Lake Street School PTO Meeting

December 14, 2004

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:06 p.m.

President’s Report:  Ellen Skoly welcomed Mr. Testa to his first PTO meeting at LSS.  Ellen introduced Carol Burke from the Vernon Education Foundation who presented LSS with a check in the amount of $500.00 for the playscape.  The money was received from Dave Murray and his employer, Travelers.  Dave donated hours of volunteer time and in doing so, his employer donated money for the LSS fundraiser. 

            Ellen also spoke about the PTO Conference in Framingham.  We have two people who are interested in attending this conference.  The PTO will pay for these two individuals to attend the conference.  If anyone else is interested, please le t her know.

            Ellen informed us that the Pasta Dinner for Josh was a huge success and thanked everyone who helped with the event.  The fundraiser raised $2,765 for Josh and his family. 

Treasurer’s Report:  The budget report was presented. 

VOICE/Bonding:  Dave Murray and Dean Houle of the Vernon Board of Education spoke about the bonding package and how important it is that this bonding package get voted on and passed.  The bond was approved and passed by the Board of Education.  The Board has decided to send the proposal to the Town Council.  The proposal will be broken down into five questions regarding RHS, VCMS, all Vernon elementary schools, the Talcottville School and the administration building.  As part of the Vernon school bonding package, there are safety upgrades, changes needed to meet building standards and building improvements.  The tentative schedule includes a presentation to the Town Council on 12/28, a presentation to the Planning and Zoning Commission on 1/6/05, and then a public hearing will be held on 1/11/05.  The target date for the referendum on the bonding package is schedule for sometime in late March, 2005.  Dave and others from area schools have formed a group called VOICE (Vernon Organization Initiative Children Education) to help educate people about the bonding package.  If you are interested in being a part of this group or have any questions about the VOICE group or the bonding package, please contact Dave. 

Education:  Jennifer DiTomasso informed us that the Storyteller program for the Kindergarten and first grade classes was enjoyed by all.  The Rainforest animals from the Connecticut Science Center visited the fourth grade classes and the students had a wonderful time. 

Playscape:  Julie Marcotte met with the town engineer and received good news that the playscape plans do not need to go in front of the wetlands commission for approval.  The town engineer will produce a letter stating that we have the okay to go ahead with the project.  We will present this letter to the plant operations director to get his approval.  The Committee is still working out details with the landscape architect.  Julie also informed us that we can reapply for grants through Carol Burke and her organization since this foundation is registered as a tax exempt foundation. 

            Jenny Norris informed us of a couple of fundraisers that will take place next year to raise money for the playscape.  One of the fundraisers will be held in April called “Bubblemania”.  The person hosting this event does everything with bubbles.  The cost will be $5.00 per person and may require two scheduled seatings for this event.  We could make this a family fun night and possibly combine this event with a raffle.  The other fundraiser will be held around Mother’s Day – an Avon fundraiser.  Linda Correia will be hosting this event.  More information on these fundraisers will be forthcoming. 

Snowflake Fair:  Terry Tomaszewski informed us that it was a huge success and all the students had a wonderful time shopping for their family members. 

Drive for the Kids:  Ellen Skoly stated that LSS made $800 in profit from this event.

Book Fair:  Ellen Skoly informed us that LSS took the money in profits from this event.  We will purchase books from the profits we receive from the spring book fair.

Thanksgiving Baskets:  Ellen Skoly told us that seventeen baskets were donated to families this year.  If anyone has any new ideas about this event, let her know.

Board of Education:  No update.

Teacher’s Report:  Mrs. Sinacola introduced Mrs. Barry as the teacher representative replacement for Mrs. Abrahams.  She also informed us that the month of December is called “Share and Care” month.  Mrs. Sinacola thanked the PTO and family members for the wonderful job they did in helping the children celebrate the “Share and Care” month in a giving and caring manner with the events that took place in December. 

            Mrs. Barry asked if there was a possibility of supplying the teacher’s lounge and nurse’s office with a water bubbler.  The PTO stated they would take this under consideration.

LSS Website:  Dave Murray wanted to remind everyone that the LSS website is a good source for obtaining information. 

Principal’s Report:  Mr. Testa is looking into an after school bowling program that is run by the Vernon Recreation Department.  The event will take place once a week from January 24th through March 7th.  The children will be picked up after school, bused over to Vernon Lanes and parents would have to pick up their child at Vernon Lanes at 5:00 p.m.  More information will be forthcoming. 

            Mr. Testa also informed us that he will be acting as principal at LSS until the end of the school year.

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

New Business:

            Jenny Norris inquired about the Foreign Language Coordinator coming to LSS.  Mr. Testa informed us that she will be coming to LSS one day a week after the first of the year.  More information will be forthcoming. 

            Ellen Skoly informed us that she will be talking to Paula Baran about hosting a sign language program again this school year.  She will get back to us with more information.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:56 p.m.