Meeting Minutes BOOTH FREE SCHOOL PTO Date: October 11, 2017 Location: BFS Library Meeting Called To Order By: Jessica Granger Time: 6:35 p.m. Attendance: 7 Cathy Colella, MaryAnn Somoroff, Jessica Granger, Cara Abraham, Brenda McGuire, Deirdre Daly, Amy Testani Minutes: Minutes of September 12, 2017 meeting were read and accepted. Motion to accept by Cathy Colella. Officers Co-President: Jessica Granger Co-President: Cara Abraham Vice President: Megan Hodge Treasurer: Brenda McGuire Secretary: MaryAnn Somoroff Committee Reports Principal s Report: Speaker: Cathy Colella See attached principal s report. Student Council Report: Speaker: Cathy Colella Council will not be doing any fundraising this year. Ben s Bells Kindness Program will be implemented throughout school. All grades will participate in program and encouraged to recognize acts of kindness in their fellow classmates.
Treasurer s Report: Speaker: Brenda McGuire Reviewed beginning checkbook balance, payments made since September, Hot Lunch payments and total of Fundraiser profits for last school year. The 2017/2018 PTO Budget was reviewed and approved. Motion to accept by Jessica Granger. Enrichment: Speaker: Jessica Granger When sharing a program with the other schools in the future, we will make sure BFS kids are receiving same program and benefits. District PTO: Speaker: Jessica Granger Regional dance date TBD. Considering moving it to spring when the weather is nicer and threat of snow is less. Old Business Funds Request Form Is up and running on PTO website and the office will receive a copy of the form for its files. New Business Pie Orders An e-mail blast will be sent to all families reminding them to place their pie orders. Pickup will be during spelling bee and pie feast. Book Fair Good volunteer turnout but a couple of time slots are still open and also looking for extra help. This year the PTO will get money back instead of receiving credits for classroom books. Halloween Party Set for Tuesday, 10/31 from 5:00pm-6:00pm in BFS gym. Trick or Treating immediately following on South Street. Candy donation bins will be set up in school and around town.
Fundraisers Reviewed PTO fundraisers and funds raised last school year. Decided to continue all events again in the current school year. Donation drive was slower this year and PTO is considering doing the drive every other year instead. Thank you letters were mailed. Mine Hill Distillery fundraiser is still undecided. May need to do this year because it was supposed to happen last year. Details from past events will be gathered and next steps will be determined. Spirit Wear will be offered in the fall and spring but Spirit Week will only happen one time this year in the spring. Secret Shopper planning has begun. Event will take place day of Santa breakfast on 12/2. Also on 12/4 and 12/5 during school. The shopping is underway and donation bins will be placed at BFS and throughout community after Halloween. A flyer will be sent home requesting donations along with a survey (likes/dislikes). A separate committee will be needed for wrapping (4-5 people). A suggestion was made to give more time, per class, to shop. Announcements 10/18-10/20 Parent Conferences, Early Dismissal 12:45 pm 10/26 Photo Day 10/27 Garden Club Bug Program 10/31 PTO Sponsored Halloween Party 11/7 No School for Students Professional Development 11/8 PTO Meeting 6:30pm 11/10 No School Veteran s Day 11/15 Parent Visitation Day Meeting Adjourned At: 7:40pm. Motion to adjourn by Cara Abraham. Minutes Compiled By: MaryAnn Somoroff
Booth Free PTO Principal s Report 10/11/17 Cathy G. Colella, Principal and Cathleen Brooks and Amy Testani, Head Teachers 1. The students celebrated Patriot Day on Monday, September 11 th and Citizenship Day (9/17) on Friday, September 15 th. Whole school and classroom connections were made highlighting the meaning of both trhough age appropriate activities. 2. Intramurals for grades 4 and 5 has started and it will be held on Wednesday mornings. We recognize and thank Mr. Morgan for this wonderful opportunity he gives to the youngsters in these grades. 3. International Walk to School Day was held Wednesday, October 4 th. The students of Booth Free participated in a walk from the park to school. We recognize our nurse, Sandi DiBella, for her efforts in making this event a reality. It was a great way to start the school day! 4. This week is Fire Prevention Week. On October 13 th the students will participate in our annual Fire Prevention Program. The program will take place at Booth Free School. We thank and recognize the Roxbury Fire Department for their time and effort in scheduling and providing this program. 5. The PTO Book Fair will take place during the Parent Conference days. This is a good time to shop for your child. Please stop by to look at the many wonderful selections. 6. Conference Reminder We would like to remind parents/guardians to make an appointment with their child s teacher to discuss their child s academic performance. Conferences will be held on October 18 th, 19 th, and 20 th. These are early dismissal days and dismissal is at 12:45 p.m. We are looking for 100% participation! 7. Student Photo Day will take place on October 26 th. 8. Reminder: Parent Visitation Day is scheduled for November 15 th during American Education Week. 9. Mrs. Testani will provide a Student Council update. 10. News from the Nurse: With an injury, a doctor s note with specifics about recommended activity levels and the specific dates to restrict activity must come to school with your child. Each school year new Medication Authorization Sheets must be filled out by the doctor and brought to school with the medication by the parent. All medication must be in its originally labeled box. Additionally, each class will take part in a hand washing lesson. Students will learn how and when to wash their hands, proper use of hand sanitizer, and proper cough/sneeze etiquette. Booth Free School is working on staying healthy! 11. Reminder: The Student-Parent Handbook is helpful in reminding parents/guardians about such things as school hours. For example, it lists the scheduled times for a regular day as well as shortened days. Please take a moment to review the handbook which can be found on our website. It is a good reference. Should you need or desire additional information, please don t hesitate to contact the main office. We are always happy to help you.
Important Upcoming Dates: 10/13 Fire Prevention Program 10/10 Women s Center Danbury Programs K-5 10/18-10/20 Parent Conferences, Early Dismissal 12:45 p.m. 10/24 Grade 5 Track Meet (Rain date 10/31) 10/26 Photo Day 10/27 Garden Club Bug Program 10/31 PTO Sponsored Halloween Party 11/7 No School for Students - Professional Development 11/8 PTO Meeting 6:30 p.m. 11/10 No School Veteran s Day 11/15 Parent Visitation Day Budget Requests: a. None Many thanks, Cathy, Cathleen, and Amy