The meeting was called to order by Kathy Bachik at 9:05am.

Roll Call was taken by Kirstin White.  Karen Cowell, Kris Blazewick and Jill Hart were excused absences.  Theresa Kane, Yvonne Kumpfmiller and Mary Ann Hulbert were absent.

Correction to the minutes of our January 9, 2008 meeting:  Hospitality will not be sending letters out to school personnel before the Appreciation Luncheon.

A motion was made by Michelle Podlaski to approve the minutes of our January 9, 2008 meeting.  Jenny Coyle seconds the motion.  Motion carried.
 

Calendar of Events

February 2008
Feb 27th ­  Candy Orders Due
Feb 29th ­ Candy Order Tally

March 2008
Mar 12th - PTO Meeting ­ 8:45am
Mar 13th ­ Science Fair Assembly
Mar 19th ­ Market Day Pick-up ­ 6:30pm
Mar 26th & 27th ­ Skydome Planetarium Assembly ­ Grades 1-4
Mar 31st ­ Apr 4 ­ Kindergarten Registration

April 2008
Apr 9th - PTO Meeting ­ 8:45am
Apr 10th-17th ­  Book Fair
Apr 23rd ­ Market Day Pick-up ­ 6:30pm
Apr 26th ­ Science Fair ­ 10:00am-2:00pm
 
 

Principal’s Minute

Mrs. Graham began by stating that March is going to be a very busy month with testing, assemblies, students finishing computer testing and the 100th day of school.

Mrs. Graham reminded everyone that PSSA testing will start April 1.  It is important for students to be healthy and not miss school during testing week.  There was a lot of sickness in the school in the month of February and hopefully that is all behind us now.

Mrs. Graham relayed the news of expectant school personnel in our building.  Mrs. Farmer, Mrs. Peffer, Mrs. McGee and Mrs. Wary are all pregnant.  Mrs. Graham asked Jenny Coyle if she could please send a sympathy card to Mrs. Maharg.  Mrs. Maharg’s father passed away.  Mrs. Graham also mentioned that we have two personnel, one in maintenance and a custodian who are currently absent on extended illness.  We also have a 2nd grader in our building, Alex Zawacky,  who has just been diagnosed with leukemia.  He will be going through treatments(A.L.L.) for the next three years.  His prognosis is good.  Alex has a sibling in Kindergarten.  Mr. and Mrs. Rupik are neighbors of the Zawacky family and are helping them as needed.  Mrs. Graham stated that the PTO can show support to this family through the Humanitarian Fund.

Mrs. Graham discussed the wonderful amount of generosity our students/families showed during Random Acts of Kindness Week.  Over 1,000 items were donated, $200 in pennies, $500 for the caring place and 4-5 boxes of items were sent to the Humane Society.  Due to the school closing, the treats for the bus drivers will be given on a different day.  Mrs. Graham also mentioned that an anonymous ‘thank you’ letter was received by our school thanking us for all the wonderful things we were doing during R.A.K. Week.

Kim Alwine asked Mrs. Graham when the 50th celebration would be for CVE in regards to the yearbook deadline being April 22.  Mrs. Graham was sorry to report that  we would not be celebrating our anniversary until May.

Old Business

Tile Wall ­ Ellie Wolf reported that the tile wall is up and looking beautiful!  Ellie stated that we still need a frame around it.  Ellie and Sally Reichert will measure, paint and cut out the frame.

New Business

Scheduling Dates ­ Kathy Bachik reminded everyone that all dates requested for activities going on in the building must go through Gina Lecce only.  PTO members are not to ask Dolly about scheduling dates.  Gina added that she has the Room Request form that you need to fill out.

50th Anniversary ­ Kathy Bachik stated that there is nothing new to report at this time.  There is a meeting regarding the anniversary at 3:30pm today.

CVE Welcome Packets -   Ellie Wolf reported that she and Mrs. Graham have been discussing welcome packets for new students entering our building.  She was hoping that the Membership committee could put something together to add to the packets.  Andrea Reiterman thought this was already done last year and she would check on it.
Savings Program ­ Elana Foster Kriess joined the PTO meeting today to discuss a savings program for students called Save For America.  Elana mentioned that this program started in Washington in 1982.  There are currently 380 schools that participate.  The programs are tailored to age groups.  Elana stated that there is no cost to the school involved in this program.  Nextier, a local bank, handles all transactions/monies.  Nextier opens a savings account for each student interested in participating.  Students bring their money (any amount is accepted) that they have earned through allowance, been given for a special occasion, etc to school on a given day.  Their deposits are made through the computer and they are given a receipt to take home that same day.  The money earns interest in their account.  The schools decide what days/times students will deposit money each month.  Rowan and Haine are already involved in the program.  It is not difficult to implement.  When the students are no longer in this building, they still have a savings account at Nextier Bank.  Elana stated she would leave a packet of information for the PTO members.

During discussion…Jen Hilster stated that each grade should be given their own day to deposit since we have so many students.  Ellie Wolf wondered if the processing of receipts would slow down the depositing therefore, not enough time in the day to run this program.  Sally Reichert reminded us that CVE has three computer labs so she feels as though the program could run smoothly.  Andrea Reiterman suggested we talk with the other schools who already have the program in place and get their feedback.  Kathy Bachik stated that setting up the program may take awhile but then it all should run smoothly.
 

Officer’s Report

Vice-President ­ Gina Lecce
Gina reminded everyone that the Skydome Planetarium assembly for grades 1-4 is scheduled for March 26 & 27.  Gina  stated that the last assembly for the year will be a Character Education assembly by the Morris Brothers for grades 1-4.  Sandy Stanick added that she saw this performance with the Girl Scouts and it is fabulous.  Gina reminded everyone that she will be stepping down from her current position as Vice President at the end of this year.  Anyone interested in holding the Vice President position for next year, please see Gina.

Secretary ­ Kirstin White
Kirstin reminded everyone to turn in their committee reports today.  There will be a PTO Points sent out in a few weeks combining both February and March information/news.  She asked that all guests attending today’s meeting please sign in on the Guest Sign-in sheet.  Kirstin mentioned to please be sure and take an updated PTO Contact List with them today.  She also stated that there will not be a Carnival Day in June that was previously discussed at January’s meeting.

Treasurer ­ Sally Reichert
Please see Income Sheet.  Sally Reichert reported that the new playground benches have been purchased and the 4th grade has received their new basketball backboards.

A motion was made by Sally Reichert to reimburse Sue Hazenstab $32.40 for pizza during January’s Market Day Pick-up/Family Night.  Barb Rosenbaum seconds the motion.  Motion carried.
 
 

A motion was made by Sally Reichert to purchase a  $25 gift card for Mrs. Mann thanking her for helping with PTO.  Michelle Podlaski seconds the motion.  Motion carried.

Jen Hilster added that Mrs. Mann does a lot for PTO in regards to copying, etc.  Jen stated that Theresa Kane will be purchasing the gift card.

Committee Reports

Teacher Representative
Mr. Zuccala, Mrs. Zorn
Mrs. Zorn reiterated the joyous news of all the pregnancies in the building; Mrs. Farmer, Mrs. Peffer, Mrs. McGee and Mrs. Wary and the sad news regarding Mrs. Maharg’s father passing away.  She added that Mrs. Konick is retiring and Mrs. Parish’s son is getting married.  Mrs. Zorn mentioned some information that she came across on the internet regarding a kid friendly poet, Bruce Lanske, who would be appropriate for all grade levels, as a possible future author visit.  Sandy Stanick added that PBS runs a poem/story contest that students might be interested in.  Mrs. Zorn thanked the PTO for the recess tubs for balls and such.  Mrs. Zorn stated that Mrs. Parish has received copies of books and order forms for the Author Visit with John Manders.  These forms will go out in March.  Mrs. Zorn said to see Mrs. Parish for her book wish list for the library.  Mrs. Zorn reminded everyone again of the testing coming up; SAT Testing for Grade 2 from 3/31-4/11, PSSA Testing for Grade 3 in Reading/Math from 3/31-4/11, PSSA Testing for Grades 4, 8, 11 in Science from 4/28-5/9.
 
 
 

Book Fair
Karen Cowell, Tina Geis, Andrea Rocco
Tina reported that the Book Fair will be held from April 10-17.  She mentioned that we need to use our voucher money from Scholastic.  Mrs. Parish is going to talk with the teachers to create a wish list for books.  Tina stated that a sign-up sheet would be sent around at the March meeting to volunteer for the Book Fair.

Box Tops
Julie Polcyn, Lisa Scalone
Lisa reported that the last Box Top submission was just under 500.  We have accumulated 3,000 points already in Campbell’s labels and we have a chance to receive 500 bonus points in June.

Fine Arts
Donna Hazy, Pam Taylor
Pam reported that they are still in need of TAG(Traveling Art Gallery) volunteers for 1st and 4th grade.  She stated that she will be stepping down from her position at the end of the year and Donna will need a co-chair for next year.

Fundraiser
Theresa Kane
No report.

Holiday Shop
Leanne Clark, Maureen Ditson,
Madonna McGuire-Smith
Madonna reported that they have reached their shopping item goal for 2008.  She also confirmed the dates for Holiday Shop 2008.  Set-up will be on 12/5 with the Holiday Shop running the week of 12/8-12/12.  Madonna mentioned that the Holiday Shop is still in need of  pretty tissue paper, jewelry boxes and new gift donations are always welcome.  Sue Platt added that different people shop at different stores and that is what makes the shopping successful.
Hospitality
Becky Carmella, Yvonne Kumpfmiller,
Jane Suratt
Becky reported that the Valentine’s Day pre-party went well.  The Appreciation Luncheon will be held on June 13.  It will be catered.  Gina Lecce added that before letters go out to businesses for donations, Becky needs to have the letter approved by Mrs. Graham and have it put on school letterhead.  Becky asked how postage is paid.  Sally Reichert stated she can reimburse her or Jenny Coyle added that she gave Hospitality the postage they needed for last year’s luncheon and could do that again this year.

Landscaping
Mary Ann Hulbert, Gwen Schlick
No report.

Legislative
Tina Kooser
Tina reported that the school district is in the very preliminary stages of possibly gating the secondary campus.  The gates would be locked from 8am-2pm.  One gate would be guarded by a physical person and the other two gates would be guarded by video cameras.  The school board is discussing this due to the amount of lockdowns and incidences involving the Jackson Township police this year.  The gates will close off the parking lots and deter students from leaving during school hours.

Tina reported that the Science Fair will be held on Saturday, April 26 from 10am-2pm in the cafeteria.  This will be a non-competitive fair encouraging students to explore science.  Grades K-4 can participate as individuals or groups.  There will be refreshments provided and raffles.  A letter will be sent home to parents explaining the fair and its intent.  There will be two assemblies held on March 13 explaining the fair to the students.  Tina mentioned that Evans City had approximately 100 participants last year.  She asked if anyone was interested in volunteering to help during the assembly and fair.  Ellie Wolf added that Tina will need to get a blue slip from Mrs. Mann to make copies of letters to be sent home to parents.

Library
Barb Rosenbaum, Sandy Stanick
Barb reported that the bulletin boards are up.  They still need Adopt-A-Shelf volunteers.  Thank you to all Day 1 & 4 volunteers.  The birthday book orders are complete.  The Author Visit with John Manders is scheduled for May 5.  Barb mentioned that the Library committee will have both positions open for next year.

Market Day
Sue Hazenstab, Michelle Podlaski
Michelle thanked all who volunteered during January’s Market Day Pick-up.  She stated that sales are down but that is normal for winter.  In February, you will receive a free spatula with brunch orders.  Jen Hilster asked about next year’s Market Day dates.  Michelle explained that Market Day gives us the dates.  We do not get to choose.  Michelle also stated that we will have a June Market Day sale this year and asked if we should think about doing a July and August sale as well.

Membership
Kris Blazewick, Andrea Reiterman
Andrea reported the volunteer hours for January:  181h 37m.  She thanked everyone for signing in/out on the PTO sheet.

Public Relations
Jenny Coyle
Jenny reported that she sent out press releases for Barnes & Noble Day, R.A.K. Week and Family Night.  She will send out cards where specified.  Jenny stated that she will be sending out press releases for the upcoming assemblies and the Science Fair.  Jenny mentioned that she will be stepping down at the end of this term and the Public Relations chair will need filled for next year.

Special Projects
Marie Paserba
Marie reported that Kindergarten registration will be held March 31 ­ April 4.  She will need volunteers to help during those days and is passing around a sign-up sheet.  Field Day is scheduled for May 16 with a rain date of May 30.

Web Page
Jill Hart
No report.

Yearbook
Kim Alwine
Kim reported that she still has two yearbook pictures with no names.  She also stated that she still needs pictures taken in the following classrooms:  Richards, Brandon, Zarr, Wymer, Tobin, Shray, Staub, Peffer and Koch.  Kathy Bachik will be taking pictures in the gym and LGI room when necessary.  The picture deadline for yearbook is April 22.  Kim reminded everyone that they can use the school’s cameras that are stored in the library.

A motion was made by Donna Hazy to adjourn the meeting at 10:35am.  Sally Reichert seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,
 
 

Kirstin White