ORE PTO Meeting Minutes

11/11/03

**Correction to last month’s minutes: There were three benches installed on the playground.

Call to order 6:07pm

Present: Michele Hughes, Michael Stone, Heather Renken, Kathy Statz, Donna Maysack, Lisa Kornetsky, Matt Silvern, Kelly Cook, Beth Walsh, Dr. Hertting, Lisa Stec, Don Crary, Sally Erck, Amy Vercauteren, Ellen Murphy, Gwen Stone, Mona Jean Harley

Absent: Lisa Veldren

Motion to approve Oct. minutes with correction was unanimously approved.

Budget

According to the worksheet prepared by Matt Silvern and Kelly Cook, the current balance of PTO assets is $17,673.62. There are a few outstanding checks for fundraising. The fundraiser raised $12,812.00 with the possibility of more coming in so will get total next meeting. Motion to approve monthly budget was approved unanimously.

Open House

Michele reports that the open House was a success, attendance was good and most of fundraising merchandise was picked up. Mr. Crary reports that the Adopt a Book brought in $1,435.00 which when compared to others years was proportionately high for number of students in school. He also wishes to thank all volunteers who helped make it happen. The bake sale raised $123.00.

Fundraiser

Many thanks to Heather and Lisa for all the work they did on this very successful fundraiser. Heather reports that most merchandise has been picked up and any left will be sent back to the company this week. Heather suggested some things to consider for future fundraisers:

r Have all information regarding the fundraiser in Spanish as well. Miss Veracauteren was a great help in translating.

r More information should be distributed as to how the money is handled and when it’s due, how to post date the check etc. as some families don’t have the funds in their acct. to write as check to cover all sales.

r Distribute more reminders as to when money is due and who to pay.

r Get more parent volunteers to help.

r Create some way to give out receipts with the sales of product, with the name of contact person if don’t receive product.

r When picking up product make sure the check given matches the child’s order as they may have different names making it difficult to match orders to student.

Fall Sock Hop/Bake Sale

Henry Morel is in charge and has under control. DJ is lined up. Dr. Hertting suggested that we make Sock Hop free and ask for voluntary $1.00 admission so that all students and families can attend, this was unanimously agreed on and new posters will go out and announcements made to get the word out. There will be Door Prizes that were the Product demonstration pieces from the Fundraiser. Everyone upon entrance to the Sock Hop will fill out an entry form. There will be more Door Prizes at the Spring Sock Hop.

Principal’s Report

ORE has received it’s promised 86 refurbished computers, they are installed and working. There is a need for more software and money in school budget has been set aside for this purpose, the next step is to decide what software is needed or desired. Dr. Hertting will ask staff for their input. The computers did not come with speakers, not many are needed but some would be nice, a request to families for donations is being considered.

Tyson Labels

At last meeting the PTO voted to discontinue collecting the labels due to low interest and burden of collecting for two years for a return of $24.00. Again there was concern that drive to discontinue was politically motivated. Michele addressed this issue by looking to the ORE PTO Bylaws. She has a few questions and would like to review the updated Bylaws and address this issue further in Jan. Since this issue is still up in the air, the labels collected for the last two years (prior to the vote) will be turned in for reimbursement.

Room Parents/Volunteer Misc.

Donna has filled all empty spots. Lee Vermeulen has volunteered to coordinate the Yearbook, with help form Tina Hutchinson, Chris Cooley, and Julie Crowns. Donna is working on coordinating the Holiday Concert at Oakwood with Ms. Morrow.

SPARC Bags

Gwen Stone reports she and Lori Nelson have created 6 new bags to add to the collection including topics of: Bugs, Space, Human Body, Exploring Feelings, and Weather. The length of loan time of the bags is up to teacher discretion and suggestions were made to consider making it more uniform as some children get the bag for only one night which is not enough time to enjoy all the wonderful items in the bag. Gwen will consider ways to make it better and will seek more input from parents for book and loan ideas.

How to spend the Fundraising funds

Beth Walsh and Lisa Stec presented a proposal from the Playground committee with 4 options:

r Soccer Goals/Basketball drop approx $1,600.00

r Track Ride approx. $1,800.00 for 10 ft.

r Equipment for disabled students approx $1-6,000

r Swings approx $2,500.00 for 6 or $5,000.00 for 12.

Amy V. and Sally Erck presented a proposal for a new storage shed to store playground equip. for approx. $600.00. Placement near the White House.

Mr. Crary and Mrs. Dallia presented a proposal for a new color printer for the computer lab for approx. $ 2,000.00.

Lisa K. presented information on a School Spirit Day T-Shirt for approx. $1,200.00.

After discussion of each proposal, motions were made and unanimously approved to commit up to $2000.00 for new color printer, $900.00 for soccer goals, and $800.00 for Shed. Further review of playground proposal will wait until Greber gets current prices in Jan. The Spirit Day proposal will be reviewed in Jan. after Spirit Committee presents a detailed proposal.

MSCR

Lisa Stec reports that clubs are very popular and going strong. 20% of the MSCR budget has been spent while 26% income has been accrued. Clubs for Nov. include Lego, Candy, Dance, Roller-skating, and Homework Club.

Misc. Business

A question regarding the teacher allocation made by PTO funds was asked and Dr. Hertting will get example to Matt Silvern to get information out to the teachers so they can request reimbursement.

Meeting adjourned 8:00pm.