VFMS PTO Board Meeting Minutes
February 7, 2019
Call to Order:
– The meeting began at 9:15 am
– In attendance were: Mr. Gibson, Tereza Keohane, Amanda Ivory, Jamie Lynch, Ankur Kashyap, and Tarin Cataldo
– Minutes from 1/7/19 were approved
Update from Mr. Gibson:
– full house at 8th grade parent coffee on 2/6 (about 65 attendees) – most were 1st time CHS parents and many questions were asked); CHS counselors will visit VFMS on 2/8 and CHS teachers will visit in coming weeks; course selection meeting at CHS was also well-attended
– same timeline for course selection for 5th-7th graders – March/April
– PSSAs: lang. arts – 4/23-25, math – 4/29 & 30, science (8th grade) – 5/1 & 2 (state gives districts testing window)
– determination of indoor or outdoor recess in winter weather has been difficult – occasionally different determinations based on different grades
– Williamsburg trip is one of most anticipated and well-remembered school events – typically has about 95% participation rate (school is not aware of any students forced to miss b/c of costs – counselors will work with families if cost is a concern)
– 8th grade graduation will be last day of school – waiting for specific date (based on snow day make-ups)
– lost & found is overflowing – kids and parents should claim items soon (anything not claimed will be donated)
– new school start times still being discussed by school board – not sure of final decision or timing of decision (but schools are prepping for possible decision and getting teacher input)
Update from Treasurer (Dalia Osman via email):
– since last meeting, we received $3264.63 in direct donations
– Paul Garrity, the PTO accountant, filed the PTO’s taxes for the fiscal year ending 6/30/2018 (we paid $600.00 in fees & $18.45 for stamps/mailing)
– E-Tides filed for the last quarter ($0.00 income for locker shelves – no sales/no taxes)
– we will receive a check from California Pizza Kitchen for $200.76 in 4-5 weeks (proceeds from last fundraising event on 1/31/2019)
-updated financials attached
Update from President (Tereza Keohane):
– trying to get a speaker to discuss possible new school start times at next meeting
– will transition newsletter to distribution via My School Anywhere
– will send another letter in March soliciting direct donations; send first letter/email earlier next year??
Update from VP of Cultural Arts (Jamie Lynch):
– Jamie will finish out school year but needs a replacement for next year – someone who is able to attend PTO & DELTA meetings and performances
– booked: Jordan Sonnenblick (author of one of summer reading books) for all grades, Renaissance Man for 8th grade, Egyptian performance for 5th grade, Revolutionary performance (fictional character based on Abigail Adams) for 7th grade
– DELTA performances: Audiobody performed in November & Dance China will perform in March
Update from T&E Care Rep (Amanda Ivory):
- clothing drive collection 3/20 – 3/29 & clothing sale on 4/4 & 4/5