MINUTES - January 16, 2008
We met at Champlain Elementary from 5:30 PM until approximately 7:30 PM.
I. PLANNING FOR UPCOMING EVENTS
a) Discussion of PTO fundraising Fair, with contact Helen Hossley.
b) Discussion of upcoming family dance for 1-25-08. Team decided no bake sale necessary as there was not much time and it would detract from the dancing! Also suggestion to post rides capability, and an email reminder.
c) Principal Interviews Discussion. Nancy indicated there were four very promising candidates lined up, with 2 to interview on 1-29-08, and 2 to interview on 2-15-08. PTO will get 1 hour to "listen to interview response questions, pizza and childcare provided. Due to confidentiality concerns, bios would not be posted on website but would be available during the interview.
d) Winter Concert discussion, 2-12 and 2-13-08. Need to connect with Betsy Greene to find out if help is needed. Perhaps the Champlain PTO will provide transportation.
II. FIRST STEPS IN MUSIC
Pam Laser is leaving the country, and gave a detailed presentation of the work needed to keep the program going. She underscored the fact that the work is mostly administrative and record keeping/phone tracking in nature, ideally suited to a stay-at-home parent. She also distributed a packet which including a program description and financials for tracking who is in the program. We desparately need a volunteer for this to keep it going.
III. FUNDRAISERS (Jenny and Karen)
a) equal exchange - ~packets go home next week (1-22-08)
b) Seventh Generation - spring clean fundraiser discussion.
IV. COMMUNICATIONS: WEBSITE/EMAIL (russell) and NEWSLETTER (Jessica)
a) Relaucnh - new URL www.champlainpto.org, to be launched next week. Currently about 5 PTO chair people plus (add Nancy, add Chris) review the e-newsletter, questions on whether to increase this review list. Can also add capability to have a discussion forum, and team decided such program would only be available to people with current enrolled students at Champlain Elementary.
b) Feedback/Suggestions on weekly emails etc requested.
V. GENERAL MEETING & ORGANIZATION PLANNING
a) Scheudling regular meeting to accomodate teachers. After much discussion, team agreed to have a few PTO members attend teacher meeting 2-3 times per year if possible to tie PTO into teachers meeting. All agreed it would be too much to ask teachers to attend an evening PTO meeting.
b) Planning for future PTO meetings. Several dates suggested, eventually we agreed upn 3rd Tuesday of each month, starting at 6 PM.
c) Process and Timing for recruiting volunteers to chair committees, events, etc.,
VI COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Flynn theater was a tremendous success this year. We've also had 3 authors this year. Everyone in PTO committe should look for special community events to try and tie in to. Future suggestions include a musical petting zoo (?), and we'd like to have a magician before year's end.
Also Box Tops request to include more advertising, and add note to weekly e-newsletters.
VII PARKING AT PINE ST DELI - Nancy reminded us to remind everyone NOT to park there, that there'd been several calls particularly during Champlain School drop offs and events.
VIII OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
a) Business Announcements
b) Barnes Community Dinner 1-20-08 6 PM discussion on "No Child Left Behind"
c) School Bdget Finalized - Burlington Friends of Education Meeting 1-29-08 at 5:30 PM
d) Next Steps On Excellence and Equity - Discussion on Survery follow - up requests, magnet school discussion.
connecting champlain families with our school
Champlain Elementary PTO
