Lake Street School PTO Meeting

October 19, 2004

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m.

 

President’s Report:  Ellen Skoly thanked everyone for attending the PTO meeting.  She also thanked Barbara Nadeau, Kristine Lajeunesse and Heidi Bolduk for the snacks they provided at the meeting. 

 

Guest Speaker:  Ellen Skoly introduced Jaya Vijayasekar, Coordinator of World Languages, who spoke to us about the Year of Languages Celebration.  She explained to us how important it is for children to be proficient not only in English, but in other languages as well.  She also informed us that the World Language Department of the Vernon Public Schools is planning various language and cultural activities throughout this school year.  Ms. Vijayasekar presented us with handouts explaining the program and how to get involved along with a listing of World Language Websites.

 

September 2004 Minutes:  Ellen Skoly made a motion to pass the September minutes.

 

Treasurer’s Report:  The budget report was presented. 

 

Big Y Education Express Program:  Pam Oliva wanted to remind everyone that if you purchase items with your Big Y Express Savings Club card now up until October 29th, LSS will earn double the points. 

 

Education:  Jennifer DiTommaso informed us that the 5th grade class D.A.R.E. Program will no longer be held at LSS due to cuts in the Vernon town budget.  Officer Friendly will still offer a one day introduction for the 5th graders.  The D.A.R.E. program will be presented to the 6th graders at VCMS.  Jennifer is looking into a similar program that the LSS PTO may be able to provide for the 5th grade class.  On a different topic, the “Horizon Wings” program for the kindergarten class was enjoyed by all. 

 

            Ellen Skoly informed us of an event that will be presented to the school on May 11th called “Primary Focus”.  Individuals will put on two assemblies displaying the “six pillars of character”.  They will stay at the school all day interacting with the LSS children.  The program will be funded through the generosity of a former Lake Street School teacher, Maxine Rothe Shortman.  Mrs. Purnell and Mrs. Barry will be volunteering their time to organize this event.  If anyone from the PTO would like to help with this event, please let Ellen know.  The individuals performing would appreciate it if LSS would provide them with breakfast and lunch and Ellen stated that she will contact the Hospitality Committee about this.  Ellen will have more information about this event at the next PTO meeting.

 

Fundraisers:  The Sally Foster fundraiser went well.  LSS made approximately $5,300 in profits. 

 

Playscape:  Julie Marcotte stated that the Outback fundraiser earned a total of $538.00 for the playscape.  The fall installation has been postponed until the Spring of 2005 because LSS could not meet with the Town Facilities Committee in time to order supplies to start the first phase of the project.  On a good note, Julie did inform us that the $10,000 requested in the budget for the playscape did not get cut.  There was a lengthy discussion on playscape issues and it was decided to schedule another date to discuss individual’s issues and concerns. 

 

Election Day Bake Sale:  Ellen Skoly and Darlene Murray are coordinating this event.  A form went home with the students asking for volunteers to help with this event. 

 

Shopping Night at Buckland Mall:  Pam Oliva is chairing this event.  A form went home with the students entitled “Festival of Giving” explaining this function.  If you have any questions, please contact Pam. 

 

Drive for Kids:  Ellen Skoly informed us that this event will take place on November 18th during parent/teacher conferences from 2:30 to 5:30. 

 

Book Fair:  Ellen Skoly stated that this event will take place during parent/teacher conferences in November.

 

Thanksgiving Baskets:  Ellen Skoly explained to us that every year LSS puts together thanksgiving baskets for families in need.  This year each class will decide whether or not they want to participate in this event.  If the class wishes to participate, the room parent of that class will coordinate putting the baskets together. 

 

Teacher’s Report:  Mrs. Abrahams stated that the reading program has begun.  The goal is to read a total of 10,000 books.  Please complete and return the reading logs that were sent home with the students.  LSS will display on the bulletin board between the gym and cafeteria the tally of books read. 

 

Principal’s Report:  Mr. Casavant informed us that the D.A.R.E. program will be incorporated into the health subject class for 5th graders.  He also stated that even though the 5th grade D.A.R.E. program is no longer being held at LSS, Officer Friendly will still have a presence in the school. 

 

The flow of traffic in the morning has improved.  Please remember to drop of your child and go.  This will allow for quick exiting and less backup at the school. 

 

Mr. Casavant spoke about a “SmileSafe Kids” program that was presented to the Board of Education.  This is a new safety program developed in partnership by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and Lifetouch National School Studios.  When you child is photographed on picture day at school, with your permission, he/she will be given safety identification cards free of charge.  The identification card will help authorities start a national search of your child if he/she is separated from you.  A brochure entitled “New Child Safety Program” was distributed at the PTO meeting explaining this in more detail.

 

New Business:  There was a discussion about the lack of time the students have to eat their lunch.  Mr. Casavant stated that the children have 25 minutes for lunch.  He is trying to resolve the lunch problem and is working with the teachers on this.

 

            Terry Tomaszewski stated that the LSS t-shirts will be in on Friday and that the Butter Braids fundraiser is over.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:34 p.m.