Minutes from July 24 2012 PTO meeting

Hardy PTO Meeting Minutes Tuesday, July 24, 2012 Planning for SY2012/2013 • September – lots of events, need lots of volunteers o Before school: teacher lunch on 9/4, teacher breakfast on 9/5 – need bakers o Welcome coffees on 9/6 and 9/11 (kindergarten) - need bakers o Back to School Night – use Elmos to present • Discussed PTO organized events throughout the year – need organizers, please get in touch with Ned or Heather if you’re interested in helping out. Will try not to schedule events always on Thursdays. • New idea: Eva Bitteker suggested having parent breakfasts in kindergarten classrooms (maybe other grades) to facilitate parent connections/involvement (opp. to learn more about PTO activities) • Looking for grant writing expertise as well as in-house CPA for tax assistance Financial Report • Approx. 15k in bank account – need to spend down, possibility: in-house teacher grants, also can leverage AEF grants with PTO money • Decided to maintain benefactor rate at $150 and include details about what certain amounts fund • Will focus fundraising /appeal effort on expanding donor base • Did not receive sufficient field day t-shirt payments, need to collect in advance Field Trip Funding • Decided to continue funding field trips – should note cost per child of field trips in appeal letter and that we are the only school that fully funds field trips (makes parent’s lives a lot easier, etc.) Other business • Kate Kapstad asked if we should reconsider using Bookends. The group agreed continue with Bookends and request no toys. Next PTO Meeting: Tuesday, September 18 (allows for more time to get the word out to new families and kindergarten families)

June 5, 2012 meeting minutes

Hardy PTO Meeting AGENDA Tuesday, June 5, 2012 6:30 – 8:00 6:30 – Introductions & cookies • Minutes 6:45 - 7:20 – Events/Projects - have received some funding from aef requested money for ipads to make films about core values pilot it in 4th grade and then perhaps expand to other classes need more equipment such as a second ipad and accessories - need abt $2,000 for two classroom sets - approved contingent on seeking other funding for the ipads if not found, then money will be allocated by August 1st • Hardy Film Festival (Susan Bisson & co.) • Literacy Night debrief (Claire & Margaret) • Flower sale debrief (Cris) • Teacher appreciation debrief (Jill & Katie) • Walk-a-thon debrief will eliminate prizes for next year and will find some replacement • Colonial Day debrief • BBQ (June 13) still looking for volunteers • Field Day (June 15 – note the date change) Joe will no longer be here next year so we will need a new coordinator for next year 7:20 - 7:40 – Principal’s Report - last week she sent out letter to parents about next year current third grade will divide into five classes current 4th grade will get one additional teacher for three grades 7:40 - 7:50 – Money issues - andy reports that we have about $6,000 excess funds to spend. Deb reports that there are still 6 classrooms that do not have document cameras - deb has $4,000 left over she would therefore need $2,000 to get all the cameras needed motion to set aside an additional amount up to $3,200 for elmos. Approved • Appeal update • Spending committee - at tonights school council, deb passed out school budget - the money she gets from the district - $24,800 per year. Money that teachers spend out of their own pocket - around $500 per year this year we allocate $200 per teacher, but they have to submit reimbursements would we want to continue with this model, or shift to old model where we just gave them each a check for supplies also, do we want the PTO to continue to pay for field trips? 7:50 - 8:00 – Stuff we forgot to add to the agenda Date of Next meeting – Some time in July!!

Minutes from May 1 meeting

Hardy PTO Meeting AGENDA Tuesday, May 1, 2012 6:30 – 8:00 6:30 – Introductions & cookies • Minutes 6:40 - 6:55 – Update on nominations, plus some thoughts about modifying bylaws We discussed the possibility of modifying the bylaws so that there will be a junior and a senior president, with the understanding that junior will ‘graduate’ to senior the following year. Co-Presidents: Heather Smith and Ned Hall Co-Vice Presidents: Kate Kapstad and Betsey Crimmins Treasurer: Andy Forbes School Council: Stephen Reynolds and Betsey Crimmins New Members at Large (confirmed – still waiting to hear from some others): Julie Rosenberg Brett Miller Kevin Guiney Kirsten Meisinger Eva Bitteker Jennifer Beaurgard Victoria Arthur Michael Leen Heather added: Gloria Acosta has confirmed she will join. 6:55 - 7:20 – Events/Projects • Skating party debrief Lots of fun, but lower turnout – it was on the hottest day of April! We agreed to try to set the date earlier next year. • Literacy Night (Claire & Margaret) Confirmed date is Thursday, May 17; 6 - 7:45/8; kids will come in, have 10 minutes to acclimate, then there will be different story readers in ~5 different locations. Kids will get a ‘field guide’. Snack will be included. Heather suggested getting Girl Scouts to help out. Heather or Margaret will follow up with Lynne Cogswell. Margaret needs while xmas lights to borrow for the event, along with a tent. Margaret will send flyer out this week. • Art show Thursday (6:30 - 8); we will sell pizza 6 - 6:30, $2/slice Ned asked for 3 or so people to help out. • Flower sale (Cris) Cris would like to send a flyer home. Deb and Betsey suggested working with Donna Vanderlinden to get copies made. We are getting three times as many flowers as last year. • fitgirls.org – for next year? Lisa met with Roblyn Brigham at Bishop (?), who runs a program for 4th and 5th grade girls that combines reading and preparing for a 5K run. Laura Doherty will check with friend at Bishop to get feedback. • Teacher appreciation 5/7-11 (Jill & Katie) Will be very similar to the past. We are changing a couple things. Letter was sent out to room parents outlining schedule: Monday – Shannon Guthrie will be donating potted flowering plants to teachers, Linda Medwar is coordinating; Tuesday – luncheon for teachers, partially catered from Francescas, parents will bring in salad, still need one large veggie platter; Wednesday – 5th grade Girl Scouts will hand out apples to teachers in the morning, kids should bring in home made cards, letters, etc.; Thursday – after school ice cream social, children will be serving to teachers; Friday – Principal’s breakfast. • Walk-a-thon: 5/11 (rain date 5/18) Betsey has many volunteers, still would welcome more. Some donations have come in (though most come in afterword). Kids need to remember that they cannot walk without the permission slip. • Colonial Day (May 30) • BBQ: Date change to June 13; We will likely extend the hours, 5 - 8. • Field Day (June 7 – note the date change) 7:20 - 7:40 – Principal’s Report This Friday there will be an informal but festive dedication of the Japanese Gate, starting at 2:30. Margaret’s 2nd graders have been making carp kites for decoration. Afterschool children will come out. Dedication is open to all. The coordinator of science for Arlington, who works with the science museum, asked for volunteers among 2nd grade teachers who would be willing to have their classes videotaped for pr purposes. Anne de Cefuintes was chosen, and has been being filmed. Last week, 6 Hardy & Thompson went to an all-day workshop in RI run by Carl Anderson, on how to have productive conferences with young writers about their writing. This augmented training the teachers have been receiving on the Lucy Caulkins program. Teachers said they learned a lot, and got some excellent tips. Art show: this year, Deb Martin and Linda Flynn have collaborated on some collage work, that includes photos of the children in phys ed, embedded in some of the displays. Letter for class placement next year has gone out. This year, teachers have been asking children to think about classmates with whom they work well, to come up with a confidential list. Plan is that at least one child from each list will be in that list-maker’s class. Betsey asked whether there is any possibility that the Thompson 4th graders might stay next year. If not, is there a plan to have a third 5th grade class? Deb responded that space across the district is an issue, and that looking at the numbers, it seems unlikely that the Thompson 4th graders will stay. It’s like that we will keep the 3rd graders. If we keep just the Hardy 5th graders next year, we will have a third 5th grade class. Kerry asked about this year’s first graders; how many 2nd grade classes will there be? Deb responded that Emily Brambilla will switch from 2nd grade to 1st grade. Kirsten asked for clarification about whether we will get new Thompson kids next year (current Thompson 2nd graders). Deb said it’s up in the air. 7:40 - 7:50 – Money issues • Appeal update Inching closer to our goal: currently at 97%. Field trip expenses have started to come in. Andy suggested that next year, we look more closely at the process for funding field trips, since spending has been all over the map. Deb commented that some grades typically spend more on field trips than others; maybe it evens out over time. The idea was raised of having field trips funded directly (or partially directly) by parents (as all other schools do). We will discuss this at the next PTO meeting. We continue to sell Winter Concert DVDs. Received spring Box Tops payment – down from last year by ~$300; we should promote this more vigorously next year. To date, we are in the black $550 on events this year. Deb and Andy discussed the possibility of purchasing lcd projectors for all classrooms that don’t have them, by the end of the year. • Spending committee 7:50 - 8:00 – Stuff we forgot to add to the agenda Date of Next meeting – Tuesday, June 5

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Hardy PTO Meeting AGENDA
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
6:30 – 8:00

6:30 – Introductions & cookies
• Minutes

6:40 - 7:10 – Events/Projects
Ottoson PTO representative Carl Wagner came to the meeting to provide some information for soon to be Ottoson parents. The meetings tend to happen in the am and the board meetings happen at 7:30am. Principal Tin Ruggere has set 4/26 as the open house/exploration night at Ottoson. There will be some activities this summer for incoming 6th graders to get to know the school. If you would like more information contact: dearopac@gmail.com
• Literacy Night (Claire & Margaret)
Would like to suggest that we have a family literacy night at Hardy where they would invite local celebrities to read to kids, have bookmaking, storytellers, local authors, lots of events happening concurrently around literacy. Dr. Suess’ birthday is in March so we missed that opportunity and therefore they are thinking about waiting for next year since it will require a lot of planning. Claire & Margaret will prepare a brief summary to disseminate to see if there are people that would be interested in helping plan the event. Thinking about a mid-May date - perhaps Thurs., May 17th.
• Redistricting
The new district boundaries will have buffer zones between adjacent school districts. If you’re new to the school system you will have the option to chose depending on capacity at the schools.
• Game night recap
It was a lot of fun and it went smoothly. Thanks to Andy for organizing at a relatively late date.
• International Festival recap (Heather)
It went well and there has been good feedback so far!
• Skating party – April 14 (Saturday), 1 - 3 pm
Planning is underway, so far so good. The event is scheduled for the Sat. of April vacation so the attendance may be low due to that. There will be skating from 1-1:45 and then there will be pizza. Skating will resume at 2:15 to 3pm. There will be raffle prizes.
• Teacher appreciation 5/7-11 (Jill & Katie)
Katie & Jill have gotten the instructions from Sarah and we’ll report at the next meeting.
• Walk-a-thon: 5/11 (rain date 5/18)
The walkathon is typically preceeded by a rally at school (during school hours). Ms. D’Amico explains the purpose of the walkathon and then they send the pledge home in backpacks. The children set their personal goals for fundraising and laps. Milagros has experience with the Thompson walkathon and she offered to help.
• Colonial Day (May 30)
• BBQ: May 31; rain date June 6?
Changed the date - because school gets out earlier and field day is too close.
• Field Day (June 8)

7:10 - 7:30 – Nominations for next year
Forms went out today so we are hoping to get forms back by 4/13.

7:30 - 7:40 - Principals Report
Good Friday is not listed as a holiday on the list of holidays. Deb sent a recorded message home tonight to let parents know.
We celebrated Pi day at Hardy on 3.14. All teachers had the students estimate how many steps it would take them to walk the distance of the hallway and then they walked it and charted it. Goal was to pique awareness of math and how it is all around us all the time.

7:40 - 7:50 – Money issues
• Appeal update - no new appeal money
• Spending committee - field trip expenses are coming in.
Some 5th grade graduation money has been spent.
Recent income - the winter concert DVDs are flying off the shelf, great fundraiser.
Game night ended in the black.
International Festival - brought in a lot of revenues - Approx. $1750. Estimated expenses are $1300 so the net profit is approx. $400.

7:50 - 8:00 – Stuff we forgot to add to the agenda
The 4th grade Teosinte -Sol y Canto concert will be on the morning of Friday, June 1st at Town Hall.

Date of Next meeting – Tuesday, May 1

Minutes from March 7, 2012

Hardy PTO Meeting AGENDA
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
6:30 – 8:00

6:30 – Introductions & cookies
• Minutes – now posted - please look and let Ned know if you have any comments

6:40 - 7:10 – 2011 Events/Projects
• School pictures update: Oct. 16. We have a contract with Hayward photography - tentative date of Oct. 16th for next year.
• Directory! - it’s here!!! Please note that the some email addresses for PTO and school are incorrect.
• Redistricting - lot of controversy but Kathy Bodie has come up with a plan for everyone to stay where they are – with possible exception of a few Hardy kids north of Mass Ave. – and the redistricting will occur over time as new children enter the school system. With the boundary areas (buffer zone), you will be able to state a preference where you go but that could be overridden by school capacity issues.
• Winter concert: thanks! - let’s ask Julia if she will put together “thank you” certificate for our pianist.
• Game night – Thursday, March 8 (Sam’s night TBA) - tomorrow.
• Skating party – April 14 (Saturday), 1-3 pm; Ken Zimmerman is organizing (thank you Ken!), let him know if you can help. This is good for all levels of skaters. There is a section for slower skaters.
• International Festival (Heather) - Sat. Mar. 31st; getting a good amount of volunteers, need help with behind the scenes craft preparation. Keep an eye out for raffle basket requests.
• Teacher appreciation 5/7-11 (Jill & Katie)
• Walk-a-thon: 5/11 (rain date 5/18) - might have the 4th/5th graders start first to manage the crowd. Betsey asked what people think about requiring parents to walk with their kindergarteners. The group felt that as long as the parent is present and that there is plenty of supervision along the route, then it is not necessary.
• Colonial Day (May 30) - Sarah Kelly is coordinating.
• BBQ: week of June 4 - 8? (Class night is 14th), perhaps the 6th or the 7th; Friday would not be good if we want to have teachers there.
• Field Day (June 8)
• 5th Grade Plant/Flower Sale - need to make sure we have plenty of plants since it sold out early last year. Ned said to talk to Barbara now to plan ahead.
• Hardy Garden - Ms. Dicifuentes will be a pilot teacher and will incorporate garden activities into her class curriculum every week.
•Ned mentioned that he and Susan Dorson are working with some teachers to help with math. There will be a math day (“Pi Day”) next Wednesday (3/14).




7:10 - 7:30 – Nominations for next year

According to our bylaws, we are supposed to have a nomination committee and a vote on PTO positions and facilitate school council elections. Perhaps we may want to review the bylaws to make sure they reflect how we want to manage things going forward. So please start thinking about these issues so we can get the ball rolling. Betsey suggested that we send out a message to the current members holding positions to see if they will continue. We need to send the nominating form home or perhaps try something like survey monkey.

7:30 - 7:50 – Money issues
• Appeal update - we’re at $14,462, 100 families have contributed. Recent purchases include $1,782 for 2 Elmo cameras, 1 projector and 1 cart; $81 for 3 locks; $698 on library books. Recent income includes: $248.60 from annual appeal; $183 from Shop Wilson Farm; $180 from Winter Concert breakfast. Todd Morse has been speaking with playground equip. company and they have found a way to use the old zip line structure. He is asking us for some money to help pay for it - $1250. The board agreed that this was OK and it is already in the budget. The board also would like Todd to review the kindergarten structure, there is a chime missing.
• 5th grade graduation issues? - Sarah Kelly is the treasurer for the 5th grade graduation committee. Ned said we need to think about how we spend PTO funds in general. There needs to be some oversight on different events to make sure that monies are spent in keeping with the PTO’s mission.
• Spending committee

7:50 - 8:00 – Stuff we forgot to add to the agenda

Date of Next meeting – Tuesday, April 3

Minutes from Feb. 8, 2012

Hardy PTO Meeting AGENDA
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
6:30 – 8:00

6:30 – Introductions & cookies
• Minutes – now posted. To be approved via email (please read as soon as you can)

6:40 - 7:15 – 2011 Events/Projects
• Party at Menotomy (Jenn) - Jenn wasn’t here but Andy reported that we raised $193 total ($96.50 for each PTO)
• School pictures update and VOTE - Ned suggested that we try one of the other companies for a year and see if the community likes them. After a discussion period there was a motion to try Hayward since they offer a higher commision than Coffee Pond and possibly better quality than Errico. The motion passed unanimously.
• Directory update: we have proof! Ned passed around the proof but it has errors so it is in the process of being corrected and printed. For next year we really need to have two a minimum of two parents to coordinate the preparation of the directory so we can get it published earlier in the school year.
• Redistricting - another meeting was held on 2/7. There have been changes to the current plan. One of the big issues discussed is whether the schol committee will grandfather all children and their siblings. A plan needs to be voted on in June. Impact to Hardy seems to be insignificant to none.
• Winter concert: bakers needed!
• Game night – Thursday, March 1 (Sam’s night TBA) - need an organizer
• Skating party? - we haven’t talked about this at all this year. Lisa offered to help Ken if he wants to do organize it again.
• International Festival (Heather & Milagros) - need volunteers
• Teacher appreciation 5/7-11 (Jill & Katie) - thank you to Jill and Katie to take this over from Sarah Kelly
• Colonial Day (May 30)
• Field Day (June 8) - Joe Cook will organize again this year. His son is in 5th grade this year so we need to find an apprentice to take over next year. Joe proposes that he will order the number of t-shirts based on historic orders and adjusting for additional Thompson children. Joe would like to request that we have water delivered from a company called The Water Monster. A motion was made to provide up to $250 to use this service.

7:15 - 7:30 – Money issues
• Appeal update - last month Andy commented that the appeal dollars had slowed down. In terms of recent spending the 4th graders went to Lowell Mills which cost $1000. The Library Teacher has been spending her budget on books ($746). We had another $180 in teacher supplementary. We brought in $1400 for the appeal last month. Don’t; forget to shop at Wilson farm tomorrow and take your flyer - they will donate 20% of purchases back to the school.
• Spending committee - Deb D’Amico would like to acquire one more Elmo to go with an existing projector as well as another full set of each. Andy has checked the cost and it would be about $2000. The motion was passed unanimously. An additioanl request was made by Heather to spend $50 on a bulletin board for the 4th grade Teosinte curriculum. Avote was taken and it passed unanimously to fund the cost of the bulletin board.

7:30 - 7:50 – Principal’s Report - Deb gave a quick report on the Alert Now system. It will now be used for safe arrival. We also have a full-time social worker on staff that will be at Hardy school everyday, her name is Whitney Devito.

A question came up about the 2nd floor bathroom. Two faucets werte broken and Deb is working with teachers and staff to get to the bottom of th issue and the sinks will be fixed as soon as possible.

7:50 - 8:00 – Stuff we forgot to add to the agenda

Date of Next meeting – Wednesday, March 7, 2012 (to avoid conflicting with the redistricting meeting on the 6th).

Minutes from Jan. 10, 2012

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).

Hardy PTO Meeting Agenda

November 1, 2011

 

6:30 – Introductions and cookies


6:40 – 7:15 – 2011 Events/Projects

-- Book Fair debrief: Kate Kapstad noted that the book fair was successful thanks to the many volunteers. She noted that the sales broke the record.  It was positive that no-one left the kids alone at the puppet show, which given the rain was attended by only about 80 families.  Kids that didn’t have money where able to purchase a book, thanks to the PTO fund.

-- Hoe Down: Planning the Hoe down, it was decided to offer pizza to the families. The cost of the ticket is/was $5 per person. It was pointed out the importance of encouraging parents to actively participate/dance during the Hoe Down. The committee created for this event decided to hire a professional who use a sound system, instead of a live band – in order to save funds. They noted that there were about $400 in savings.

-- Directory Update:  In order to complete the information the PTO is checking with room parents.  The new information gathered would be published as an Addendum.

-- School pictures: switch from Errico to Coffee Pond?

Ned Hall noted that some parents showed him the quality difference between the photos taken by Errico Studio and Coffee Pond, another photo studio, used by other schools.  Ned proposed to switch from Errico to Coffee Pond. 

Andy, PTO Treasurer, asked what percentage of the sales would they give to the PTO  and if they compare to the ones given by Errico Studio. Ned will check on this. Ned was also asked to please bring samples of the photos taken by these two photo studios.

--  Thanksgiving and Christmas events to help others:  Mary Decourcey proposed to have a school’s food drive in order to generously pack Thanksgiving dinners for families going through difficult circumstances. The idea was immediately approved.

Each grade will be ask to bring a different item.  Some of the PTO members signed up to help packing the Thanksgiving dinners and transporting them to the beneficiaries.
Mary also proposed to have a giving three at the school, so students and their parents could get a tag with the Christmas present requested by a kid whose family is going through difficult circumstances. The idea was immediately approved. Every beneficiary will be anonymous. There won’t be names written down. Codes will be used.

 
7:15-7:30 – Money Issues

Highlights presented by Andy, PTO Treasurer:

The PTO expects detailed reports on book fair and picture revenue in November/December.

Appeal: 58% to goal: 63 families and 39 benefactors.

Hardship funds up consistently over last four years.

$200 Big Yellow School Bus grant applied for through Mass Cultural Council for field trip transportation. Application accepted.

Science Camp cost: $1700

Teosinte Concert: $350 (Possible dates: June 1 or June 8)

AEF grants: first round due Nov. 15

Promotional programs – coordinator needed.

 
7:30—7:50 --  Principal’s report

Mrs. D’Amico (who couldn’t personally attend this PTO meeting) would like to create an enrichment committee having 4/5 teachers and 2/3 parents. According to one of the teachers, Mrs. D'Amico would like to have a balance between academic activities and entertainment activities, for each grade.

7:50-8:00 – Stuff we forgot to add to the agenda

Betsy Crimmins, PTO co-vice president, proposed to spend the money that have been kept in the PTO reserve  fund. She was asked by Ned to prepare a budget/priority spending list  in this regard, after receiving suggestions from the PTO members.

It was proposed to have a future discussion regarding how big the PTO reserve fund should be. Currently it is $1500. Betsy proposed to change the by law. 

Members of the PTO who attended this meeting also proposed:

-         To plan in advance about what to do with the accumulation of snow during winter. It was proposed to create volunteer’s squads.  Ned expressed he was going to consult about this with Mrs. D’Amico.
 
-         There were also concerns about the morning drop-offs and the fact that the kids who arrive to the playground at that time are not supervised. A parent complained that balls had hit her children.


Date of next meeting: Tuesday, December 6, 2011

September 13, 2011

Hardy PTO Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

6:30 – 8:00 

6:30 – Introductions & cookies

      • Overview of what we're all about

      The Hardy PTO basically does three things:

1. raise money for enrichment and other Hardy school programs
2. serve as a conduit for information
3. organize social events

Thompson PTO meetings: will be run separately from Hardy PTO.  Will be held off-site at someone's house. Next Thompson PTO Mtg. on 9/21. 

6:40 - 6:50 – Review of some changes to school policies

      After discussions with the school council and an informal poll of parents, Ms. D'Amico announced a new "no birthday treats" policy.  Her main concern is equity for all students.  This is a Hardy decision, not a district decision - made for several reasons: time lost in school, differing levels of interest on the part of families, not putting kids in awkward positions, nutrition.  Classes will still recognize birthdays. She regrets not sending an announcement earlier in the year. 

6:50 - 7:15 – 2011 Events/Projects

      • Garden (9/17 Gate Raising)

      Deb showed scale model of gate.  It was designed by Deb's husband, Tom Musco, with input from Japanese families.  Dedicated to Japanese families affected by earthquake and tsunami. The gate will be raised on Sat., Sept 17^th at 9am.  All are welcome to come.  A suggestion was made to purchase a gift for Tom to thank him for donating the gate.  Cristiana mentioned that our wheelbarrow has gone missing.  She also mentioned that we need a smaller, tall shed to keep our garden supplies secure. Cristiana said that Ms. D'Amico suggested having book buddies work on garden projects together.  Finally, Cristiana said that the K-3 grades have planted a lot of what you see blooming in the garden now!

      • Picture Day (9/20)

      • Curriculum Night (9/22)

      There will be a different format this year.  All classroom teachers will present twice – once at 6:30-7:00 and again from 7:15 until 7:45.  Childcare will be available this year.

      • Ice Cream Social (9/23)

      We need volunteers for the ice cream social.  It basically involves getting the ice cream and organizing scoopers. Second scooping will be on Mon., 9/26 after school.

      • Volunteer sign-ups (9/23)

      We decided to have tables for volunteer sign ups at the ice cream social instead of that Friday morning. 

7:15 - 7:30 – Money issues

      • Annual budget

      Andy reviewed the budget.  He mentioned that he put a significant amount ($5,000) in the contingency fund.  There was a brief discussion regarding the need to have one third of the overall budget in reserve and whether or not we should revise the bylaws in order to be able to spend some of the money as needed. Appeal letter will go out on same day as back to school night (Thursday September 22nd).

      • Sharing costs with Thompson PTO

      Thompson will continue to raise funds this year and will be providing a portion of their funds raised to Hardy – they will split the funds proportionately based on the number of students they have at Hardy, Stratton and Bishop.  One of Thompson's big fundraisers is the Thompson Community Card.  They will be for sale after school on the playground as well as at Town Day, the Arlington Farmer's Market and other locations in town.

      • Soliciting ideas for how to spend our $$$

      Some ideas discussed included: ceiling fans for the school (Ms. D'Amico was told no by the town but she suggested the PTO could inquire further if they didn't want to accept "no" for an answer), technology and playground improvements. 

7:30 - 7:50 – Principal's Report

      Lunch and recess are 40 minutes this year!  All students will have lunch recess before lunch.  Indoor recess will be held in classrooms this year.  In previous years it was held in the cafeteria.

      Elmo document camera being used already by Thompson teachers.  There will be a total of 8 Elmos in Hardy this year: 2 from Thompson, 2 from Hardy PTO, 1 Ms. Harrington got funded through outside sources and 3 that Deb was able to get funded.   The newly purchased ones will go into use as soon as the district puts bar codes on them.

      So far the year is off to a good start despite the challenges of acquiring 100 more students from Thompson. 

7:50 - 8:00 – Stuff we forgot to add to the agenda

• Thompson booth at town day (9/17)
• Directory – will be coordinated by Margaret Muirhead.  A suggestion was made to utilize room parents to help gather missing information.

 

Date of Next meeting – Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011 

June 8, 2011

Hardy PTO Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

6:30 - 8:00

6:30 - Introduction & Cookies

• Approve May Minutes - the minutes were approved.
• Introduce New Board Members - Cedrine Bell, Mary Kowalsi, Jen Irvine, Sarah Berman and Jill Swilling.

6:45 - 7:15 - 2011 Events/Projects

• Walk-a-thon update - Betsey - Our goal was $3,000 and we raised $4,140. This Friday (6/10) we'll celebrate with Popsicles for the kids.
• BBQ - Ned Hall, June 15th - flyer for BBQ was sent home and was in the PTO Post. Susan Dorson has the list of volunteers online. Going smoothly.
• Possible date of Ice Cream Social with Thompson School - Friday June 17th. Brian from Chilly Cow will give us the wholesale price for ice cream. We usually get 18 tubs and sell for $1/cup. Thoughts of giving tours of the School for Thompson parents.
• Last Day of School - June 24th - 1:00 dismissal with lunch.

7:15 -7:30 - Budget

• Update on budget (Janet P, Janet F) - the walk-a-thon brought in almost $600 more to bring total to $4,140. The supplies fund raiser brought in $2,467, about $1,500 more than we budgeted. Deb will send a reminder to teachers about the teachers supplementary funds. Ms. Welby will be buying guitars ($995). And, bills have been coming in against the contingency fund. See budget spreadsheet.

7:30 - 7:45 - Principal's Report

• Override update - All kids K-5 will have PE twice/week. We will keep all of our current staff of 15. And, Thompson 5th grade will go to Bishop.
• Class sizes - the new "Norm" for class sizes is 24-27 kids. The following is what the class sizes for next year will look like.

Kindergarten - 3 classes of 21-23 students

First Grade - 2 classes of 21-23 students

Second Grade - 3 classes of 22-24 students

Third Grade - 4 classes of 24-26 students

Fourth Grade - 5 classes of 23-24 students

Fifth Grade - 2 classes of 28-29 students

We will have 5 teaching assistants, 2 will come from Thompson. And the 3rd and 4th Grades from Thompson will be blending with the Hardy students. (Thompson 3rd grade doesn't do Colonial Day).

The following is the list of teachers for each grade for next year:

K- Ms. Eldredge, Mrs. Pielech, and Ms. Dusombre

First - Ms. Mann and Mrs. Pierce

Second - Ms. Lane, Ms. Brambilla, and Ms. deCifuentes

Third - Ms. Gregg, Ms. Doherty/Ms. DeFrancisco, Ms. McKinney, and Ms. Foley

Fourth - Ms. Jette, Ms. Brogna, Ms. Trivino, Ms. Harrington, and Ms. Bisson

Fifth - Ms. Morello and Ms. Johnstone

• Safe Routes to School update - On Friday (6/3) there was a Safe Routes meeting. Cedrine Bell, Scott Smith of the TAC (Transportation Advisory Committee) and others met. There were a couple of things they discussed:

Drop off Logistics (pick up will be the same, Thompson kids to to Boys and Girls club for extended day program).

Safe Routes - walking routes, crossing Mass Ave. and the Walking School Bus.

Snow Removal Team- to work with the DPW.

Next Safe Routes meeting will be held on Friday, June 17 8:15-9:00. Another meeting will be scheduled for some time in August.

All information will go out to parents in mailing in mid July.

Also, the District is picking up funding for the Alert Now/Connect Ed and Discovery Streaming.

7:45 - 8:00 - New items of discussion

• Sarah's last meeting - On Monday she will be sending home the end of the year letter from the PTO. She gave it to the incoming kindergarten parents on their visits. They loved the letter and were willing to help.
• Thompson and Hardy PTO will remain seperate. Janet P. will schedule a meeting about getting the two PTO's together to discuss next year.
• Ned Hall will remain PTO President next year. Heather Smith and Betsey Crimmins will be Co-Vice Presidents and Andy Forbes is taking over the Treasurer position.

Date of First 2011/2012 Meeting - Tuesday, Sept. 13th or Wednesday, Sept. 14th.

Summer Meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 19th at 7:00 at Heather's house.

May 4, 2011

Hardy PTO Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

6:30-8:00

6:30 -Introduction and cookies

• Approve May minutes - the minutes were approved.
• Sherrie Donovan -Principal of the Thompson School - could not attend.

6:45 - 7:15 - 2011 Events/Projects

• PTO Elections, one student council position - we only received 3 nomination sheets back. Selected members will call possible candidates. Ned Hall is willing to be President again next year. Betsey Crimmins and Heather Smith would be willing to be Co-vice presidents. Pete Gast will be asked to take on the Treasurer position. Jill Swilling will become a Member at Large.
• International Talent Showcase recap - Heather Smith - We took in $1600 and spent about $800. The kids did a great job with their talents.
• Skating Party recap, Ken Zimmerman - made $90. Rink cost was $400.
• Teacher Appreciation (May 2nd-6th) - Sarah Kelly - Shannon Guthrie donated 50 beautiful potted flowers for the teachers, we were not able to give to crossing guards and lunch mothers this year. A parent of 3rd and 4th graders who owns a Crepe restaurant has donated a 7 person crepe dinner for a teacher to win. She will come to their house. Sarah will draw a teachers name on Friday. There was a need for the PTO tables for 5th grade plant sale, Art Show, HASP and Teacher Appreciation. We need to ask HASP if they can purchase tables.
• Art Show- May 5th - pizza $2/slice, Andy Forbes - Andy could use some helpers for selling pizza at 6:00 before the show.
• Walk-a-thon (5/13, rain date 5/20) - Betsey Crimmins - starts right at 2:15 and goes until 4:00. Could use more volunteers. She has ordered prizes/extra for BBQ. The Hardy After School kids will also participate. And, kids will wear their Field Day T-shirts.
• Incoming Kindergarten meetings- May 25 & 26 - Ned/Sarah to introduce PTO - Could use some volunteers. Sarah will have a presentation for the incoming kindergarten parents. Similar to last years "Year End" letter. It will include what we brought in for the Appeal, what enrichment events we had, social events, fields trips etc.
• Colonial Day - June 15th - Karyn Winters - Lisa Paolillo is helping Karyn. She has a person assigned for each activity, that person will be responsible for their activity/group. She will schedule a meeting soon. This is PTO paid for, parent run event.
• BBQ- Ned Hall, June 15th - no Thompson families - Susan Dorson, Kate Kapstad and Sandra Miller are organizing. Could use more volunteers. We are going to have more grills this year.
• Possible date of Ice Cream Social with Thompson School - revisit
• Box Tops and Popsicles - pick a date with Deb - just got a check for $400, we met our goal of $1300. Sarah will check with Deb on date, 5th graders help pass out Popsicles.
• Dates of 5th grade events: Plant Sale, Thursday, May 5th - Sell at Art Show, Car Wash, May 21st, Class Night, June 21st - PTO donates $1750 towards Class Night. There were not painted pots this year. Classes will get to come down to buy plants for Mothers Day.
• Last Day of School - June 24th

7:15-7:30 - Budget

• Update on budget (Janet P, Janet F) - Not Your Average Joe's made $1,271.96 from their promotion $190.76 goes to Hardy. Amazon shopping brought in $218 for a total of $500. Still waiting on checks from Maxima $115 and Menotomy Beer and Wine $250. Received a $500 grant from last year. Grant writers needed, put it out there in the PTO Post. As for Field Trips, Deb said that since we already have $ from PTO approved in September there will still be field trips.

7:30-7:45 - Principal's Report - was not at the meeting.

• Check out the LIBRARY!!!
• Kathy Bodie Informational Meeting to be scheduled - Sarah presented for Deb via an email from her. She said that the meeting about the Hardy/Thompson combine (rebuild) will be held on Tuesday, May 17th from 6:30-8:00 in the Hardy Gym. And, next year the Hardy After School will only be Hardy kids. It will not include Thompson. HASP can only take 100 kids it has 96 currently. Also in the email from Deb was information about The Hardy Goes Green program. Promoting that kids either walk or bike to school. 54.7% of Hardy Walks to school, 7.7% Bike, 4.24% Bus, 36.6% drive.

7:45-8:00 - New Items of discussion

• Override - On the ballot for June 7th. Ned asked if we thought it would be beneficial to have an informational session for parents. This would include the "what if's". If the override passes $600,000 is added back onto the existing budget. If the override passes Thompson 3rd and 4th will come to Hardy (5th to Bishop). If it doesn't pass 3rd, 4th and 5th will come to Hardy. Maybe have Joe Curro come to talk to us about it.

Date of Next Meeting - Tuesday June 7th at 6:30.

April 6, 2011

Hardy PTO Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

6:30-8:00

6:30- Introduction and cookies

• Approve March Minutes - there were none taken

6:35-6:50- Scott Smith, TAC Transportation Advisory Committee

1. Planned traffic changes near the school

a. Establishment of a posted school zone (20MPH speed limit) - during school hours.
Herbert Road is not included because it doesn't abut school grounds.
b. No parking on the East side of Brooks near Chandler at pickup and drop off times.
6:50-7:20 - 2011 Events/Projects

• PTO Elections, one School Council position - Need a committee of 3 people to oversee the elections. Nomination forms are in the office. Be sure to include descriptions and add 1 School Council position. We all need to be recruiting new people.
• Not Your Average Joe's, every Tuesday night in April, Arlington only- Sandy Jones- 15% of total bill goes to Hardy. Sandy got Not Your Average Joe's to come to International Festival to sere hors d' oeuvres and promote the plan.
• International Talent Showcase (4/8) - Heather Smith- There is 257 people signed up to come, 170 people for pizza and 29 Acts (2hr show). Show starts at 6:45. ACMI cable station recorded the show last year; they won't be able to do it this year. Check with Seth to see if he can record the show for us. Julie Harrington and the fourth grade will be selling "Hardy Cares" bracelets for $1 (not sure if the package of bracelets will arrive in time). Also, 2 Japanese moms will be making origami Cranes and things for donations to the Japan fund.
• Skating Party(4/10), Ken Zimmerman to coordinate - 11:45-1:45 there will be pizza, bake sale and games.
• Teacher Appreciation (May 2nd-6th)-Sarah Kelly - Monday teachers get a plant or flower. On Tuesday Mrs. D'Amico will provide breakfast. Wednesday 5th grade Girl Scouts present teachers with apples along with homemade cards and poems from the kids. Thursday is a luncheon and Friday is dessert day.
• Walk-a-thon (5/14, raindate 5/21) - Betsey Crimmins- waiting approval from BOS for street closing permit. Pledge sheets and permission slips will go out soon.
• Colonial Day - June 15th - Karen Winters
• BBQ - Ned Hall June 15th - revisit
• Dates of 5th grade events: Plant sale, Friday, May 56th - sell at Art Show - May 5th