PTO Meeting Minutes 11 October 2011

Meeting commenced at 1:15 am; in attendance: Jessica Taylor, Daniella Harris, Cheryl Chirillo, Terri Gabrielli, Katie Johnson, Brion Bell, Karen Dillon, Teri Domanski, Theresa Rosette and Angela Mosley

Opening Notes:

Correspondence: condolence card to Dolly, the drama coordinator/director; thank you card to the staff at Jersey Mike’s in Leesburg; thank you card also sent to The Kinney’s at Shamrock Music Shoppe for their support and fundraising efforts.

CEAC – A Special Education Advisory Committee meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the Administration Building in Ashburn. Cheryl Chirillo explained the panel and agreed to represent Blue Ridge in addition to Emerick at the meetings. Presentations on Special Education provided for all grades through college. Parents are encouraged to attend.

Principal’s Report: Brion Bell

 The pilot of the Clarity program has gone well for the interim reports of Q1. The first quarter ends November 4 with report cards going home on November 16. Some of the goals supported by Clarity include access to online parental portal and email updates.

 BRMS will be represented at the upcoming Schools to Watch Conference.

 Grant application submitted for a program to target student remedial performance on SOLs by creating Homework Club. This will provide grant supported paid tutoring via team directed work focusing on the SOL directives. Data identified that 20-30 students per grade struggle with SOLs resulting in lower than average scores. The program also seeks to introduce summer component.

 Blended Classes program will be made transparent with a link providing statistics available online. Also included will be data and the history of the program on the website. PTO wants to provide link via Bulldog Bytes as well. Mr. Bell also passed out data on the program.

 SIP (School Improvement Plan) – the first draft will be available on the school website soon.

 Upcoming Events on the BRMS Calendar – American Education Week November 14-18. Field trips: 6th grade – Harper’s Ferry; 7th grade – Smithsonian Natural History Museum.

 BRMS was recently named a Virginia Naturally School – a school must show continued improvement each year to continue in the program.  SCA and Clubs will begin October 21 – delayed start due to technical difficulties with online registration.

 An adjustment to the time between classes is under consideration for an additional minute. This would make time between classes going from 4 minutes to 5 minutes. The 8th grade has been asked to submit persuasive essays on their position for review and consideration by the administration.

Building Condition:

 Interior - currently considering ways to freshen the look of the interior. Suggested ideas include painting doorframes in school colors and the addition of coordinated frames for hallway artwork. This would feature photos of the 600 Club – students that make 600 on their SOLs.

 Exterior – Phase 1 Landscaping did not have the desired effect. Mr. Bell has consulted a landscape architect for a long-term plan.

 Systems – the general state of the systems under continued evaluation.

Open Questions:

Cindy Kirk is responsible for the photos in yearbook. The PTO needs to contact her prior to the deadline to ensure that photos of PTO events are included. They were noticeably absent in last year’s edition.

The question was asked if the school has a defibrillator on the premises. P.E. teacher Angela Moseley was in attendance and spoke to that subject. The staff and P.E. teachers are trained in CPR with the P.E. teachers and school nurse receiving extra training on the use of the 2 defibrillating machines at the school.

Other Business:

P.E. teacher Angela Moseley requested a grant of $150 to launch the P.E. Student of the Month focusing on good sportsmanship and effort. The reward would be recognition on the bulletin board, a certificate and a free Smoothie voucher redeemable at Tropical Smoothie. The cost would be $15 per month. She initiated the September launch. The motion was passed to approve the grant and reimburse her for her prior expense.

Solar Lights project still on hold pending contact with John Lord, currently still on leave.

Special Presentation:

Staff presented a brief presentation with a handout to explain and support the grant for IXL, an online math program that can be used by students in class as well as access from home. The program will focus on approx. 60 self-contained students who showed a failing rate of 67% on the spring 2011 SOL test. Levels align with state standards all the way up to Algebra. Modules provide information on incorrect answers allowing the student and teacher to pinpoint trouble spots with real time feedback. The teacher implemented the program for the summer on her own funds and has seen an improvement rate of 150%.

Board voted to approve the grant request for $398 pending paperwork, to include additional funds for reimbursement of previously financed expenses.

Treasurer’s Report: Theresa Rosette

BRMS received $150 from Shamrock Music Shoppe fundraiser.

Hospitality – has a new chair! However, hospitality funds of $1500 have been spent, which makes it currently over budget. Funds can be reallocated if necessary. Upcoming events should include a teacher breakfast typically held the 1st Wednesday of every month.

Budget - the Specials line item in the budget can be used to fund the grants for the P.E. program and the math IXL program.

New Business: Teri Domanski

Spooky Skate – Halloween 7-9 pm at the skating rink. For $300 the PTO can rent the entire facility with a contract of ½ down for deposit and remaining ½ due night of the event. It was recommended that the PTO be listed as a second on the insurance. Admission $5 – need to sell 60 tickets to break even. PTO could sell own refreshments. Karen Dillon suggested that the PTO sell water and drinks for $1. Donations of candy will be requested in order to provide each child a treat bag at the end. Skate Committee needed to coordinate decorations, ticket sales and chaperones.

Flyer will go out with permission slip at bottom that must be returned to purchase ticket. Numbered tickets will be sold during lunch October 19-21 and 26-28 for 7th and 8th graders. No tickets will be sold at the door and the event is for BRMS students ONLY. Costumes optional, but all school rules governing costumes apply. Jessica Taylor will take care of flyer and tickets.

Drama Club – Karen Dillon and Brion Bell met with Dolly to discuss new production. Cost $2170 for licensing rights, $300 of which comes back to the school. Dolly has also requested a salary increase. Contract details will be negotiated at signing on Tuesday. Drama rehearsal starts November 14.

Items for Discussion

Game Night – November 18 featuring pizza and Bingo. Chairperson for committee needed.

Spirit Wear – new sales start with a new design. May need to order more lanyards.

Volunteer Coordination – Terri Gabrielli is working on team lists and to create contact lists. Also waiting for list of House parents. Student Directory – Karen Dillon has formatted a master directory with Brittany that is ready to send to printer. Cost will be $5 per copy as a fundraiser.

Next meeting – November 1st at 1 pm. PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A DATE CHANGE!

Meeting adjourned @ 3 pm.