North Pointe Elementary PTO (2013-2014) Meeting

October 8, 2013

Holly Carithers welcomed everyone and there were 14 persons present:

Principal Elrod, Kerri Cape, Nicole Clark, Jennifer Brockelbank, Holly Carithers, Marc Minner, Hope Skelton, Kathy Culpepper, Lyndsey Walden, Bethany Pannell, Katie Roddey, Kelly Evans, Craig Chappelear, and Angi Patrick.

-Minutes from the last meeting were approved by the board and filed by the Secretary.

-Kathy Culpeper reported the status of yearbook planning. She has been working closely with Luke from Jostens to get a cover approved. “Time to Order Yearbook” stickers will be given to students. The idea of having students pay $1 to enter a piece of their artwork into a contest to be chosen as a “cover page” for their grade was mentioned. From those submissions, one would be chosen per grade. The board agreed that this was a good idea. There is a need for photos for the yearbook. Kathy has information on the website that pictures may be uploaded to for possible usage. She will email this information to President Carithers so she can email it out to the board. It was suggested that Principal Elrod also send the link out to the teachers and parents so that anyone with photos may contribute. The request was made for Principal Elrod to also ask the teachers to submit any class photos they take throughout the year and any that they have from field day of the previous year.

-The Treasurer’s Report was then given by Treasurer, Marc Minner (see attached). A request was made concerning the process of bundling checks for deposit. It was requested that a group of 10-15 checks be bound together with a printout of register/calculator tape showing the individual amounts being added. This will be accepted by the bank in the place of a deposit slip. All checks should also be stamped with the rubber stamp located in the PTO office prior to bundling. The Treasurer’s Report was filed with the Secretary.

-Volunteer Coordinator Chair, Hope Skelton, reported that there have been very few people signing up as volunteers for the 2nd grade testing next week and on the 24th and 25th. A plea was made for anyone who can to please go sign up for at least one day. It was suggested that Principal Elrod send the signup document to teachers to forward to their parents again, as some people have reported problems in receiving some emails. It was also suggested to ask grade parents for help.

-Fundraising Chair, Bethany Pannell, requested an increase to the proposed budget for the “Hustle for the Heart” event planned for February 14, 2014. The increase was allotted and the new budget for that event is $1,200. Committee member, Katie Roddey reported that the kick off for this event is scheduled for Friday, January 31st. It was reported that two special guests have been scheduled to visit on the day of the run. The mascot of the Greenville Drive will help begin the event with dancing and the Clemson Tiger will be present at the end of the day for the award ceremony. Children who raise a certain amount of money will be allowed to attend the awards ceremony and have their pictures made with the Clemson Tiger. Students raising $75 or more will receive a NP knapsack as a prize. It was requested that everyone try to secure prize donations prior to Thanksgiving. On the day of the event, students will take part in the “Hustle for the Heart” during their related arts time and be allowed to enjoy a “bounce house” during recess. -Student Support Chair, Kerri Cape, reported that the first Good Citizen Breakfast was a success. She is working on coordinating snacks for the 2nd grade GOCAT testing, ITBS testing on Nov. 7th-8th, and PASS testing with Joy in the lunchroom, as that is the most economical option. Red Ribbon week is October 28th-31st. Each day of the week will be themed. Mr. Long will assist teachers and students with a special activity during the week. The PTO has agreed to supply Mr. Long with 450 Crocus flower bulbs to be planted around the NP campus by students and teachers. It was discussed that these bulbs will produced multi-colored flowers that will bloom in the spring were the most economical choice, having a cost of $136.00 for the lot. It was requested that the PTO also supply 3-5 digging tools.

-Family Night Event Committee Chair, Nicole Clark, reported that $145.50 was collected from the first skate night of the school year and that the Family Picnic was very successful. Attention was drawn to the upcoming Holiday Fair. It was requested that each member find the event on Facebook, like it, and invite their friends and family. Applications have been sent out via email by Principal Elrod and are also on the PTO portion of the North Pointe Elementary website. Few applications have been received for vendors. More vendors are needed. Movie night will be held on October 25th. There will be a cake walk and a costume contest. Popcorn and drinks will be available for purchase.

-Angi Patrick, Grade Parent Coordinator Chair, announced that the Grade Parent Orientation has been completed.

-The Principal’s Report was given by Principal Elrod.

It was announced that it had been approved by Jennifer and Holly for the PTO to assist a family with the cost of a field trip this year.

It was discussed that there are some changes coming for students in the way that their assignments will be collected. By 2015, fifth grade students will be expected to type a two-page essay in a sitting, fourth grade students will be required to type one page, and third grade, one paragraph. Thus, there is a need for keyboarding training for students. The school has purchased a program for keyboarding practice that may be utilized by students. It is called “Type To Learn 4” and a link is posted on the North Pointe website for students to utilize at home as well.

It was also announced that the office of SC House Representative, Brian White, has offered to provide the certificates for upcoming Honor Roll celebrations.

-The President’s Report was given by Holly Carithers.

There have been several changes to the proposed budget for the 2013-2014 year. Changes have occurred in the line items for the run and picnic. An addition was made to allocate funds for teacher’s classroom supplies. The proposed budget will be voted on at the General PTO Meeting on October 17th.

Additional wording was added to the By-laws to encompass the roll of the Vice President Elect and a membership discrimination statement.

President Carithers then reported on the estimate she has received for the track to be built. Anderson County has provided an estimate for this project, at cost. No labor will be charged, per the estimate. The estimate is for $11,000 and a request has been made for the county to contribute half of the cost for the school. This request will be approved or denied within a few weeks. A motion to vote to approve the spending of half of the estimate, if the request is granted, was made by Kerri Cape. The motion to vote was seconded by Craig Chappelear. A vote was held and approved by the board for $5,500.00 to be allocated toward the funding of the school track. The track may be built during Spring Break or summer vacation 2014. More details will follow concerning the track.

It was requested that all members find the North Pointe PTO Facebook page and utilize it for announcements. Pictures of students are not to be placed on this page, due to privacy policy.

Meeting Adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Kelly Evans

Attachments: agenda, Treasurer’s Report