2015-16 October PTO Meeting Minutes

(Thursday October 13, 2016)

Attendees: Officers Samantha Pierce, Sarah Hamersma, Karen Cordano, Lesley Porcelli, Sarah Stephens: Vice Principal Marshella Mason; Teacher representative Karen Putt; Parents Chris Kelly, Connie Myers Kelly, Rex Giardine, Diane Naylor, Thom Dellwo, Stephanie Fay, Fatemeh Ebrahimi, Anton Ninno

Call to Order/Ammended Meeting Minutes Approved: The meeting was called to order at 7:01pm. The September minutes were approved.

Chess Club Presentation by Anton Ninno:

 Anton Ninno started Ed Smith chess club. He joined the meeting to describe the tournaments and Syracuse Chess, a non-profit. There is a Syracuse NY Chess Facebook page.

 Tournaments average 40 to 60 players, and usually PTO runs food concession.

The Principal’s Report:

 Vice Principal Marshella Mason reported that Mr. Barber has been healing okay.

 Locks have been purchased for 7th and 8th grade lockers.

 5-week reports went out; kids are adjusting well.

 There have been issues with buses for athletics; this is something the administration is currently aware of and trying to iron out.

 Jennifer Kelley voiced concern over seclusion for inclusive kids; Ms. Mason explained that there are a number of reasons for this, including parental request and determination if children need more intensified classes, since all students are expected to earn Regents diplomas. State mandates have changed and scheduling is now split so groups don't necessarily float together all day. The mission of the school has remained to aim for the least restrictive environment possible.

The Treasurer’s Report:

Sarah Hamersma reviewed:

 The first field trip was underway. We had budgeted $600 per grade as a default, that teachers can get without making special requests. The 1st grade requested an additional $88 that was approved.

 There will be a 5th grade field trip to Seward House in Auburn. Credit Union Presentation by Thom Dellwo

 Ed Smith's Credit Union rep Thom Dellwo attended to encourage kids to start savings accounts. There was discussion about how to get more kids involved and how to reach populations that might not usually participate.

 There were suggestions to visit the After School program, and have a mini-academy- style financial literacy class.

Misc other items:

 Karen Cordano presented options for ordering gear. The group voted to spend $1450 for gear that could be sold or used as prizes in the upcoming years.

 Picture day was to be October 20 and 21.

 Ski sale is November 5.

 There will be an Election Day Bake Sale organized by Karen Cordano.

 Karen moved to put on next month's agenda a plan to help the librarian.

 Franchesca Clemente will no longer be doing pictures next year and needs a new volunteer.

 Middle School will be raising money for the Lock In and the roller skating parties.

The meeting was closed at 8:29pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen Cordano (Corresponding secretary)

Lesley Porcelli (Recording secretary)