VFMS PTO Board Meeting Minutes
November 12, 2019
Call to Order:
– meeting began at 12:05 pm
– minutes from 10/8/19 approved
– in attendance were: Mr. Gibson, Danyll Locket, Fran Walish, Michelle Iwachiw, Amy Terlecki, Amanda Ivory, Chrystele Baden, and Tarin Cataldo
Update from Mr. Gibson, Principal:
– has been meeting with teachers since end of last year in order to redesign PM dismissal (make it better and as safe as possible); also talked to other principals about their dismissal procedures; increased enrollment and music in AM has created more students at PM dismissal; 7th & 8th – no changes (dismiss outside); 5th & 6th – initially dismiss all to auditorium and then dismiss by bus; will ease burden in hallways at dismissal; trial run after Thanksgiving break; teachers will be inside and outside to supervise; in inclement weather, older students can remain supervised in auditorium until buses arrives (if scattered around school, bus dismissal will be slowed down and library is not an option b/c of clubs)
– not many options with respect to Walker Rd. to ease AM and PM traffic (not school property and any changes require a lot of approvals and money); will send reminder about one ways in parking lot
– commemorations of Veterans’ Day left to teachers but happy to explore school-wide recognition
Update from Danyll Locket, Treasurer:
– locker shelves raised about $500 in profit
– on track for budget; $27, 293 in projected expenses & $22,510 in projected income (conservative); surplus from previous years will cover difference
– direct donation email was sent/letter to follow
-still working on purchase of Tower Garden for library as Gift to School
Update from Michelle Iwachiw & Amy Terlecki, V.P.s of Cultural Arts:
– $11,000 budget (includes $1000 from district)
– getting quotes for requested grade level assemblies in spring
– Cello Fury (DELTA) – performed for students on Monday with community performance scheduled for Friday; a lot of engagement with students during grade performances; emailed district for A/V help for community performance
– author visit on January 22 – Erin Entrada Kelly (Hello, Universe)
– talking to author Nathan hale (requested by librarian) for visit next year; talking to elementary school to share cost (offers programs/workshops for a variety of ages)
Update from Fran Walish, ISC Representative:
– NEES presented at Oct. meeting; discussed Big Give; currently, one first grade teacher receives grant to give each student $10 to use to raise additional funds for a charity; child-driven and requires a proposal and presentation; would like to expand program
– Reading Camp: held every summer for invited pre-K-4 graders; measure effectiveness before, after, and after first year
– overall, T/E had high proficiency on PSSAs; drop in number of advanced scores in some grades – looking at causes; if less than 95% of students take test, it affects school’s rating – VFMS had lowest in district
– noticeable drop in Keystone scores – trying to figure out causes; may be driven by uncertainty regarding necessity of testing (for students that are required to pass Keystones, alternative paths available if failure occurs)
– 2020-21 calendar approved
– VFMS presenting at November meeting – My School in Motion
Update from Amanda Ivory, T&E Care Representative:
– collecting blankets, gloves, hats, socks, etc. (by grade) until 12/6; items will be distributed as part of holiday drive (supports over 110 families/individuals)
– some individual members of PTOs sponsor family; request for VFMS PTO to do the same (restrictions on PTO funds being used)
Update from Tarin Cataldo, Golden Apple Grant Coordinator:
– currently, about $1963.48 in budget
– application from McGuire for games and puzzles for her classroom ($171.41) – approved (she will provide exact amount after purchase)
Next Meeting:
– meeting ended at 1:15 pm
– next meeting will be 12/10 at 12pm