Lake Street School PTO, Inc. Meeting

September 13, 2005

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

President’s Welcome:  Jennifer DiTommaso welcomed everyone to the first PTO meeting of the year.  She said the ice cream social that was sponsored by LSS and the PTO was a success and a fun night for all that attended.

Principal’s Report:  Mr. Testa shared 3 new school instructional plans with teachers for the coming school year.  They are as follows:

1. Improve reading – Mr. Testa and Mrs. Cherrone will be forming a voluntary book club for 4th and 5th grade (Nutmeg books).  The initiative will begin in October.  The students will read 10 books and will vote on their favorites.
2. Monthly reading program – beginning in October, LSS and the PTO will begin a program where students who wish to participate will sign a contract pledging to read at least 15 minutes a day and complete a monthly calendar.  Upon completion of the calendar, the students will receive a small gift for their accomplishment.
3. PRIDE banner – LSS will focus on citizenship as well as academics.  There is a new PRIDE banner on the front of the school.  Each letter in PRIDE stands for a character trait (perseverance, respect, integrity, discipline, empathy). Throughout the month, students will have activities, programs or homework that will encompass a specific character trait that is being highlighted for the month.  At the end of the month, one student from each class will be recognized for their displaying of this character trait.  Parents are asked to support this initiative.

Open House – Open house will be September 21, 2005 from 7-8:30.  Parents and students are encouraged to tour the school, visit classrooms and talk with teachers.  The Open House will end in the cafeteria with refreshments being served.  All refreshments must be kept in the cafeteria due to allergies within the school.   Students can also sign up for Boy or Girl Scouts at this time.

Teacher’s Report – Mrs. Barry told us that all of the teachers are busy getting into their new routines.  She thanked the PTO for the welcome back luncheon and the check for each teacher to get supplies for their classes.  She also told us that there will be flexible reading groups 2 times a week with 6 teachers where students will get more personalized attention to work on their reading skills based on their levels/abilities.

Treasurer’s Report – Paul Gilson presented the budget report.  Jennifer DiTommaso noted that monies from programs that will not be done this year have been allocated towards new programs.  She also stated that the new reimbursement forms are in the office.  A motion was made to pass the 2005-2006 budget.

Paul Gilson told us that the PTO is required to have a year-end audit performed.  He asked if anyone knew of any CPA’s that would be willing to volunteer his or her time to conduct the audit to contact him.  He advised it would not be too time consuming.

PTO Volunteer Packets – Volunteer packets were not received in the 3rd and 4th grades.  Pam Oliva said she would get packets to the classes so they could be turned in by the deadline. 

Pam Oliva stated that Room Parent and Committee lists were being finalized. Head room parents and teachers would be contacted on Monday, 9/19. Committee lists will be complete next Wednesday or Thursday, 9/21-22.  Chairs should then contact individual members.  Pam said that she had 35 periodic volunteers that chairs could also contact if they need additional support.

501(c)(3) Update – Jennifer DiTommaso announced that the PTO has become incorporated and is officially now called Lake Street School Parent Teacher Organization, Inc.  The application for 501(c)(3) was completed over the summer by PTO board members and was sent to the IRS on 8/22/05.  She hopes to have the approval back in the October timeframe.

Playscape Update- Julie Marcotte provided a playscape update.  She informed us that a utility pole needs to be moved and she is working with the various utility companies to see if the move could be donated.  The Public Works department will grade the site around November once the town Safety Building project is complete. She is also waiting on the Mayor to confirm state allocations.  It was also noted that some of the grant applications that were previously denied due to lack of 501(c)(3) status will be resubmitted once we are approved.

Fundraising – The various fundraising initiatives were discussed. 

Any Occasion Kids Cards will be the last week of September.  Students will create the cards during their Art Special and Mr.Giard asked for parent volunteers for grades K-2. 

Ellen Skoly talked about the Worthington fundraiser.  Samples of the Worthington products were on display and some food items were available for sampling.  The kickoff is September 14th. 

Apparel was displayed by Leader Board Company as a possible choice for this years Lake Street School clothing.  Items would contain the LSS logo, Leo the Lion and student names.  They would be purchased on an ongoing basis throughout the year.  PTO would get a designated dollar amount per item sold. 

New Business – Jennifer DiTommaso shared Jennifer Werner’s (who was not able to attend the meeting) concerns regarding traffic issues on Lake Street.  Jennifer Werner has contacted the Vernon Traffic Authority regarding this issue and will be discussing concerns at a meeting to be held on October 13th at the Vernon Police Station community

room at 7pm.  The Principal and parents were asked to come to the meeting to support her efforts.

Jennifer DiTommaso responded to a question regarding a review of the school snack policy.  She stated that she was not aware of any review being conducted and any concerns regarding this issue should be discussed with Mrs. Golden, R.N. or Mr. Testa.

The meeting adjourned at 7:47pm.