Hardy PTO Meeting AGENDA
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
6:30 – 8:00
6:30 – Introductions & cookies
• Minutes - to be approved via email when they are ready
6:40 - 7:15 – 2011 Events/Projects
• School pictures update - becoming more complicated due to more options are on the table, there have been concerns raised abotut the quality of pictures from Ericco. Jen Roderick says that Coffe Pond is a good provider - their commision is 17% whereas Ericco’s is 20%. Paula Jarausch mentioned Hayward Photography and shared a proposal from them with the PTO membrs. She highly recommends their services and said that they will be happy to come in a speak with the PTO. The PTO has a subcommittee (Jen Roderick, Paula Jarausch, Jill Swilling, Ned Hall - Ned will also ask Linda Medwar if she wants to be on the subcommittee) that will prepare an apples to apples comparison so we can make a decision at the February meeting.
• Directory update - file is done! Margaret Muirhead will send it for printing this week. We expect that the Directories shall be ready this month to be sent home in backpacks with oldest sibling. Ned asked the members if there would be any objection to doing the Directory in-house form now on - as opposed from going through the school system
• Redistricting - the next redistricting meeting will be held on Tues. the 17th. Ned said that the redistricting process is not likely to affect current Hardy and Thompson families.
• Party at Menotomy Beer and Wine (Wed., Jan. 25) - signs to go up tomorrow. Jenn I. commended Paula for her raffle soliciting expertise!
• Game night - an idea was proposed at the school council meeting by Sam Deiner to have a family cooperative game night. (Deb explained the school council - a group of parents and teachers who meet once a month to work on the school improvement plan. A forum for questions about school policy and practice but most important job is to determine the needs of the school.) Family cooperative games involve conflict resolution skills, anti-bullying skills, ways to communicate about the things kids are being taught in open circle. He is offering to facilitate a family cooperative game night. There was a discussion whether or not to have an additional night or piggyback with Bingo Night. We decided to have a separate event. Dates for both to be decided but maybe flanking the school vacation week.
International Festival - Heather & Milagros gave a description of the proposed event for the year - a combination of the Hardy and Thompson festivals, international desserts, entertainment, crafts, raffle baskets, t-shirts. The proposed date is Sat. March 31st. T-shirt contest - ask kids to show the combined Hardy & Thompson communities.
7:15 - 7:30 – Money issues
• Appeal update - we’re up to 86% of our goal about 92 families. There are 58 benefactors. Thank you letters have been sent out to all donors. Will send another reminder letter to reach a few more donors. Working to get Paypal set up on the Hardy School website so parents can donate on-line! Recent purchases - 3 Elmos, ($1747) new locks for the Elmos ($168), playground equpment (231), books for library ($670). We have received checks from Menotomy Beer & Wine ($155), Boxtops ($616), Thompson PTO Installment ($2400), Original Artwork ($686) and $2142 from Errico Studios.
7:30 - 7:50 – Principal’s Report
• Student-led fundraiser - Wear a Hat, Save a Bat is a student driven findraiser and Deb is in support of kid’s being passionate about helping. The students have prepared a plan and are running with the project. Since this is a child initiated fundraiser, we want to encourage children to give their own money (allowance or earn some by doing chores).
Kindergarten orientation is being handled differently this year. No more townwide meeting. There is a grant that requires that there is a good relationship with the preschools this year. Working to improve the transition process for next year.
• PTO $ at work: Elmo’s - Deb and the teachers are very grateful, locks for Elmo’s, Greg Tang subscription
• family math night
7:50 - 8:00 – Stuff we forgot to add to the agenda
Date of Next meeting – Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012 (to avoid conflicting with the redistricting meeting on the 7th).
