Attendees: L. Baechle, A. Yandow, S. Royer, F. Geier, C. McQuillen, R. Ebel, G. Durckel, A. Tuttle

Vice President Allyson Yandow opened the PTO meeting with a review of the minutes from last month’s PTO meeting. Mr. Geier motioned to approve the minutes as read. Vice President Yandow seconded the motion. Minutes were approved.  VP Yandow explained that President Bevilacqua was out of town today.

Budget Review: Sheila Royer

Treasurer Sheila Royer highlighted the following items from the current PTO budget. Skate Night fundraiser raised $600 less than projected, however we still raised $1800. It was a busy night with several other community events (college basketball and hockey events) which may have drawn some families away from Skate Night.

We have received $635 from the Shelburne Rd. Hannaford for the Hannaford Helps Schools program run in the fall.  Principal Ebel pointed out that the school that raises the most money at each store receives a bonus check. This year Chamberlin school got the $1000 bonus check from the Shelburne Rd. store.  We have also raised $400 from Shaw’s registered shoppers program.

There will be a final Pizzeria Uno’s fundraiser on May 3^rd. 

Treasurer Royer asked that any teachers with receipts turn them at their earliest convenience.

Slimy received a $500 grant (in store credit) from Home Depot and have updated the grow lab electronics.  Nancy Hellen received a $500 Shelburne Farm scholarship for a class. She will then donate 20 hours of volunteer time to the school next school year.

Parent Frank Geier motioned to approve the budget. A second was received from Vice President Anita Tuttle. The motion passed.

Chess Club: Anita Tuttle

The kids are having a great time.  The Chess Club is all boys this year. The instructor is handling the club well.  This week will be the last meeting.

Kindergarten Registration: Rick Ebel

Thus far, approximately 55 kids have registered for kindergarten. Principal Ebel estimates the class of 2017 will have about 60 kids.  There appears to be a majority of males in the current class make up.  This raised the question of: what is the male/female split in the rest of the school?  Principal sent a follow up e-mail with these facts:

Enrollment as of April 12, 2005

Gender Balance
Male:        185
Female:     166
Total:        351

There is a preponderance of boys in grades 2 and 3.
Grade 2:  Male: 36  Female: 25
Grade 3:  Male: 36  Female: 28

Cafeteria Water Fountain: Rick Ebel

A concerned parent requested that a water fountain be installed in the cafeteria. Mr. Ebel included the item in the school budget which was sent to the district. This item was cut from the budget at the district level.  Mr. Ebel will continue to pursue this item. Mr. Geier asked when and how often the school drinking water system is checked for lead. At the meeting Mr. Ebel didn’t have the answer to that question available, but followed up with the district the next morning.  Custodian Jackie Bennett spoke with Mike McDonald who said that the city takes care of water testing.  Jackie is going to run the water everyday when she arrives at 6:00AM.  The school system will be flushed by the running of water.  Superintendent Durckel did state that the school’s water is checked for lead and checking the air quality within the school building.

Staffing Changes: Rick Ebel

Long time teacher Donna Peabody has announced her retirement at the end of the current school year.  Principal Ebel will move Mr. Jason Pecor (currently a 2^nd grade teacher) to the Kindergarten class, teaming with Maureen Genzlinger. Mrs. Tracy Pornelos, will teach the multi aged classroom. Mr. Pecor will teach a single aged class.  A Search Committee will be formed after the Spring Break, to fill the 3^rd grade teacher position.  Mr. Ebel hopes to fill this position before the school year ends.

School Signage: Rick Ebel

The school district will be installing a new school sign by the driveway entrance on Baldwin Avenue.

Rewards for Volunteering: Rick Ebel

Mrs. Macdonald informed the PTO that the school has received a new IBM Laptop from IBM because of the volunteer efforts of parent Sara Weber. Thanks Mrs. Weber.

The library has a new pet chameleon, named Mango. Samantha Wolfson won the picking of the pet in the Skate Night Teacher raffle.

Portable Speakers: Shelia Royer

In the January PTO meeting, Principal Ebel requested $345 to purchase portable speakers to go with our wireless sound system.  The money is now available to fund this purchase.  Shelia Royer motioned to approve this purchase. Carol McQuillen seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Summer Camp Scholarships: Julia Paradisio

Principal Ebel made the request for some funding to support several Orchard students participation in summer camps.  Lynne Baechle suggested that the PTO make $300 available to the school counselor to split as she sees fit.  Motion was passed.

Allyson Yandow motioned that the meeting be adjourned. L. Baechle seconded the motion. Motion passed.