Berlin Elementary School
PTO Meeting
Tuesday, January 10,
2012
Meeting called to order
by Co-President, Dawn Demick, at 6:32 p.m.
PTO members present:
Co-President, Dawn Demick; Vice President, Andrea
Beckwith; Treasurer, Samantha Bink; Secretary, Sherri
Kellar-Willis; Jennifer Goodermote;
Nicholas deLaurentis; Laurie Madsen; and Tiffany
Sullivan.
Teachers/Staff Present:
Brenda Dixon, Danielle Butler, and Pat DiPierro.
Review of Minutes from
Prior Meeting:
PTO members were given a
chance to read the minutes. Samantha Bink made a motion to accept the minutes as written. Andrea Beckwith seconded. The vote was unanimous to accept the minutes
as written.
Treasurer’s Report:
Samantha Bink explained the report in detail. Jennifer Goodermote
made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report.
Andrea Beckwith seconded. The
vote was unanimous to accept the report.
Principal’s / Teacher’s
Report:
Katie Hooks was unable
to attend. No Principal/Teacher Report.
Discussion Items:
• Teacher requests –
• Character Education – a request to have Ruth Pelham and
her Music Mobile for the Character Education Picnic. Ruth would also provide in-school workshops
with classes during the day. The request
is $500 for the workshops, $685 for the picnic.
A parent who is new to the district asked if the PTO usually paid for
this sort of thing, not wanting to start something we wouldn’t be able to
continue. Andrea explained that last
year was the first year we had a Yankee Candle fundraiser and it brought in
more money than expected. She said that
this year was the first time we’ve had this amount of money in our account at
this point in the school year, and although we may not always be able to
provide something like this, we would like to do it when we can. Jennifer Goodermote
made a motion to accept the request.
Laurie Madsen seconded. All were
in favor.
• D.A.R.E. T-shirts – are purchased by the PTO every year
for every 5th grade student and given to them at the D.A.R.E. Graduation. This year, they need 67 shirts at $6.20 each,
for a total of $415.40. Sam Bink made a motion to accept the request. Jennifer Goodermote
seconded. All were in favor.
• Trish Weber – told Dan that there are about seven
televisions in the building that are not compatible with DVD players. She would like to purchase two new
televisions that teachers can sign out for use in classrooms. The request was for $600 for two televisions. There was some discussion about the best
option. Dawn will talk to Trish to see
how much smart boards would cost.
Danielle Butler said there is also a technology committee that could be
contacted. In the end, Andrea Beckwith
made a motion to accept the request, not to exceed $600 for at least two new
televisions. Laurie Madsen seconded the
motion. All were in favor.
• Box Top Challenge – Dawn said there had been some
confusion when the challenge was started.
She said she will be getting an envelope to every teacher with their
name on it to keep the box tops. The
envelopes can be collected once a month and the box tops counted, so we know
who the winner of the month is. There
was some discussion about the possibility of giving each student in the
“winning” class a voucher for ice cream at lunch.
• Reading Program Discussion – At a past meeting, a parent
had suggested looking into another reading program. Grafton did the STAR reading program. Stephentown did “Parents as Reading
Partners.” Dawn wanted parents to know
that this suggestion was not being ignored.
She has learned that the Shared Decision Making Team has this as one of
their goals. Dawn has told them that the
PTO is available to help if we are needed.
Laurie agreed to be a contact person for Deanna Hansen should she have
any questions about past programs.
• Playground CD Discussion – Samantha contacted Kathy
Burdick and the CD money will be available to us on January 31st. Dawn said that Stacy Etman
(PE teacher) told her that a couple new pieces for the playground may be
purchased through a grant. Dawn wanted
to look through the minutes of past meetings to find out what we had planned to
do. Dawn had also heard and Pat DiPierro confirmed that Kindergarten is starting a program
to get trees planted for shade. Dawn
told Pat that Sarah Longacker could possibly help
with getting trees. Dawn has had
discussions with parents about the possibility of a pavilion with seating,
which could also be used by teachers as an outdoor classroom. There was more discussion about the cost of
building a pavilion, putting up a basketball court, and other things students
would enjoy. Dawn said she will be
meeting with Cyril next week and will also discuss things with him. Andrea said she would work on getting a
letter sent out to parents with the hopes of getting more parents to come to
February’s meeting with their input.
• Yankee Candle – February 15th is the start date for the
Yankee Candle fundraiser. Madonna Roy
has agreed to chair. Everything will be
done the same as last year, with delivery set in time for Easter or Mother’s
Day gifts. Hopefully we will make out as
well as we did last year.
• Pancake Breakfast – will be on Sunday, March 18th. Sam said everything is donated every year for
the breakfast. Our average profit is
around $500. Andrea Beckwith and Sam Bink will be co-chairing this event. Volunteers are needed. Brenda Dixon said she will mention this to
the 5th grade team to see if students can sign up for a time slot to help
serve, etc. like they used to at the Family-A-Faire.
• Movie Night – This is another suggested brought up by a
parent. We decided to table this until
our next meeting. There are still some
specifics that need to be looked into.
• Imagination Celebration – Dawn wanted to discuss this
since it will be here before we know it.
Sam Bink has already booked Giffy’s BBQ and will taking charge of that again this
year. Dawn said that the theme this year
is “The Environment” and the whole school will be working on theme-based
projects. Dawn also wanted to let
everyone know that Donna Maxon had always taken
charge of the Coffee Can Auction (getting things donated, contacting
businesses, etc.) and since Donna no longer has children at the elementary
school level, we would need to find someone else who would be willing. She said that Donna would be willing to work
with anyone and provide contacts she used in the past. Jennifer Goodermote
said she would be willing to help with the auction.
• Announcement of Next Meeting Date & Time – Our next
meeting will be on February 7th at 6:30 p.m.
Open Discussion: No further discussion.
Meeting adjourned at
7:42 p.m.
Sherri Kellar-Willis, Secretary
Berlin Elementary School
PTO Meeting
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Meeting called to order by Co-President, Dawn Demick, at 6:33 p.m.
PTO members present: Co-President, Dawn Demick; Co-President, Sarah Longacker; Vice President, Andrea Beckwith; Treasurer, Samantha Bink; Secretary, Sherri Kellar-Willis; and Jennifer Goodermote.
Teachers/Staff Present: Superintendent, Dr. Stephen Young; Interim Principal, Trisha Carlton; Kelly Berkau; Fran Mason; Dan Dobbins; and F. DeMagistris.
Review of Minutes from Prior Meeting:
PTO members were given a chance to read the minutes. Trisha Carlton made a motion to accept the minutes as written. Samantha Bink seconded. The vote was unanimous to accept the minutes as written.
Treasurer’s Report:
Samantha Bink explained the report in detail. Faculty, staff, and retirees donated some money in memory of Josh Greenberg’s wife, which is now earmarked to be used for instruments. Trisha Carlton asked about the playground fund and Sam gave a brief history of the CD and what we intend to use it for. Andrea Beckwith made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report. Dawn Demick seconded. The vote was unanimous to accept the report.
Principal’s / Teacher’s Report:
Trisha Carlton introduced herself. She said that she has been here for about four weeks and everyone has been wonderful and helpful. She praised the PTO for a job well done at the Holiday Craft Night. She said she has received positive feedback. Trisha ended by thanking everyone for welcoming her to the district.
Discussion Items:
• Co-President – At November’s meeting, Dawn told the PTO members that Monica Shupe had to step down from her duties as co-president. Dawn said if anyone was interested, they should contact her via email or phone. Sarah Longacker was the only PTO member to contact Dawn saying she was interested in the position, thus Sarah has been selected to be Co-President with Dawn for the remainder of the term.
• Teacher Request – Dan Dobbins found out over the summer that he has been selected to receive a $2,000 grant from Target to be used for expanding in-class libraries. He would like to be able to use the entire amount to purchase reading level books for primary elementary classrooms. Dan wanted to know if the PTO would be willing to provide a maximum of $500 for bins and take home bags. The bins will be used to organize the books by reading level, making it easier for students to find their own book. Students will be able to take books in the bags and return them the following day. Sam Bink made a motion to give Dan a maximum of $500 for bins to be used for in-class libraries. Jennifer Goodermote seconded the motion. All were in favor.
• Recap of Pie/Cookie Dough fundraiser – Dawn Demick said there were some back order issues this year, but New Value Country Foods had been very good at communicating. Everything is now straightened out and we ended up with another successful fundraiser. We definitely feel it is worth repeating next year.
• Recap of Holiday Craft Night – Sam Bink said the evening went very smooth. We had six vendors who sold reasonably priced items. The kids really liked the gift wrap table, allowing them to purchase gifts for loved ones without them knowing what their child picked out. Although Craft Night was never meant to be a “fundraiser,” we do have to receive BOE approval and we did end up making a small profit this year.
• Update on School Spirit Sale – The middle school/high school will also be selling spirit items during their Spirit Week. Sam spoke to Jen Burhans, President of the MS/HS PTO, and Jen is going to let Sam know when they sell stuff for games, concerts, etc. Dawn said she plans to have someone at the MS/HS this weekend selling items during the musical.
• Presentation by Dr. Young – Dr. Young went over his presentations about 21st Century Learning and the Proposed Construction Bond. The presentation is available for viewing on the district’s website at http://berlincentral.org/superletter.pdf . There was a Q & A session which included some discussion about our district being of “average” wealth compared to other NYS districts and upgrading technology.
• Announcement of Next Meeting Date & Time – Our next meeting will be held on January 10th at 6:30 p.m.
Open Discussion:
Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Sherri Kellar-Willis, Secretary
Tuesday, November 8,
2011
Meeting called to order
by Co-President, Dawn Demick, at 6:30 p.m.
PTO members present: Co-President,
Dawn Demick; Vice President, Andrea Beckwith;
Treasurer, Samantha Bink; Secretary, Sherri Kellar-Willis; Sarah Longacker;
Tiffany Sullivan; Jenn Scott; Jenni
Goodermote; Michele Doyle; Angela Jimenez; Tamara Dette; and Nicholas deLaurentis.
Teachers/Staff Present:
Annette Bell, Colleen Foody, and Vivian Healy.
Principal’s / Teacher’s
Report:
The Principal /
Teacher’s report was given by Annette Bell.
• National Safety Week beginning 11/7/11.
o Lockdown – Monday
o Duck & Cover – Tuesday
o Fire Drill – Wednesday
o Emergency Early Dismissal (15 minutes) – Thursday
• Homework Challenge – would PTO be willing to continue to
purchase motivators for 3-months’ completion of all homework?
o Yes, PTO still has items available that could be given out
to any student who has completed all homework for three straight months.
Review of Minutes from
Prior Meeting:
In the absence of a
Principal, Sherri will have the other PTO officers
review the minutes and a copy will be posted on the school’s website within one
week from the meeting. The minutes will
still be reviewed by the PTO members at the December meeting and any additions,
changes, or deletions will documented in the minutes for that month.
PTO members were given a
chance to read the minutes. Annette Buck
made a motion to accept the minutes as written.
Sarah Longacker seconded. The vote was unanimous to accept the minutes
as written.
Treasurer’s Report:
Samantha Bink explained the report in detail. There is currently $25,341.97 in the account. Keep in mind, some of the money is earmarked
for the library and playground funds.
Sarah Longacker made a motion to accept the
treasurer’s report. Annette Buck
seconded. The vote was unanimous to
accept the report.
Discussion Items:
• Co-President – Dawn told the PTO members that Monica Shupe had to step down from her duties as co-president due
to unforeseen personal conflicts. If
anyone is interested in taking on the role, please contact Dawn. Angela Jimenez wondered if, in this case, any
person who ran in the previous election should just be automatically placed in
the seat. Sherri Kellar-Willis
said that this was one possibility that we discussed. Andrea Beckwith read Section 7 under Article
III of the bylaws which states “If a vacancy occurs on the Executive Board, the
President shall appoint a BES PTO member to fill the vacancy for the remainder
of the officer’s term.” Andrea went on
to say that if the person is still interested, she should definitely contact
Dawn along with any other interested PTO members.
• Box Top Challenge – It has been suggested that we run an
incentive program with rewards for the classes with the most Box Tops brought
in. We usually receive two checks a year
from Box Tops, with the next expected in February. Teachers would just get a bag to collect the
Box Tops for their class. Koni Davis has agreed to be the Box Top representative and
she would count all Box Tops received.
If we should start this, should it be done by grade or by class? Annette Bell suggested bringing up the idea
to team leaders. We are thinking of a
monthly reward, such as an ice cream party.
Sam Bink said the school can also earn Box Top
credit for certain purchases online. An
informative letter will be sent out to the parents.
• Price Chopper Advantage Card – We have found that everyone
needs to re-register their Price Chopper cards in order for our school to get
rewards. This can be done either online
or you can fill out a form.
• Holiday Gift Craft Night – December 2nd from 6-8 p.m. This event is combining craft night and
holiday shopping. Sam Bink will send out another reminder letting parents know
that there will be no holiday shopping during school hours this year. The holiday gift portion of this event will
be children’s opportunity to make or purchase low-cost items for their
families. Sam currently only has about
five vendors who will be setting up tables, so if anyone knows someone who
would like to sell things for $5 or less, please have them contact Sam. We are not charging vendors for setting up
tables. Children will have the
opportunity to make small crafts (for $1 each) or they can send in their
interest and payment for a larger craft (must be sent in by November 18th). There will be no coffee can auction this
year. PTO will have spirit items for
sale and we will be purchasing some sweatshirts, more T-shirts, etc. to ensure
we have enough. If we can get enough
volunteers, we may even have a gift wrapping table.
• School Banking – A parent gave Dawn information about an
opportunity for children to set up accounts with Capital Communications Federal
Credit Union. Account can be set up with
just $1. A “banking day” is then set up for
one day a month. Children can bring in
their money or pocket change and deposit it into their account. Cap Com gives each child a nylon bag to use
to carry their money and receipts. They
are also given a transaction register.
They can earn up to $70 for “Great Grades” and “Reading Programs.” This program requires two dedicated
individuals to run it (one staff member and one PTO member). Annette Buck is going to mention this to
other teacher to see if anyone is interested in helping. Jenn Scott is going
to check to see how this program is done at Averill Park Schools.
• Yearbook – Annette Buck and Jenn
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬Scott have agreed to coordinate the yearbook this year. Angela Jimenez suggested having a yearbook
meeting (possibly as early as December) to divide the pages among parents who
plan to help. Request to all parents –
make sure to take pictures throughout the year so we have many to choose from.
• Pie/Cookie Pickup – Dawn needs volunteers to help unload
the truck and pass out orders on November 15th.
Sarah Longacker reminded Dawn that we had
helpers from the High School and Girl Scouts last year. Volunteers are needed from 3:15 – 6:00 p.m.
• Announcement of Next Meeting Date & Time – Our next
meeting will be held on December 6th at 6:30 p.m.
Open Discussion:
Dawn asked Annette to
contact Laurie Broadwell to find out how the check
should be written for Clothe-A-Child (for BOE recognition). Sam Bink will
contact Kellie Kaschak and Dianne Mosher to find out
the same for Jeans for Teens.
Meeting adjourned at
7:20 p.m.
Sherri Kellar-Willis, Secretary
Berlin Elementary School
PTO Meeting
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Meeting called to order by Co-President, Dawn Demick, at 6:30 p.m.
PTO members present: Co-President, Dawn Demick; Co-President, Monica Shupe; Vice President, Andrea Beckwith; Treasurer, Samantha Bink; Secretary, Sherri Kellar-Willis; Robin Krause; Nicholas deLaurentis; and Tiffany Sullivan.
Teachers/Staff Present: Valerie Cuggino, Gretchen Ruebel, Lauren Nichols, and Jackie Monette.
Principal’s / Teacher’s Report:
The Principal’s report was read by Co-President, Dawn Demick.
• Michelle Colvin wanted to thank all PTO members and volunteers for a wonderful start of the school year.
• Picture Day went very well.
• Firefighters Day is coming up this week.
• Calling all parents – if anyone is interested in being on committees for Olweus, Shared Decision, and School Spirit, please let Michelle know.
• Again – thank you for your continued support. Feel free to call or email anytime.
Review of Minutes from Prior Meeting:
Michelle Colvin will review the minutes and a copy will be posted on the school’s website within one week from the meeting. Any additions, changes, or deletions will still be reviewed at the next meeting and will be documented in the minutes for that month.
PTO members were given a chance to read the minutes. Andrea Beckwith made a motion to accept the minutes as written. Sam Bink seconded. The vote was unanimous to accept the minutes as written.
Treasurer’s Report:
Samantha Bink explained the report in detail. There is currently $19,546.63 in the account. Costs from the book fair are not included and as always, some of the money is earmarked for the library and playground funds. Andrea Beckwith made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report. Monica Shupe seconded. The vote was unanimous to accept the report.
Discussion Items:
• Request from Principal for homework challenge – Dawn explained what we have done in the past and what we would like to do this year. Currently, we are looking at $100 to purchase keychains which will be given to students who completed 100% of their homework for 6 straight months. Monica Shupe made a motion. Dawn seconded. All were in favor.
• Playground CD – Sam Bink explained that the funds in the CD are, in fact, due to be available by the end of November. Dawn Demick said she has spoken to Sandy Honsinger and Sandy would like to use some of the money for a dedication plaque, benches, and trash receptacles. Monica Shupe made a motion to move the CD to a Bank of America account with plans to spend the money within one year. Andrea Beckwith seconded. Everyone was in agreement.
• BOE Recognition – will be held at the BOE meeting on October 18th. Dawn spoke to Kellie Kaschak who said that all money donated to Jeans for Teens goes to children within our district. Michelle Colvin had explained to Dawn that money donated to Clothe-A-Child, goes into a general fund. The money is then distributed based on demographics, which means Berlin School District usually receives enough to help 2-3 children. However, Michelle, the faculty, and staff at Berlin Elementary started their own fund a couple years ago. Everyone in the school donates an amount of money which is then distributed as needed. It may be to buy one child only a jacket, another a pair of boots, etc. This way, 20-30 students benefit. Sam Bink made a motion to donate $100 to Jeans for Teens and $100 to the in-house Clothe-A-Child in the names of the current board members. Tiffany Sullivan seconded. All were in favor.
• Book Fair Rewards – Scholastic needs to know if we would like cash back or Scholastic dollars from our recent book fair. Last year, we chose to get cash back which ended up only being approximately $600. If we choose to receive Scholastic dollars, we will get around $3,600 to spend, although we still have 1,000 Scholastic dollars left to spend from last year. Lauren Nichols said that students have asked her how to get updated books for the library. She also mentioned that most teachers purchase books for their classroom libraries out of their own pockets. And there is a push for “Reading at Levels” and teachers need to make sure those leveled books are available. One parent asked if Berlin had an “advanced reading program” and explained a little about it. Lauren said she would gladly look into to. Another parent said her daughter’s classroom library consisted of books she has already read. Lauren said she would meet with teachers and see what books are needed. Robin Krause made a motion to choose Scholastic Dollars from the book fair and purchase books for classroom libraries. Sam Bink seconded the motion. All were in favor.
• Pie/Cookie Fundraiser – Packets will be going home with students tomorrow, October 5th. Pick up day will be the same as pick up for the Co-op.
• Script Card Fundraiser – PTO makes a percentage on gift cards that are sold. Gift cards can also be purchased online. Since we don’t want to send children home with gift cards that are worth money, parents will be able to pick them up the same day as the Pie/Cookie Fundraiser and Co-op items.
• Picture Day – Dawn said picture day went very well. Excellent photographers were sent from Lifetouch, the kids were great, the teachers were wonderful and flexible. It was a great day.
• School Spirit – Since we have the new company with a 2-week turnaround on orders, Sam Bink asked if we wanted to add long-sleeve T-shirt style shirts, sweatshirts, and sports bags or if we just wanted to keep what we have. She would like to send home a flyer, but wanted to know if she should add these items first. One parent asked if this was a fundraiser for the PTO. Sam explained that it is not set up as a fundraiser, but as a service to parents. Monica Shupe made a motion to send home a flyer including long-sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, and sports bags. Andrea Beckwith seconded. All were in favor.
• Art Request – Jackie Monette said she needs some parents who would be willing to cut out clothes for the clothespin dolls she does every year with the students. She is also looking for an art coordinator, someone who would be willing to call volunteers as needed to set up for the art show, etc. Jackie then explained the Permanent Collection of Art at Berlin Elementary. She has been looking at ways to get more current artwork framed and hung in the hallways, as much of what is there now are from students who have since graduated from high school. She met with a representative of a local business who recreates children’s artwork along with Michelle Colvin, Dawn Demick, and Sherri Kellar-Willis. She is looking at having every child currently in Berlin Elementary School create a piece of art which will then be made into a magnet and framed and hung in the hallway. She is hoping the PTO will fund $4 per magnet (or $1,600) plus the cost of the special magnetic paint. There was some discussion about the approximate cost of all other materials (paint, wood for framing, and glass). Andrea Beckwith made a motion to approve up to $2,000 for now and we can revisit if more money is needed. Lauren Nichols seconded. Eleven members were in favor of the motion and one abstained from voting.
• School Banking – It was decided that this topic deserved more time for explanation than what we had left at the meeting, so it will be added to the agenda for the November meeting.
• Holiday Craft Fair – Sam Bink said the main thing is we want to spread the word that we are not having the “traditional” holiday shopping we’ve had in years past. Parents/students will have the opportunity to buy items from vendors. We are asking all vendors to have most items under $5, although there will be some items under $10.
• Box Tops – This will also be discussed at next month’s meeting, but an order will be sent out on October 26th.
• Announcement of Next Meeting Date & Time – Our next meeting will be held on November 1st at 6:30 p.m.
Open Discussion:
At the last minute, Miss Jackie reminded any parent who was interested to grab a bag of clothespin doll clothes to be cut out at home.
Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Sherri Kellar-Willis, Secretary
BES PTO Minutes
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Meeting called
to order by Co-President, Dawn Demick, at 6:30 p.m.
PTO members present: Co-President, Dawn Demick; Co-President, Monica Shupe;
Vice President, Andrea Beckwith; Treasurer, Samantha Bink;
Secretary, Sherri Kellar-Willis; Kristen Zuke; Sheena Nadelen; Nicholas deLaurentis; and Tiffany Sullivan.
Teachers/Staff Present:
Superintendent Stephen Young, Principal Michelle Colvin, Nancy Bielas, Josh Greenberg, and Dan Dobbins.
Welcome & Introduction of Officers:
Officers of the
PTO for the 2011-2012 school year were
introduced.
Introduction of Superintendent:
Michelle Colvin introduced
our new superintendent, Dr. Stephen Young.
Dr. Young then spoke of his background, reasons for wanting to be a part
of
Principal’s / Teacher’s Report:
Principal
Michelle Colvin
- Gave a breakdown of how many students are in
the elementary school. She
explained how many classes there are for every grade.
- New playground equipment – hand picked by
Sandy Honsinger. There is a
physical structure for the children to play on, a fitness area for parents
to use while their children are playing (and 4th & 5th
grade will use during Physical Education), and a “Peaceful Playground”
area in hopes to further prevent bullying.
- Open house will be split into two separate
evenings. Grades K-2 will be held
on Thursday, September 22 from 5:30 to 7:00. Grades 3-5 will be on Thursday,
September 29 from 5:30 to 7:00.
This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to meet their child’s
teacher and see their room.
- Michelle strives to have an open door policy. She is available most times even if you
just stop in. If she is ever
unavailable, please leave your name and number along with a good time to
reach you and she will get back to you as soon as possible.
Treasurer’s Report:
Samantha Bink explained the report in detail. There is currently $15,904.91 in the account
– some of which is earmarked for the library and playground funds.
Review of Minutes from Prior Meeting:
There were no
minutes from prior meeting to review.
