PTO Meeting Minutes ~ April 17, 2008

The meeting began at 7:01pm.

A power point presentation showing the events from the first two years at Lamarque was shown.

Kristin Cawthorne, the PTO President, welcomed the group of parents to the PTO meeting.
The February Minutes were approved as written.

The Cherrydale company made a presentation to the group explaining the benefits of having a fundraiser with their company for the 2008-2009 school year. They provided cookies and candies for the group to sample and donated an item for the school’s silent auction.

Angela Zahn was introduced to the group. Mrs. Zahn is running for the North Port City Commission. She explained her platform and indicated her desires for the future of North Port.

Lori Mann stated that we are having so much success with collecting labels and box tops.
Box Tops
Receiving check for $1233 for labels from December through March.
Campbells
1815 banked points
Nestle
We have redeemed points for PE equipment
Currently they are discussing plans to raise more money next year through Box Top contests. A Box Top costume has been made to help raise awareness to saving Box Tops and Labels. It will be seen at different events through out the year.

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. Currently, we have around 6000 volunteer hours logged at our school. That is truly an enormous and amazing amount of hours. Mrs. Deeb requested that anyone that has not reported their hours needs to do so as soon as possible.
She reported that after a long break due to FCAT, spring break, Stanford testing, and other testing, the volunteers are now back at work. She also stated that the renewal date for PALS registration for next year begins on July 7.

Mary Kirsten, the PTO Treasurer, gave a financial report. She stated that the PTO checking account balance is $8331.

Mrs. Mancheno welcomed the group to this very important meeting. She stated that it is budget time again and she is attending lots of meetings regarding what is to be expected next year. Though we may not have the same amount of money as this year, we will maintain the integrity of our program. Some staff may be surplused and she is meeting with the staff next week. She announced the new Sarasota County School Board Superintendent Lori White. She explained that we are very fortunate to have her because she is so in touch with the curriculum. She also has a wonderful direction and vision for the county.

Kristin Cawthorne discussed the upcoming Lamarque events.
Luau & Silent Auction – April 19 –help is needed, lots of available items in the auction
Spirit Night at McDonald’s – April 24 – we are looking for volunteers to help out that evening.
Staff Appreciation Week – May 5-9 – if you would like to bring something, talk with Karynne

Kristin Cawthorne opened the discussion about next year’s calendar and what events the majority would like to have next year. It is suggested that next year we space out the fundraisers due to the economy. It was suggested that we don’t have a holiday shop next year. Some events that are standard events each year are the 5K Run with the Lions, Pride-a-thon, a catalog fundraiser, and a Field Day-type event.

Kristin Cawthorne opened the discussion and nominations for next year’s PTO Board. Karynne Muncy read the PTO By-laws that relate to the election process and the job descriptions. Kristin answered questions and dispelled misconceptions about the positions. After the election, the following people were elected to the PTO Board for the 2008-2009 school year.
President – Lori Mann
Vice President – Milissa Howes
Secretary – Emma Smolek
Treasurer – Mary Kirsten

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

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm.