Minutes for Sept. 12, 2005 meeting
Attendees: Gaby Gurt, Stacey Pape, Allyson Downing, Deidre Riehle, Tracy Dingeman, Terri Donovan, Peter Jones, Trish Warshaw, Diana Schwaigert, Sally Wong, Leslie Capano, Maggie Lonergan, Jill Rinehart, Anna Stein, Aimee Marx, Frank Geier, Nancy Hellen, Mamata Hegde, Anne Jenkins, Anne Marie Matthews, Vidya S. Kulkarnui, Ann Morrow, Rachel Sheridan, Ellen Erdmann, Rishona Salemno, Kimiko Yumoto, Connie Keetle, Carol McQuillen, Lalita Oka, Kelly Philbrick, Janet Krupa, Monica Ostby, Dora Sudarsky, Cara Worthley, Tim Barritt, Dana Houlihan, Andrea Houlihan, Linda Norris, Barbara Pawluk, Sara Solnick, Margaret C. Holt (Maggie), Lynne Baechle, Sheila Royer, Rick Ebel, Allyson Yandow, Anita Tuttle
Principal Ebel welcomed the large crowd of parents to the PTO and new school year. He explained the mission of the PTO and the continuing need for new volunteers.
Co-President Yandow introduced the PTO board: Lynne Baechle, Secretary; Anita Tuttle, Co-Vice President; Sheila Royer, Treasurer; and Mo Genzlinger, Teacher Representative, who was absent from the evening’s meeting. Co-President Yandow discussed several of the current fundraisers: School Photo Day which provides 20% of sales to the PTO, Innisbrook Gift Wrap sales, which provides 50% of sales to the PTO, and Hannaford Helps Schools which provides cash based on purchases to the schools. The school which raises the most money will receive and additional $1000 from Hannaford.
International Night Chairperson Diana Schwaigert explained the concept of International Night. There would be a dinner served in the cafeteria, family sponsored tables in the gym, and international entertainment. Mrs. Schwaigert encouraged parents to help out in anyway they could, either in the kitchen serving food, or sponsoring a table. Sign up sheets were available after the meeting.
Chairperson Ellen Erdmann gave a brief history of the drama program at Orchard (6 years now). She explained that the program encompasses grades 2-5 students. Last year, we had 140 kids participate with help from 90 parent volunteers. This year the play will be The Wizard of Oz. Donald Wright will again be our director. In November, the play will be introduced to the student body, with auditions in mid November. The production will be on January 27 & 28, 2006. Mrs. Erdmann is currently seeking a co-chair for this committee.
Co-Vice President Tuttle showed a Memory Book (yearbook) to the gathering. She described the Memory Book page making process as something similar to scrap booking.
Mrs. Tuttle is looking for volunteers to adopt a classroom or two, take pictures of that classroom during the school year, and compile a page for that classroom. Training will be provided at a later date. The cost to print photos is reimbursed.
Co-Chair people Connie Kettle and Carol McQuillen explained what Slimy is, its mission and function in the school and community and gave examples of the activities Slimy does at Orchard. Mrs. McQuillen explained the funding model used to support the Slimy activities: 2 tag sales (fall and spring), and 25% of plant sales for ht month of May from Just Dancin’ (a local garden store). Mrs. Keetle explained that the moneys raised go towards hiring a summer intern to maintain the school teaching gardens, work with the School’s Out and Recreation Department programs which are at the school over the summer months.
Mrs. Keetle outlined some of Slimy’s goals fro the coming school year: to begin to reach out to other schools in the area with similar programs, offering of an adult education course: Healthy Children, Healthy Planet. Teacher McQuillen noted that the next Slimy subcommittee meeting is October 10th, 2005 at 7pm in her classroom.
Principal Ebel explained an out reach program that the school is undertaking to assist a school in the Gulfport, MS. Librarian Macdonald was able identify a school in the hurricane zone, Central Middle School, which needs a lot of assistance. Each classroom will put together a backpack full of school supplies for a student at Central Middle School. The goal is to give our children a way to help other kids in the Hurricane zone. The deadline is Monday, September 19, 2005 for supplies.
A new school sign is estimated at $1200. This is the kind of item which will be cut from a tight school budget.
Treasurer Royer explained that the goal of the PTO fundraising is to cover our expenses. Historically, the biggest fundraisers of the year have been the Innisbrook Gift Wrap sale, and Skate Night. Our largest expense is the Teacher Educational Units, which are a grant to each teacher in the school to cover some educational related expenses not otherwise covered. Mrs. Royer explained that the Drama program covers 2/3 of their expenses through dedicated fundraising efforts.
Ellen Erdmann motioned to approve that budget as it stands. Allyson Downing seconded the motion. The budget passed unanimously.
President Yandow identified two open positions: Co-President, and Co-Vice President. These are 2 year terms. Allyson Downing and Diana Schwaigert had previously submitted their names for the Co-President position, and Ellen Erdmann for the position of Co-Vice President. Each candidate gave a short speech. Completed ballots were collected by Secretary Baechle. The results will be announced at the next meeting.
President Yandow identified several PTO positions which currently need chair people: Chess Club, French Club will need a co-chair person, Popcorn Fridays, and Pizzeria Uno’s fundraising.
Principal Ebel trained the assembly on the school district expectations when volunteering in a classroom, on a field trip, etc. The main points are:
Parent Linda Norris expressed thanks to the PTO officers for all they do for the school.
President Yandow highlighted the sale of 2004/2005 Orchard Memory Books ($8), and Middle School District wide Calendars ($5).
Dora Sudarsky motioned that the meeting be adjourned. Diana Schwaigert seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Page created by PTO Secretary Lynne Baechle and Orchard Library/Media Specialist Donna Macdonald.
This page last updated: 10/12/05.