PTO Meeting Minutes February 9, 2009
Attendees: Megan Houston,
Leslie Capano, Lisa Hebert, Katherine Hunter, Erin Mallory, Donna MacDonald,
Rick Ebel, Nancy Vetters, Tonia Karnedy, Kate Cunningham.
The PTO meeting began with a discussion regarding school pictures at Orchard.
PTO officers had spoken with area photographers and obtained proposals to bring
to the meeting. The current photographer, Lizzari Photographic, was recognized
as being very cooperative and responsive. Finest Image was also introduced as a
contender; like the other photographers, they will take sibling pictures. Life
Touch photography was recognized as the only photographer in the group who did
not charge for retakes, as well as for specializing in school pictures only.
Beltrami studios was recognized for quality of work and for offering a
first-year bonus to the PTO as part of the fundraising proceeds. Attendees felt
it was difficult to make a thorough comparison based on the information provided
in order to proceed with the vote to name the Orchard School picture
photographer. Katharine Hunter suggested that we invite the photographers to the
March PTO meeting to present their services to the group, and the group agreed
to invite Beltrami, Lizzari, and Life Touch.
The meeting then addressed event and fundraising updates. The Science Fair and
the Chess Club committee chairs were identified as not needing immediate
replacements, although the PTO will search for a new Science Fair chair to
shadow Tim Barritt, the current Science Fair chair, through his last year in
2010. The PTO reviewed “It’s My Artwork” as a possible fundraiser for spring or
fall 2009 or for 2010. Participation in this fundraiser rose significantly when
the fundraiser was conducted with the cooperation of the Orchard art classes.
The group decided to approach the Orchard art teacher about a collaborative
effort and to tentatively plan on holding this fundraiser in the fall of 2009 so
that merchandise could be used for holiday gifts. The group discussed the
Innisbrook wrapping paper fundraiser and decided not to initiate it in the fall
of 2009 due to the perceived risks involved with person to person sales for kids
and the burden of parents to assume this sales responsibility on behalf of their
kids, as well as the shipping charges applied to online orders. Red Barn was
mentioned as a possible fundraiser, since they offer Vermont products
exclusively. However, drawbacks included the perishable nature of some of the
gifts as well as the investment required for purchasing items.
The fundraising discussion continued with a debate over whether to ask parents
for cash donations in the form of dues or unrestricted giving. In previous
years, an appeal for donations netted funds for the PTO and the group debated
the best time of year to ask for them, or whether certain initiatives might
motivate giving, for example, in the case of acoustic tiles or AV equipment.
Token recognition was also discussed, possibly in the form of a decal or magnet.
An Orchard cookbook and flowers for Mother’s Day were also discussed as possible
fundraisers. Although flowers may have a potentially exclusive effect for
students, the more discretionary Orchard cookbook could work well as a
fundraiser positioned around Mother’s Day. Spring Fling was mentioned as an
opportunity for fundraising, although the group felt that the celebratory aspect
of the event needed to remain the priority. Tickets may be sold for a minor
amount to help defray expenses. Orchard night with the Lake Monsters is
tentatively scheduled for June 25th. This fundraiser netted $1700 the
first year and less last year, most likely due to cloudy weather. Lastly, Price
Chopper’s Tools for Schools program and a possible school funding program
through Shaw’s were raised as additional ways for families to contribute to the
PTO.
The methodology for funding field trips was discussed in brief. Treasurer Tonia
Karnedy, who has been tracking the district-wide discussion on this issue,
agreed to send proposed text for appeals to parents to the assistant
superintendent for approval. Attendees read and ok’d the proposed text.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Page created by PTO Secretary Megan Houston and Orchard Library Media Specialist Donna Macdonald.
This page last updated: 05/13/09.