Pierce School PTO Minutes - April 2006

4/26/06 Minutes

Attendance: Karen Szeto, David Lapidus, Ellen Ball, David Weinstein with a birthday cake, Tammy Texeria, Nicole Lapidus, Joshua Frank, Joseph Luongo, Pipier Smith-Mumford, Annice Kra, Billy Harris, Julie Anderson, Jeff Kline, Dan Zedek, Lynn Johnson, Nancy Springer, Katie Gressle, Steven Rae, Eowyn Daly, Susan Leipman, Martha Huntley, Deborah Costolloe, Meredith Saillart Grant, Deborah Costelloe, Sandra Levine, Peggy Ueda, Pamela Bracken, Debra Abrams

1. 8th grade speeches, fantastic speeches by two of our own, Phoebe and Rosa. These two students were wonderful.
2. Principal’s Report
   a. School Council’s report will be coming out in the Broadsheet
3. We had two scrabble winners nationally, Aaron and Nate, and will be on national TV tomorrow. They were coached by a Cathy (mother of Aaron)
4. Had a spelling bee winner, Sam
5. MCAS began, round 1 over, May 15th is round two, 3-8 grade students are involved. This affects the whole school to help the students do their best.
6. Three (3) upcoming performances paid by the PTO:
   • Berkshire Hills Music group with William’s syndrome, performed for 4th graders which was very worthwhile
   • Next week there will be a dance/music workshop for 5th graders
   • Living Voices for 8th graders—Anne Frank’s story:
     “This is a wonderful way for students to see another way to express what they know”.
7. Chair Report—Ellen Ball, Tammy Texeria, Nicole Lapidus
   There was a survey about parents’ views on fundraising (on-line survey) which in only 3 days received ~41 responses.

Highlights of Principal’s Forum discussion on goals and methods of fundraising.

In general, the spirited discussion likely reflects that the underlying topics were money and class and we, as a community, accomplished this discussion in a respectful manner.

1. The methods of the fundraising need to reflect our school’s mission of being respectful for our entire community and offer ways of giving within everyone’s reach.
2. Urging parents next year to ask their employers for matching funds.
3. One issue raised was, “is there a (monetary) goal for fundraising?” Our goal is to raise about 50,000. Auction brings in ~$30,000. Last year we brought in ~$50,000. Last year we spent (these numbers underestimate amount—rounded to lower round number): Field trips 5,000; 1,500 laminator; 500 competition fees; 2,000 for 8th graders; bank fees 138; hospitality 4,000 (picnic, potluck); 2, 479library fund; supplies 1,000, 2,500 principal’s fund; 2000 directory; math 524; gifted; performing arts 4260, special ed 100, summer reading 100, scholarships, 300 school psych, 9000 teacher reimbursement; accountant
4. One idea is to give parents a tentative schedule of fundraisers early in the year so that they can budget their giving.
5. Magazine drive seems to be most controversial predominately in the prizes which motivate the children. One idea raised but not thoroughly discussed is to donate all prizes to a shelter or other charity for underprivileged kids. This would help raise the money and the consciousness.
6. If magazine drive is suspended, then 8th graders may come up with interesting ways of raising money. One example is babysitting.
7. Different methods of reaching parents (broadsheet, internet, room parents) was discussed. It seems as though different methods are helpful for different parents.
8. More volunteers are needed for many tasks. One idea is to expand to the larger community to help out.
9. Teachers need help with their massive copying, which parents don’t know about. This is another potential area where the PTO and parents can help.
10. Directed donations which are anonymous and distributed among classes may help some potential benefactors see the results of their gifts. One potential area for this would be the technology push.
11. Our annual drive letter can also include specific ways of giving such as money for computers, zeroxing, bus costs.