Meridian Elementary PTO Minutes
Monday, May 12, 2014
Monroe Center Elementary
This meeting of the Meridian Elementary PTO at Monroe Center Grade School was called to
order at 6:12 p.m.
Attendees present included:
Board Members: Melissa Lewis (President), Joy Dugan (Secretary), Traci Cheeseman
(Treasurer), Theresa Fitzsimmons, Laura Gray, Nicole King, Lori Janssen, Kari DeRosso, Sarah
Kerr
School Representatives: Ellen Cook (Highland Rep.)
Parent Guests: Bridgette Mollet, Micki White
1. OLD BUSINESS
A. Approval of April 2014 Minutes: Motion was made by Traci Cheeseman to
approve the April minutes. Kari DeRosso seconded the motion, all in favor, motion
passed.
B. Treasurer’s Report: Traci reviewed the current accounting of funds.
a. There are estimated items in the remaining budget for the 2014/2015 school
year that need to be reviewed and approved. They are listed below:
i. Conferences – estimated budget $600 – a motion was made by
Melissa Lewis to approve this budget, Kari DeRosso seconded the
motion, all in favor, motion passed.
ii. Stipends – estimated budget $6,250, with a raise in the stipend from
$100 to $125 - a motion was made by Melissa Lewis to approve this
budget, Kari DeRosso seconded the motion, all in favor, motion
passed.
iii. Office Supplies/Taxes – estimated budget $1,050 - a motion was
made by Traci Cheeseman to approve this budget, Joy Dugan
seconded the motion, all in favor, motion passed.
iv. Teacher Appreciation – estimated budget $1,200 - a motion was
made by Melissa Lewis to approve this budget, Kari DeRosso
seconded the motion, all in favor, motion passed.
b. Motion was made by Joy Dugan to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Nicole
King seconded the motion, all in favor, motion passed.
C. PTO Shed Insurance Update (Melissa has letter for discussion): Melissa
received a letter from Mr. Caposey. The shed is not on school property and is not
covered by the school’s insurance. We reached out to four different companies for
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
insurance bids. Three companies would not insure the shed. The remaining bid was
for $800. The PTO has decided not to insure the shed.
Texas Roadhouse Recap: We sold $171 in raffle tickets. The raffle prizes were a
dinner for two and $75 in Yankee Candles.
Volcano Falls Update: We sold 500 wristbands with a profit of $1400.
Exelon Christmas Party Update: The PTO received a $500 donation for
supporting this event.
Teacher Appreciation Week Recap: Traci Cheeseman, Nicole King and Melissa
Lewis provided their creative skills with some wonderful decorations. Hand soap,
sanitizer, and bar soaps were provided as gifts. Parent volunteers provided yummy
snacks throughout the week.
Track-a-thon Recap:
a. Due to the weather the event was held on the rain dates for both schools
which greatly impacted the number of available volunteers. The children had
a great time. However, it was difficult to manage with limited volunteers.
b. Joy Dugan made a recommendation to move future Track-a-thons from
April/May to the fall season so that rain dates would not be as much of an
issue. For the 2014/2015 school year, we will try to schedule this event for
the first week of October. We will also schedule rain dates. Joy Dugan will
coordinate with both schools to make sure this time frame is feasible.
School Reports:
a. Monroe Center: There was not a representative for MC at the meeting.
However, Joy Dugan shared feedback received from some of the teachers.
They wanted to express their gratitude for Teacher Appreciation Week. The
beautiful decorations, food and gifts really made them feel special.
b. Highland: The teachers wanted to thank the PTO for Teacher Appreciation
Week. The food was wonderful and the decorations were very cheerful.
Parent/Member Comments: No comments
New Member Vote: Melissa voted to add Bridgette Mollet as a PTO Board Member.
Joy Dugan seconded the motion, all in favor, motion passed. Welcome Bridgette!
Cardinal Spirit Run Update: The event will be August 23rd. Flyers will be sent out
this week. The routes are mapped and awaiting approval. The first committee
meeting will be held on May 18th at 6:30 p.m. at the Cardinal Café.
2. NEW BUSINESS
A. Executive Board Nominations/Vote: Melissa Lewis (President), Traci Cheeseman
(Treasurer) and Joy Dugan (Secretary) will continue their current positions for the
2014/2015 school year. Malynnda Mueller has completed her two year term as Vice
President. Thank you Malynnda for your contribution in this position. A motion was
made to add Theresa Fitzsimmons as the new Vice President by Melissa Lewis. Kari
DeRosso seconded the motion, all in favor, motion passed. Congratulations Theresa!
B. Teacher Christmas in May Requests (Discuss and Vote): The following items were
reviewed:
a. Kindergarten – requested 4 sets of books ($1,167.24), Curriculum books
($217.38), 16 CD players ($289.60), Kindervention/Jackie Goodman ($17.98),
Printer ink ($113.75) and batteries ($118.04) for a total request of $1,923.99. A
motion was made by Melissa Lewis to approve funding, Joy Dugan seconded the
motion, all in favor, motion passed.
b. 1st Grade – requested books ($2,000.00), Raz-Kids ($399.80), Time for Kids
Magazine ($512.90), ELA Kit Learning Resources ($359.00), Composition
Notebooks ($108.10), Batteries ($87.76), Printer ink ($271.76), Dice in Dice
($28.54), Dr. Seuss Hats ($43.16), Post-it Notes ($25.52) for a total request of
$3,836.54. A motion was made by Melissa Lewis to approve funding, Traci
Cheeseman seconded the motion, all in favor, motion passed.
c. 2nd Grade – requested Printer ink ($376.50), Guided Reading Books ($2,000.00),
Christmas Around the World ($200.00), Mother’s Day Tea ($250.00) and Chicks
($110.00) for a total request of $2,936.50. A motion was made by Melissa Lewis
to approve funding, Joy Dugan seconded the motion, all in favor, motion passed.
d. 3rd Grade – requested IPads, may consider Chrome Books at $250.00 each for a
total request of $6,000.00. Additional information is needed for consideration.
e. 4th Grade – requested Printer ink (dollar amount not provided – estimated around
$250.00), 125 books ($625.00), Contact Paper to cover books (dollar amount not
provided, estimated around $125.00), ELA Unit Support ($1,500.00) for a total
request of $2,500.00. A motion was made by Melissa Lewis to approve funding,
Lori Janssen seconded the motion, all in favor, motion passed. IPads/tablets
were also requested. However, additional information is needed for
consideration.
f. 5th Grade – requested Spelling City Membership ($250.00), Time for Kids
Magazine ($787.50), Classroom Supplies ($1,000.00), Books ($3,000.00), and
bookshelves ($959.75). A motion was made by Melissa Lewis to approve
funding for all of the requests except for the bookshelves in the amount of
$5,040.00. Sarah Kerr seconded the motion, Kari DeRosso opposed the motion,
remaining board in favor, motion passed.
g. Highland Library – requested books ($1,800.00) and Supplies ($400.00) for a
total request of $2,200.00. A motion was made by Melissa Lewis to approve
funding, Sarah Kerr seconded the motion, all in favor, motion passed.
h. Monroe Center Library – requested books ($2,400.00) and Supplies ($200.00)
for a total request of $2,600.00. A motion was made by Melissa Lewis to
approve funding, Sarah Kerr seconded the motion, all in favor, motion passed.
i. Highland – requested Art Paper Rolls ($965.93), Laminating Film ($640.00) and
Ellison Dies ($870.00) for a total request of $2,475.93. A motion was made by
Melissa Lewis to approve funding, Joy Dugan seconded the motion, all in favor,
motion passed.
j.
k.
l.
m.
n.
o.
p.
q.
r.
s.
Highland PBIS – requested funding to support assemblies in the amount of
$400.00. A motion was made by Melissa Lewis to approve funding, Sarah Kerr
seconded the motion, all in favor, motion passed.
Monroe Center PBIS – funding was not requested, we will need to revisit.
Resource Room – requested Flash Drives ($185.00), Picture Match Cards
($59.00), Phrase Match Cards ($59.00), Stories ($45.00) and Mastery Test
($50.00) for a total request of $398.00. A motion was made by Joy Dugan to
approve funding, Lori Janssen seconded the motion, all in favor, motion passed.
Monroe Center Special Education – requested Dry Erase Boards ($135.00),
Practice Cards ($169.33), Dry Erase Markers ($160.80), Write Out Loud Bundle
($346.08), Timez Attack Subscription ($250.00), Focus Math Intervention
($584.88), Scholastic Books ($126.00), Printer Ink ($119.70) and a shredder
($99.99) for a total request of $1,991.78. A motion was made by Melissa Lewis
to approve funding, Traci Cheeseman seconded the motion, all in favor, motion
passed.
Title I-Reading – requested Printer Ink ($49.90) and Houghton Mifflin
($12,698.03) for a total request of $12,747.93. A motion was made by Traci
Cheeseman to approve funding for the requested Printer Ink ($49.90) and
$2,340.65 to support Houghton Mifflin, total amount of funding $2,390.55. Joy
Dugan seconded the motion, all in favor, motion passed.
Counselor (Haugh) – requested DVDs ($400.00), Help Books ($177.10),
Children’s Dictionary ($175.40) and ISCA Conference Fee ($100.00) for a total
request of $852.50. A motion was made by Melissa Lewis to approve funding,
Nicole King seconded the motion, all in favor, motion passed.
Highland Speech – requested Test of Word – Finding ($462.00), Boehm Forms
($121.50) and Printer Ink ($120.00) for a total request of $703.50. A motion was
made by Melissa Lewis to approve funding, Bridgette Mollet seconded the
motion, all in favor, motion passed.
Monroe Center Speech – requested Test of Word – Finding ($462.00),
Expressive Word Test ($350.00) and Printer Ink ($65.28) for a total request of
$877.28. A motion was made by Melissa Lewis to approve funding, Joy Dugan
seconded the motion, all in favor, motion passed.
Art – requested Picture Frame Paper ($167.86), Crayola Washable Markers
($152.40), Crayola Marker Pack ($153.98) and Crayola Colored Pencils ($53.94)
for a total request of $528.18. A motion was made by Melissa Lewis to approve
funding, Sarah Kerr seconded the motion, all in favor, motion passed.
ESL – requested books ($400.00), Incentives ($450.00), Printer Ink ($154.97),
Expressive & Receptive Test ($350.00), Supplies ($300.00), Resources
($300.00), Audio Books ($100.00) and Speakers ($33.58) for a total request of
$2,088.55. A motion was made by Melissa Lewis to approve funding, Nicole
King seconded the motion, all in favor, motion passed. Tablets were also
requested. However, additional information is needed for consideration.
C. Meeting Calendar for Next Year: Listed below is the meeting schedule for the
2014/2015 school year. All meetings will be held at 6 p.m. on Mondays, unless
otherwise noted below:
a. August 11th at Highland Grade School
b. September 8th at Monroe Center Grade School
c. Tuesday, October 14th at Highland Grade School
d. November 10th at Monroe Center Grade School
e. December 8th at Highland Grade School
f. January 12th at Monroe Center Grade School
g. February 9th at Highland Grade School
h. March 9th at Monroe Center Grade School
i. April 13th at Highland Grade School
j. May 11th at Monroe Center Grade School
D. Committee Chair Persons for 2014/2015 School Year: Chair Persons are listed
below:
a. School Kidz: Chair Person: Laura Gray
b. Room Parent Coordinator: Chair Persons: Lori Janssen and Nichole Meraz
c. Spirit Wear: Chair Person: Joy Dugan, Co-chair: Nicole King
d. Market Day Fall Fundraiser: Chair Person: Melissa Lewis, Co-chairs: Laura
Gray, Theresa Fitzsimmons and Sarah Kerr
e. Halloween Dance: Chair Persons: Traci Cheeseman and Nicole King,
Concessions: Joy Dugan
f. Roller Skating/Beef-a-roo: Chair Person: Malynnda Mueller
g. Magic Night/Spring Book Fair: Chair Person: Melissa Lewis
h. Dodge Ball: Chair Person: Kari DeRosso, Co-chairs: Traci Cheeseman and
Nicole King, Concessions: Theresa Fitzsimmons
i. Bingo Night: Chair Person: Kari DeRosso, Co-chairs: Traci Cheeseman and
Nicole King, Concessions: Theresa Fitzsimmons
j. Santa & Elves: Chair Person: Traci Cheeseman, Co-chairs: Joy Dugan, Lori
Janssen, and Sarah Kerr
k. Teacher Appreciation/Parent Teacher Conferences: Chair Person: Melisa
Lewis, Co-chair: Deb Maas
l. Volcano Falls: Chair Person: Kari DeRosso
m. Track-a-thon: Chair Person: Joy Dugan
n. Volunteer Database: Kari DeRosso
o. Newsletter/All Calls: Melissa Lewis
p. Website Maintenance: Theresa Fitzsimmons
q. Facebook: Melissa Lewis/Nicole King
E. Fundraiser Ideas/Suggestions:
a. Pasta for Pennies (tabled from April meeting): This has been table for the
next meeting.
b. Panera Bread: Joy Dugan presented information for a fundraiser through
Panera Bread. Panera Bread will donate a percentage of net food and beverage
sales generated by PTO supporters on the night of the scheduled event. Event
date must be scheduled Monday through Thursday evening, 4 – 8 p.m.
Supporters need to present either a printed flyer or electronic version of the flyer
when ordering. The number of flyers received determines the donation rate. A
minimum of 20 flyers is required for a donation to be made. The donation rate is
listed below:
1. 1 – 19 flyers = 0%
2. 20 – 30 flyers = 10%
3. 31 – 49 flyers = 15%
4. 50+ flyers = 20%
c. Market Day: Discussion was held regarding the PTO taking over the Market
Day Fundraising activities and continuing to support the 5th grade Pioneer Days.
Motion was made by Melissa Lewis to include Market Day as a PTO Fundraiser.
Lori Janssen seconded the motion, all in favor, motion passed.
F. School Kidz Update: The orders are in. However, we do not have the online totals yet.
We will receive a 2% discount on the invoice.
G. Mr. Fritz Retirement: After 30+ years of service, Mr. Fritz is retiring at the end of this
school year. Melissa Lewis will handle the arrangements for a gift from the PTO.
Meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
Next meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., Monday, August 11th at Highland Grade School.
Minutes submitted by Joy Dugan, PTO Secretary