Orchard Ridge Elementary
PTO Board Meeting
December 10, 2002
Lisa Kornetsky
Catherine McKenzie
Mike Hertting
Heather Renken
Mary Day
Don Crary
Kris Ellingson
Ann O’Rourke
Kelly Cook
Michele Hughes
November Minutes
The Board approved the November minutes.
Kris Ellingson discussed the budget including several small expenses that were disbursed. There was a discussion as to why there was so much money in our playground fund. Kris explained that, originally, $7,000 was placed in the fund. Much of that will likely be used for major purchases such as new basketball backboards and hoops.
Dr. Hertting reported that the final numbers for the parent-teacher conference were 90% attendance.
He also reported that the author
Keiko Kasza’s visit went very well. Her books sell around the world. The way she writes her books varies
depending on the cultural differences of her readers. Ms. Kasza showed the children how to make paper origami.
Heather Renken reported that two Family Fun Nights are scheduled for January 16th and 28th. She will be calling volunteers for the gym and library. The Sock Hop is scheduled for February 7th.
The Board discussed whether some volunteers who put in many hours of work for the school should be compensated in some way. Some ideas included paying a portion of Market Day expenses for some volunteers, giving flowers, cash certificates and plaques. The issue was raised that many volunteers do not want any monetary compensation. We decided to consider this issue more in depth at our January PTO meeting.
The PTO had an extended discussion of how we should fund Arts Programming at the School. The teachers’ Cultural Arts Committee made several recommendations which included Jazz works Dance Company, Opera for the Young, Professor Numbers Math is Magical, Clown Day from Circus World Museum, and Bethel Horizon Clay program. Dr. Hertting felt that it was not feasible to schedule all of the programming recommended by the teachers in light of all of the additional scheduled programs such as the Spelling Bee, Geography Bee and Talent Show. There was also a discussion as to whether we should have Opera for the Young every year or every other year. Some members felt we should let the Cultural Arts Committee make that decision. Finally, the PTO passed a resolution granting the school $1,500 for Arts Programming. The presidents asked Dr. Hertting to meet with the teachers again to see what could be arranged this year in accordance with their recommendations, time constraints and available funds.
Mike Hertting and Lisa Stec met with Jan Dyer from the MSCR. The meeting went well. The after-school programs are now up and running.
sThe business meeting was closeds
Dennis Whitish, ORS’s social worker, addressed the PTO on the topic of school safety. ORS is statutorily mandated to implement a safety program. He is one of the person’s responsible at ORS for implementing the safety program.
Mr. Whitish discussed the Save Program, which stands for Student Anti-victim Education. He uses Peg West’s model, which presumes all children have the right to be safe all of the time. Additionally, nothing should be too embarrassing for the children to talk about.
He spoke about how children are taught to handle unsafe situations. One issue that is discussed is risk-taking. How should a child react in a scary situation? Children are taught to trust their feelings that something is wrong, or scary. The children are taught not to ignore unsafe situations.
Children are also taught how to find help when they need it. There are many people they can go to depending on the situation, including their parents, teachers, the crossing guard, Helping Hand neighbors and their principal.
They are also taught awareness of their own bodies and stranger awareness. Be aware of cars slowing down, offering money, or candy. They should feel free to tell someone if this has happened. They should also feel free to tell someone if they have been inappropriately touched.