PTO Meeting – Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Meeting called to order: 9:05 am
October Minutes: Approved
President’s Report: Judi Catherwood
The PTO is thinking about changing the format of the Socials. Planning a Ladies Night Out in May with shopping vendors/DJ/cocktail hour/dinner. We still need to secure a venue and the date is to be announced. If anyone knows of vendors who would like to participate, please let the PTO Board know.
The PTO is also requesting ideas/thoughts for new fundraisers. We are thinking about brainstorming with other area PTO’s to get additional ideas.
A new idea of a family fundraiser is being discussed, possibly snow tubing at Campgaw/movie night or other community event.
The MEF Casino Night is coming up on November 20th at the Pearl River Hilton.
Treasurer’s Report: Corrine Butler
The FMS Book Fair grossed $7,150 – the net profit to the PTO to be determined once we receive the invoice from Scholastic. The gross number is $300 more than last year.
The Gift Wrap sale grossed $13,131 – the net profit to the PTO to be determined. The PTO will keep approximately 40-50%.
Vice President’s Report – Memorial: Brenda Esposito
The Holiday Boutique at MS will be November 30-December 4. The volunteer email went out and a signup sheet will be distributed via email. The set up will be the Tuesday and/or Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Reminder that the visiting author, Patricia Palacco will be at MS on
November 17th.
Vice President’s Report – Fieldstone: Rachele Campana
The Book Fair was a success. Next year, we should rethink the selections for the 8th graders. The Language Arts teachers and the Principal and Vice Principal will get together to discuss this.
The Holiday Boutique will be November 15-November 20 in the Cafetorium. The students can shop during their lunch time only.
American Education Week’s Open House will be on Tuesday, November 17. Please visit FMS during this day and please remember that we are guests of the teachers so please follow proper etiquette (e.g., no talking, no cell phones, arrive to classes on time, etc).
The Table Tales cookbooks for the 5th grade were distributed. A big Thank You to the 5th grade class parents who helped copy and bind the books for the 150 students in 5th grade.
The Halloween parties were a success – thank you for your support.
Publicity is needed for K-8 – more positive PR – we are looking for suggestions. If anyone has any contacts at newspapers, magazines, please let the PTO know.
Michael Fowlin came to visit FMS. He is a role player and he speaks in the perspective of the role he is playing for the kids. It is an eye opening assembly and we should consider making it more than one day.
Corresponding Secretary: Vicki Hickey Thank you notes to the PTO were read
Superintendent’s Report: Bill Belluzzi
Thank you to the PTO for the programs that we have for our children.
H1N1 update: Health Office will let us know if the vaccines will be made available possibly on November 14th at the High School. During the break, the custodians will be cleaning the schools.
Please review the district web page for the addition of the “wish list” of the district. Anyone who can contribute something on the “wish list”, please let the superintendent’s office know.
The district is looking at the assessments (Learnia), the new state standards regarding technology, communications, problem solving, preparing kids for colleges and thereafter, and character education.
The next Board of Education meetings will be held on November 16th and 23rd. At the meeting on the 23rd, the Falcons will be honored and there will be a presentation about the school assessments.
Principal’s Report – MS: Nancy Drabik
Reminder that the Wednesday folders are on the website.
Thank you to Pam DelGrande for the publicity to the newspapers.
MS will need a new volunteer to update the front sign for next year.
The Kindergarten registration has been very slow – please spread the word to register.
Parent conferences are at the end of November and the beginning of December. With the help of Dr. Chinni, we are looking into building report cards online. The teachers will fill in the information online and will print to go over with the parents. Eventually, we will work towards the parent reviewing the report cards online and they can print at home.
In regards to the H1N1 – we need to demonstrate to the state that we have an adequate plan in action to be able to do work from home. If the school needs to close, we may be allowed to count that day toward the school year. We will let the parents know how to access this information once it is in place.
Via Eduwave emails, the teachers can communicate with the students.
On Wednesday, November 11th, MS is hosting a Veterans Day Assembly “Homes for our Troops”. This is for the veterans who have been handicapped and need their homes reconfigured when they return. MS is asking that if you have a veteran in your family or a friend, please invite them to the assembly and let Mrs. Drabik know. We will be presenting the money that has been collected ($1 per child). Mrs. Drabik will be emailing more details.
Patricia Palacco, visiting author, will be coming on November 17th.
Mix It Up Day will be next week – the students will receive a color when they enter the lunchroom and they will sit at that colored table and hopefully meet new friends.
The Popcorn sale for the music t-shirts will be next week.
Monday, November 16th will be American Education Week’s Open House at MS.
Principal’s Report: Dave Collier (Assistant Principal)
The Girls’ and Boys’ Soccer teams both won the championships. The girls’ team was undefeated again this year. They will be recognized at the November 23rd Board of Education meeting.
Basketball try-outs will begin next week. Field Trip update: The 6th graders went to the Museum of Natural History and the 5th graders went to Chelsea Piers. The 7th graders will be going on November 20 to a cultural event (Spanish Dance and a French restaurant).
November 20th is the deadline for the 8th grade Washington trip sign up.
Thank you to the PTO for all their hard work with the Halloween parties and the Book Fair.
Red Ribbon Week / Making Good Choices / Door Decorating Contest / Family Dinner Night were all successful.
The week of November 9th is Random Acts of Kindness week.
FMS will also be having a Mix It Up day.
November 17th is the American Education Week’s Open House for parents to visit during classes. No visiting during lunch time.
December 1, 2, 3 will be parent conference by teacher invitation only. The teachers will call if a conference is needed but please feel free to schedule one if you need to see the teacher.
PFA – Pascack Hills High School: Christine Bianco
All 55 security cameras have been installed and images are kept for 30 days.
November 14th is the date so far for the H1N1 vaccines – there will be an administration fee charged.
Honors placement for 8th graders – see district website for details
Hot Food Committee Update:
The second session ordering will begin on Friday, November 6th and go until Friday, November 27th. The session runs from December 7 – March 12. Meeting was adjourned at 10:05 am.