Pine Glen I PTO Minutes

PTO Minutes – September 2009

Co-Presidents
Katherine Swan
Maria Woods

Secretary
Michelle Grossman

Treasurer
Jolene Fogerty

Co-Vice-Presidents
Joanna DeFrancesco
John Lyons

Principal
John Lyons

Principal’s Report

Very excited to be here and starting the school year at Pine Glen. Mr. Lyons reported that he is very impressed with the Pine Glen community, including class size and dedication of staff/parents.

Goals for the school year include the following:
1.) Would like to use research and data to make informed decisions for school.
2.) 90 minute language arts block
3.) Continued smooth transition with the pick up/dismissal routine.
4.) Increased emphasis on reading nonfiction books for students. 5.) Implement new safety systems.
6.) Maximize instruction time for students in the classroom.

Requesting PTO support with the following:
1.) Principal’s Coffee Date - 1x/month at the “gallery” (school hallway with art). This will allow parents to interact, socialize, ask questions, etc.
2.) Need whistles for school staff (as part of safety protocol)
3.) 2 monitors in the foyer (where the display doors are located) to display artwork, photos, PTO information.
4.)Technology – We currently have Smartboards in place, however we need to follow up on how they are being used.
5.) More Non-Fiction books for the school library (as MCAS testing is based largely on non-fiction materials).

There is a new system in place called the “DORA” system, which is a universal screening tool. The data collected will help us obtain a baseline of where students are academically in the Fall and Spring. It will also help identify students who need extra support early in the year. Students will be assessed 2 or 3 times per year. If a student needs additional support – parents will be contacted immediately.

It is important for families to check the Principal’s Blog Daily, which may be accessed on the Pine Glen website. This blog will take the place of the weekly newsletter.

Guidance Counselor – Jessica May also has a blog. She may attend a meeting to discuss current parental/student topics. Stay tuned.

President’s Report

PTO would like to extend a warm welcome to Mr. Lyons.

PTO dues is currently $15.00 per family. We need your support. Last year we collected dues for approximately 30% of the families at Pine Glen. The PTO funds bus costs, enrichment, carnival, etc.

Meadow Farm Fundraiser – This is Pine Glen’s main fundraiser drive. Please participate, catalogs will be sent home.

Thank you to Jane Lynch and her husband, as her husband’s company donated a Smartboard that was going to be thrown away. She requested $400.00 for a bulb (which is projector, computer, and Smartboard compatible). This motion was voted on and approved by the board.

Upcoming Events: Ice Cream Social and Halloween Dance. These are wonderful social events that are sponsored by the PTO. Activities include the following: DJ, face painting, scavenger hunt, haunted house.

Thank you to Pam Morreira for organizing the Kindergarten playdate in August. Also, thank you to Michelle Grossman and Jolene Fogarty for hosting the “PTO Welcome Table” during Kindergarten orientation.

The PTO received a letter from the Lyons Club in Lexington – Mike Peter’s family requested a donation be made to the Lyon’s club (in lieu of flowers). The PTO will donate $100.00 in his memory.

A request was made for a donation to be made to the Burlington Community Scholarship Foundation.

Vice Presidents’ Report

Joanna DeFrancesco was unable to attend the meeting, as she is at home recovering from a car accident.

There are currently 130 families who are current members of the PTO. ***Our goal is 100% family membership.

Treasurer’s Report

Jolene went over the summary report provided at the meeting of last year’s income and expenses. The PTO received approximately $1,200.00 last year from Shaw’s receipts!!! Register your Shaw’s card number online and register Pine Glen to receive the proceeds.

We received $390.00 from Target last year. All you need to do is register your Target credit card.

Last year’s balance was approximately = $13, 000.00.

Teachers’ Report

Teachers were not in attendance at this meeting.

School Spirit Committee

We need volunteers for this committee to contribute ideas. New activities, ways to help reach parents and get the entire school community involved.

Ideas presented include the following: Parents Only – Potluck Dinner, Hair Styling Night, Knitting Classes, Movie Night, Sports Raffle, etc.

Member Time

Members brought up concerns about families remembering to check the Principal’s Blog. Mr. Lyons explained the importance of this new system.

Member, Carol McDonald suggested that Remax would be willing to donate Balloon rides at the Pine Glen Carnival.

Pam Moreira will be selling Pine Glen clothing. Stay tuned.

A member requested that we do a better job informing parents about box tops, treasurer reports, etc. The board reviewed the ways in which information is presently posted and shared.

Scrip (gift card) program was discussed and needs to be investigated, as a source of income for the school.

THE PTO NEEDS YOU! DUES ARE ONLY $15.00 PER FAMILY. PLEASE JOIN TODAY SO THAT WE MAY PROVIDE OUR CHILDREN WITH THE BEST EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE!!!

Attendance
Katherine Swan, Maria Woods, Jolene Fogarty, Michelle Grossman, John Lyons, Kate Asher, Monica Brown, Jamie McHugh, Courtney McDonnell, Joanne Shortell, Catherine Gillespies, Erynn Mitchell, Kim Ladd, Denise Porcello, Kashif Ahmed, Kathleen MacMunn, Jill McCabe, T. Wislon, Carey Chute, Pam Moreira, Debra Murphy, Raj Thota, Laurie LaPrise, Christina Russo, Carol McDonald Macri, Vidya Raman

Board Contact Information: Please refer to the Pine Glen handbook for board email addresses and phone numbers.