Carl R. Streams PTO Minutes

Regular Meeting, September 8, 2015

The September 8, 2015 regular meeting of the Carl R. Streams Elementary School PTO was called to order at 9:34 am in the Streams LGI Room. President Alissa Mammana called the meeting to order and Secretary Eean Kerber recorded the proceedings. 22 people were in attendance at the 9:30 meeting. There were 5 people in attendance at the 7:00 PM meeting.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

The September 8th Agenda was approved.

Speakers: Amy Billerbeck, USC School Board (9:30 am meeting only) Report from Dr. O’Toole that back to school went smoothly. The big initiatives this year are: the Professional Learning Committees, One-to-One learning with iPads at the middle schools, safety in the schools with more security at the elementary levels, and examining the practices at the High School. The state budget has still not been passed. We don’t have state funds coming in currently. We get about 20% of our budget from the state, and 4-5% from the federal government. Right now we will be relying on our tax revenues. Please call your state representative to encourage education funding.

Treasurer’s Report- Treasurer Heather Ziegler provided information on the PTO account. There was a cash balance of $50 on July 1, 2015. The receipts for this month totaled $7,233.76 for: Transfer from PTA account- $7,000 and Market Day- $133.76. Disbursements totaled $30.45 for: Checks- $18.45, and Bank fees- $12. We have an ending cash balance of $7,153.31 as of September 1, 2015

Correspondence- Eean Kerber had no correspondence to report.

President’s Report- President Alissa Mammana encouraged us to sign up for e Alerts. She shared information from the PTO Council meeting. The Open Mike with Dr. O’Toole is in the Boyce Theater on Nov. 2, at 7 pm. The 6th grade will be raising money for Deer Valley by selling garbage bags. Odyssey of the Mind registration is currently going on. An informational meeting will be on September 16. There are links online. This year, there are 170 new students registered in USC, while 75 students left. We are still looking for a new “Arts in USC” program to replace the Reflections contest. The One-to-One plan is ongoing with the 5-8th graders.

Vice-President- Vice-President Leria Miles highlighted Spirit Night at Chik-Fil-A. 15% of what we purchase will go to Streams, and you must mention this when at the register. This year the Pirates have partnered with Chik-Fil-A and the school with the best participation in Spirit nights will receive a visit from the Pirate parrot. The first one is on Thursday, Sept 17 from 4:30-7:00.

2nd Vice-President- Dr. Miller gave a big welcome back. Theme is “Everyone Smiles in the Same Language.” There were nine staff changes this year. Mrs. Allen went from 3rd to 4th, and Mrs. Sabo went from K to 1st. We also have 3 staff members on maternity leave: Mrs. Stevenson, Mrs. LaSalle, and Mrs. McIntyre. These teachers plan to return sometime in the fall or early winter. Mrs. Dunbar and Mrs. Ruffalo are on sabbatical leaves this year. There were transfers from within the district to fill these positions. Mrs. Burgett joined the 3rd grade team as a long-term sub. She recently moved from Ohio. Mr. Chris, our head custodian, has done an excellent job taking over Mr. Gregg’s position, who retired last spring. Only around 400 families have completed the Back-to-School information on Infosnap. There is a link on the district home page. This is also where you sign up for E Alerts. All three Clearances are required to volunteer in the school. Two of them are currently free. The fingerprints are $27, but if you have lived in PA for over 10 years, you may fill out the affidavit. There is a link on the district website with information. The list with parents who have their clearances is updated every Wednesday. If you come to the building to volunteer, and you are not on this list, you will be denied access. Please see the spreadsheet that the principals created to understand the difference between a volunteer and a visitor. Expect more information for come about the state testing (PSSA). These tests have been recently revised to align with Common Core and the test results look very different. A letter will be sent home in the coming weeks from Dr. O’Toole to explain these changes.

Teacher Representative- Mrs. Kopicko reported that Dr. Miller is encouraging 100% staff participation in the PTO. The teachers spent countless hours over the summer getting ready for the school year. They are now gearing up for Open House this week on September 10.

Board Advisor – Ann Rhodes had no report.

Committee Reports:

Apples For Students Jill Spencer spoke about Apples for Students. Apples for Students is a marketing company that spun off from Apple as a way to help contribute equipment to schools through local grocery stores. Giant Eagle, Target, and Office Depot are all contributors. Dr. Miller usually chooses this equipment. This year they will be sending a check. Streams is one of the biggest participators. There is a toll free number or a website to register. You do not need to have a student at our school to register, so please encourage neighbors or relatives.

Birthday Book Club There is a new procedure for this. Now you can send in cash or a check for $18 to Mrs. Kellner. She will purchase the book and put in a sticker indicating that your child donated the book. You may still purchase your own book, but please contact Mrs. Kellner before doing so.

Blue Moon Laura Schlecker encouraged everyone to sign up.

Box Tops/Campbell’s Labels- send in your Box Tops and Campbell Soup Labels from September 28- October 23. The top classrooms will win a prize. Contact Kelly Shedleski for information.

Clothing Sale/Spiritwear- will be in the fall after Stravaganza. e-bulletin- Please send info to April Jackson by the 21st of every month!

Membership- please consider joining the PTO. Individual memberships are being offered this year, not family. Memberships can be paid online or by cash or check. If you have filled out “Back to School Online” then you will be able to opt in to purchase the hard copy directory.

Room Parent There is a meeting on September 15 at 9:30 AM with Mandy Marn in the LGI. Please make sure you have your Clearances.

Sharing and Caring If you know of someone who could benefit or if you would like to be on the list to help out, let Mandy Marn know.

Stravaganga Theme this year is “Deep Sea.” It is on October 9th this year. Information packets will be sent home soon. Corporate sponsors are needed. Students will vote this week on the color of the T- shirt. April Jackson would love to have your help!

REPORTING/ORGANIZATION:

Outreach- There is still no formal schedule. If you’d like to help brainstorm ideas, let Ann Rhodes know. There will be a Halloween candy drive this fall (Nov. 1) and the candy will be sent to the Red Door project. Old Business- Kindergarten Connection This event was held in June for incoming Kindergarten students and their families. 71 students attended. There were also play dates at the park on several occasions this summer.

New Business-. Gift to school: We are hoping to have the improvements to the playground done in time for Streams’ 50th anniversary next year. This is a student initiative. A vote was taken to gift additional funds for this project. A motion was made by Pam Kunjara and seconded by Jenni Crossley. The motion passed to give $2,880 for the playground.

The minutes from the September 8th, 2015 meeting were approved as read.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 am.

Submitted By: ______Date approved: ______

Things to Note

Giant Eagle Card: Please remember to sign up to help benefit our school for Apples for Students. Just register your Advantage Card # with Streams school and your purchases will give our school money. This will not affect your perks! Visit http://www.gianteagle.com/school/apples-for-students

E-bulletin deadline: Info due to April Jackson @ [email protected] by September 21st

District Open Mike: There will also be an Open Mike at Boyce School on November 2rd at 7pm with Dr. O’Toole. More info to follow on what the topic will be.

Chik-Fil-A Spirit Night: September 17

Meeting Attendance 9:30 AM: Kelly Shedleski Stacy Knierim Jenni Crossley Ranya Pam Kunjara Melissa Galbraith Kari Lythgoe Elfi Beneke Heather Holtschlag Sam Elkoni Steph Fidihler Penney Miller Trish Krofcheck Judith Andrews Amy Billerbeck Tracey Ruffner Mandy Marn Rita Patel Dora Rudnick Kerstin Mayr Jen Clougherty

7:00 PM: Marlo Lancaster Kim Burhill Tessie Kucherawy Emily Lattanzi Doha Alattas