PTO Minutes for November 12, 2007
Attendees: Allyson Downing, Monica Nygaard-Ostby, Diana Schwaigert, Lynne Baechle, Lisa Hebert, Moira Daly, Rick Ebel, , Carol McQuillen, Bridget Baumgaertel, Heather Bates, Pam Liberty, Nancy Pollack, Linda Norris, Tim Barritt, Peter Jones, Lisa Levitte (Central School)
Monica Nygaard-Ostby, PTO Co-President, welcomed all attendees and brought the meeting to order.
Review of minutes from October 8, 2007: Moira Daly
The minutes from the last meeting were circulated, summarized and accepted. Meeting minutes are available for review online through the Orchard School website.
Budget: Lisa Hebert
Lisa Hebert briefly reviewed the budget. The SLIMY tag sale made approximately $2100. The “It’s My Artwork” fundraiser brought in approximately $2200, half of which goes to Orchard. International Night raised approximately $600, and cost approximately $300 to host, netting $300 for the PTO.
Enrichment: Lynne Baechle
The Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences (VINS) raptor program will be offered to the 2-3 wing on February 15, 2008. The cost will be $634. Allyson Downing motioned that the PTO fund this activity. Monica Ostby seconded, and all were in favor.
The IBM “Jolts & Volts” study of science and electricity will be offered to the 4-5 wing, either March 14 or 21. Lynne is optimistic there may be no charge to bring this event to the school.
Skate Night: Lynne Baechle
Fundraising is going well. The next planning meeting will be held at Cairns Arena on January 9 at 7 p.m.
PTO Chair Activity Reports: Lynne Baechle
Lynne has encouraged all chairs of PTO events to write up a description of what the event has entailed with regard to personnel and planning, and to put all handouts either in hard copy format or stored on a disk in the PTO filing cabinet in the 4-5 project room. This will hopefully facilitate the transfer of information between chairs as new volunteers take over the events.
Cookie Extravaganza: Leslie Capano
Monica Ostby reported that Lisa Capano is organizing the teacher cookie exchange for December 7.
Parenting Workshops: Carol Wheeler
Carol Wheeler is requesting support from the PTO in funding the cost of parenting workshops. These workshops would be run at all three elementary schools, which would share the total cost. Lynne Baechle motioned for the PTO to approve up to $250 toward the cost. Monica Nygaard-Ostby seconded, and all approved.
Spanish Club: Monica Nygaard-Ostby
There are only two sessions remaining for both French and Spanish clubs. Monica is looking for a possible replacement for the Spanish teacher for next semester.
Drama
The production has been cast, and the cast list has been posted on the Orchard PTO bulletin board in the school lobby. There was some discussion about ticket pricing. The PTO will await feedback from Lisa Kunin and Roz Saunders regarding the possible need to increase the ticket price. Production is so far running smoothly.
SLIMY Update: Carol McQuillen
The SLIMY tag sale raised approximately $2200 to fund the gardening intern position. SLIMY had liased with several community organizations which took the leftover items donated from the tag sale for needy families in our community. Efforts will continue to be coordinated with area agencies for future SLIMY tag sales, which to date have raised over $21,000 for our school.
School Board Watch Team: Monica Nygaard-Ostby
Based on the pool of volunteers to date, there will always be an Orchard school parent present at school board meetings.
Science Fair: Tim Barritt
The Science Fair will be on Wednesday, March 12. Tim has suggested this would be a great opportunity for the PTO to host a bake sale as a fundraiser.
There being no further items, Monica Nygaard Ostby introduced the guest speakers for the evening, South Burlington School Superintendent John Everitt and legislative representative from South Burlington, Michelle Kupersmith, present to discuss Act 62 and its implications for our school. For additional information, please go to the Vermont Legislature and/or the South Burlington School District websites.
Page created by PTO Secretary Moira Daly and Orchard Library/Media Specialist Donna Macdonald.
This page last updated: 01/24/08.