The new MEAP cut scores are different, there will be hand outs a conferences.  Mr. Cox needs to know by next Tuesday if there are parent volunteers to help with the Elementary yearbook.  The PTO website is ready, Lisa will contact Mrs. Cox at coxa@dansville.org.  The box top collection collected over $1500.00.  Dec 7 is the citizenship breakfast, a mentorship program that is starting where adults in the schools will be spending some extra time as a mentor to 1 or 2 students.  Mr. Cox, his wife and family will be helping at the craft show and are very excited.
• Teacher’s Report: Judy will tell staff to bring deserts for the craft show.
• Teacher’s Requests:  There are no requests at this time.
• Movie Night:  Kim would like to have a showing of Polar Express before Christmas.  It was determined to do it on Saturday, December 17.  Kim will look into getting it done as she now has the ok from the PTO to move forward.  A future idea was thrown out to provide optional child care while parents go shopping.
• Science Night:  Fawn reported the event will be on 1/11/11.  There is a Family Engineering training on Dec 12, from 6-8 pm, Fawn will attend with anyone else interested, they will give us supplies for science night.  The MSU science theater cannot commit till after November, but they could provide things such as banana DNA and astronomy lessons.  Impression 5 said they have to work on getting a scholarship, but can give a gift certificated of a $75 family discounted memberships or give a way a free visit for a raffle.  Brush Bots will be available for sale at a discounted rate and he will also do an electricity presentation.  Fawn will use dice, cards and m&m s for math projects.
  • Storage.  Rashonda is working with Brenda to get more storage space.  She has created an inventory checklist of supplies.  Rashonda will work with Fawn about the storage she is currently using.

• Craft Show: Need volunteers!  3 people have signed up to clean up, 10 are needed, 6 have signed up to set up.  Rashonda will be sending out e-mails asking for people to sign up.  Girl scouts may be able to help and PTO room parents need to push for parents help.  It was determined that it is ok for PTO people, school staff and retired staff to set up their booths on Friday night.  Rashonda said she will take pictures of the classrooms so they know how to set them back up.  Advertising; have done community listings, flyers, (unable to get in some papers), flyers on pizza boxes, signs (had some from Trista that we cannot reuse) Becky will look into getting signs from ACE, it is suggested we put out signs during Mason’s home show next year.  Becky will call on cost of 3 part carbon copies for 2012 contract/receipts.
• Secret Santa: Kim has the stuff for the displays.  The stuff she is buying looks great.  There will be a Monday preview and the shop will be open the last week of school in December.  Tina Rector volunteered to shadow Kim to possibly learn how to arrange secret Santa for next year.
• Aggie Wear:  No update
• Craft Show Food:  Faith is waiting for a call from Jackie.  She will be making sloppy joes and hot dogs ahead of time for the lunch time rush.  Missy placed a food order with the school and arranged to bring stuff in on Friday after 1:30pm.

Teacher Conference Dinner:  Caity is all set

Motion to adjourn meeting made by Rashonda, seconded by Jackie, motion passed.  Meeting adjourned  8:10pm

Next meeting Thursday, 12/8/11 at 6:30 in the Elementary Library

Dates to Note:

December 12-16                                        Secret Santa

January 11, 2012               6-8pm              Science Night

Respectfully submitted by Lisa Harris, secretary, November 30, 2011.

Dansville Elementary PTO Meeting Minutes

October 13, 2011

Present:  Becky Ames, Jackie Bashore, Missy Crandall, Andy Cox, Megan Dingley, Fawn Dunbar, Keith Gibson, Leslie Gibson, Judy Gorrell, Travis Gucky, Lisa Harris, Maureen Marks, Lauri McDaniel, Erick McInnes, Ann Meade, Sarah Mosher, Tina Rector, Raschonda Schild, Stephanie Shepherd, Caityln Soelberg, and Kim Smith

Meeting called to order 6:35 pm by president, Missy Crandall.

OLD BUISNESS

• Review of Minutes:  Lisa forgot to print the minutes, she will bring them for review and approval to the November meeting.

NEW BUISNESS

• Principle’s Report:  The school is working on the Meap, My Blissy conference, PBIS, fire safety house from fire dept visited, Kiwanis club brought 3^rd graders dictionaries, AMES testing, 5^th grade camp was a success (at mystic lake-new location), and community day went well (middle school students were paired up with elementary students, created school spirit, did things around the school, read to each other, a motivational speaker came in).  The Halloween Parade will be at 2:05 on 10/31. Enrollment is at 379.  All attendees gave an introduction of themselves.
• New Student Picnic:  We were unable to do under time constraints, but it is a good idea.  Will aim to have such an event 2 weeks after school starts next year.
• Treasurer’s Report:  Becky was not able to print the report, her computer wont turn on.  Brenda emailed her the last couple transactions, there is a $8337.87 balance, $600 is reserved for the black bags, we still owe school $3000 for reading program. About $2000 is pre-paid income from craft show.
• Teacher’s Requests:  Mr. Gucky is requesting black out material (from blackouteasy.com) to cover the windows in the gym.  He uses the coverings for his black light unit to play games where the equipment glows.  Will cost $360+shipping (if business can come video it they might reimburse half back to PTO) to over 4 long windows, 4 above windows, and doors.  Mr. Gucky to cut sizes himself to save money.  Motion to approve made by Jackie and  2^nd by Kim, motion was approved.
• Movie Night:  Kim says we have been doing them recently in the middle school gym with their sound system.   Kim will pick a weekend in January to do movie night.
• Science Night:  Fawn found out that; the Michigan math and science commission have engineering related activities, they will loan materials and give a 2 hour training session for adults for free, trying to get CMU portable star lab (they want $200 for 2 hours), will possibly use a tv station to bring in a meteorologist, she will contact retired teacher Mr. Clickner to present again, and she will contact Impressions 5.  She will need volunteers for providing materials and manning stations and has contact Amber Cross of the NHS who can provide students to help.  It will possibly be on January 11, a Wednesday night,  6-8pm, Fawn to get it put on the events calendar and do building request.  The event will use the gym and possibly 10 classrooms.
• Craft Show:  Will be November 19^th.  Missy has had no luck talking to Faith about food, maybe Chris can help.  She needs volunteers for Friday evening set up and Saturday night clean up, possibly get Dansville boy scouts, or get NHS.  She has 3 big coffee pots.  Only 7 people haven’t sent in a check.  She is going to have to rent tables again this year.  Judy will ask teachers to bring in deserts to be sold for profit.  Not sure how we will fix the problem of delivery of lunches being cold.  The box lunches went well last year, but some crafters still want the hot lunch.  Missy said we are not going to use 2 liters for pop and may add tables in hall outside the library.
• Aggie Wear:  Becky may possibly do embroidered Aggie wear (through Delta Embroidery) around Christmas time.  It costs more for the set up fee, so there might be a little risk, but maybe we could do just 1 image.  Have parent pick up during secret Santa nights so they can be given as gifts.  Clothes can be offered to the High School & Middle School during announcements and can be sent home by e-mail to parents.  Would like to offer blankets, visors, sweatshirts, shorts, etc.
• Teacher’s Conference Dinner:  Caity Soelberg will be the head, on Thursday November 10, in the teacher’s lounge.  Teachers eat at 3pm.  Set up starts at 2:30pm.  Meal consists of  soups salads, breads and deserts, and sign up sheet was passed around. Rashonda to check what supplies we have and will send Caity list of persons who have volunteered to help out.
• PTO website:  Lisa reports, will have a link of the Elementary School website.  We can have links to meeting minutes. Mission statement, officers, link to newsletter, volunteer opportunities, and calendar should all go on the website.
• Hallway Decorations:  Megan will head.  Use blue sticky tack.  We will keep Dr. Suess stuff for reading month another time.
• PTO classroom parents:  What is their responsibility?  Rashonda says it would help with teacher appreciation week.  Help with photos for calendar.
• Box Tops:  Kelly Graff will head.
• School directory:  Discussed with Mr. Cox.  Suggestions made to maybe e-mail it to parents or PTO may pay for copies.  Mr. Cox will look into it and discuss with secretary.
• PTO Newsletter: Rashonda is organizing.  Amy puts out district newsletter every quarter.  We can send home in Friday folders and put on website.  Possibly list first and last names of PTO volunteers.  Rashonda is looking for different ideas of what to put in newsletter; parenting tips, ways to get involved in the community, community corner of events coming up.

Meeting adjourned 7:52pm

Next meeting Tuesday, 11/8/11 at 6:30 in the Elementary Library

Dates to Note:

November 9-10                                         Parent Teacher Conferences

November 10                    2:30pm            Teacher Conferences dinner

November 18                    3-6pm              Craft Bazaar set-up

November 19                    7:00am                        Craft Bazaar (tear down 4-6pm)

Respectfully submitted by Lisa Harris, secretary, October 22, 2011.

Present:  Becky Ames, Missy Crandall, Fawn Dunbar, Judy Gorrell, Lisa Harris, Erick McInnes, Tina Rector, Raschonda Schild, Stephanie Shepherd, Caity Soelberg, and Kim Smith

Meeting called to order 6:40pm by president, Missy Crandall.

NEW BUISNESS

• Introduce Officers – Missy Crandall is the new president., Rashonda Schild will stay on as vice president, Becky Ames will stay on as treasurer, Lisa Harris will stay on as secretary.
• Treasurer’s Report – Balance of $9099.06.  Additional items to be removed include: mackinaw, 5^th grade camp, and kindergarten round up supplies, and a possible $3000 for reading program. Motion to approve minutes made by Fawn, seconded by Rashonda.  Motion Passed.
• Principal’s Report -  The new principal, Mr. Coz has class on Tuesday nights.  Missy reported on his behalf that there are 376 students currently enrolled, it was a great 1^st week, there was a welcome back bus safety assembly, staff is going over acceptable behavior wit the students, the is roof almost finished, AMES testing is going for  k-9, staff thanks the PTO for the welcome back breakfast, and  community day will be the same as homecoming (9/23).  Community day will start with an assembly in am, pairing up in classrooms with middle school students.  Mr. Gucky is doing play 60.  The walk-a-thon –has not been discussed, no one has heard if its going to happen.  5^th grade camp is being finalized.  Mr. Cox does the pledge of allegiance over the speaker in the mornings with the whole school, he announces lunch and wants to announce birthdays.  He has been very nice, the kids like him.
• Review of PTO Calendar – Everyone compromised, Thursdays work best.  Tuesdays are bad for the principal.  Committee agrees to the 2^nd Thursday of every month at 6:30pm.  Note needs to go home in Friday folders to notify parents of the change.  Suggestions of a new family (new families of all grades and K-1 parents) welcoming event, PTO to organize, notify community of things that go on.  Maybe have it 2 weeks after school starts.  Maybe do at the community park, parents can seer the kids on the  playground.  Promote as a family event as opposed to meeting.  Rashonda sending welcome packets to kindergarten parents this Friday.  Lisa to chair if we get volunteers.  Maybe do a dinner of hot dogs, chips, etc, on Monday night.  September 26 at 6:30pm – 8pm.  Will need to get a list of community numbers and organizations, food will be first come first serve, Kim volunteers to donate sloppy joes, we could also have chips and cookies.
• Committee List – Rashonda working on it.  15 new.  Took off 3 events from last year.  Kim will do secret santa, Becky will do aggie wear,   See list.  Kim proposes to split movie licensing with high school and middle school as they may start showing movies during lunch hours.
• Back to school Bash – Lisa reported that it went well, maybe have a separate table for calendars next year as it was on the same table with free stuff, made it a little confusing.
• Calendar Sale – Becky reported that calendars made like $1000. Lisa used ASAP printing and Becky did the binding which saved a significant amount of money.
• Welcome Back Teacher Gift – Becky organized cute clips and put credit on teacher accounts.
• 501c3 Designations – Becky reported that she doesn’t think we should proceed.  We would have to file our own state and federal taxes, it takes a lot of time to understand paperwork, and the biggest disadvantage is that we would have to carry our own liability insurance.  It may cost about $1000 per year for maintenance.  Rashonda made motion to not do a 501c3 designation with PTO monies, Missy seconded, the motion passed.
• Aggie Wear –Becky will chair again and will do more often, but will not use the same person as last year.  She will look into using1^st string embroidery.  Will do end of year t-shirts also.  Suggestion that we expand sales into the Middle and High Schools.
• Teacher Representative -skipped
• Teacher Requests – none
• Family Night/Movie Night – Kim volunteered to chair, Rashonda will co-chair.
• Craft Show – Looking for volunteers, Missy is working on getting someone to work kitchen.  Moving spots around a little.

NEW BUISNESS

• Lisa will contact Mr. Cox about our website.
• Missy will  contact school office about doing a student directory.  If we supply monies, will they organize it?

Meeting adjourned at 8:10pm.

Next meeting Thursday, 10/13/11 at 6:30 in the Elementary Library

Dates to Note:

November 9-10                                   Parent Teacher Conferences

November 18              3-6pm              Craft Bazaar set-up

November 19              7:00am                        Craft Bazaar (tear down 4-6pm)

Respectfully submitted by Lisa Harris, secretary, September 28, 2011