Meeting Minutes 04/09/13

Meeting Minutes 4/9/13

RIS PTO Meeting

April 9, 2013

                I.              Welcome & Introductions:

Those in attendance: Kathy Sanders, M. Lezon, T. Covi, N. Harpring, Theresa Gegan, Sally Cray, Angi Resch, Heidi Ramsey, Melissa Bandixen, Heather Archey, G. Backstein, S. Flynn, J. Nichols, Melissa Spears (guest speaker)

II.                   Guest Speaker: Melissa Spears:  Sherill Flynn introduced Melissa Spears with Bradfield, the “Front Row Juno” is a recording device and sound amplifier.  Julie Tinder is currently doing a pilot program with the device.  It is super easy to use, kids notice the difference.  It is simple, quick, & a huge time saver for teachers.  Can be used with several other programs ie: Skype, & document cameras.  The cost is $1610 per.  This includes tower, microphone, docking station.  It is a one time purchase.  No renewal fees.  Professional development included.  Updates available at no charge.  It is mobile & pretty durable.  It uses 3 cords – mic, headphone & USB.  Set up is fairly quick.  Front Row is the company that makes it but they do not sell directly Bradfield sells for them.  6^th grade teachers are putting in for a Ronald McDonald house grant.  The students along with Mrs. Tinder will be making a video to present.  They then will campaign for votes.  Once the votes are in, if in the top ten it goes to a panel of judges.  The score we get determines the prize we get.  The goal is to win one.  Kathy Sanders would be willing to use the technology money to buy one and still hope to win one.  All present approved.

III.                 Principal’s Report: Kathy Sanders:  to keep the playground ADA accessible we will not be putting in pea gravel but rather sticking with the mulch.  This is a cost the PTO will be incurring, along with all maintenance.  Heather Archey will be the point person with any questiond or concerns pertaining to the playground.  Next year everyone will have a chrome book and sleeves.  Head sets are already bought for them.   Already budgeted for a lot of tech.  5^th grade just finished dissecting cow eyes.  5^th grade Constitution play this Thursday (4/11).  Art Club is painting the library.  Gen H, Dr. Kina Shira, about a healthy lifestyle & healthy eating & sleeping habits  will be back on 4/26 12:30-2.  Incorporating some things next year, “brain breaks”, & lunch menu.  Snowflurry on may 3^rd.  3^rd grade will coming for a tour.  Gen H doing some activities then.  Track is underway.  Open House next week 4/16 6-7.  6^th grade quarterly “BUG” rewards this Fri. 

                IV.           Treasurer’s Report: Sally Cray:  Currently $2250 in budget for 2013.  An additional $2250 in tech budget for FY 2014.

                V.             New Business: Elections: Theresa Gegan: Unanimously voted/appointed next years board as follows: Melissa Bandixen   

                                 - President; Heather Archey & Christy Crites - Co Vice Presidents; Angi Resch – Secretary; Jamie Nichols – Treasurer.

Scholastic Dollars: Heidi Ramsey:  Still waiting on final tally from Scholastic, but the act shows more than 5,000  

                                 Scholastic dollars.  The 4^th grade team has asked to buy calculators through scholastic.  Heidi R. will look into cost and

                                 selection.                  Last year PTO dolled out points toi each teacher, this year asking the teachers to create wish lists and we will

                                 try to make it happen. 

                                 Tentative 2013/2014 Schedule approved.  Teachers and Staff asked to leave so the “parents” could discuss upcoming

                                 Teacher Appreciation Week.  Kathy Sanders doing lunch on Friday, Student Council to provide Head West on Thursday.

                                 PTO will do lunch on Wednesday May 8^th, through Razzo’s.  Breakfast on Monday.  Tuesday will be “Treats on Call”.

                                 The board and other members unanimously decided to get each teacher a special heavy duty magnetic clip for their door

                                 Jam’s for notes and other business.  We have decided to get each teacher a special “Mud Love” bracelet along with a little

                                 Note, to show our appreciation.  Cost of the clips estimated at $2/ea, cost of bracelets estimated at $3.05/ea for 100.

Meeting adjourned.