Cornwall Parent-Teacher Organizations

Cornwall-on-Hudson PTO

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

PTO Meeting

March 14, 2007

A regular meeting of the Parent Teacher Organization was held Wednesday, March 14, 2007 in the cafeteria of the Cornwall-On-Hudson Elementary School. All PTO officers were in attendance except for Colleen D., Francine C., Joanne I. and Kim P.

Call to Order: PTO Co-President, Sue R., called the meeting to order at 9:08am.

Review and Acceptance of January 17, 2007 minutes:

Sharon Z. made a motion to accept the minutes and Emily R. seconded the motion. The minutes were approved as submitted.

Review and Acceptance of February 13, 2007 minutes:

One correction would be under 1^st VP Report which stated incorrectly that Sharon Z.was on the Executive Council with Sue R. Chris M. is a rep on the council for COH PTO with Sue R. Ann Marie D. made a motion to accept the corrected minutes and Susan C. seconded the motion. The amended minutes were approved.

Officer Reports:

President

·   Co-President Sue R. pointed out some changes to the CCSD web site – email alert and calendar reminders. In the near future there will be an opportunity to sign up for reminders for when a webpage changes. She reported that there will be a “Living with Asthma and Allergies” presentation at the MS on March 20^th from 7-9pm. Mrs. P. will be ordering the smart board that the PTO is purchasing since Staples denied our request for financial assistance in this regard. Sue announced that there’s another Staples Foundation that deals with non-profit organizations that we can apply to for the next time that we are seeking financial assistance. Sue found that Office Depot will kick back 5% with purchases to our PTO and that the nearest store is in the Newburgh Mall. Sharon Z. stated that they were very accommodating to deal with regarding the Drama Club’s needs.

First Vice President

·   Chris M. reported that she will coordinate Mad Science for the spring session (as far as the volunteer supervising parent list/schedule) which will be 8 weeks of “Crazy Chemworks” with Sandy K.’s assistance with the paper work help. This session will be offered at the same time as the Chess Club and that children will have to choose between the two activities. Mad Science is scheduled to begin about 4/12 – the week after spring break.

·   Missy B. has announced that she is willing to chair the Piggy Bank program next year, however she needs an assistant.

·   Chris stated that she still needs a chairperson for next year’s Field Day, a Kids Klub chairperson & Treasurer as well as a Yearbook chairperson. (Announcement: Please get photos submitted for this year’s yearbook)

·   Chris stated that she and Sue R. both meet with the other members of the PTO Executive Council and Mr. Rehm monthly. At the last meeting, there was discussion regarding the Budget proposal for the school district as well as the Special Ed process and procedure. She asked that concerned parents please speak with either she or Sue with any questions or concerns that may be presented to Council. She urged people to go to SBAC and BOE meetings, if at all possible. Please contact administrators with concerns. Sue will follow up with Ken Schmidt regarding a no usage policy regarding the fitness trail due to an accidental arm breakage and possible pending litigation.

 Second Vice President

·  Kim P. reported that the Scholastic Book Fair dates are scheduled for March 26^th to March 29^th with ‘Family Night’ scheduled for Wed. March 28^th from 7-9pm. There will be fun and games for all, allowing parents an opportunity to peruse the book selection with their children. In addition, the Yankee candles & Gertrude Hawk Chocolate sales are done.

Corresponding Secretary

·  Sandi K. reported that she received a thank you note from the Odyssey of the Mind team for the donated tee shirts and for allowing them to perform a skit for Friday Morning Opening. A thank you note was sent to Ariels’ Child for their donations helping the Holiday Bazaar.

Treasurer

·   Francine C. reported $7625 received for candle/chocolate fundraiser with the expense of this fundraiser yet to be paid. She also reported that an insurance bill was presented that more than double the amount of last year’s invoice. Sue will check into the reason why. A question was raised that perhaps the PTO can offer school spirit spring wear for warmer weather clothing. Sue will look into this possibility.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

·  Kids Klub/Drama Club - The “Music Man” show dates are 3/16 & 3/17 at 7pm with an assembly scheduled for today. Everyone in the cast is excited. The two shows are nearly sold out at this point. Water and light snacks will be provided for the cast members during the show.

·  Friday Morning Opening – Since the PTO purchases tee shirts for the students involved in this club, the PTO will consider putting this expense in the budget for next year so that the students may wear them all year long instead of only receiving them at the end of the school year.

Faculty Report: Ms. O’Dell had nothing to report.

Principal’s Report: Mr. Schmidt reported that grades 3 & 4 state math test administration is done. Make up tests are currently being completed. “Wearing of the Green” day will be held this Friday. Student Council goes to the district office to meet with Mr. Rehm as a field trip on Fri. 3/23. 3/22 is faculty articulation day with an 11:20am dismissal. Fourth graders will attend the Young Peoples Concert at the Bardavon on 3/27. The Otis Lennon exams for grade 2 will be administered from 4/10-4/13. Mr. Schmidt stated that he is trying to limit testing to one test per grade level. The Science Fair will be held on 4/18. The 3rd marking period ends on 4/20 with report cards going home on 4/27. Planning is currently underway for the 4/23-4/29 TV Turnoff week. Kindergarten registration will take place on 4/23 – 4/25. This month’s SBAC meeting is scheduled for 7pm @ Lee Rd. One vote for the public is being considered for this year’s budget and the bond votes. Contingency Items will be laid out in advance for voters. With our earned points through the Price Chopper program, COH ordered pencils and big bag of playground balls. Monitors gave proposal for storage of things since things for recess have been missing as well.

New Business:

·   Emily R. reported that when at the Ramona Quimby presentation, she checked to see if it was possible to get a similar performance presented at COHES for the entire student body. She pointed out that there’s a web site with information pertaining to this option.

·   Kristine W. made motion and Chris M. seconded a motion to give an additional $100 to replenish recess equipment due to the theft. (There is $50 left in the recess equip budget line) Membership voted for this proposal.

·   Kristine brought up an idea regarding “curb appeal” for the school. She will look into a personalized COHES rug for a more welcoming appearance. She also questioned if there was a way to brighten up the hallway at the school entrance. A member suggested the possibility of painting the gate leading to the basement as a camouflage effort.

·   Susan C. will draft a letter to Ken and Walt Moran regarding the possibility of permanently labeling the auditorium seats so that it need not be done EVERY year for the play

·   Sue stated that the President, 2^nd VP, recording secretary and grade parent chairperson positions are open for election at the May meeting.

Old Business:

·   COH Village board approved the parking change for the Maple Avenue extension. Sue will get the new law wording and draft a notice to school families with Ken.

·   Emily R. will make up proposal for school supply packages as a fundraiser and get it to Ms. O’Dell to discuss with the staff at the next articulation day.

Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 10:38 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Kristine W.

Recording Secretary