Welcome and Introduction

Following a presentation by the Fidelity House Investment firm, Co-President Donna Coe started the meeting at 7:40 PM.  Co-President Maggie Murphy and Secretary Shari Ellis were also in attendance.  Introductions of all attendees were made.

Secretary’s Report, Treasurer’s Report, and Attendance

• 23 people were in attendance, including Principal Kathy Burns and Assistant Principal Irene Roque.
• Secretary Shari Ellis circulated the October meeting minutes.  There were no questions or comments.  The official Treasurer’s report was not given.  Co-President Maggie Murphy reported that, to date, the PTO balance was approximately $20,000, including $12,000 profit from the Wrapping Paper fundraiser.

Parent Issues

• A question was raised regarding the use of multiple textbooks for the 5th grade math program.  Mrs. Burns noted that many different texts are used, as there is no single text that covers all of the necessary elements within the curriculum framework.

Teacher Issues

• Teacher Representative Mrs. Magliozzi (media center) requested funding for a new reading resource.  Reading Specialist Donna Murphy has found a website that allows faculty to download grade level books on all subjects.  A fee of $210 is required that will allow one teacher from each grade level, as well as the media specialist, to use the site.  The PTO approved $210 to fund the site license.

Administrative Issues

• Kathy Burns provided an update on the Artist-in-Residence program.  It has been proposed that Illustrator Leslie Evans visit the school to demonstrate her illustrating and printing processes.  The theme for the program would be literacy and poetry.  Funding for the program would run between $1500-$1800.  An application has been submitted for an $800 grant from the Burlington Arts Council.
• Irene Roque gave an update on the Student Council.  The induction ceremony was held on November 4th.  She thanked Donna Russo and the Hospitality Committee for a beautiful presentation.  The students will hold a can drive later in the month and will also be going to the Longmeadow Place Senior Center for a presentation.
• The Authorfest program is undecided at this point in the year.  The Town Librarian is looking for representatives from each of the schools to take over the project.  If anyone is interested in working on the committee, please let one of the Board members or Kathy Burns know.
• Math Night is scheduled for January 16th.  Francis Wyman will host the 2nd graders.  Programs for other grades will be hosted by other schools.

Old Business

• The PTO Presidents have scheduled a meeting with the Burlington Police to discuss unresolved issues regarding the Block Parent Program.  Information will be presented at the next PTO meeting.
• The PTO approved the following:  $1500 for a National Education Week gift to be distributed to teachers (following direction from Kathy Burns regarding amount per teacher and/or amount for additional Ellison stencils);  $1200 to help fund busses for field trips (to be distributed among all grades);  and $200 for playground equipment (including supplies and a rolling ball cart).

New Business

• “Guard-Up”, an anti-abduction program, is looking to have a representative present strategies to help keep our children safe.  Look for more information and a future meeting date.

Committee Reports

• Membership – Membership to date includes approximately 300 members.
• Student Programs – No report was given.
• Parent Education – A Fidelity Investments representative gave a presentation on saving for college and the 529 program prior to tonight’s meeting. Look for more information about a Homework Helper Seminar tentatively set for January.
• Publicity - The “Frankly Francis” newsletter will be published in mid-December. Information from the staff is now being collected.
• Fundraising – The Target shopping program includes 85 members. The Magazine fundraiser is scheduled for February.
• Landscaping – No report was given.
• Fifth Grade Activities (D.A.R.E. Graduation, Yearbook) – The Yearbook Committee will soon be sending information home for the 5th graders to identify the personal information that they would like included in the yearbook.
• Family Social – The Francis Wyman Winter Carnival is tentatively set for a Saturday in March from 10AM –2PM. It will be held both in the gym (games) and cafeteria (cultural foods and children’s raffles). Look for more information to be sent home soon.
• Staff Luncheon – No report was given.
• Kindergarten Orientation/Welcoming – No report was given.
• Room Parents – No report was given.

The next meeting of the PTO will be on December 5th at 7:00 in the Art Room.

Meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Shari Lynn Ellis,
Secretary