Cornwall Parent-Teacher Organizations

Cornwall-on-Hudson PTO

234 Hudson Street, Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY 12520

PTO Meeting

October 18, 2006

A regular meeting of the Parent Teacher Organization was held Wednesday morning, Oct. 18, 2006 in the cafeteria of the Cornwall-On-Hudson Elementary School. All PTO officers were in attendance except for Colleen D., Kim P. and Francine C.

Call to Order: PTO Co-President, Sue R., called the meeting to order at 9:15am.

Review and Acceptance of September 20, 2006 Minutes

Chris M. made a motion to accept the minutes and Barbara M. seconded the motion. The minutes were approved as submitted.

Officer Reports:

First Vice President

·   Chris M. reported that there are currently 77 families and 16 faculty members signed up as PTO members. She sent a reminder notice/second round membership request through the back packs.

·   Needs chairpersons for next year: Field Day, Book Fair, Holiday Bazaar, Yearbook

·   Laminator set to arrive today. Michelle S. will get trained with laminator and help others. Mr. Schmidt indicated that the old laminator is up and running in the computer room. Mrs. Jacques can be the building rep. with respect to the new laminator.

Corresponding Secretary

·   Sandi K. had nothing to report for correspondence.

Treasurer

·   Francine C. was not present, but Sue presented her report. A new bank account was opened at Walden Savings Bank because of the new EIN#. The report was filed with the organization records.

Kristine W. explained that the $3K income for playground line was from Grant proceeds and should be earmarked for outdoor equipment type of purchase(s). Mr. Schmidt inquired if the PTO would consider financing the repaving of the b-ball court. Barbara M. stated that she will seek out a community donation to possibly assist with a project like this one. It was further suggested that perhaps the PTO could fund a new backboard/net? This topic tabled until more information provided.

CES Pres, Lisa L., sent a request for “extra” agendas. Sue stated that she will have her get in touch with Mr. Schmidt regarding the possible purchase of the “extra” agendas from COHES.

President

·   Sue R. reported that she has spoken with Nancy C. about laying the mulch in the PTO garden.

Grade Parent Chairperson

·   Joanne I. reported that all emergency forms completed!! The Grade Parent meeting was held and the 1^st bake sale was successful.

Drama Club

·   Kristine W. presented a report stating that the last known signup for drama was 91 students. Barbara M. made a motion and seconded by Chris M. for Kids Klub to purchase hanging mikes at a cost of approximately $300. She stated that through research, Sharon Z. discovered that the “COH PTO Spotlight” was formally donated to the School District and that Mr. Schmidt authorized that the COHES budget would fund the maintenance/repair to this spotlight.

Principal’s Report: Mr. Schmidt reported that COHES had very successful standardized test (top 10) scores in the region. The 3rd grade went to Black Rock already. The 1^st PTO bake sale was very well received. He further stated that he thought that the Book Fair setup was very attractive and the students were very excited about attending. All grades visited the fire house for Fire Prevention week. In addition, intruder, fire drills and weather/bomb drills have been scheduled. In advance of Halloween, Officer Jill Nye presented safety information regarding Trick-or-Treating. Mr. Schmidt also reported that the DARE program will be presented in the spring instead of Fall which always seems to be too busy. There will be a “Name the pumpkin” contest held school-wide with the Halloween Parade beginning at 2pm on Oct. 31^st. The PTO Spooktacular Event is scheduled for Friday, Oct.27^th from 7-9pm. There will be an ecology assembly held inviting students to wear wild life costumes. In addition, Mr. Schmidt reported that he is using COSER artists.(including 1^st and 2^nd grade field trip “Ramona Quimby”) when planning events. The American School Visitation day is scheduled for Mon.Nov.13^th. Parent Teacher Conferences are scheduled for 11/15 thru 11/17 with an 11:20am dismissal time on both days. 10/26 is an Articulation Day (1/2 day) and 11/7 is a Superintendent Conference Day (full day off).

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

·   Halloween Spooktacular – Phylis H. was not present to report. A member inquired as to whether students would be providing decorations this year? Jackie L. will be contacted about this since she arranged for the crafts last year.

·   Mad Science – Sandi K. reported that 18 students enrolled in this current session entitled "Academy of Future Space Explorers".

·   Spirit Wear - Mary Jo H. is busy receiving orders. Membership agreed that a COHES imprinted sport pack would be given to the nurse so she may more easily transport student medication while off-premises.

·  4^th Gr. District-wide BBQ - Barbara M. reported that she only received two formal responses from COH plus zero response from both CES and WES. Therefore, the event was cancelled due to lack of interest. However, Barbara will be organizing the COH Family BBQ in the spring of 2007.

New Business:

·   Barbara M. stated that she attended a Village Board meeting where numerous “Skateboarders” attended the meeting with their parents and were involved in lengthy discussion regarding the recent “skateboarding incidents”. Superintendent, Mr. Rehm and school board indicated that they needed to make policy regarding this issue. Emily Russell stated her concern about groups congregating in front of the school causing a safety issue with random school accessibility. Mr. Schmidt stated that the custodian locks entry door after after-school activities end.

·   Sandi K. spoke about people parking illegally in front of the Presbyterian Church, which caused an accident this morning. Sandi stated that she will write a letter on behalf of the PTO for Sue to submit as President of the PTO to Chief Williams of the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson. The illegal parking in front of the church will be addressed in the letter as well as a formal request asking for a signage change along the Maple Ave extension to read “no parking during drop off/pick up time.”

    Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 10:30am

Respectfully submitted,

Kristine W.

Recording Secretary