Meadowlark Elementary PTO Meeting Minutes
October 5, 2009
Welcome: Carmen Schulte, PTO President, called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Nineteen people were in attendance.
Secretary’s Report:
Chris Steward October PTO newsletter will be out soon. Motion to approve the September 14, 2009 minutes was made by Kim Manor and seconded by Kristi Pederson. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report:
Laurie Wolf October Report: Motion to approve the October 2009 Report made by Kim Manor and seconded by Amy Rech. Motion carried. An activity summary for each PTO committee will be added to the monthly treasurer’s report.
Proposed 2009-10 Budget:
- If historical spending over the past 2 years was greater than the previous budget for a PTO committee, that budget was increased to be in line with typical expenses. The Family Fun Night, Greater Andover Days and gifts to teachers items were increased. New items in the proposed budget include: art program, outdoor habitat, recycling program.
- A field trip line item was added to the proposed budget to pay for out-of-town field trips. Jody Baker suggested using money set aside in previous years for projector lamps. The district is paying for the lamps now so the money is not needed for that purpose. The estimated cost of the field trips this year is $1,500. The money in the account will cover this. Motion to use the “projector lamp” funds for field trips made by Dawn Monroe and seconded by Kim Manor. Motion carried.
- Motion to approve the proposed 2009-10 budget excluding the field trip line item was made by Amy Rech and seconded by Heather Scott. Motion carried.
Shared Monies with Prairie Creek PTO:
In previous years, the Meadowlark PTO voted to share money earned with Prairie Creek. The percentage of monies shared is dependent upon the number of students who attended Meadowlark from 2007-2009 and eventually stay at Prairie Creek. Rhona Harvey compiled the following statistics: 2007-08 school year, 14% of students would eventually stay at Prairie Creek; 2008-09 school year, 37% of students would stay at Prairie Creek. Based on those percentages and taking out items that would stay at Prairie Creek (books earned at the 2007-09 book fairs) and stay at Meadowlark (cookbook money, Money Market account, technology fund), the total amount Meadowlark owes Prairie Creek is $2,835.75. At the beginning of the 2009-10 school year, Meadowlark advanced Prairie Creek $500, so we owe Prairie Creek $2,335.75.
Fall Fundraiser: Carmen Schulte (for Barbara Baan) Total receipts so far are $17,548.06. Meadowlark will receive approximately half of this amount. The exact numbers will be reported at the November PTO meeting. The fundraising items will be distributed in late October.
Parent/Teacher Conference Meals:
Judi Thomas and Shawna Cortez
PTO provides meals to teachers on the days of conferences. This year, donations of food and drink are requested for the following dates: Monday, October 19 (Soup and Chili Night); Tuesday, October 20 (Taco Salad Night); Thursday, October 22 (Appetizer Night). A sign-up sheet was distributed.
Picture Day:
Jody Baker (for Gracie Fugit) Went smoothly.
Family Fun Night:
Stacey Ellington Family Fun Night will be at Meadowlark on October 27th, starting at 6:30 p.m. Hot dogs will be served and there are four more games planned. A volunteer sign-up sheet will be distributed to students for parents to donate time (30 minute shifts) and/or cookies (2 dozen). Kim Manor offered Boy Scout popcorn as prizes for the pumpkin carving contest winners.
Box Tops:
Kristi Pederson (for Sheri Idol) There were 4,309 box tops counted in September. Mrs. Allison’s class was the kindergarten through 2nd grade winner with 476 box tops, and Mr. Lee’s class was the 3rd through 5th grade winner with 699 box tops. Those classes received a lemonade and popcorn party.
All-Star Reading:
Carmen Schulte (for Sarah Ullman) All-Star Reading Recess will be Oct. 23 for those students who met their Accelerated Reader goal for the first quarter. Parents plus teachers will be on the playground with the students. Two volunteers for each grade level are requested. A sign-up sheet was distributed.
GAD Parade:
Chris Steward Thanked all 20 people who helped with the parade float and dance routine. The Meadowlark entry won for best non-business.
Outdoor Habitat:
Dawn Monroe A new chair is needed for this committee. Jody Baker said district maintenance workers have recently lad sod and trimmed the trees in this area. It looks nice. Bulbs could be planted now for the spring. Planters and shrubs would look nice in the area. The shed is available for equipment storage. Kim Manor said Dave Martine at TreeScapes could offer ideas on the space.
Book Fair:
Jill Sagehorn The Fall Book Fair (September 16-28) raised $3,700 worth of books for the Meadowlark library. Thanks to everyone who helped.
Building Update:
Jody Baker Thanks to all who have helped so far this year. The school will have an Open House on October 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This will be a ribbon-cutting for the renovated school and a celebration of 50 years as a school. A time capsule will be buried.
New Business:
Carmen Schulte
Suggested forming a committee to set up clear guidelines for staff to come to the PTO to request money for projects. The committee members would be anonymous. Kim Manor suggested a circulating committee where a person would change out of the committee every few months. Jody Baker would like to see school-wide projects as the PTO’s primary focus. Ms. Baker could build a wish-list for the building so staff and the committee could see how projects fit in. Carmen Schulte suggested the PTO president be a permanent, non-voting member of the committee.
Music Programs:
Jill Reeves
The 3rd and 4th grade music concert will be December 1 at Andover Central High School. Volunteers are needed to help decorate (Nov. 30 and Dec. 1) and to help with the dress rehearsal (Dec. 1). The concert has a holiday theme.
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Student Incentive Drawing:
Taylor Wolf’s name was drawn. Her teacher, Mrs. Traylor, received a $25.00 Wal-Mart gift certificate.
Next PTO Meeting: Monday, November 2, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. in the Meadowlark library. We’ll see you there!
The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m by Carmen Schulte.
Meadowlark Elementary PTO Meeting Minutes
September 14, 2009
Welcome: Carmen Schulte, PTO President, called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. There were __ in attendance. Everyone introduced themselves and stated their children’s teacher’s names. Carmen passed out information folders to committee chairs.
Office Helper:
Kristi Pederson The committee has enough help with Friday folders. Kristi is compiling a list of substitutes for the lunchroom who can be called if Sue Parker or Janet Gibbs is absent. A sign-up sheet was circulated.
New Business:
Amy Arnhold and Sherri Tolleson A new Kindermusik program is offered at the Andover Public Library. The program, Music and Me, is for 2-5 year olds and includes finger plays, songs and movement for 30 minutes per week. Enrollment is on-going. Contact Amy (733-2568) or Sherri (733-2593) for a current schedule and fees. Amy and Sherri were Parent Educators with Parents as Teachers before that program was cut due to a decreased district budget.
Secretary’s Report:
Chris Steward Motion to approve the May 4, 2009 minutes was made by Beth Cunningham and seconded by Jana Farney. Motion carried. Chris Steward wrote the September PTO newsletter which is posted on the Meadowlark tab of the district Website, www.usd385.org. Committee chairs will be contacted for information for the October newsletter.
Treasurer’s Report:
Laurie Wolf Motion to approve the September 2009 Report made by Amy Rech and seconded by Barbara Baan. Motion carried.
Part of the PTO expenditures since May included an advance of $500 to the Prairie Creek PTO. Discussion ensued about how fundraising monies from the 2007-08 and 2008-09 school years should be split between Prairie Creek and Meadowlark. Jody Baker stated that if the expense was one that Prairie Creek benefited from (such as the assembly during the 2008-09 school year where author Brad Sneed visited), we should count it. If the expense came with us (such as light bulbs for projectors), we should not count it. Laurie will prepare a report of the fundraising money and its use and a proposed PTO budget for approval next month.
Thank you’s
Carmen Schulte
Thanks to all the volunteers who have worked on committees so far this year.
Home Room Parent:
Jana Farney Home Room Parents plan the Halloween and Valentine’s Day class parties and collect money for teacher gifts. The Home Room Parent List is almost complete. To date, the following teachers do not have home room parents: Mrs. Segraves, Mrs. Young, Miss Hoopes and Mr. Lee. See Jana if you would like to volunteer.
Back to School Spirit:
Jody Baker (for Diane Tauscher)
The teachers received sunglasses and candy, wishing them a “cool school year”.
Helping Hands:
Amy Rech Thank you to everyone who helped before and after school and in the lunchroom the first days of school. Everything went smoothly.
Welcome Wagon: Dawn Monroe We had a great turnout (more than 30 people) at the Welcome Back Coffee on
September 2, 2009. This committee also provides snacks at the PTO meetings each month and would like to do something for families who are new to Meadowlark. Contact Dawn with any ideas.
Fall Fundraiser: Barbara Baan Tomorrow, September 15, is the kick-off for the fall fundraiser which is food and other items from River City Fundraising. Samples of the food were provided at Meet Your Teacher Night. Help is needed September 15 at
2:45 for about 45 minutes to deliver the packets to the classrooms. The deadline for orders is Tuesday, September 29. On that day, the committee will need helpers to collect the orders from each teacher and count the money. A sign-up sheet was circulated.
Parent/Teacher Conference Meals:
Carmen Schulte (for Judi Thomas)
Fall Conferences are October 19, 20 and 22. PTO provides the teachers a meal at the school each night of conferences. A sheet was circulated to sign up to bring food and other items for the meals.
Family Fun Night:
Stacey Ellington and Kassie Zwiener Family Fun Night will be at Meadowlark on October 27th, starting at 6:30 p.m. As in previous years, there will be games, food and fun for a minimal cost. This event is not a fundraiser. Planning meetings will start next week. More volunteers are always needed – this is a big event. In the past, we served ice cream but want to try something new this year because there is limited freezer storage. Games in the past included a tattoo station and candy walk bingo. PTO meeting attendees brainstormed ideas for food and games.
Box Tops:
Kassie Zwiener BoBo Box Top visited classrooms today (Sept. 14). BoBo is a clown who visits classrooms to get students enthused about collecting box tops, which raise money for Meadowlark. Students are encouraged to collect box tops from products which are listed at www.boxtops4education.com. Our school receives 10 cents per box top. Last year, Meadowlark received about $3,300 from General Mills. This year, a circus-themed display will show students how many box tops each class collects during the year. Each month, two winning classes will be determined — one from kindergarten through 2nd grades and one from 3rd through 5th grades. Those classes receive a lemonade and popcorn party. The class with the most box tops collected throughout the year wins a pizza party at the end of the year.
GAD Parade:
Chris Steward The Greater Andover Days (GAD) theme this year is, “It’s Home to Me”. Our float theme will be, “There’s No Place Like Home” with a Wizard of Oz Theme. The float will have a rainbow and yellow brick road. Kindergartners and possibly first graders will sit on the float. Other students will march behind the float. Jody Baker will be Dorothy on the float. This year, the PTO is responsible for the choreography and teaching of the “marching routine” to the students. Kassie Zwiener will contact the dance teacher at the YMCA to see if she is interested in choreographing and/or teaching.
Meadowlark has a great participation tradition in the parade. We have won many parade awards and would like to again. All students and parents are invited to participate in the parade. Children are encouraged to wear their yellow Meadowlark T-shirts or a yellow or blue T-shirt or they can wear a Wizard of Oz costume. Jody Baker stressed that parents are encouraged to walk behind the students in the parade. If a parent cannot walk in the parade, he or she should meet the float at AndoverCentralHigh School after the parade to pick up their child. Younger siblings can walk or ride in a wagon pulled by their parents.
Building Update:
Jody Baker Thanks for coming to the meeting. Please feel free to ask any questions about the school and/or district. We want parents to have opportunities to be involved in the school. We are glad to be back at Meadowlark which has a current enrollment of 357 students.
1. The district has cut school budgets. When making the PTO budget for this year, please consider that teachers are short budgets for their classrooms this year. In the past, the Meadowlark budget was about $4800. This year, it is $2800. Most of this money goes to the teachers. Please consider a PTO goal of giving the teachers more practical gifts this year, such as gift cards, that they can use to supplement their classroom budget. I’ve asked teachers to create wish lists for their classrooms that they should publish on their on-line Wiki pages. Teachers will not ask parents directly for items.
2. Field trips have changed. In the past, classes could go on any amount of “in-town” (Andover city limits) trips and one outside trip (for example, to Wichita). Now, due to budget cuts, classes can still go on any amount of in-town trips but will have to pay the bus and driver for outside field trips. The PTO could be asked for help with paying for outside field trips. Teachers will have to go through Jody before requesting money from PTO. In the future, we will set up a process to apply for PTO money.
3. Home Room Parent Guidelines are given to each home room parent. They include limiting the parties to one hour long (including the Halloween parade time), keeping the parties down to a minimal cost and limiting the number of sweets. Room parents can only ask for $10 total per year from each child’s family, usually spread throughout the year (for example, teacher’s birthday and then an end-of-the-year gift).
Book Fair:
Carmen Schulte (for Melanie Joseph) The Fall Book Fair is September 16-28. The book fair is open during library hours. Family Night is Sept. 24 from 4-6:30. Parents are encouraged to attend Family Night with their students. The book fair committee helps set up and take down the book fair and staffs the cash registers during the entire time the book fair is open.
PTO-sponsored
Andover Area Playgroup:
Chris Steward The playgroup met today, Sept. 14, at the Central Park playground, across from the Andover Public Library, from 1-2:30. The playgroup was started by the Meadowlark PTO to encourage all Andover-area young children and parents to meet before or during Kindergarten. In the past, it has met once per month, around the middle of the month. If anyone is interested in running the playgroup or helping set dates for this year, contact Chris Steward.
T-shirt:
Beth Cunningham The last order was submitted, and it should come before the GAD parade. We sold T-shirts for 50 cents over what we paid for them. Early estimates indicate the PTO will break even on the shirts. Wear your shirts to the GAD parade!
Additional Business:
MES 2009-10 PTO Board:
Amy Rech made a motion to nominate Kim Manor as PTO Assistant Treasurer. Beth Cunningham seconded. Motion carried.
Board and Committee Chair List:
Carmen Schulte
Presented. Will be posted on the Website.
Student Incentive Drawing:
Meg Farney won $25.00 for her teacher, _________.
Next PTO Meeting: Monday, October 5, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. in the Meadowlark cafetorium. We’ll see you there!
The meeting was adjourned at
7:50 p.m by Carmen Schulte.
PTO Meeting Minutes – March 2, 2009
Welcome: Amy Rech called the meeting to order at 6: 40 p.m. There were 21 in attendance.
Secretary’s Report – Janna Cusick - Motion to approve the February minutes made by Kristi Pederson and seconded by Beth Cunningham. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report – Laurie Wolf - Motion to approve the February treasurer’s report made by Beth Cunningham and seconded by Tracey Easterburg. Motion carried. .
Thank You’s - Amy Rech thanked the following committees and their chairs, 2nd & 3rd Grade Music Program, Ellen Schwartzbeck, Christie Flynn, Beth Cunningham & committee, Spring Classroom Parties, Homeroom Parents, Parent/Teacher Conferences (2/19), Judi Thomas, Carmen Schulte & committee, Brad Sneed Author Visit (3/2), Ginger Steck, Suzanne Eastman, Kim Hauge, & Ellen Schwartzbeck, Read Across America Events, Monica Johnson & committee.
School Update/Kindergarten – Jody Baker - Announcement was made of Kindergarten Roundup for all south schools on 3/3 @ 6:30pm in the Prairie Creek gym. MES update included photos of building construction progress as well as a building footprint. The footprint represented the construction phases regarding district vs. bond funds. Mention was made that MES will occupy all but approximately 2 rooms of the renovated building.
Box Tops – Amy Rech – (Sheri Idol) – The February winner for Pre-K to 2nd grade was Mrs. Granzow’s class with 275 box tops. Mr. Lee’s class won for 3rd to 5th grade with 169 box tops. The February school total was 1,964 box tops. 11,000 box tops were sent in at the end of February.
All-Star Reading (contest/recess 3/13) – Sarah Ullmann – Kids who met their AR goal for 3rd qtr. will have an extra recess on 3/13. A sign up sheet was circulated. Next Monday 3/9 voting will take place for the overall winner of the t-shirt contest. Tees will cost us approximately $4.00. The shirts will be white with 3 ink colors. We will need between 400-500 t-shirts.
Yearbook Pictures – Amy Rech – (Jennifer Niemtschk) – Photos for the yearbook are due Thursday, 3/5. You can leave them in the PTO mailbox or send them home with Caden Nietschk. 5th grade dedication forms are also due 3/5. There is an 80-character limit for the dedications.
PTO Sponsored Playgroup - Chris Steward – The next playgroup is Wednesday, March 11th. It will be at Andover Community Center from 9:00am to 11:00am. Kids from birth to 6 yrs are invited. Please bring riding toys, balls, and a snack to share.
School Recycling Program Update – Keely Cone/Chris Steward – Water bottle day was 2/20. We collected about the same amount as January. We will continue through the end of the school year.
Prairie Creek PTO (3/9) – Beth Cunningham/Dawn Monroe/Keely Cone – The meeting will be at 6:30 on 3/9. Mailings have gone out to all Prairie Creek 2009-10 families. There will be voting on a slate of officers. The new principal will be attending. Refreshments will be served and door prizes awarded.
Meadowlark 2009-10 PTO Board – Amy Rech - A list of nominees for the 2009-10 MES officers was presented. Beth Cunningham went over the specific duties of each office still in need of a chair. We would like to have the Helping Hands chair and Back to School Spirit chair filled by the end of this school year.
K & 1st Grade Music Program (3/5) – Erin Middleton – Help is needed on 3/5 to manage kids during rehearsal from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at ACHS. Mention was made that due to a basketball tournament occurring at the same time as the program, attendees will need to park closer to ACMS and enter through door D. The band room will be used for the dressing room.
Spring Art Show (4/7) – Amy Rech – (Tracy Sitz) Art for the show is now being hung from tag boards with binder clips and chains. There will be about 100 strips of paper, each displaying several pieces of art. A sign up sheet to help hang the art was passed during the meeting. There is opportunity to help from home as well.
Spring Book Fair (4/3-4/13) – Jody Bradshaw /Melanie Joseph - Fun night is 4/6. Help is needed to set up on 4/2 and to tear down on 4/13. The April PTO meeting will not be held in the library due to the Book Fair. PTO meeting location in the cafeteria
Spring Fund Raiser – Amy Rech/Laurie Wolf – There was discussion as to whether we still want to have the Spring Fund Raiser that was voted on during the February meeting. There was some concern that because of job loss/poor economy we might not want to have the trash bag sale. After further discussion, the sale will go ahead as planned, after Spring Break. It was noted that there is a minimum order and our cost is approximately $6.75 for the basic trash bag.
Drawing Winners – Blake Ullmann (Mrs. Wheeler) for 25 box tops. Madison Monroe (Mrs. Moss) for the $25 Wal-Mart gift card.
Amy Rech – Please bring ideas to the April PTO meeting for the 2009-10 fall fundraiser.
Kristi Pederson – PAWS @ ACMS – Let her know if you are interested in helping next year.
Meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m. - Amy Rech.
PTO Meeting Minutes – February 2, 2009
Welcome: Amy Rech called the meeting to order at 6:36pm. There were 26 in attendance.
Secretary’s Report – Janna Cusick - Motion to approve the January minutes made by Dawn Monroe and seconded by Beth Cunningham. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report – Laurie Wolf - Motion to approve the January treasurer’s report made by Keely Cone and seconded by Beth Cunningham . The check from Box Tops was $2100. The Bonus Box Tops accounted for $900 of that amount.
Thank You’s - Amy Rech thanked the following committees and their chairs, All-Star Reading Recess, Sarah Ullmann & committee, and By-laws- typed, Dawn Monroe.
School Update – Jody Baker - The principal for Prairie Creek will be Shelly Jonas. She comes to Andover from the Maize school district. Other staff placements will happen in March. MES building has finish work in progress. Carpet and tile areas are being determined at this time. The renovation is on track right now. There was discussion about fee-based all day kindergarten. The board is looking at feedback and if it is shown as being able to pay for itself, it should go through. A decision will be made next Monday. It would be offered as an option in all buildings and would cost approximately $275/mo.
Box Tops – Amy Rech – (Sheri Idol) – The January winner for Pre-K to 2nd grade was Mrs. Wheeler’s class with 800 box tops. Mr. Bextel’s class won for 3rd to 5th grade with 211 box tops. The January school total was 3,605 box tops. The next bunch of box tops will be sent at the end of February. Also, teachers were very pleased and appreciated the $25 gift cards they received before Christmas.
Author Visit Update – Erin Middleton – (Ginger Steck/Suzanne Eastman) – Author, Brad Sneed will visit March 2nd, the first day of Read Across America Week. Book orders went home with the kids so that they can have the author’s signature during the visit. Help is needed sorting the books during the last week of February. Delivery help is also needed on March 2nd. There will be a staff luncheon on March 2nd as well. The expense for the author visit is going to be less than originally expected due to help with lodging and meals.
Read Across America Week – Amy Rech – (Monica Johnson) – The week will be March 2nd –6th. There will be a theme and lots of fun activities.
Yearbook Pictures – Amy Rech – (Jennifer Niemtschk) – Please get pictures turned in ASAP. Printed photos or burned CDs can be left in the PTO mailbox or given to Caden Niemtschk. Mention was made that the yearbook this year allows for 9 photos from each grade. Last year only 4 photos were used. There are captains collecting photos for each grade. Note also that this committee will need a new chairperson for the ‘09-’10 school year.
PTO Sponsored Playgroup - Chris Steward – The next playgroup is Wednesday, February 11th. It will be at the Andover Community Center from 9:00am to 11:00am. Kids from birth to 6 yrs are invited. Please bring riding toys and snacks to share. There are flyers available with playgroup info.
Recycling Program Update – Keely Cone/Chris Steward – The first water bottle-recycling day went well. There were signs and table tents displayed to inform the kids. Teachers also posted flyers. The paper recycling is going well also and teachers like having it. Mention was made of a community meeting planned for February 12th. Julie and Brad Reems will be speaking about the proposed Butler County Recycling.
All-Star Reading T-Shirt contest – Sarah Ullmann – A form will go home 2/6 for the t-shirt design contest. The deadline is 2/20. Teachers will pick a winner from each grade level. The kids will then vote for their favorite and the overall winner will be announced after spring break. The AR recess will be 3/13. The t-shirts will be given as awards to kids who meet their AR goal for 3 out of 4 quarters. The theme this year is “Lights, Camera, Reading – Reading Makes You A Star”.
Prairie Creek PTO Start-Up Meeting – Beth Cunningham/Dawn Monroe – The meeting is planned for 3/9 at 6:30. The new principal, Shelly Jonas will attend. Prizes and food will be provided. There will be a planning meeting Wednesday, 2/4 at 10:30am at the Public Library coffee shop.
PTO Officer Nominating Committee – Amy Rech/Carmen Schulte – Per the by-laws, the nominating committee is to include the Vice President and two other PTO members. This year, the committee will be Carmen Schulte, Beth Cunningham and Dawn Monroe. Please let one of them know if you are interested in a board position or are not planning to return. We need to vote on a slate of officers in April. Usually the Assistant Treasurer moves up to be the Treasurer for the next school year. Our Assistant Treasurer for this year no longer has students at Meadowlark, so we will be looking for a Treasurer for ‘09-10. We may also add a few committees for next year. i.e. recycling. The Prairie Creek PTO will need a minimum of a President and a Treasurer to get started.
2nd & 3rd Grade Music Program – Ellen Schwartzbeck/Christie Flynn/Beth Cunningham - Program is scheduled for February 10th at 7:00pm. The costumes are ready. Dressers are needed back stage for camp out, rehearsal and show night. Camp out is Thursday and Friday. 2nd grade camp out is 11:00-11:50 and 3rd grade camp out is 1:50-2:40. Rehearsal will be at ACHS Monday & Tuesday from 9-11:00am. Dresser help on show night will be needed at 6:15pm. Flashlights are still needed, please label them.
K & 1st Grade Music Program – Ellen Schwartzbeck – Program scheduled for Thursday, March 5th. Help is needed to make crocodile hats. A workday is scheduled Wednesday, 2/18 at 8:45-11:00am. A second workday will be on 2/25 if needed. Egg cartons (18 count) are needed for the costumes. A sign up sheet was circulated.
Spring Classroom Parties – Jana Farney - Friday, February 13th. It is a Valentine theme. Homeroom parents should have contacted their class’ parents for any help needed. Remember to ask about allergies and let your teacher know the party plans.
Parent/Teacher Conferences – Carmen Schulte - February 19th. A sign up sheet was circulated for help with meals and drinks.
Spring Art Show – Amy Rech- (Tracy Sitz) - The show is scheduled for April 7th. This is during the family night of the Spring Book Fair. Help is needed hanging and labeling art. Mention was made of the increase in art pieces with increased number of students this year.
Spring Fund Raiser – Amy Rech/Laurie Wolf – Discussion of fundraiser included socks, script cards and trash bags. It was noted that socks are still available through the link on the school web site. Dawn Monroe made a motion to sell trash bags for the Spring Fund Raiser. It was seconded by Jana Farney. The motion carried. There will be price info at the March meeting. Jody Baker made mention that Prairie Creek PTO would keep a percent of the proceeds from this fund raiser
Drawing Winners – Amanda Dodds ( Kilpatrick) for 25 box tops. Meg Farney (Middleton/Music) for $25 Walmart gift card.
Meeting adjourned at 7:45p.m. - Amy Rech.
PTO Meeting Minutes – January 5, 2009
Welcome: Amy Rech called the meeting to order at 6:39pm. There were 21 in attendance.
Secretary’s Report – Janna Cusick - Motion to approve the December minutes made by Jana Farney and seconded by Dawn Monroe. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report – Laurie Wolf - We moved money from our money market account to our checking account. The book fair made $2000 more than the last fall book fair. Motion to approve the December treasurer’s report made by Karla Jacobson and seconded by Christie Flynn.
Thank You’s - Amy Rech thanked the following committees and their chairs, Holiday Staff Meal, Tracy Easterberg & committee, Holiday Caring& Sharing, Karla Jacobson & committee, Retirement Reception for Jeanie, Jody Baker & committee, Recycling Program, Chris Steward & Keely Cone. Jody Baker noted that the ornament sale made approximately $2000, which was higher than last year. Mention was also made that Terry Gee will be the new receptionist.
Recycling Program Update – Chris Steward – AHS is signed up as a green school. The high school will pick up our recycling every two weeks. Each class can either assign a recycling person who would take the recycle box to the lobby for pick up or student council could make it their job to pick it up for all the classes. Jody Baker will let the high school know we want to participate. At the end of January we could recycle the bottles from water bottle day (see lunch menu). Ann Katz will have the custodians set up an area for this. Mention was made that we should post flyers and let the teachers know via an email from Rhona.
MES School Update – Jody Baker - There is not a lot of change since the last update. They are still framing walls. Also, the café walls are taller than other areas and will meet FEMA standards.
Author Visit Update –Ellen Schwartzbeck – Still checking on vendors for books. There should be more info at the next meeting.
Future All-Stars - Chris Steward – The January playgroup is Friday the 16th. It will be at the Andover Community Center from 9:00am to 11:00am. Please bring riding toys, balls and a snack to share.
All-Star Reading Recess – Sarah Ullmann – The date is Friday, January 9th. A sign up sheet was passed for volunteers. Mention was made that the 5th grade time has changed to 11:45am due to the spelling bee.
2nd & 3rd Grade Music Program – Erin Middleton - The program is scheduled for February 10th. Twentyfive flyswatters and twentyfive flashlights are needed for the program by the first week of February. Grass decoration for the stage apron will need to be crafted. An email will go out to let parents know of scheduled workdays. The first workday will be January 21st from 8:45-11:00. The next workday is TBD. Volunteers (2) are needed for backstage dressers.
Spring Classroom Parties – Jana Farney - The date will be Friday, February 13th. It will be a Valentine theme. Homeroom parents, please contact all of your class’ parents for any help needed. Remember to ask about allergies and let your teacher know the party plans.
Prairie Creek PTO Start-Up - Dawn Monroe – An open house is being planned to encourage interest in PC PTO for next year. It will be held in late January. Please encourage others to attend. Flyers will be made and the new PC principal may be able to attend as well. Minimum officers needed are a president and a treasurer in order to open a bank account. Door prizes and food are planned for the open house.
Additional discussion by Amy Rech included the need to create folders for each officer’s position which could then be filed at year end in a designated cabinet for future officers. There was further discussion about the need for bulletin boards. Jody Baker will check on when we will be getting them for the hallways.
Drawing Winners – Dane Pedersen (Becker) for 25 box tops. Will Ullmann (Young) for $25 Walmart gift card.
Meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m. - Amy Rech.
PTO November Minutes 11/3/08
Meeting called to order by President Amy Rech at 6:36. There were 25 in attendance. Welcome to new attendees. Motion to approve October minutes made by Sheri Idol, seconded by Karla Jacobson – motion carried.
Treasurers Report – Laurie Wolf – most incoming movement for music program dvds. Fall Fundraiser (Red Wheel): net profit was about $13,000. Thanks to all that helped, thanks to all parents for patience during the pickup process (red wheel was late). Although we started a little behind, the overall process went more smoothly than in past, less errors. All in all, a great fundraiser. Motion to approve the treasurer’s report made by Tracey Easterberg, seconded by Melanie Joseph and carried.
Family Fun Night – The night was a big success. We had about 408 in attendance, thanks to all who volunteered time. We went over budget by $62. Special thanks to Walgreens, Treescapes (picture background), Boy Scout Council (donated popcorn for prizes), and Keely Cone and family for donating storage containers for ice cream.
4th and 5th grade Music Program, Parent/Teacher Conference meals, Fall Fundraiser – thanks to all
Also thanks to All Star Reading (Sarah Ullmann), Red Ribbon Week (Dawn Monroe), Family Fun night (Kassie Zweiner and Stacey Ellington), all did a great job!
Jody Baker – building update – Every classroom has a Promethean board. They are very interactive, a great benefit for kids and teachers, very exciting, kids excited to get involved, etc. Andover won National Award (announced on District Website), every classroom in Andover has either a Smart Board or Promethean board. When Meadowlark reopens, all classrooms will also have Promethean boards. Ms. Baker also noted the Climate Survey on the District Website (www.usd385.org) and encouraged all to complete one to share their input. Only takes minutes and is a great benefit to all. She also showed a few pictures of construction at MES, the demolition of the gym is underway along with a few other areas. Work is happening, lots is being done, almost 3 Million Dollars worth of improvement! Gym will be FEMA storm shelter like the one at Prairie Creek. Question on the projectors PTO purchased for school and their status, will they work with promethean boards, etc. Ms. Baker explained that they will indeed work with the new boards and each machine is being evaluated in regard to their functionality and we are only replacing those that are no longer working.
Ann Katt – Food Service Director – The lunch menu is on a 25 day cycle, so it repeats every 25 days. The new Vegetable Bar encourages students to try new vegetables since they get to make their own selections. Breakfast is offered for those that need it before school. Menus are posted on district website.
Author Visit – Ginger Steck, Erin Middleton and Suzanne Eastman on behalf of all CAMMP teachers (Computer, Art, Music, Media and Physical Education) – Mrs. Steck proposed to bring in writer/illustrator Kansas author Brad Sneed. There were several books for us to look at that he authored, they are very popular with the students, great illustration and writing. He would present the process to create a book, his visit would meet many education standards. He does a drawing during his presentation and leaves it as a gift to the school. He also signs books for the children. Proposal is for him to come in May, do 2 presentations (K-2, 3-5), and sign books children bought at the Spring book fair. It would cost $750-$950 for two presentations, contingent upon another entity (school? library?) scheduling a presentation during the visit and paying the same amount. Request for PTO to allocate the funds with an update coming in the next few months as to the likelihood of him coming. We need to get him booked as his schedule is already filling up. Motion made by Kim Manor to allocate the funds, seconded by Beth Cunningham and carried.
Melanie Joseph – The Book Fair is coming up Nov 13-Nov 24. Need help working shifts – sign up passed around. $6.00 coupon for working. Thanks in advance.
Sheri Idol – Boxtops – Thanks to all for helping complete forms (30 boxtops per sheet worth $6.00), we filled 317 sheets!! Winners for October were Miss Ek with 353, and Mrs. Milner with 304. MES@PC Total 3654. Sheri requested $675 to use as Thank You gift of $25 for teachers who collect boxtops to be used for something for their classroom. Tracey Easterberg made motion to approve – Jana Farney seconded, motion carried.
Tracey Easterberg – Holiday Staff Meal is scheduled for Dec 18. PTO funds pay for the catering of the main dish, then parent volunteers help with side dishes, desserts, etc. Sign up passed around.
Karla Jacobson – Holiday Caring and Sharing – We provide assistance to those Andover families that may struggle during the holidays by providing a gift for each family member, toys, clothing (whatever the family requests), food, etc. Each family is also given box of food (turkey, canned goods, box items, etc) on December 18th to help assemble a holiday meal. Mr. and Mrs. Becker make ornaments and sell as moneymaker to fund gifts for M@PC families. Holiday Caring and Sharing also does a food drive to help replenish the Andover food bank by placing a Christmas Tree at the school with empty boxes for the students to fill with food. The class that donates most items wins pizza party.
Chris Steward – The Andover Community Center has again graciously donated their building to host our November 12th play group. Please bring riding toys, balls and a snack to share and come join the fun!
Beth Cunningham – M@PC shirts/M@PC Student Directories: We a few M@PC shirts left – we’ve broken even on the cost. Will encourage Mrs. Clarkson to distribute them at her discretion. Student Directories: They’re here! We ordered 300. They sell for $5.00 each. She will send home order form this Friday in Friday Folders and fill them as they are returned. They will also be for sale in the office.
Recycling Ideas – Keely wants to discuss recycling awareness @ school. Unfortunately, she is ill tonight and unable to attend – tabled for next month.
Winners – Allison Wolf – Mrs Funk $25 gift card. Allison Wolf also for 25 boxtops.
Meeting adjourned 7:45
10.08.2008 - Dawn Monroe gave the report.
PTO Meeting Minutes – October 6, 2008
Meeting called to order at 6:36 by Carmen Schulte (President Amy Rech was absent).
Welcome and Introductions: Carmen had all in attendance introduce themselves.
Secretary’s Report: Motion to approve the September minutes by Kim Manor, seconded by Tiffany Deckinger. Motion carried.
Treasurers Report – Laurie Wolf. Copies available, largest activity is fall fundraiser (red wheel), we are ahead of last years sales (200 more students). Tracey Dreiling has provided Laurie Wolf with information regarding changing to Equity Bank, just waiting for majority of checks to clear before the move. Dawn Monroe made motion to accept treasurers report, Julianna Dunn made a second. Motion carried unanimously.
All Star Reading: Sarah Ullmann - Next recess is October 24, she has a few times she still needs help with. Signup sheet passed around.
Parent Teacher Conferences: Judi Thomas – She has a great committee with lots of help for providing food for the staff during Parent/Teacher Conferences. Tentative plan is to have a Taco Salad night, Potato Bar, Appetizer night and unsure of 4th night. Need a few more volunteers, asking for signups to send in food or help with setup and cleanup.
GAD – Float was great, great turnout and everyone was proud to be a part of it. Thanks to all.
Picture day – Thanks to all who helped Gracie Fugit with picture day.
Fall Fundraiser: Laurie Wolf - Oct. 16 is fall fundraiser(Red Wheel) distribution night. Fundraiser pickup will be done differently; orders will be delivered in mass amounts to the school instead of already grouped by family. This will help reduce mistakes and allow families to order additional food. We are expecting to earn 40% of sales. We need lots of help after school to fill orders, hand out prizes, etc. The food arrives at 2:40 and pickup starts after school. Signup sheet passed around. Note: we have no freezer space so all food MUST be picked up by the end of the distribution time. Pickup time is from 3:30-6:00, any and all help is appreciated.
Sunshine Committee: Laurie Wolf – Sunshine Committee is just getting started. They will be getting together soon to create a plan for how they will “appreciate” our staff this year. Any suggestions for items are appreciated. Last year, the popcorn was appreciated by the staff, Kim Manor offered to donate on behalf of the Boy Scouts the popcorn this year. Thanks to Kim!
Music Program: Ellen Schwartzbeck - First program (4th and 5th grade) is next Tuesday. There are work days scheduled tomorrow (Tuesday) from 1-3 and Oct 10 9-11. We will set up on Tuesday 10/14 from 9-11 at ACH. If you would like to help on any music programs, please let us know, we need the help! The Theme for this program is Little House on Prairie Creek. Need someone to run the DVD sales table, preferably someone that does NOT have a child in the program.
Family Fun Night: Kassie Zwiener and Stacey Ellington - Family Fun Night is scheduled for Tuesday October 28, 6-7:30. Last year we had a combination of math night, ice cream social and a pumpkin walk, all in the spacious lunchroom. This year, there is no math night and a smaller cafeteria with more people so concerns of space were discussed. Since there is no storage for the ice cream, we are doing prewrapped ice cream treats from Sams and fun booths in the foyer area along with a family pumpkin carving contest. Pumpkins will line the walkway outdoors. Booths will be a family craft booth, cake walk, bingo, tattoos. Not a lot of “contests”, just small candy prizes and fun. We really need help, would like to get 30 total volunteers so everyone only works for 30 minutes and has time to enjoy the fun with their family. Signup passed around. Are High Schoolers acceptable helpers? You bet! Thanks to all who plan to help and attend.
Box Tops: Sheri Idol – We had a great showing for September pickups – 6474 boxtops! The winners were: Prek-2nd was Mrs. Elsbernd’s 2nd grade class with 609 boxtops/Tyson, 3-5th grade winner was 4th grade Mr. Bextels class with 714. Pickup will normally be the last Wednesday of the month. Great job kids and parents on saving boxtops! Keep saving!
Library :Sheri Idol - Library opened Sept 15th. Thanks to all who helped get it up and running. The Library Committee has helpers that come in once or twice a month to help shelve books or do whatever Mrs. Eastman needs. We would like to have more help, if you’re interested, please let Sheri know.
Playgroup: Chris Steward - They are meeting this Friday from 10-11:30 at Rainbow Play Systems on Kellogg, on the South side of Kellogg near Webb street. There are indoor play sets available for playgroups to play on. Kids from birth to 6 years old are encouraged to attend. Please extend information to all.
Lego Club: Janelle McCray – Janelle discussed that she is interested in starting a Lego Club for grades 1-3 afterschool. Donations are needed, she would like to have enough legos for a large group of kids. She would be happy with donations of legos or cash donations so she can try to get the best price of legos (off the internet, through damaged boxes in stores, etc). Lego “Educational” (a division within Lego) sells educational kits for groups to buy for afterschool programs, and Imagine That Toys in Wichita will make a deal for us as well. To help get started, the plan is for when kids join, they need to donate legos or pay $10, unless PTO can help cover the startup costs of the club. The intention is for the Lego Club to meet once a week on Tuesdays after school. Discussion was about club structure (what if 50 kids want to join?) , how to get someone (construction company?) to donate money as a tax writeoff, can PTO help with “working” the club so it can accommodate more kids? and possibilities for older M@PC grades. There was a request from PTO for a proposal of what the club would like PTO to donate and what exactly would be purchased with the monies. There was a lot of positive feedback, the general discussion indicated that this will be a very popular club and is a great idea. Discussion about trying to eliminate the charge, making it more accessible to all children since $10/child could create a hardship for many families, especially those with more than once child interested. General thought was that we would love to have this club at the school and that the expectation is that it would be a very popular idea, but more planning needs to be completed before PTO will help fund it. It was also suggested that a Lego booth at Family Fun Night to get information out to parents that it is coming soon would be a great idea.
Student Drawings: Carmen Schulte – Beth Shulte for Mr. Bextel won $25 gift card. Hope Dunn in Mrs. Segraves’ class won 25 box tops.
Meeting Adjourned 7:53.
Comments (1)
Amy Arnhold said
at 12:26 pm on Oct 16, 2008
Thanks, Suzanne! I'm looking forward to using this. -Amy
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