MEMO

TO: Yolanda Cortes, DPTO-Board Liaison

CC: Debra Giles

RE: DPTO UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2008

FROM: Kris Angerthal

DATE: October 1, 2008

The DPTO is pleased to present an update on its activities and plans.

At the September 3, 2008 DPTO meeting, a brainstorming session was held with parents and teachers in attendance to shape our plans for the year. A summary has been posted on the DPTO blog, but the highlights, together with some commentary, are below:

Feedback:

Desire to “green” the school

• DPTO is working with Miss Hurley to find out about current environmental efforts, to see where we can support them.

• Are there ways to integrate the school’s vision and policies with this stated desire to be an environmentally-conscious school? (See below)

Desire for improved communication

• The DPTO has created a blog with a link from the mainpage of the school website, and is also including a page about events and activities in the newsletters that are sent home every two weeks.

• We are discussing ideas with Debra, such as posting the appropriate channels of communication on the blog and in the school reception, as well as the possibility of a suggestion box.

Desire to build community

• DPTO hopes to work at the end of this school year on preparing for new teacher and family arrivals, with welcome activities planned in advance.

• Planning events that stimulate community building as well as raise funds.

Fundraising/Community Building Events:

Fall Fun Run – set for Saturday, November 8

Possible Spring Fashion Show

Activities:

• Our second general meeting was held the morning of October 1, and some 20 parents and teachers were in attendance. We updated attendees on our activities, and recruited volunteers for future activities.

• The DPTO is currently collecting estimates for cafeteria tables, and plans to complete the selection process by the end of October. Through discussion with Debra, we have decided to purchase wooden picnic tables, both for durability, and for their environmentally-friendly nature.

• We have completed orders for t-shirts and they will be delivered to purchasers within a few weeks.

• We will provide free refreshments at the General Assembly, and refreshments for sale at Songfest.

• We hope to work this year on engaging parents and teachers to better define our mission and goals as an organization. To this end we have reviewed the school Strategic Plan and aligned our proposed goals with those of the school. (Please see attached.)

• The DPTO is interested in working together with student groups in building school spirit by deciding on school colors, defining our school mascot, etc. These are preliminary steps towards building a school Athletic Program, which we feel would greatly enhance the school spirit as well as overall development of character and values (teamwork, good sportsmanship, leadership) of our students.
  
  

• There was also interest in a toy/clothing drive. While the DPTO would like to focus its efforts on community service that focuses on service itself rather than handouts, we would certainly help promote any school-led initiatives for a drive.

Fundraising Comments:

The DPTO would like to note that while it is certainly easy to identify needs, we feel that the organization is best equipped to fundraise for smaller purchases, as has been done in the past (the basketball court, cafeteria tables) and is being done this year (PE equipment and other to be determined during the year). We feel that a major fundraising campaign, for example, to improve facilities, would be most effective if spearheaded by the administration and board. If there is interest in such an effort, the DPTO would be happy to help identify parents who would be appropriate to support a fundraising committee, and help brainstorm fundraising ideas (for example the feasibility of a paid development officer, etcetera).

School “Greening” – Integrating with the School’s Strategic Vision and Policies?

Or, should the desire to be an environmentally-friendly school somehow be incorporated into the strategic plan, so that it is an integrated part of our vision, and not an add-on or afterthought?

Given the priority that parents placed on greening the school, the DPTO wondered if there is a place to include environmental impact in policy. For example, a policy were put in place that gives priority in purchasing (of cleaning supplies, paints, art materials, light bulbs, etcetera) to environmentally-friendly products.

Perhaps the DPTO can help stimulate an environmental task force that can explore ways to green the school, that fit with our environment (in a place where recycling is a challenge, etc.)? This task force should include teachers such as Miss Hurley, and students.