Welcome and Introduction

• Following an introductory presentation, Co-President Maggie Murphy brought the meeting to order at 7:40PM. An introduction of the PTO Board members was made.  The 2003/2004 Officers are as  follows: Co-Presidents Maggie Murphy and Faydeen Sateriale, Vice President Martha Murphy, Treasurer Lori Kashgegian and Secretary Wendi  Dellemonico.
• It was noted that the PTO meetings would now be held every other month instead of monthly.

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

• 33 people were in attendance, including Principal Kathy Burns, Assistant Principal Irene Roque,  Teacher Representatives Rita Forte and Jean Perry and Guidance Counselor Tristan Yovino.
• Secretary Wendi Dellemonico circulated the May meeting minutes. There were no questions or objections.
• Maggie Murphy gave us a brief overview and history of the financial status of the PTO. Income is derived from the two major fundraisers during the year: the wrapping paper drive that is currently underway and the magazine drive held in February.

Parent Issues

• A question was raised as to why the Open House dates are so late in September and beginning of October this year. Kathy Burns explained that the other schools’ open houses as well as the Jewish holidays created some scheduling issues. Since grades K-2 and 3-5 are done separately, they were scheduled on consecutive Thursday nights to avoid having parents come out two different nights in one week.
• Another question was raised regarding parents who have more than one child in the school receiving multiple packets for the wrapping paper fundraiser. Maggie Murphy explained that we derive $10-12,000 of our income from this fundraiser alone and all the children like to have the chance to sell the wrapping paper and earn prizes.

Teacher Issues

• Teacher Representative Jean Perry reported the smoothest school year opening to date. She credits parents and teachers with all doing their jobs.
• Teacher Representative Rita Forte stated that the teachers are very supportive of all that the PTO does  for them and would like to know if they will continue to fund one field trip bus per classroom. Faydeen Sateriale stated that they hope to double that to two field trip bus costs per classroom this year.

Administrative Issues

• Kathy Burns remarked that the PTO has a great team this year and she encouraged all PTO meeting attendees to respond to all PTO requests. She also stressed that the goal of open communication continues to be her priority.
• Kathy Burns also mentioned, for those who are not aware, that all of our substitute teachers are certified teachers.
• The first systemwide Parent Education night on Math is scheduled for October 9^th from 7-8:30 at Francis Wyman.
• Tentatively scheduled for October 15^th is a Parent Education program titled “Growing Healthy Children” brought to us by Mr. Joe Le Vasseur (Physical Education).
• Kathy Burns discussed how the redistricting affected our school. We went from 689 students down to 587 students. This is broken down per class as follows:
  
  K=20-21 students
  1=21-22 students
  2=20-21 students
  3=18 students
  4=16 students
  5=18-19 students
  
  First grade did retain their classroom aide and Mrs. Burns is working on trying to get a second grade aide.
• A parent asked what the new math program is called and Kathy Burns replied that K-1 is titled “Bridges” and 2-5 is called “Investigations”.

Old Business

• Maggie Murphy explained that the PTO By-Laws were updated at the end of the last school year by Shari Ellis (last year’s PTO secretary) and Maggie Murphy. The last time they were reviewed was 1997. Some very minimal changes were made and in order to officially change the by-laws, they are required to present the changes at this meeting and vote on these changes at the next meeting. 20 copies were distributed for review and they will also be published on the school website. Any further questions, please contact Maggie Murphy.
• PTO Help Wanted: A list was posted with committees that could still use a few people to help. By the end of the evening most positions were filled.
• Lori Kashgegian presented a School Building Project Update. On Monday, September 8^th, Town Meeting members approved bonding for the Marshall Simonds Middle School and Memorial School renovations and additions. The town will have the opportunity to vote on this at a special election to be held November 22^nd from 8AM to 6PM.
• The mural made by David Fichter has now been sealed so it can be washed and remain in good condition.  A plaque will be added at a later date

New Business

• In November, National Education Week is celebrated. Last year, the PTO donated $35/teacher in reinbursement for classroom use. New ideas are being accepted and last year’s idea will also be considered. This will be voted on in November. Rita Forte suggested that the school could use another copy machine. Maggie Murphy asked if anyone had any connections for a wholesale copy machine. Liz Guleserian offered to research this and report back to Maggie Murphy or Kathy Burns.
• A $300 donation was approved for the annual “Dollars for Scholars” Telethon that benefits the Burlington Community Scholarship Foundation.
• Maggie Murphy stated that two parents are needed to research how to set up a student enrichment program. The teachers also need to be surveyed in order to get ideas. A sign-up sheet would be available at the end of the meeting.

Committees

• Membership: Karen Pflanz has processed all new members applications. 200 families, as well as 25 staff members, have joined the PTO to date. Membership is $10/family and applications will be available at the Open Houses on September 25^th and October 2^nd.
  
  
• Student Programs: No report given.
  
  
• Parent Education: Two programs will be scheduled for fall and spring. Ideas are currently being discussed.
  
  
• Publicity: Volunteers are needed. Sign-up sheet available at the end of the meeting.
  
  
• Hospitality: Liz Guleserian was thanked for refreshments set up at Kindergarten orientation. Debbie Dew was thanked for assembling all the Kindergarten packets over the summer.
  
  
• Fundraising: The wrapping paper fundraiser is currently underway. The deadline to send in all orders is September 22^nd. Orders can be done online. Our profit from this major fundraiser is 40-50%. This committee will meet in the next two weeks.
  
  
• Landscape/Beautification: Weeding and mulching is scheduled for September 19^th.
  
  
• 5^th Grade Activities (Yearbook, D.A.R.E. Graduation): Graduation for the D.A.R.E. Program is held in February and the Yearbook is distributed at an end-of-the-year party held in June. Volunteers for the yearbook committee will be contacted shortly in order that an organizational meeting can be held and the yearbook process started.
  
  
• Staff Luncheon: Each year in May the PTO hosts a luncheon for all the staff members at Francis Wyman School. Volunteers are always appreciated to help set up and clean up the event which is held after school. Parents will be asked to contribute food items for the luncheon.
  
  
• Family Social: The Carnival committee will be headed up by Patty Mazure and Karen Pflanz. The date of the carnival will be announced in a future bulletin.
  
  
• Room Parents: Notification of those chosen as room parents will be made before the Open Houses.
  
  
• Box Tops: Last year raised $656. Evelyn LoRusso will be the coordinator for this program.

The next meeting of the PTO will be on November 6^th at 7:30 in the Art Room