Minutes from the meeting held September 5, 2007
Welcome. First official PTO Meeting. Helen Honorow, PTO President
Introductions - Attended by 30+ parents and staff. Lynn Joseph – New Vice Principal!
Opening Days – Successful 1st few days, a few “bugs” . . . organization things, off to a great start. Mr. Asbell explains “advisory” program. Listed as Homeroom on schedule and builds adult/student relationship, also an academic program. Students create goals prior to 1st progress report going out. Best ½ hour of his day!
Open House – Wednesday, September 19th. Not a formal program. Each team plans own activities. 6:30 – 8ish. Suggested Staggered Start per grade to help with parking issues. 712 students this year.
AYP Scores – PMS identified as in need of improvement. Very demanding process, goal is for all schools to test at grade level. Law limits us. Each child really should be looked at as individuals. School improvement team will be putting together a plan of action. Whole district is listed as “in need of improvement.” “Literacy” new course for all 7th graders. Full year reading looks at informational skills, read and comprehend materials. This replaces reading and writing which was ½ year course. State regulations have changed. No course at middle level will count as H.S. computer class. Electronic portfolio now requirement. Social Studies Staff and Computer Staff will work together to produce required portfolio.
School Climate - Even though early, seems better then last spring and we are pleased. A more comfortable atmosphere. Positive. Doing more things this year to build school pride. Point made to remind staff regarding “staff climate” to keep “work to contract” made unknown to students. Some staffers feel badly to not honor support of union, etc. Always a good time to write to Alderman and Board of Education.
Security Issues - Attended to by new Vice Principal, Lynn Joseph. New camera in place to new exterior. Key pad installed in portables. New phone system gives us ability to deliver messages by phone (automated). Camera is a 10 second view and rotates to 8 cameras. It is recorded.
PTO Presidents - Meet monthly and always looking for agenda items. 1st one is September 11th. If you have an issue, question, let Helen know.
Ways to Feel Connected - Nashua becoming “Follow the Child District.” School climate list is great tool to help students feel safe and connected and ready to learn. Take the list home! If there are ways you can help, let us know. Talk to your kids and see what they may be interested in!
Communication and E-Mail Announcements - Get announcements everyday! Go to www.nashua.edu/district. Left hand column, click on school announcements to each and every school you desire. Communication is key!
Suggestion to make contacts made available on PMS site. Kathy Litch will contact and work with Linda Walsh to coordinate.
Speaker Series - To begin in January. Open for new topics. Contact Helen Honorow and she will do her best to find a speaker.
Mentor Programs - Big Brothers Big Sisters have core of 7 student mentors to help! Services done during after school program. Looking for parent mentors as well.
Volunteer Opportunities - Always in need of volunteers. Contact Deb Root or Anita Hazard our volunteer coordinators. Look for basic form to fill out with volunteer interests/availability. If you are interested in mentoring, please contact Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
School Store - False start with school store. Michelle Capone and Gina Boland will continue to work on that.
Spaghetti Supper – Thursday, October 11th. Paul will check to see if there is a fall book fair planned. Date may change. Trying to coordinate with other activities to draw a crowd!
Key Communicators - Bill Barry, Roger Jamerson and Karen Duchesne are our key communicators with Superintendent’s office. Also Bill Barry.
Fundraising – Dunkin Donuts a yes! We will earn $4.00 per pound. Question raised as to where our funds go. Can we help fund staff requests. Form was created for staff, a “wish list” to see what they need help with. Trying to raise money for immediate use/benefit school community. Artist in resident program will be looked in to.
New Business –
Costco Raffle – Big T.V. a go. Agreed that a $5 ticket be sold and not to exceed $500 item. Kate Prolman will coordinate fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse.
Possible Krispy Kreme in March, yum! Simon Malls “Evening of Giving”, November 18, 6:30 – 9:30, $10 per ticket we keep $7 per ticket. Carolyn will look into the availability of tickets.
Used printer cartridge and cell phones for recycle. September 18, 20, 25, 27, and October 2 are collection dates for magazines. 40% of every dollar is kept by the school.
Homework help after school. Each staff member holds one night/after school. Open House will give further information.
Intramural Sports to be investigated. A) Kickball B) Floor Hockey C) Lacrosse; and D) Ping Pong. Lorraine Strimpf will look into this. Further information coming soon.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn Mortellaro, Secretary for the Day!
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