September 2008 Minutes

Attendance: Lorna McPhail, Alissa Minger, Sherry Pappan, Paula Higley, Amanda Sutton, Lisa Parkhurst, Lisa Kelly, Elaine Gaer, Lisa Hebert, Kelly Stephens, Sheryl Scharf, Kristi Jenson, Terri Anderson, Lezlee Jones, Sarah Reed, Paula Dell, Brian Calhoon, Chris Stephens and Karen Olson-Thomas

The meeting was held in the West Indianola Library.

President’s Remarks – Calhoon began the meeting and welcomed all in attendance.  He asked for a review of the minutes of the May 13 meeting.  Hebert made a motion to approve the minutes.  The motion was seconded and approved by those in attendance.

Calhoon announced the swing set was up and the slide was fixed.  The playground piece with the slide that keeps breaking is going to be replaced.  The other fixtures are in good working order.  When prices were checked for the slide it was discovered that the parts are being discontinued.

There was a good turnout for the ice cream social even though it was raining.

The Seaman homecoming parade is on Friday, September 19, and the kids will be getting out early.

The PTO sent flowers for the funeral of Jennifer Hoffman.

Treasurer’s Report: Fazio reviewed the financial report.

Beginning Balance:  $31,599.05
Bank Balance as of 09/01/08:  $32,194.84

Fazio went over budget.  For 2007-08 some things went over budget, but others were under budget. Overall the PTO came in under budget by $3,264.  Changes made to the budget that was presented are as follows:  Kindergarten Round-up was increased to $150; Chili Feed was increased to $750; Yearbook was increased to $2,500.  Since the track is completed the budget of $7,903 was deleted.  PTO received $192 in donations at the ice cream social and another donation from someone that was unable to participate in the fundraiser.  The PTO still has $11,228.47 in the playground fund and it will increase with this year’s fundraiser.  Pappan made a motion to approve the budget with the changes.  The motion was seconded and approved by those in attendance.

Principal’s Report: Anderson commented that the homecoming parade wasn’t going to impact the teachers.  There was going to be early dismissal this year because of all the bus traffic and trying to keep all the kids together and out of harms way.  Anderson asked for comments about the early dismissal so she could give feedback to upper administration.  Calhoon had heard it was hard for parents in getting child care.  It was discussed that better communication needs to be provided to parents concerning where the parade is and the route.

The current Kindergarten count is at 52. WI was given a few options concerning the Kindergarten classes.  They could find the room and have another class, Anderson stated there wasn’t really a way to do that without moving a program out.  It was also suggested they could get another mobile.  Due to their age and just starting school, which is new to them, it was decided to leave things as they are currently.  Next year they will be moving out one of their special ed programs which would give them space to have another room.  So next year there will be three 1st grade classes.  Currently WI is capped on their Kindergarten count.  If anyone would move into the WI district they would have to go to another school.
MAPP testing has started.

Superintendant Mathes will be here next month to go over the plans for WI because of the housing development that will be coming across the street from the school.

Teacher Representatives: Comments from the teachers were that the kids are enjoying the track, the fundraiser is well organized which makes it easy for the teachers and the new swing set is a hit with the kids.  McPhail asked what it would take to do the Walk & Talk like they do at Pleasant Hill.  Anderson said because of the lack of volunteers is why they haven’t been able to do something like that.  The teachers also thanked the PTO for all the work they do.

Volunteer Report: Pappan said Hebert was the chair for the fundraiser and was doing a great job.  The ice cream social went well.  She is working on the master volunteer list.  Several events have chairs, but still need chairs for:  DARE, 6th Grade Promotion, Spring Teachers Luncheon, Fall Teachers Luncheon, American Education Week, School Supplies and the Carnival.  Upcoming events:  book fair Oct 27-31 and school pictures which have been changed to October 13.  Pappan will be sending out letters of appreciation to those that volunteer this year.  Money for school supplies was turned in on time and we received a rebate.  Andrea Fund is the chair for school shirts and wanted feedback on if people preferred embroidery or screen printing for the shirts.  It was commented that some people don’t like the embroidery because of the backing on it.  It was mentioned that it would be nice to have a large logo on the shirt so it is more visible.

Old Business:

Fundraiser – Hebert reported that the fundraiser brought in $28,315.50, which WI PTO will received 50% of it.  Orders are in process and the delivery will be on schedule.  They will need the gym earlier because of items that need to be refrigerated.

New Business:

Mrs. Scheuerman requested supplies for the red ribbon week.  The kids would receive stickers and pencils.  Red ribbon is coming up October 27-29.  The cost is approx $134.06, which is within the budget.

Olson-Thomas talked about the playground.  She talked to the maintenance man about the surfacing they are doing in the parks around town.  She also spoke with a representative from the Playground People.  Their website is www.playgroundpeople.com.  Someone could come and talk to the PTO about the surfacing which would be approx. $8 – $10 per square foot. He said first we would need a good foundation to start with of either asphalt, concrete or lime dust.  Lime dust is the least expensive and what the city is using.  They have done the surfacing at 25th and Highland which is called Dornwood and at the visitor center at Gage Park.  The PTO originally decided to look at doing the surfacing, but now that the playground equipment is being discontinued maybe we should wait and see what Mathes says about their plans for WI.  It could be that we may have to move the playground all together.

The yearbook is being chaired by Kathy Crome again and they will be working with Josten’s again.  She will be contacting those that have volunteered.  They may have to increase the cost this year from $8.50 to $9.00.

Reed talked about the homecoming float.  Anyone can join in.  Candy can’t be thrown, but can be handed out and they also need more candy.  The trailer will be there at 1:00 and everyone can be there at 2:00.  Parade will start on Fillmore Street by East Indianola.

Next PTO meeting is October 14 in the gym.

Meeting adjourned.

Minutes submitted by Chris Stephens, PTO Secretary