Welcome and Introduction

• Co-President Maggie Murphy opened the meeting at 7:15 PM. Vice President Shahin Pervaiz, Treasurer Lori Kashkegian, and Secretary Shari Ellis were also in attendance. Introductions were made of all attendees.
  
  
• The Resignation of Co-President Donna Coe was announced and accepted.

Secretary’s Report, Treasurer’s Report

• 22 people were in attendance, including Principal Kathy Burns.
  
  
• Secretary Shari Ellis circulated the November 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 $17,000.

Parent Issues

• There were no parent issues presented.

Teacher Issues

• Mrs. Donna Murphy, Reading Specialist, new to Francis Wyman School last year, was introduced to the PTO. Prior to this assignment, she worked at the Memorial School for two years. She thanked the PTO for funding the site license for the "A to Z" level appropriate reading book web site. The teachers are making good use of this resource. She also thanked the PTO for providing volunteers and snacks to the 2nd Annual Scavenger Hunt. Pictures of the event are in the lobby hallway (opposite the Joy of Reading mural).
  
  
• Mrs. Murphy presented a proposal for a new 'School Book Store'. The concept is that one morning per week (Wednesday), used books would be made available for trade or purchase ($0.25) in the cafeteria. She requested book donations from the PTO, as well as volunteers to man the store. A sheet was circulated for volunteers. Anyone interested may call Donna Murphy at the school for more information.
  
  
• Mrs. Murphy also requested PTO funding for the annual NEA's Dr. Suess' Birthday Celebration. $125 was approved for purchase of souveniers for the occasion (pencils or bookmarks).
  
  
• Mrs. Fortunato's maternity leave will begin after February vacation. Mrs. Lynn O'Neill will be replacing her. Both teachers were present and said a few words. It was agreed that when teachers leave mid-year, notices will go out in the weekly bulletin, in order to keep the parents informed.
  
  
• Mrs. Riley thanked the PTO for funding the buses for one field trip per grade ($1200). The administration will take care of distributing the funds after the PTO provides the funds.

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 will be literacy and poetry. In addition, for the third year, Brian Davis, from the Black Fish Trading Company, will be visiting the school in conjunction with the 1st grade Tide Pools Studies. He does not charge for his visit, but the PTO approved a donation of $100 for his efforts. Since the submitted application for an $800 grant from the Burlington Arts Council has been rejected, the PTO approved funding of the Artist-in-Residence Program for this year at a total of $1900 ($1800 for Leslie Evans and Arts Night, and $100 for Brian Davis).
  
  
• Authorfest for this year has been canceled. However, a meeting will be held at the Public Library on February 12th at 2:00 PM to discuss the program next year. Each school will send the Principal and one parent volunteer. Anyone interested should contact Mrs. Burns.
  
  
• Kathy Burns gave an update on the Student Council. December was filled with a Holiday Presentation to the seniors of Burlington and a Penny Drive that collected $226 for People Helping People. In January, the "Baskets of Love, Friendship, and Kindness" raffle was started. Proceeds for this effort will be sent to the Alabama schools that were destroyed by hurricane and also to the Singer Family who lost their home to fire this past month. Future events will include the Lip Sync Show to be held in May, and a quilt to be made in conjunction with Black History Month and displayed in the lobby.

Old Business

• The PTO Presidents have scheduled a meeting with the Burlington Police to discuss unresolved issues regarding the Block Parent Program. The Police will make a presentation and answer questions at the May PTO Presidents meeting.

New Business

• Lori Kashkegian gave a brief presentation concerning the "Project Schools" campaign to educate the voters in regard to the upcoming ballot referendum to be held in April or May. The proposed project includes three parts: additions and renovations to the Marshall Simonds Middle School; a small addition and renovations to the Memorial school; and a new Kindergarten Center to be built at the Wildwood site. She requested, and the PTO approved her request, that the "Project Schools" group be provided the opportunity to give a presentation at the next meeting. In addition, it was approved that the PTO will provide a table for their information at both the upcoming Winter Carnival and the Kindergarten Registration. It was also noted that the Fox Hill School Curriculum Night, to be held, March 6th, will also host the Superintendent who will discuss school overcrowding issues and "Project Schools" proposals. There is a conflict with the regularly scheduled PTO meeting, and as a result, the March PTO meeting may be rescheduled. More information will follow.
  
• The 4th Annual Townwide Education Night will be held March 10th from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Dr. Lawrence Kutner will make a presentation about raising children of all ages. His three books will be available for purchase that night for $12 each. The PTO approved $36 to purchase a set of his books for the school library parent section.
  
• Burlington High School Freshman Parent Meeting - There will be a meeting for all parents of incoming freshman students in September. Look for more details soon.
  
• Dr. Connors requested feedbact from parents regarding thoughts on having the Friday prior to Labor Day off from school. Survey sheets were distributed and collected. They will be given to Dr. Connors.
  
• The PTO approved $1000 for the annual Burlington High School Scholarship. Two $500 scholarships are awarded to two former students from Wildwood/Francis Wyman School (as determined by the BHS Scholarship Committee). It was noted the the selection process will be reviewed next year to include Pine Glen students that were redistricted
  
• The PTO Board determined the need for updating the Bylaws. Volunteers are needed to put on the computer and to do some minor revisions and updates. Anyonre interested should contact Shari Ellis or the school.

Committees

• Membership: A Volunteer is needed to chair this committee for next year
  
  
• Student Programs: No report was given.
  
  
• Parent Education: "Guard-Up", an anti-abduction program, is looking to send a representative to present strategies for keeping our children safe. Look for more information and a future meeting date.
  
  
• Publicity: The "Frankly Francis" newsletter was published in mid-December. A spring issue is planned.
  
  
• Fundraising: The Magazine Fundraiser is being delayed, due to a change of the fundraising company. More information will be provided shortly. It was approved to accept Genivieve Wrapping Paper for next year's Wrapping Paper Fundraiser. It is a Massachusetts based company that provides paper and gifts equal in quality to Innisbrook. In addition, it is hoped that they will provide better service.
  
  
• Landscaping: No report was given.
  
  
• Fifth Grade Activities (D.A.R.E. Graduation, Yearbook):
  
  
  • The yearbook is progressing and gathering school related photos from families. D.A.R.E. Graduation is scheduled for March 24th.
  • Officer Fournier has moved to Juvenile Services and Officer Cross is taking over D.A.R.E. He will be starting with the 5th grade classes this month.
    
    
• Family Social: The Francis Wyman Winter Carnival is tentatively set for March 22nd from 10AM -2PM. It will be held both in the gym (games) and cafeteria (cultural foods and children's raffles). Based on figures presented by Patty Mazure, Chairperson, the PTO approved funding $2000 to cover costs of the event. It is the intent of the PTO that this event be a family fun day and not a fundraiser, therefore it is hoped that through the raffles and food sales, we break even.
  
  
• 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 March 6^th at 7:00 in the Art Room.

Meeting adjourned at 9:20PM

Respectfully submitted,
Shari Lynn Ellis
Secretary