Attendees: Allyson Downing, Frank Geier, Ellen Erdmann, Lynne Baechle, Sheila Royer, Rick Ebel, Allyson Yandow, Nancy Hellen, Anita Tuttle

Co-President Allyson Yandow opened the meeting with a review and modifications to the agenda printed in the PTO newsletter.

Secretary Lynne Baechle read the minutes from the January PTO meeting for approval. The reference to a food preparation chart was changed to a food preparation cart. Frank Geier motioned to approve the minutes, Allyson Yandow seconded the motion. The minutes were approved as read.

Odyssey of the Mind: Nancy Hellen

Allyson Yandow welcomed Nancy Hellen to the board meeting and stated how excited the board was that Odyssey of the Mind had returned to Orchard School. Ms. Hellen explained that 5 Orchard students, 2 3rd graders and 3 4th graders, have formed a team under her guidance. The team is preparing for the state tournament on March 18th, 2006. Ms. Hellen has been investigating the funding of the national membership of $100. (Has it been paid for by the school district? Both Central and Tuttle schools have existing OM teams) She also asked the Orchard PTO to fund the $145 problem fee. This fee will cover any materials needed to solve the problem the team has chosen.

It was noted that if the Orchard OM team makes it to Nationals in Iowa, additional fundraising would have to be undertaken by the OM team at that time.

The PTO was supportive of OM but would wait until the question of the membership fee was settled. Once settled an email vote would be taken.

Enrichment: Rick Ebel

Mr. Ebel shared the Chad Hollister proposal with the school staff. The staff recommended placing Mr. Hollister’s proposal on hold until a procedure was identified to review such proposals. Any Artist in Residence program would need to be a school wide event. Mr. Ebel may do a pilot event with Mr. Hollister with several classes.

Drama: Ellen Erdmann

Drama Chair Ellen Erdmann reported that Drama was very successful in their fundraising efforts. Both performances were sold out this year. The Drama program has begun looking into moving the performances to the high school auditorium next year to provide better seating/viewing, lighting and sound for the production. Mr. Ebel is supportive of this decision.

French Club: Allyson Yandow and Rick Ebel

President Yandow reported that French Club has started and has 3 UVM French majors and 3 SBHS AP French students volunteering with the club. Monica Otsby will serve on a district wide committee which will in vestigate the return of world languages to the elementary schools.

Budget Report: Sheila Royer

Treasurer Royer reiterated that Drama made a lot of money. The Drama committee would like to give back to the school by purchasing the custodial staff a new ladder.

A Pizzeria Uno’s night will be held March 21, 2006 to support the PTO at Orchard

Skate Night

Maggie Holt was unable to attend the PTO meeting because she was working. Principal Ebel mentioned the need to cultivate new parents to drive Skate Night next year. The Current drivers of this committee will be leaving the school in the near future.

Chairman Tim Barritt has sent home flyers for the Science Fair March 15th.

School District News: Rick Ebel

Principal Ebel informed the PTO that superintendent Gail Durckel has resigned for personal reasons. The administration team has promised that this change will have no affect on the children.

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