PTO Meeting Minutes ~ February 21, 2008

Before the meeting was a large uniform exchange. Due to this, the monthly PTO meeting was late getting started.

The meeting began at 7:22 pm.

Kristin Cawthorne, the PTO President, welcomed the group of parents to the PTO meeting.

The January Minutes were approved as written.

Kim Deeb, the PALS/Volunteer coordinator, thanked everyone for their great support of our school and for the hard work all of our volunteers are doing. She reported that the Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon that was held on Feb. 7 was a great success. Everyone really seemed to enjoy themselves and the newspaper even reported on it.
There will be a reading event on March 3 to celebrate Dr. Suess’ birthday. We are in need of volunteers to read to classes.
She also stated that there will not be volunteers on campus March 11 – the first week in April due to school-wide testing.
She stated that the renewal date for PALS registration for next year begins on July 2.

Mary Kirsten, the PTO Treasurer, gave a financial report. She stated that the PTO checking account balance is $7634.
The 5K brought in $4000, the Discount cards $460 and we have a profit of $2300.
The Book Fair company submitted an invoice of $10452, which we paid.
The PTO gave the school $5000 to go towards field trip buses.
The PTO gave $600 towards the butterfly garden.

Mrs. Mancheno welcomed the group. She stated that the school had been collecting coins to send to Gocio Elementary to help them with a project but that Gocio had reached their goal and the coins that our children collected will now go to another worthy cause that will be determined.
She let everyone know that the Time for Kids brochures will be coming out in March. This is a wonderful opportunity to get a subscription for each child in the school. She discussed some up-coming events: AC Heros book signing at Books a Million in Port Charlotte this Saturday, Read across America on March 3, and Relay for Life May 3 and 4.
She suggested that next year we space out the fundraisers due to the economy.

Kristin Cawthorne discussed the upcoming Lamarque events.
Spirit Night at McDonald’s – Feb. 28 – we are looking for volunteers to help out that evening.
Spring Picture Day – March 7 – children will be in their choice of clothing, looking for volunteers
Field Day – March 15 – lots of fun, carnival games, family games, food, vendors, cake walk, etc. In need of volunteers.


She also reminded the group of the following special events:
Luau & Silent Auction – April 19 – donations are starting to come in, very exciting - help is needed

Due to March 21 being a day off from school, it was decided upon that the PTO meeting for March 20 be cancelled. Nominations for the PTO Board for the next school year were then opened and will remain open until the meeting on April 17 when elections will be held. Notice for open nominations and the job descriptions will be placed on the PTO website and in the school newspaper.
Kristin explained the process of nominations and election. The positions are open to all parents/guardians of our students but they must be PALS approved. Only those persons who have held a position on the PTO board or PALS Coordinator though can run for President.
The following nominations were made:
President – Jenness DeBruler, present at meeting – accepted
Vice president – Stephanie Burtwell, present at meeting – accepted
Secretary – Linda Urbanszyk, not at meeting
Treasurer – Milissa Howes, not at meeting

Mrs. Mancheno and the PTO board answered questions from the floor.

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm.