Welcome and Introduction

• Co-President Faydeen Sateriale brought the meeting to order at approximately 7:35pm. PTO Board members present were Faydeen Sateriale, Maggie Murphy, Kathy Burns and Irene Roque. Teacher Representatives were Anita Mason and ??????. 16 Parents were in attendance.
  
  
• With the upcoming town elections, candidates for townwide office were given the opportunity to make an introduction and leave literature.

Secretary’s Report, Treasurer’s Report

• January meeting minutes were circulated. There were no questions or objections.
  
  
• In Treasurer Lori Kashgegian’s absence, Maggie Murphy gave the financial report. It is estimated that the PTO will have funds in excess of $5,000 at the end of the school year.

Parent Issues

• A parent asked if there is a stated policy on showing video movies in classrooms. Mrs. Burns replied that teachers show videos that are related to the curriculum and/or age appropriate as a reward for hard work or relaxation or during special events/parties.
  
  
• A parent asked about whether there is a policy for field trips and the number of trips planned for each grade. Mrs. Burns replied that there is no set policy on the exact number per grade but that we will see a number of field trips being planned now that the good weather is coming and when MCAS testing is completed.
  
  
• Parent Karen Sullivan announced that there will be another round of “Brownie Bundles” being coordinated by the Brownies for our troops in Iraq.

Guest Speaker

• Marilyn Belmonte of the Burlington Drug and Alcohol Task Force announced plans for the first annual “Alcohol Free Weekend” coming up in May. She also requested that they need a parent volunteer to serve as the liason for the Francis Wyman School. Please contact her if you are interested.

Teacher Issues

• The teacher representatives thanked the PTO for the Luncheon, the Dr. Suess Hats and the reception for the Reader Guests.
  
  
• The teachers also reported that they enjoyed the new format for the annual appreciation luncheon.
  
  
• Teachers also requested that maybe the PTO could purchase a new binding machine for the downstairs teachers room and that they could us Construction Paper and Oak Tag.
  
  
• The school nurses asked the PTO for a donation of $50 so they could by underwear and socks for when students have the need to change during the school day. A vote was taken and unanimously voted in favor of the $50.

Guest Speaker: Jim Picone, Superintendent of Schools

• Dr. Picone spoke about current issues facing the school department including the annual budgeting process, class size and the middle school boiler replacement project.

Old Business

• The Student Enrichment Programs Research Committee requested a $4,000 budget for the 2004-2005 school year so they can begin the process of scheduling and contracting programs for next school year. A vote was taken a unanimously approved for a $4,000 budget.
  
  
• The Carnival Committee gave an update on the upcoming carnival. They still need more parent volunteers for the day of the event.
  
  
• March 29 will be the Burlington School Townwide Education Night with guest speaker, Mac Bledsoe.
  
  
• There is a new Head Lice Notification procedure posted on the school website.
  
  
• A short discussion took place regarding the back entrance “doorbell/locking” option with no final resolution reached. Craig Robinson will be adjusting the front and back outdoor lighting, according to Mrs. Burns.
  
  
• The bulletin boards approved at the January meeting are now up; thank you Mr. Rosenberg!
  
  
• Karen Sullivan suggested that the school have a small ceremony on Flag Day in June since the Brownie Troop from Francis Wyman is being sent a flag from a soldier serving in Iraq. Mrs. Burns agreed that it would be a good event for the school.

New Business

• MCAS Snacks will be purchased by Karen Pflanz, Liz Guleserian, Patty Mazure and Karen Sullivan.
  
  
• PTO Executive Board elections will be held at the May PTO meeting. Anyone interested in running for a position can contact a PTO Executive Board member.

Committees

• Hospitality: Liz Guleserian requested the PTO approve an expenditure of approximately $300 so that she can purchase a coffee pot, servers, baskets, rubbermaid containers etc. for the hospitality events. A vote was taken and $300 was approved.
  
  
• Newsletter: The February issue will be out in early March. One more issue is planned before the end of the year.
  
  
• Landscape: Pansies will be purchased and the committe will be having a cleanup day this spring.

Next PTO Meeting Thursday, May 6 at 7:30pm in the Art Room.

Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Patty Mazure (note taker) and Maggie Murphy (typist).