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VFMS PTO Meeting Minutes October 8th, 2018

Posted on: October 8, 2018

VFMS PTO Board Meeting Minutes

October 8, 2018

 

Call to Order:

– The meeting began at 12:09 pm.

– In attendance were: Amanda Ivory, Jackie Tomaszewski, Versha Shaw, Jamie Lynch, Bernie Logan, Tereza Keohane, Michele Burger, Matt Gibson, and Tarin Cataldo.

– Welcome to new V.P. of Fundraising, Versha Shaw

 

Update from Cultural Arts Chair (Jamie Lynch):

– 2 upcoming DELTA performances: Audiobody in November and Dance China in the spring

– Working on author visit

– Grade level performances that support in-class curriculum: 5th grade – interactive play (Egypt); 6th grade – acrobatic performance from Lulu (Chinese culture); 7th grade – teachers would like “George Washington” (American Revolution), but he may be priced out of budget (depends on final cost of author visit); 8th grade – the Renaissance Man (Shakespeare)

– Need new Cultural Arts Chair

 

Update from T&E Care Rep (Amanda Ivory):

– Would like to hold a collection for mittens, scarfs, hats, etc. – 11/8 to 11/30 (has been done in previous years)

– Mr. Gibson approved

 

Update from Golden Apple Grant Coordinator (Tarin Cataldo):

– No new grant requests since last meeting

 

Update from President (Tereza Keohane) & V.P. of Fundraising (Versha Shaw):

– Mod Pizza Fundraiser on 10/17

– Choolah may be interested in November fundraiser (have PTO meeting there that day?)

– Contact local stores for December fundraiser – suggestions: 5 Below, Chipotle, CPK, Kilwins

– Book Fair 11/2 to 11/4

– Only 30% of parents receiving blast – will try to link to MySchoolAnywhere to increase distribution

 

Update from Principal (Matt Gibson):

– School is off to a good start – he has met with different grade levels to discuss small changes this year

– 7th & 8th grade laptop initiative is going well – not too many lost or broken, teachers are working collaboratively to share ideas, being used more than expected in classrooms

– Progress reports will be out soon – Schoology has eliminated most “surprises”

– Weather has limited outdoor time – library has been tied up but the gym is typically available for lunch recess

– Sports are in full gear – huge numbers of students participating (larger numbers in soccer/ lower numbers in football); add’l coaches have been added

– Inclusivity is encouraged with respect to sports at recess

– Contact guidance counselor and Mr. Gibson in the event of student illness/injury – will do best to be flexible and to accommodate student’s needs

 

Update from School Board Member (Michele Burger, Chair of Facilities Committee):

– Traffic feasibility study conducted at VFES, VFMS, T/E Middle, and CHS – findings (including costs, requirements, processes, etc.) available on the district’s website (click on school board, committees, facilities)

– Parents are encouraged to come to meetings and/or visit the website and to comment (helps the Board prioritize) – burger4sb@gmail.com

– Upcoming meetings: finance committee on 10/9 (budget workshops begin in January); educational committee on 10/11 (will be a working committee meeting and calendar for next year will be discussed); facilities committee on 10/16 (reviewing A/C report  – there are significant challenges, financial and otherwise, to installing air conditioning in elementary schools; standardizing list of items that the schools can obtain from the district; making sure that any playground improvements are all-abilities accessible); diversity committee on 10/17 (typically meets 4x/year and students also serve on committee); School Board Meeting on 10/22 at CHS (because of increasing enrollment CHS will need to be expanded – will not be adding add’l high school)

– Video recordings of meetings can be viewed later (tape delayed to silence sensitive info such as student names); agendas can be found in advance online

– Process: subcommittees of 4 members meet and make recommendations to full board/ full board meets once per month/ typically most items are put on consent agenda but some warrant priority discussion and will get an individual vote

– On 10/15, there will be a presentation on the science of reading sponsored by Everyone Reads T/E; special ed teachers are getting specialized training at Aim Academy to help those that struggle the most with reading; district has implemented readings goals for K-4th (may be expanded in the future)

– Sleep study will be discussed on 11/8 – board will decide if they should approve initiative to conduct an official study (would take about 1 year to complete); logistics of moving start times are difficult

 

Next Meeting & Adjournment:

– The meeting was adjourned at 1:28 pm.

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VFMS Main Office: (610) 240-1300
Attendance Line: (610) 240-1330

VFMS Main Office: (610) 240-1300
Attendance Line: (610) 240-1330