November 2013 PTO Meeting Notes:

Shelly Dohlby: Choices Ms. Dohlby presented the PTO with an overview of the program Kelsos Choices. 3rd and 4th grade lessons and playground guidance will be provided to Bethesda students This program will teach kids to deal with small and big problems with peers; small problems will be solved with Kelsos Choices, big problems will be handled with an adult. It is designed to empower kids to take responsibility for their role in conflicts. It will give teachers the vocabulary and cues to use to encourage students to use appropriate choices. Success will be measured through a pre and post survey. The number of white cards given out will also be measured before and after the introduction of Kelsos Choices.

Scott (elegan.com): Spirit Wear The PTO discussed the inclusion of spirit wear in the fundraising efforts for Bethesda. Scott presented ideas that are used in other school districts such as blankets, water bottles, car stickers, beanie hats, drawstring bags, etc. These commodities would be kept in stock all year. Scott will follow up with the PTO and make 5-6 recommendations including price comparisons.

Melissa Yow: Principals Report Students met Fall fundraising goal and therefore will have a Green and Gold Day on November22. Mrs. Yow updated the PTO on the progress of the library bench. The bench will cost $1080. Ms. Heine and selected students will designed the book shelf. Ms. Heine will be paid for her time using Activity Fund monies. The bench is being built in honor of Randy Kunkel and will be presented during a Friday assembly. Ms. Larsson will work with the teaching staff to design the plaque to commemorate the occasion.

Dan Demo: Treasurers Report If we meet fundraising goals the PTO will have an additional $4000 at the end of the year. It has been recommended to wait until after the Spring walk to approve additional funding of new projects, playground equipment, mascot costume, etc.

Dan Demo and Amy Kukla for Carie Zuelsdorf: Family Food Night The Noodles Night made $355. Carie and Molly Wismar will be coordinating other family nights possibly including Monkey Joes, Chuck E Cheeses and a Moms Night Out at Sprizzos.

Lisa Hetzel: Family Diiner Night It was decided that there was not room in the school calendar to schedule a Holiday Dinner before the Holiday break. A New Years celebration and a spaghetti dinner were discussed, and may be scheduled in 2014. A Cinco de Mayo dinner will be planned for May. Lisa will work with Ms. Larsson to coordinate this event. Carrie Ziebell will speak with the owner of El Rey for support of this event.

Sally Bomberg for Kristin Duffek: Playground Committee Ideas for improving the playground were discussed including: rubber mulch, funnel ball, rubber seats that spin soccer goals, etc. It was decided that the playground committee should coordinate a playground specific fundraiser to aid in the completion of this project. An Admirals Night was discussed. Carrie Ziebell will work with Kristin to coordinate this fundraising night. The playground committee will be responsible for setting short and long term goals for the playground improvement plan. The PTO agreed to look at supporting the funding of one new piece of equipment each year.

Kristin Yoder: Fall Fundraiser Students met the fundraising goal and raised approximately $10,300. The fundraiser was very organized, but more volunteers are needed to run the effort. A Fall fundraising committee will need to be formed to run this effort again in 2014. Due to the fact that many units were not picked up on time. The PTO approved charging a $10 refrigeration and late fee to those who do not pick up their products on time.