Gorman Fort Banks PTO
Meeting notes
Feb. 8 2012
Intro:
Marcie introduced board members present.
Principals report:
CORI’s :There needs to be a CORI on file for ALL chaperones for field trips/school outings.
GOMATH nights: 1st grade Monday feb13th
2nd grade Thursday Feb 16th
Kindergarten March 7th
Important tips, role play and q&a’s
Assistant principal: Interim period, candidate is Mrs. Grimes
Still in the works, will probably begin after Feb break
Book Flix: What is it? Online site, over 800 titles, classified by fiction and non-fiction, reading development.
Mrs Pearson wanted feed back. Also will seek teacher feedback.
Book FLix vs’ Tumble Books? Mrs. Pearson will look into the option of choosing one or both…what makes sense.
Budget:
Allocations for resurfacing? Still not received information from town.
Literacy Night:
Mrs. Pearson has spoken to teachers regarding the stations/participation.
All preparations moving forward and going well.
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER: MR Gill
Mr. Gill spoke about how he is proud of Winthrop. His vision for a better Winthrop. He was proud of his “walks” through all the Schools. How great the playground build was and how he would like that to happen (community involvement) in other parts of town .
Open forum for Questions:
* What is the Status of the playground resurfacing?
Mr Gill responded that it was voted in Dec. and that the money is allocated. He will look into it and get back to us. Further discussions on weather the PTO can get another grant, get more equipment, and other scenarios about WHEN (April pour would be ideal)were mentioned by Dawn Manning.
* Can we get more financial resources for professional development?
Mr. Gill responded that education is an investment and that these are tough financial times. The school committee has implemented significant changes.
*What is the status on the Access road?
Mr. Gill responded that there were 2 parking spot taken by eminent domain and that he had signed the order for a check to be paid to Governors park. Not sure when construction will begin, he will get back with more info.
*Who is in charge of the Custodial Staff for the Schools?
Mr. Gill responded that each Principal is responsible and that there is a new facilities Manager that has just been hired. Gary Skormo spoke about a story of a child that had mentioned to him how the schools were dirty. Another parent spoke about how they thought that the High school was very dirty.
*What is the status of the “new high school /middle school” idea?
Mr. Gill responded that there is a committee that has been looking into that. There are three basic “plans” that are being studied. (new high school, new middle school or new Combo school) He believes that the combo school is the best idea.
* Where has our “old” playground equipment gone to and will it be used in the Dawes playground rebuild?
Mr. Gill responded that he believes that the old playground will be used there and that the DPW will be doing the work. Another questions was asked regarding monitoring the playgrounds to prevent vandalism. (use of cameras?)
*Can we have better cooperation and communication with DPW?
Mr. Gill responded that DPW will continue to work together with the school.
Treasures Report:
Balance $16,156.00 Projected ending balance $10,000
Playground fund $13,000
Spring Clothes drive:
Looking into a date , probably at the end of April after vacation.
Volunteer Update:
Kelly Parker: all is great, amazing job from volunteers. It is very helpful for teachers. They are able to focus on: RTI, Cpr training, Profesional development…etc.
Enrichment Programs:
Jan update: Originations did not serve the purpose, they did not deliver as promised. 1/3 of their cost was a grant.
Feb: Abe Lincoln , grant was approved.
Feb: Bingo night-SOLD OUT!
March: MWRA
Literacy Night: March 1st
Teacher/ Classroom Gift:
Discussions on amount and who should it go to?
Vote on $75 or $100 **$100 was approved**
Will discuss at next meeting weather “other” teacher/aides will get gift. How many teachers? 23. Mrs. Murphy expressed that what ever is given, teachers are grateful.
Discussion on what to do next year? Discussion on weather it would be a good idea to ask teacher for a letter to state how the gift was used. Other ideas were mentioned: Teacher wishing well, EXCL-Creative extras- a program that costs $350 for 36 visits- go and pick from gently used or donated “extras.” (will further look into this program and discuss at next meeting)
Vote on allocating $50 for Art teacher to enroll in Creative Extras program. **approved**
Teacher Appreciation Lunch
Will be further discussed next meeting. Room parent will ask for donations of $2 -$5 for luncheon.
Library
Vote for allocating $125 for supplies (baskets, new cards needed) **approved**
Literacy Night
March 2nd
Dr. Seuss theme
Mrs. Pearson will read book.
Different center will focus on different books and will be age appropriate
Book donations- gently used books are welcome, teachers will get to pick and extras will be donated.
No cookies and milk this year
Book order is in (cost was $68 for 100 books)
Committee will meet for further planning
OPEN FORUM:
Gary Skormo informed PTO of an idea to change the name of the school. Idea is to remove “Fort Banks” from the name. Further discussions about the reason and the cost about this. He stated that it is not in the next agenda.