Attendees: L. Baechle, A. Yandow, M. Genzlinger, N. Bevilacqua, S. Royer, F. Geier, A. Tuttle, J. Gilmartin, D. Macdonald, R. Ebel, K. Villanti
President Nanci Bevilacqua opened the PTO meeting, welcoming everyone back after the holidays. Minutes were not taken at the November meeting, due to an ill secretary. An agenda for this meeting was distributed.
Budget: Sheila Royer
Copies of this year projected budget were passed out. Treasurer Royer noted that there haven’t been many changes to the budget recently. The annual Poinsettia Sale didn’t take place this year. The PTO did clear a large profit, $733.43, from the Election Day bake sale. Gift Wrap sales and the annual membership drive came in well below projections. It was noted that the Pizzeria Uno’s Fundraiser will occur on Wednesday January 12, 2005.
Principal Ebel asked about the expenses in the Enrichment category. He floated an idea to set some money aside in the category to pay for a final assembly to close out the school wide program of Theme Thursdays. This idea is in the very early stages of development, and will be revisited in the future.
Parent F. Geier motioned to pass the budget. Treasurer S. Royer seconded. The motion passed.
Reading Recovery:
Karen Villanti
Reading Recovery teacher Karen Villanti came to tonight’s meeting to thank the PTO for a $500 grant last year. She brought with her, the materials she purchased with the grant money. She purchased sets of 6 books on the life cycles of trees, and animals; and the solar system, which match the school curriculum. She was also able to purchase 18 books from the Reader’s Theater, which helps with reading comprehension and fluency. These materials have been eagerly used by many teachers.
Interactive
Whiteboard: Donna Macdonald
Librarian Donna Macdonald approached the PTO to purchase an interactive whiteboard to assist in the teaching of computer classes. You are able to use your finger as a mouse on the whiteboard. You are also able to write on the whiteboard and save the material directly to your computer. Currently the high school has 3 similar devices. The price is $2000. Librarian Macdonald has applied for and received a grant of $600 towards the purchase of the 72” model (#580). She is asking the PTO for $1500 for the purchase of the interactive whiteboard.
The Treasurer was asked if there was enough money in the budget for this item. It was decided that the PTO would use the proceeds from the Election Day Bake Sale, Popcorn sales, the spring Cookie Dough sale, and Pizzeria Uno’s night.
A. Yandow motioned to approve the purchase of the interactive whiteboard. A. Tuttle seconded the motion. The motion approved the expenditure of $1500 towards an interactive whiteboard.
Stereo Speaker: Rick
Ebel
Principal Rick Ebel asked the PTO for $345 to purchase a portable speaker, stand, and adaptor for our wireless stereo system. This would allow for the use of the wireless stereo system (amplification) in the project rooms, outdoors, and classrooms.
The availability of funds became an issue. Treasurer Royer suggested that we wait until the proceeds from our next two big events, Skate Night, and Drama, are complete before we purchase anything other large items.
President Bevilacqua motioned to approve the spending on the speaker (and associated items) pending the outcome of future fundraisers. The motioned passed. Treasurer Royer will notify Principal Ebel when funds are available.
Popcorn Committee:
Nanci Bevilacqua
President Bevilacqua reported that Parent Mark Dingeman has taken over the Popcorn Fridays. He is currently recruiting more people. Popcorn sales have been moved to the hallway outside the cafeteria.
Drama: Nanci
Bevilacqua for Joanne Abate
President Bevilacqua reported for Joanne Abate that the Drama Committee has published and is looking for parental help in getting together the costumes for this year’s production of Narnia. The kids are having a ball with the music this year.
There will be a bottle drive a M.T. Bellies for drama in January and February.
During the summer, Director Donald Wright holds drama workshops for kids. President Bevilacqua asked if the PTO would be able to sponsor one Orchard student to attend a workshop.
Orchard Memory Book:
Nanci Bevilacqua
Chairperson Suzanne Austin has notified President Bevilacqua that this is her last year doing the Orchard Memory Book. We are looking for a new chairperson.
Voluntary
Simplicity: Nanci Bevilacqua for Connie Keetle
Parent Connie Keetle has set up a class for Orchard families called “Voluntary Simplicity” which will meet on Wednesday mornings at the school. For those who need an evening session, the same course is available at Shelburne Farms starting March 1, 2005 at 6:30pm.
Chess Club: Anita
Tuttle
Vice President Anita Tuttle would like to replace the chess teacher our Chess Club has used for the last couple of years with an Orchard parent who makes learning chess more fun. Permission was granted to pursue this idea. There is currently $115 in the Chess Club budget from last year. This money will be used towards scholarships, if needed. N. Bevilacqua motioned to pursue these changes. M. Genzlinger seconded. The motion passed.
The PTO will be looking for a Co-President for the 2005-2006 school years. If you are interested or know someone who is, please contact Nanci Bevilacqua.
Nanci Bevilacqua motioned to adjourn the meeting. S. Royer
seconded the motion. The motion passed. President
Bevilacqua adjourned the meeting.
Page created by PTO Secretary Lynne Baechle and Orchard Library/Media Specialist Donna Macdonald.
This page last updated: 04/21/05.