PTO Meeting Minutes ~ November 15, 2007

The meeting began at 7:05 pm.

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

The October Minutes were approved as written.

Kristin thanked the parents that have volunteered their time so far this year. She also discussed the possibility of canceling the cookie dough fundraiser. After discussion from the floor, it was voted upon to cancel the fundraiser.

Mrs. Mancheno welcomed the group, and was pleased by the turnout for the meeting. She stated that the Citizen of the Month ceremony went well and that there would not be one in December. The Veteran’s Day celebration was fantastic with the chorus performance, many projects, the North Port Drum and Bugle Corp, and the many veterans present. She said that she noticed during the ceremony that an eagle was flying overhead. Pictures from the ceremony will be posted on the school website.
The American Big Bedtime Story Day was wonderful. So many community people participated and the children enjoyed it immensely. She thanked the PTO board and PALS committee for their commitment of time and for organizing a great network for parents to volunteer.

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 stated that there are 90 parents signed of for the take home club. The teachers are really taking advantage of all the help there is available through the volunteers. There are so many opportunities available for our volunteers. Just this week, the cafeteria even needed help with serving lunch and some of our volunteers were able to help out.

We are also having so much success with collecting labels and box tops.

Box Tops
Last school year:
Dec. 2006 – $173.20
April 2007 - $427.20
This school year:
Submitted - $569.89
Un-submitted - $360.70

Campbells
Points earned last year – 4800
Points earned this year – 4015

Nestle
Have 200 points so far
Each label is worth 2 points
Redeem points for PE equipment

Tyson
89 labels so far
need to have bundles of 100 to submit

Mary Kirsten, the PTO Treasurer, gave a financial report. She stated that the PTO checking account balance is $22,000. The Book Fair deposits were $12,000 and the company has not billed us yet. The profits for the media center are $5,000. The Pride-a-thon shirts cost $6300. We received the following donations that will go towards that: Business partners - $2700 and Students - $200. Ajax Paving has donated $250 towards the 5K run. We have not received a check yet from the Wendy’s Spirit Night.

Kristin Cawthorne discussed the upcoming Lamarque events.

Pride-a-thon – Nov. 16
Spirit Night at McDonald’s – Nov. 29
Poinsettia Parade – Dec. 8
Holiday Shop – Dec. 10 - 14
Parent Night at the Holiday Shop - Dec. 13
BMX show – Dec. 12
No PTO meeting in December

She also reminded the group of the following special events:
Run with the Lions 5K – Jan. 19
Field Day – March 15
Luau & Silent Auction – April 19

Mrs. Mancheno answered questions from the floor.

The meeting adjourned at 7:38 pm. to separate shirts for the Pride-a-thon.