LZMS South PTO Minutes
September 9, 2009
The meeting was called to order by Lana Fava at 7:00 pm
.
Those present: Lana Fava, Shari Sorrells, Patti
Schumacher, David Gardner, Lisa Warren, Becky Steindel, Diana D’Avello, Colleen
Koebel, Allison Reichel, Anne Close, Michelle Samonty-Shepherd, Mary Santi,
Peggy Walding, Julie McPeek, Jane Murra, Linda Sinclair, Kathy Cotter, Eileen
Mattison, Laura Dawson, Sharon Callard, Sheryl Durment
President – Lana Fava
- Future minutes will be available online as the PTO will be going as
paperless as possible
- The PTO has been using Constant Contact as a database for volunteers
with great success. We will continue to use that database for PTO
communications internally and will have access to the District’s main parent
database for communication with parents.
- We have been approached for a $100 contribution to a parent based
organization called Special Needs Support Network. A decision for approval
was deferred until after the issue could be discussed with other district
PTO Presidents.
- The PTO was also approached to help support Joni’s Closet, a community
service offering supplies and items of need to district students. Lisa
Warren agreed to include this cause with the Community Service committee.
- The LZMSS PTO has filed as a 501 (c)(3) and we are waiting for the
exemption letter from the IRS. There was a $750 fee for filing. State
exemption documents will be filed this week.
Vice President – Shari Sorrells
Spring Grants have been paid with the exemption of a 50% balance on the
Drama Speakers (pending training) and we still need to coordinate the
purchase of the Flip cameras. We are targeting PTO grant forms to be
distributed to teachers the first week in October for Fall Grants, pending
financial results of the magazine drive.
We are still looking for a volunteer to fill the Publicity Committee
position if anyone knows of someone that may be interested.
Secretary – Lynn Tsiapas (Absent)
May minutes are available for review. Approval was deferred to the
October meeting. A copy of the May Minutes is included under a separate
attachment for review.
Treasurer – Patti Schumacher
We have a current cash balance of $9,500 and are in need of funding for
a $17,772 budget for the year.
Principal -- Dave Gardner
Year is off to a great start with minor interruption in
services as a result of the district change in maintenance provider
MAP testing has started and there will be three testing
cycles this year with the second round being in January and the final
testing in April. The testing will have one less subtest than in prior
years.
There will be an open house for 6th
grade parents’ tomorrow evening and one for 7th & 8th grade parents next
week.
The first Activity night for 6th grade students was a
success and the next Activity Night for all grades will be on the 25th.
There was a change in date due to a conflict with a holiday schedule.
The Student Access system should be introduced very soon
and passwords and information will be distributed via e-mail.
There will be significant increase in requests for
scholarships, specifically for the Springfield trip. Mr. Gardner suggested
we make approximately $3,000 available in the budget for this year.
Teacher Rep – Open
Mr. Gardner will talk with the faculty and coordinate someone for
this position
Community Service –Lisa Warren
Lisa will be coordinating efforts with the SOAR student
club to assist the Community Service Committee where it is appropriate. She will
coordinate with Karal Wesman and discuss a possible fundraiser or explore ways
the students can help with Joni’s Closet.
8th Grade Bash –
No Report
Flower Sale – Diana D’Avello
We are in the process of gathering information for the Spring Sale
Halloween Activity –Cheryl Eisenhuth
First committee meeting will be tomorrow
Health , Safety & Character Counts – Michelle
Samonty-Sheperd
Reported that they attended the Showcase of available speakers and
performers for assemblies during the year. They will be coordinating
with Mr. Gardner to make their selections.
Hospitality –Colleen Koebel
The back to school teachers Pep themed luncheon went very well. The
volunteers provided salads and delicious treats for the teachers. The
volunteer database used to recruit for volunteers was very helpful.
Their next event will be the Latte Ladies on October 23rd.
They will be meeting next week to set dates for other events for
the year.
Landscaping – Jane Murray
The courtyard suffered over summer but has been recently weeded and
is looking better. The committee will investigate the cost of adding
some blooming perennials to some of the bare areas to reduce weed growth
and improve appearance. We are still attempting to relocate a bench from
Charles Quentin and need to remove the broken picnic table. The
Landscape Committee has a budget of $500.
Magazine Drive – Julie McPeek
The first day for turning in orders will be tomorrow. Initial
postcards submissions were slightly down. Participation in the Inflatables was offered for families wishing to make a straight donation
of $25 or more. Everyone is encouraged to help sales.
Market Day –Mary McDermott
The first sale went well. You can access Market Day through the
website for on-line ordering and pick-up instructions.
Newsletter – Kathy Cotter
The committee is working on having the first on-line newsletter
sent out via e-mail in the first week of October. They will be
coordinating the distribution with Mr. Walsh. The committee will also
help out and contact the Herald and Courier with any community interest
information until we can fill the Publicity Committee role.
Parent University – Eileen Mattison
The first meeting will be next week to discuss speakers and topics.
The dates have been set. The first (free) speaker will be on November
4th and the University will be offered on February 27th.
Publicity – Open
Spiritwear – Laura Dawson, Sharon Callard
The costs for sweatshirts have gone up slightly so profit margins
were down for the initial sales at registration. The Spirit Wear in now
on-line with full color photos to encourage more sales.
Student Supply Box –
Sales of supply boxes raised $1,800 representing a $500 increase
over last year.
Volunteer –Sheryl Durment,
The new database is working well and any requests for volunteers
should be forwarded to Sheryl or Lana for them to format and distribute
the broadcast e-mail. We currently have over 200 volunteers in the
database.
An electronic Buzz Book will not be offered this year. The District
no longer has a Printing office so we will be soliciting local business
and vendors to help pay for the cost of printing. The new district
format may allow for the books to be stapled instead of bound which ill
reduce the cost significantly. We will need approximately 800 copies.
The contest to design the Buzz Book cover will be offered next
week. First prize will receive $25.
Old Business
· NONE
New Business
Since the district no longer has a Printing office the cost of copy
paper and related materials has fallen on the individual buildings. The
PTO will need to be mindful of any photocopying done, using electronic
alternatives when possible. All minutes and Treasurer’s Reports will
only be available on line. The agenda for our monthly meetings will also
be sent electronically for each meeting. Should you need to make
photocopies please utilize two sided copies whenever possible.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:43pm
The next meeting is October 8th at 7:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Shari Sorrells for Lynn Tsiapas