Lake Street School PTO Meeting

June 16, 2005

 The meeting was called to order at 7:07 p.m.

May 2005 Minutes:  Ellen Skoly made a motion to pass the May minutes.

Treasurer’s Report:  The budget report was presented. 

Book Grant:  Mr. Testa informed us that LSS applied for a $500 grant to purchase books for the students.  He also told us that a fourth and fifth grade book club was started this year where the students will read a book over the summer and have a discussion in the fall when they return to school.

 Secretary’s Day:  Ellen Skoly informed us that the PTO will purchase a gift card in the amount of $50.00 to present to Ruth at the Fifth Grade Recognition ceremony.

 Playground Equipment:  Darlene Murray stated that the PTO will purchase playground equipment the beginning of the next school year.  She also informed us that the remaining playscape will be demolished over the summer and the students will only be able to enjoy Phase I of the new playscape. 

 Playscape:  Julie Marcotte informed us that thank you letters have been sent out to everyone who helped with the installation of the first phase of the playscape.  The rest of the playscape will be demolished over the summer and we hope to begin Phase II in the fall or early spring.  The Committee will be submitting a budget proposal to the Mayor of Vernon for Phase II of the playscape installation. 

 Scholarship Update:  Darlene Murray told us that the awards ceremony was held on June 9th and the plaques have been hung on the wall outside the LSS office.

501-c3 Update:  Jennifer DiTommaso informed us that on June 30th, the Application for Recognition of Exemption form will be mailed out.  Once the application is approved, then LSS PTO can file the 501-c3 form. 

 Principal’s Report:  Mr. Testa told us that the talent show was held today.  There were 12 student acts and everyone had a fun time.  He also told us that the academic breakfast was very successful.  Mr. Testa also stated that school pictures will be held in September.  He informed us that the school calendar of events is on the www.vernonschools.com website.  He will look into having a direct link to access that website on the LSS website. 

             Mr. Testa informed us that the grade level configurations for the 2005-2006 school year will be:  Kindergarten, 1st grade and 4th grade will remain the same; 2nd grade will be Mrs. Barry and Mrs. Veniscofsky; 3rd grade will be Mrs. Merrow and Mrs. Sheridan; and 5th grade will be Mrs. Sinacola, Mrs. Gerner and Mrs. Cribben.  Ms. Allen will be teaching at Skinner Road School. 

New Business:  Jennifer DiTommaso and Pam Oliva spoke briefly about LSS events/happenings for the 2005-2006 school year.  They are interested in more family fun nights and new ideas for a spring event which in the past has been the Kid’s Town Fair.  There was discussion about seeing more student involvement in promoting activities throughout the school year.  For example, have the student counsel organize the Thanksgiving Baskets event in the fall.  Also, have student counsel subcommittees to help the student counsel with school events.  They also spoke about getting the students more involved in announcements over the school PA system.  Jennifer and Pam will also be looking to organize a grants committee next year to help the playscape committee with the funding of the playscape.

             Ellen Skoly thanked her PTO board and wished the new PTO board all the best next year.