Members Present: Joe Chavez, Tom Olona, Maribeth Spensiero, Jimmy Mueckay, Phil Le Franc, Robert Mahan, Mandy Viole, Ann Marie Smith, Doug Bennett and Jim Theiring. Absent: Father Paul, Olivia Carrillo and Diana Girskis. The meeting began at 6:35p.m. and adjourned at 8:00p.m.
Opening/Closing: Joe opened and closed the meeting with a prayer. The minutes from the November meeting were reviewed and approved.
Note: These minutes are not finalized and are subject to change after review by the PTO Board at the upcoming board meeting.
I. Principal-Olivia Carrillo:
a) WASC Self Study: The WASC self study now in process. The last coffee with the Principal was a focus-group type session with a discussion of the SLE’s. The leadership team has been working on the first chapter of the self study and sent out a parent survey in the Home Messenger. Father Paul, the staff and students will also be surveyed.
b) Mural: The mural was not approved by the city. The city requires a fee to review the mural and has specific requirements of what can be painted and where the mural can be placed. Phil will check with his Nestle contacts for assistance.
c) St. Columbkille Gift Collection: The gift collection has begun. Our goal is to collect 257 gifts, which would be one for each child at the school. The tentative delivery date is December 18th and the 7th grade will be leading the blessing of the gifts. Joe mentioned that the parishioners will also be able to purchase K-mart gift cards. Thought is to have parishioners purchase the gift cards through scrip and give a percentage of the sales to the building fund.
d) Trimester Awards- The first trimester awards is scheduled for 12-4 at 10:30am.
II. President-Joe Chavez: Review of Priorities:
a) Virtus Training Update: Another Virtus training class was held on 11-16, this was the 5th training session held so far. We now have 33% of the school parents trained. The need for training will be mentioned again at the General PTO meeting in January. Tom mentioned that we need to be consistent in communicating that the training is a requirement for all parents. Ideas include, updating the school handbook and sending out letters to parents who have not completed the training.
b) Electrical Upgrade: The electrical upgrade plan has been finalized. The plans include specific details including placement of outlets, etc. Vince Petito is putting together the final numbers so the fundraising expectations can be reviewed at the General PTO meeting in January.
c) Jog-A-Thon: The Jog-A-Thon went very well. We raised about $7,200 in business sponsors. The thank you letters will be going out this week. Bob will coordinate the pizza party for the 6th grade.
d) Auction Event/Raffle: Discussed Joe’s idea of how to increase participation from the parishioners for the car raffle. Thought is to include a letter and extra envelope within the monthly parish envelopes. The letter would encourage parishioners to contribute a dollar a week towards the car raffle. The funds would be held in the envelope until the parishioner has reached $25. They would then receive three raffle tickets. Assistance would be required to keep track of the contributions made for each parishioner.
e) Parking: Phil and Doug confirmed they would set up additional handicap parking and place orange cones along the fire lane for the Christmas program.
f) Santa Pictures: Tom mentioned the pictures with Santa are set for December 5th. The pre-paid amount was $475. Children can pay for the pictures on 12/5. The proceeds will be used for computer software/equipment.
g) Christmas Program: Ann Marie has been working with Ms. Massey regarding the Christmas program to be held on 12-18. Each class will sing a couple of songs. DVD’s will be available for purchase.
h) General PTO Meeting: The next General PTO meeting is scheduled for January 13, 2009. Ideas for topics include: Virtus training review, car pool reminders, Nestle container (overview and show pictures), healthy food presentation by Holly Riley. Any other ideas should be sent to Joe.
III. Athletics: Jimmy Mueckay:
a) Sports Banquet: The Fall Sports Banquet is scheduled for 12/10.
b) Montrose Parade: Some of the sports teams will be walking in the Montrose Christmas Parade. The hope is to get additional team members to participate as well.
IV. Maintenance: Phil Le Franc
a) Shake-Out Drill: The Shake Out Drill went very well. The drill included Nestle and was very well organized. Nestle used their communication equipment to speak to the city as well as the fire department. Phil confirmed that the generators are filled with propane and also that the containers include climate controls, water and are serviced every 6 months. Jimmy mentioned that sometimes the containers include a “red cross” indicating the container is the first aid station. Phil will check with Nestle about adding the “red cross”.
b) Condition of Campus: The condition of the campus is good. The cleaning of the restrooms is being made a priority. Water pressure is still low on the drinking fountains but being looked into.
c) Nestle: Phil mentioned that Nestle will promote our auction event by including the information in their internal communication. Also Nestle has First Aid training sessions available for staff and parents.
V. Treasurer-Jim Theiring:
a) Finances: The school’s endowment fund had a drop due to the economy. In addition, some of the balance pool accounts have been moved into more stable funds. The checking accounts will be changed to money market accounts so they can earn interest. A withdrawal was made from the accounts to pay for the pre-school equipment. School finance meeting should be scheduled soon.
b) Scrip: November Scrip numbers were not available yet, but overall the sales have greatly increased this year. We are starting to get requests for holiday gift cards.
VI. Parent Involvement: Ann Marie Smith & Mandy Viole
a) Participation Hours: Mandy gave Ann Marie the name of a parent needing hours. Ann Marie will contact her to help coordinate the Christmas program DVD orders.
b) Acting Class: Mandy is working with the instructor regarding after school acting classes. The instructor is working on getting Virtus trained and then will meet with Mandy again.
c) Class Projects: Joe reminded Ann Marie and Mandy to work with the home room parents regarding the class auction projects.
December Events:
12/5: Santa Pictures
12/8: All School Mass
12/10: Fall Sports Banquet
12/18: Christmas Program
12/19: _ day of school
Next meeting January 6, 2009 at 6:30pm
Note: These minutes are not finalized and are subject to change after review by the PTO Board at the upcoming board meeting.
