Pierce School PTO Minutes - April 2007

4/11/06 Minutes

In attendance: Tammy Texiera, Ellen Ball, Laurence Mialot, Pipier Smith-Mumford, Laurence Mialot, Nicole Lapidus, Chandlee Dickey, Josh Frank, Karen Szeto, Dave Szeto, Debra Costello, Deb Abrams, Alisha Hsu, Dawn Lewis, Chandlee Dickey, Martha Huntley, Debra Costello, Marie Green, Charlie Walsh, Julie Leitman, Annice Kra

Our wonderful students

We were treated with fantastic speeches by our 8th graders: Rebecca Printz, Keith Chernin, Asya Rozental, Rabiah Elisa. Congratulations for their excellent performances. Special thanks to Annice Kra for coaching them on their speeches.

Co-chairs’ report:

1. We need another PTO co-chair for next year. We hope that one co-chair will take on a fund-raising role. This is a three year commitment. Interested parents should contact the PTO. Election is June 13, Wednesday am.
2. We are also looking for a co-chair for the outreach committee.
3. Pierce Picnic is scheduled for June 11th with rain days on the 12th and 13th.
4. Fund raising: goal would be to have a schedule for fundraising for next year before this year ends.
5. Traffic: urging parents to go to the town meeting to have stop signs at the intersection near the Pierce St. and Holden St. Last year a child was hit by a car at that intersection. PTO has written a letter urging that the town consider putting up a stop sign there.
6. Technology survey: a priority for the school council. Teachers were pooled to find out how they use technology. Obstacles to usage included: an outdated server meaning students couldn’t use the computers; outdated computers; non-functioning computers (only 77 computers work, teachers feel they need an additional 180); and there aren’t enough internet connections for the students. One concern that is that students may not be prepared for high schools. We need: more internet ports, a bigger computer cart with working computers, software for new math curriculum, another smart board.
7. Brookline Community Fund is submitting a grant for Urban Improv to come for 5th grade. Cost would be split with PTO
8. School council election: nomination forms will go out one week after school vacation. First meeting is May 16th.
9. Last day of school is June 20th
10. May 19th is 3 on 3 basketball fundraiser for Brookline Teen Center. PTO will sponsor teams.
11. We could really use a grant writer to help raise funds.
12. On the website, we really should have a section for volunteering opportunities

Treasurer’s report

Approved math league celebration breakfast $157 for 50-60 students, Wheelock family theater $320 for 1st graders and $260 for 2nd graders

Principal’s report

1. The budget for next year is unusually tight across Brookline. However, some things that were initially going to be cut have been reinstated. For example, afternoon sports will be reinstated. Parent input is very important. We may loose a permanent building sub and NorthEastern aides.
2. MCAS has finished for now, more testing later in the spring.
3. Peter Pan was fantastic (2-6 grade play). Many thanks to the parents who helped put it on.
4. School council had a successful parent input night
5. Math program review is available for parents to look at

Parent input

Perhaps the town could help the PTO across town learn the skills necessary to raise the money: website skills, excel skills. Perhaps this could be coordinated across the town.