Manchester Memorial Elementary PTO Minutes

January 25, 2008

The PTO meeting started at 9AM with about 9 parents in attendance.

BASH ‘08

Kate Schwartz, PTO president, started the meeting by updating the group on the Bash ’08 results. She noted that the decorations were incredible, thanked the decorations committee for their hard work, the food committee for preparing delicious appetizers, and noted that the Pi Alley Band was great as usual.

Megan Meek (Treasurer) announced that the Bash made about $9,000 after expenses (exact tally to come in the next few weeks). This is a good solid amount, considering the Patriots game was playing, and kept some from attending. Kate noted that the live auction was successful, and felt that not having the silent auction this year was worthwhile, given the extensive amount of work involved and limited volunteers. She also said that the clean-up went great, and thanked all who helped on the Bash committee.

Memorial School Store

The Memorial School Store is up and running and will be open from Wed.-Fri., Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2008. Kate noted that the store is doing well; Megan & Kate also explained that we first need to pay for stock and will see profit upon selling our stock. The store organizers are looking for a draw to bring people into the physical store (held in school lobby); if anyone has ideas, email Phillippa Wilson at phillippajwilson@yahoo.co.uk. They plan to have the store open during other school events such as Seniors’ Day, the Spring Fun Run, etc.

Magazine Fundraiser

The PTO needs a volunteer to promote this fundraising program; there is a link to the company’s Web site from the PTO page. Kate noted that 40% of the profits go to the PTO.

Fun Run

Alexis Rautio said that the Fun Run committee has held its first organizational meeting. The course has been approved by the Manchester Police Chief, and the date is in the works, and will be finalized in the next several weeks. There will be a Gift Basket silent auction (baskets to be donated by the various grades), and potential sports teams tickets to be raffled (i.e., Red Sox, Patriots, etc.).

Box Tops

Mandee Cokas will be heading up a Valentine’s Day Box Top Competition – see the PTO Web site for details. Kate noted that the school can make more money from the Box Top program by shopping on-line on their Web site; again, details and links are listed on the PTO Web site.

Magnet Art

Karen Clark is heading up this fundraiser again this year. She noted that it is hard to get the students to do a picture for the magnet in art class this year with the 6-day special schedule; difficult to fit into the compressed curriculum. The committee discussed ways of enabling students to complete artwork; it was felt that the program is not as successful if children take the project home to complete. Discussed having parents help in the classroom – would this be something room parents could help with? Karen will discuss this with the school, and will provide feedback when it’s available.

Yearbook

A discussion ensued about the current yearbook program, and the possibility of expanding it to include not only sixth graders but entire school as well. It was felt this can be a good fundraiser and next year would be a good transition time as both 5th and 6th grades will be moving to the Middle School after next year, and both grades will need to be included in the yearbook. There was a suggestion to put a committee together now.

There was a discussion among the attendees about other fundraising possibilities for this year – some suggestions included a Hobby Night, or a Talent Show. Kate said she’ll send out an email requesting volunteers for such an event. It was also discussed that high schoolers might participate as organizers/volunteers for their community service project.

Giving Tree

Kate noted that the holiday Giving Tree was very successful – that there were great gift cards and very generous donations.

PTO Positions

Also discussed during the meeting were a Chair for the Magazine Fundraiser, new members needed for the Welcoming Committee, and PTO officers for next year.

School Directory

There was a discussion concerning charging a nominal fee for the School Directory to cover printing costs – if $2.00 per directory, the PTO will then have an extra $1300 for the Enrichment Committee. It was agreed that a notice about the charge should be sent out at the end of this year to inform the community.

Spaulding Trust

Amy Tuttle gave an update on Spaulding Trust events. She noted that the Trust will hold a Phone-a-thon at the end of February, and the Mad Hatters’ Dance will be held again in June.

Kate announced that the Chinese New Year program will be held again this year on Saturday, March 1, from 3:00pm – 4:30pm. She noted that it was a great program last year.

The meeting adjourned around 10:15.

Respectfully submitted,

Alexis Rautio

PTO Secretary