Discovery Elementary PTO
November 2015 Meeting Minutes
Call to Order: 4:35 pm
Meeting Date: November 2, 2015
Meeting Type: Board
Meeting Location: School Library
Attendees: (10) AJ Farzad, Carrie Geldard, Claudia Ramirez, Lorrie Fitterer, Michelle Ramirez,
Joanna Lopez, Laila Lacy, Mandy Bedard, Rebecca Perez, Amanda Keeton
Previous meeting minutes- Read and approved.
Introductions
President’s report Apex representative was unable to attend due to traffic. Rescheduled for the next board
meeting which is set for December 7th at 4:30.
 Discussed how teacher’s and PTO should work together to coordinate fundraising so as
not to block each other and fatigue parents.
 AJ Farzad made a motion to approve the current bylaws until next May at which time
they will be reviewed for amendments by a committee headed by the Secretary, Laila
Lacy seconded, unanimously approved.
 AJ Farzad made a motion that the “Cake Walk” be renamed or eliminated from future
events based on historical affiliation, Laila Lacy seconded the motion, unanimously
approved.
Reports
Lorrie Fitterer
 Review of annual budget, PTO started off this year with income below what was
proposed last year because Dollar Drive made $7000 less than last year.
 Zingy Learning, Brain Pop, and RAZ Kids have all been paid by PTO. Fifth grade
parents sent in donations for Zingy learning last year to Mr. Newcomer. Those funds
need to be discussed.
 Last year $500 was budgeted for PE equipment for this year. Per previous budgets, balls
and other equipment has been purchased the past two Januarys.
 Last year $200 was budget for AR incentives (dog tags) and track team shirts.
 Operation Playground fundraiser made $1035 for recess equipment. Lorrie Fitterer made
a motion that the PTO accepts those funds as this was a PTO approved fundraiser, and
AJ Farzad seconded the motion, unanimously approved.
 We can expect that donations will be lower this year because of so many students
moving to Double Peak K-12 next year, even though out student enrollment is much
larger than last year.
 Monster Mash was a big success. Budget expense was under $700, event made $5800.
Michelle Ramirez
 Pac Meeting Update- the district is trying to figure out a way for each SMUSD student
to have his/her own iPad or computer.
 Michelle Ramirez made a motion to approve the budget for 2015-2016. AJ Farzad
seconded the motion, unanimously approved.
Claudia Ramirez
 Dine- out Report- Checks are to be sent to the school c/o Discovery PTO. We have yet
to receive check from O’s, and Claudia will follow up with them.
 Lorrie will update Claudia as funds are received from the restaurants.
 Next Dine Out will be at Panda Express. Claudia is picking up posters from the
restaurant. She is discussing the possibility of them posting art projects from Discovery
kids (approximately 40) in the restaurant, and will email teachers and see which ones
are interested, then take deliver the projects to Panda Express.
 Possible fundraising opportunity at Waterworks in Carlsbad.
Teacher’s Report- Amanda Keeton
 Discussed gift wrap orders collection and prize distribution
Future Initiatives
 November 18th Dine Out @ Panda Express
 Week of November 16th Book Fair
 November 23-27 Thanksgiving Break
 December 19th Dine Out unconfirmed
 Jog-a-thon/Apex Fun run January 28, 2016
 January 13th Dine out @ Chick-Fil-A
Roundtable
 Scheduling gift wrap counting days
 Ideas for Valentine’s Day, no candy allowed. Last year’s flowers did not work out well.
Joanna will look into Smencils (smelly pencils) grams.
 Student council to work up a fifth grade fundraiser and present their ideas to the PTO
board for approval.
 Ms. Geldard’s Winter Workshop craft art project to take place during lunch times.
 Student Council to be assigned responsibility for Spirit Days.
 Mandy Bedard presented idea for fundraiser using students’ art from guided art project.
 Movie Nights, outside, $5 per family. Lorrie will contact Laleh Amighi regarding licensing.
 Spirit wear, discussed Michelle Ramirez contacting current vendors about updating
product line, material (dry fit), adding shorts, visors, tank tops, baseball t-shirts, etc.
Meeting Adjourned: 5:30 pm
Next meeting scheduled for 12/7, 4:30pm for Executive Board