Reading Elementary PTO minutes Tuesday, September 8

2009In the School libraryMeeting begins at 6:35pmA quorum was present with 8 people attending

This is our first PTO meeting of the2009-2010 school year

Principal report:

Ray Pentowski was sharing news about mixing up the kids in differentclasses for reading groups and how exciting this will be.Also Lucy Mackenzie has contacted our school about having aneducational field trip at the school or going there for a field trip. Raysaid Lucy Mackenzie is coming to our school with a “special” dog andtalk with the kids about this, there will be more information to come onthis subject.Our school has many wonderful programs happening and manysustainability projects happening now. One of the priorities this year isgetting involved with the local farms and visiting Springbrookfarm righthere in Reading. Ray had a great tour and is very excited. We areexcited about our newly raised garden beds behind the school, built byour children, teachers and volunteers on the 2

of Sept. A manythanks to Patty Collins and her knowledge and ongoing education onsustainability and environmentally conscience ideas for our school andour children. So far some of the “Green” items we have are gardenbeds, bins for recycling, and are touching on energy solutions inside of the school. Ray suggested a silent auction to raise money.One of the very exciting projects Ray has incorporated in school is the“Banking project”. Last school year students entered a financialliteracy contest and Lindsay Appleton won 1

place and her postercame in 2

nationally for this award. She received money and theschool received $100.00 which was put into the student activitiesaccount. So Ray has taken a spinoff of that and is starting a studentbank with the kids and Lindsay is president. He will choose a board andthe kids will come to the board and ask the board for money for aspecific “want” or “need” and the board has to approve based on there“rules”. The kids will create this whole scene with appropriateguidance. Thank you Ray

Treasurer report:

Crystal Millardis reporting a balance of $3,797.55 in the bank account.We have cut 2 checks totaling $270.00 to Lebanonopera house fieldtrips for K-2. We also cut a check for beginning of the year BBQ for$20.89.

Chair report:

Rayna Bishop is reporting a request from Michelle Shephardfor moneyto go on a field trip to the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium with her class.She is aiming at parent transportation. Michelle will get back aboutdetails on trip.Beginning of school BBQ was a blast and was intended for an informalgathering of families to meet and greet. And it was a great time for all.A suggestion was to make a little introduction next year before the funbegins.

General Discussion

October 21

open house

: See your children beaming up at youwhen they are showing you and the grandparents and siblings allaround their school. Spend time in class room, admire their art. See allof their wonderful work and get to know the teachers. In years pastthere is always something to do and see in the multipurpose room. Anevent not to miss!!! Details coming home soon….

November 7

at 8:00 am :

Is the annual fall breakfast…yummy yumyum….

November 21

The bakes sale is on!!! In addition to “

our hot spot

” pie selling table set up in front of the Town Hall, we have alsodecided to create a prepay pie order form for people that want piesreserved in advance.Some Fundraising ideas were mentioned and tossed around and wewill revisit, we always do. One popular school fundraiser mentionedwas Sally field gift wrapping paper catalog.We will hold a Bulb sale for our fall fundraiser details coming; our lastyear profit for this was $1545.00. Many thanks to allMeeting adjourned 8:47 pm