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.