February 2011 Meeting Minutes (DRAFT)
CORNELL PTO MINUTES - DRAFT
February 7, 2011
Present: Sally Sproat, Jason Gutting, Margo Devine, Tara Bogle, Wendy Johnson, Ron Lacasse, Jeff Theuer, Kathy Fortin, Michelle and Melany Wilkinson, Carol Reilly, Steve Vagnozzi, Stacey Tanay, Jennifer Shaw, Tara Fry, Lorri King, June Hicks, Jamie Baldwin, Cindy Roark, Jennifer Eddy, Paula Pulter.
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
MEMBER OF THE OKEMOS SCHOOL BOARD - Steve Vagnozzi
Mr. Vagnozzi introduced himself to the PTO as a newly elected member of the school board. He thanked Cornell parents for volunteering in the school and the community. There will be more information on the schools' budgets next week after the Govenor announces the State Budget. Please feel free to send comments and questions to the board at board@okemosschools.net. All emails go to each board member as well as the Superintendant and Deputy Superintendant.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Suggested correction to Jan. 10 minutes to revise New Business Item #5 from $2,000 to $1,500. Motion by Tara Bogle to accept minutes after correction. Seconded by Kathy Fortin. Motion carried.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA - None.
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT – Tara Fry
1) High School members from Action will combine with members of Cornell's Student Council to begin a program called “Action Jrs”. They will be doing different activities such as collecting items for a homeless shelter. Looking for donations of blankets, sheets, pillow cases, etc. to assist this effort.
2) Thanks to the PTO for funding the Fill the Bucket Assembly. It was a great success.
3) Community Education would like to add activities for early release Wednesdays. The first Wednesday we had 88 students signed up for the movie. Community Ed would like to add other activities like crafts, games, etc. Looking for parents who are interested in sharing a special skill or talent to lead these activities.
4) Student Council is doing a gently used Toy Drive. Toys collected will be donated to St.Vincent Home for Children.
5) Tara will email results of recent parent surveys. Thank you to all who participated.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT – Sally Sproat
1) Acknowledged several Thank You’s received from teachers and parents.
2) There was a question concerning whether or not Girl Scouts require a chartering organization or sponsor to meet at Cornell. They do not.
3) Mileage club registration is required this year for students to participate. Parents need to register children online or by postcard by February 14th - March 11th. An orientation for coordinators will be held February 8 at the MAC.
4) The Liddell family is still gratefully accepting meals. You can go to website to sign up.
5) Thank you to Stacey Tanay for getting the ball rolling, and the Nevins-Lacasse family for researching and ordering pencil sharpeners for Cornell staff.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Jason Gutting
1) Passed around bank statement and spreadsheet summary of revenue and debits this month. Most teachers have submitted their Enrichment Grants.
2) Adjustment to the budget regarding Spirit wear was tabled until next month.
3) BoxTops check received in the amount of $691.
BUDGET AND PLAYGROUND COMMITTEE UPDATE – Ron Lacasse
1) Ron Lacasse reported the Budget Committee has only had one meeting. They will have another meeting before the next PTO meeting. He will have a report on the list of funding requests.
2) Playground Committee has a $1,200 credit from the return of the X-Wave. They are exploring ways to spend it.
NEW BUSINESS
1) Student Council Loan Request and Update
Lorri King reported that the Student Council has been very busy. There are 34 members in the Council this year. They meet once a month on Wednesday after school. First meeting in February will be to introduce the Action Jr. program.
Last meeting the Council along with parent volunteers went to the Wharton and created the Shrek tree for the performance of Shrek at the Center.
The Solar Green House will arrive in time for Earth Week.
Recycling and composting continue in the lunchroom. Students are helping with sorting the recycling but it would be great to have a parent or two to help as well.
On February 25th, the Student Council will open a store.
After discussion, Tara Bogle made the motion that the PTO loan the Council $800 to provide seed money for merchandise for the store. Ron Lacasse seconded. Motion carried.
2) Fall Fundraiser for 2011-2012
Sally Sproat will do a school wide survey for input on fundraising options for next year. June Hicks suggested bringing back SCRIP. She will be willing to spearhead it.
3) Kirsten DeCampos has proposed we do an International Fair/Festival next school year and prepared a handout with details. She is willing to Chair the event.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1) Science Fair
Kathy Staudt and Kirsten DeCampos are co-chairing. Event is March 1st. Tri-fold poster boards are available in the office. Entry forms must be in by February 18th.
2) Family Fun Night – Tara Bogle
Tara Bogle reported that the Community Project this year is “Brandon's Defense”. This is a organization that collects money and material items for children that have cancer. Monetary as well as material items will be collected for the project. Looking for Backpacks and items to fill them such as: coloring books, DSIs, crayons, books, etc., well as care packages for parents.
Items for the Silent Auction are still needed, as well as volunteers to work the night of FFN.
Not all classroom projects have a parent volunteer to coordinate. It was brought up that perhaps the cost of personally funding the project may be a deterrent. Carol Reilly made a motion that the PTO give each classroom receive $25 to defray the cost of the project. It was seconded by Ron Lacasse. Motion was carried.
3) Social Committee
Jamie Baldwin reported on the Cornell family outing: MSU v. U of M Women's Basketball game scheduled for Feb. 13th. There were 86 tickets sold, which was similar for the most recent Hockey night event.
EDRU Skating Party will be held February 22. It is the make-up date for the snow day cancellation in January.
4) Parent Council Report- No new info since there wasn’t a meeting since the last PTO meeting.
5) Grade Representatives Reports
Kindergarten- None.
1st Grade – None.
2nd Grade – Not present.
3rd Grade Report: Mrs. Eddy and Mrs. Pulter classes will be going on the Big Zoo lesson on the week of March 7th. Mrs. Kelley and Mrs.Talezaar week of March 14th.
4th Grade – None.
OLD BUSINESS
1) PTO Insurance
Jason Gutting recommended that we go with AIM insurance for $240 a year. This would include Directors/Officers coverage as well as Liability. Motion by Ron Lacasse, seconded by Tara Bogle.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.
