President’s Remarks:
Mrs. Wilson thanked everyone for coming and turned the meeting over to the secretary’s report.

Secretary’s Report:
Minutes from the September 20, 2011 meeting were read and approved.

Treasurer’s Report:
Mrs. Wilson reported for the treasurer. The interest income and membership line items were adjusted as an income category, and the fifth grade committee line item was adjusted as an in-and-out category. The new budget was approved.

Principal’s Report:
Ms. Pergerson reported that the newly cleaned courtyard looks wonderful and thanked the PTO. The teachers will be getting lunch from the River Bay Roadhouse on the fundraising day. Ms. Tabellion has offered to pick up all the teachers’ lunches. The bike rack is now usable again (the fence was moved behind it). And lastly, American Education week is coming up. Parents can participate in class visitation day on November 14, from 8:30 until 2:15.

Staff Liaison Report:
Mr. Peters delivered an informative presentation detailing how teachers use technology in their classrooms. Technology is used in many ways, such as on-line textbooks from our reading curriculum “Treasures” and visual vocabulary cards, math CD’s that can introduce each Envision math lesson, and document cameras that are in every classroom that Mr. Peters reported the teachers use every day. Our school currently has three Smartboards, and three Airliners, which look like a laptop, but are in essence a portable Smartboard, and three class sets of Smart Responses, which are sets of 30 remote controls on which students can enter answers to questions and the teacher can compile the results instantly. There is also a website called “Discovery Streaming” which is yet another resource the teachers can use in their lessons, and it is free to all schools in our county.

New Business:
Susan Ogden reported the dates for the Ice Cream Social. October 13th is pre-order tickets pick-up, and the event will be held October 14th. Alison Van Hoven reported she has cleaned out 400 Capri Sun pouches, and more still need to be done. Theresa Holtzclaw reported for Linda Miller that 80 Spiritwear orders have been placed to date, and Kammy Curry is currently working on the directory. Marguerite Stevens reported approximately 30 new families recently joined the PTO. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:10pm.

Respectfully submitted, Leslie Coble, Recording Secretary

President’s Remarks:
Mrs. Reilly reported that this is her last meeting as PTO President. She said she has felt privileged to work with such talented and dedicated people. She reported the issue of the day: safe entrance and egress of our students, which is the single most important issue of all. She stated that our school has received minimal support from the county school system to help address and correct this problem, and said that we now need to fix it as a community. She offered a possible alternative to decrease the number of walkers to the school, basically decreasing the circumference that students would need to live within to be considered a “walker,” thus increasing the number of bus riders. She suggested everyone visit www.Broadneck.patch.com and that everyone work together toward real outcomes.

Secretary’s Report:
Minutes from the April 12, 2011 meeting were read and approved.

Principal’s Report:
Principal Pergerson reported that the Fun Run was a success. She thanked the PTO for the teachers’ appreciation luncheon, which was like “dining at a 5 star restaurant.” She also reported that there will be a volunteer appreciation breakfast on Tuesday, May 24th, at 8:30am.

Staff Liaison Report:
Mrs. Mumper reported for Wanda Tabellion, our school’s Tech Support. She presented a chair that Mrs. Tabellion would like the PTO to consider purchasing for the computer lab. It is smaller than the chairs in the computer lab currently. The cost of the chair shown is $39.19, which would total $1,410.72 for 36 chairs. The chair, as shown, had a fabric back and seat. The consensus was that an all-plastic chair, rather than fabric, would fit our needs better and perhaps last longer. The PTO requested that Mrs. Tabellion investigate this further to make sure that we get the right chair.

She reported that the staff really appreciated the teachers luncheon and that they thoroughly loved it. She also said a teary goodbye, as this is her last year teaching at Cape St. Claire Elementary. She started teaching here in 1973, and said that she really loves this school, the parents and the children.

Old Business:
Many parents contributed to the discussion of our school’s on-going and worsening problem: parking and traffic control. Heather Kilpatrick gave an update. She reported that Tim Lindsay, from Facilities, has assessed the situation. An employee from Mary Lamb’s office of Traffic and Engineering observed our parking and traffic situation today. Mrs. Kilpatrick and Mrs. Valente attended the meeting of the Board of Governors from the Cape St. Claire Improvement Association last night, and reported that they are very interested in helping us with our traffic problems, as the resulting back-ups at arrival and dismissal time affect our community streets and citizens, not just our students and parents. She reported that Bob Mosier, the Public Information Officer, will advocate on our behalf. She has discussed with Principal Pergerson the possibility of teachers parking by the 5th grade wing, thus opening 10-12 spaces in the front lot. She also reported that we will be asking Representative Dick Ladd for a big parking lot by the tennis courts.

The discussion moved on to the removal of our beloved, and extremely efficient crossing guard, Annette Hogan. Parents reported their disappointment, anger and frustration at the seemingly misguided decision. We now have two crossing guards doing the job that just Annette did on her own, and all the parents were in agreement that the situation has gotten worse, traffic is worse, and the two crossing guards cannot do the job nearly as efficiently and as safely as Mrs. Hogan was doing alone. Mrs. Kilpatrick reported that there is a petition to bring Mrs. Hogan back.

Susan Ogden reported that the Fun Run was a big success and lots of fun. The sponsorship donations totaled $6,375.00 ($400 of which is still pending as of this date), registration and the pasta dinner brought in a total of $2,976.75. With expenses coming to $2,018.84, the total profit of the Fun Run is $7,332.91. This money will be used to help expand our playground.

Heather Kilpatrick reported for the 5th grade Committee. Fun Night will be May 20th, from 6:00-9:00pm. The games will all have a “minute to win it” theme. There will be a video shown during the graduation ceremony. The front entrance bulletin board will be going up soon. Cheryl Arends is currently planning the pool party, and Brenda Hall is organizing the graduation party, which will be on the last day of school, June 14th.

New Business
Election of New Officers: Jill Remson and Theresa Holtzclaw, nominating committee.
The following officers were unanimously elected:
President: Kerry Wilson
VP Volunteers: Geralyn Valente was elected for a 1 year term. There will be a mid-year election for this position next year. Jill Remson will run for this office, and nominations will be accepted from the floor, as always.
Treasurer: Vicky Burgess
VP Social Activities: Ann Marie Lipchak

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Leslie Coble, Recording Secretary

Download a PDF copy of the May 2011 Meeting Minutes (34)

President’s Remarks:

Ms. Reilly welcomed everyone and wished all a happy New Year.  She reported that the Holiday Shop was very successful and expressed a special thank you to everyone who made it possible.

She reported that there is no treasurer’s report tonight, as our treasurer, Tina Dembowksi, has stepped down from her position suddenly.  Both she and VP Geralyn Valente will be taking over the treasurer’s duties temporarily, and informed everyone that any bookkeeping questions be directed to either her or Mrs. Valente.  She thanked Mrs. Dembowski for her service to the PTO.

Secretary’s Report:

Minutes from the November 9, 2010 meeting were read and approved.

Principal’s Report:

Ms. Lorton explained that there is no Principal’s Report for this meeting as Ms. Pergerson’s mother recently passed away.  She reported that Ms. Pergerson will not be in school the rest of the week.

Staff Liaison Report:

Ms. Cressman reported that the “very successful” Dimes for Dollars fundraiser collected around $5,000.00, and the staff is looking forward to the next fundraiser, Mad Math Minutes.  She expressed a big “Thank You” to the PTO Hospitality Committee for the teachers’ luncheon last week.  She reported that the 5^th grade Robotics club will start in April, the FLEX program will start in March, and the 24 Club is currently running.  Ms. Cressman reported that April will be Environmental Awareness Month for our school.  Every Friday during the month of April will be “Walk to School” day, the school will be selling Earth Day t-shirts for the second round of Spirit Wear, and she would like some kind of evening activity, such as a spaghetti dinner, to cap off the month.  She reported that Mr. Stover and Mrs. Horton would like to have a possible Health Fair with vendors that evening.  As that is the night before the Fun Run, Kerry Wilson and Susan Ogden suggested combining the Fun Run night with the Health Fair night.  Ms. Cressman reported that the restaurant Noodles will cater the spaghetti dinner, and provided a list of possible vendors: Waste Management, a yoga instructor, oyster restoration, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Smithsonian Environmental Institute.  It was agreed that there will be a separate meeting to discuss and coordinate this.

Ms. Lorton reported a big initiative for our school is in progress:  In-services training is on-going to train the teachers in the new thinking maps. Mrs. Barbour, Ms. Cressman, Ms. Zebron, Ms. Pergerson and Ms. Lorton have completed the training in this area.  She reported that other schools in the county have been using these thinking maps for three years now, and you will see examples of them outside of the classrooms in our school.

Old Business:

Heather Kilpatrick reported a profit of almost $4,000 from the Holiday Shop, and said that the kids really had fun.  She reported that it was more difficult to staff the event with volunteers this time.  As co-chair of the 5^th grade committee, she reported that Fun Night is in the works, the committee is still hoping for a Skate Night, and there will be a Chevy’s Night fundraiser next week, February 16^th.

Susan Ogden reported that TD Bank is still eager to come to our school and provide an assembly, from anywhere from a single class or grade to the entire student body.  Ms. Lorton said that she and Ms. Pergerson have relayed this information to the teachers, but no teachers have inquired as of yet.  Ms. Cressman said that the 3^rd grade teachers are interested.

Brenda Hall reported Market Day profits as follows:  January $325, December $324, November $736 ($450 of which is pie sales).  Ms. Hall reported that she believes that sales have improved in the past few months due to reminder phone calls placed to families that regularly order from Market Day.  The school received a $250 Borders gift card from Market Day, and 4^th grade cookie dough sales are this month.

Ms. Cressman inquired if anyone has taken over the chair position for the Capri Sun recycling.  Theresa Holtzclaw replied that no one has.  Ms. Cressman expressed an interest in taking over the management of this program.

New Business:

Leslie Coble reported for chair Jen Caughron that the Talent Show will be March 25^th at Broadneck High School, with the rehearsals on  the three previous Fridays in the school cafeteria.

Leah Humphries reported that the walking club has come to an end due to not enough parent volunteers.  For example, the 3^rd grade has 125 students, and on the playground at recess there is one monitor and two teachers to supervise.  More supervision, whether it is parent volunteers or staff, is needed for the walking club reported Kerry Wilson.  Ms. Wilson said that many students had joined the club, and it was very difficult for the adults to keep track of the walking progress of each individual student.  Sarah Reilly asked if we set a goal of April, could the walking club start up again.  Ms. Lorton explained that there would need to be more of a partnership between the parent volunteers and the staff.

Leah Humphries expressed discontent with the condition of the bathrooms in the kindergarten annex.  Ms. Lorton explained that there have been recent problems in the custodial staff department and that she and Ms. Pergerson are aware of this problem and are working diligently to resolve it.  Ms. Reilly offered assistance from the PTO in whatever capacity we could help.  She also offered to supply a new stool for the kindergartners for the bathroom if one is needed.

Theresa Holtzclaw reported for Vicky Jenkins a thank you to the hospitality committee for the recent “Beat the Winter Blahs” teachers’ luncheon, and Grandparents’ Day is coming up in April.  Also, she is waiting for the teachers’ approval of the school supply list for the School Supply Kits.  For the beautification committee, she reported that Coble Landscaping and the 3^rd grade will be doing spring weeding in the courtyard.

Karen Collins reported the yearbook is about 50% complete.  Fliers for Yearbook orders will come home March 1^st, and April 18^th is the absolute final deadline.

Ann Marie Lipchik, co-chair for the yearbook, reported that she now writes for a new hyper-local website “Cape Connections,” Broadneck.patch.com.  She is open to any idea suggestions for articles.

Leah Humphries reported that Mad Math Minutes will be coming in March.  She wanted input from the people present at the meeting as to when in March would be best, as there is MSA testing in March.  The consensus was that any day in March would be fine, as long as it is not an MSA testing day or on the Mondays before the MSA testing days.  The money raised from this fundraiser will be used to purchase a new piece of playground equipment that can be added on to our newly installed playground equipment.

Jen Brown reported $350 left in the budget for Cultural Enrichment.  She said this is not really enough for the rest of the year.  The Maryland Science Center assembly cost $1550 for three shows.  Most assemblies are two shows.  Ms. Brown said that the cultural enrichment budget of $4000 has to be “stretched pretty thin” to cover all the assemblies, and expressed a wish of more money in their budget for next year.  Mrs. Valente explained that the budget for Cultural Enrichment was just increased from $3,000 to $4,000 this year.  Mrs. Reilly suggested that the Cultural Enrichment Committee meet with Ms. Pergerson and list what assemblies they want and work out a budget, and then the PTO board will look at it.  Mrs. Reilly expressed a goal that previous assemblies not be repeated, and suggested the committee get teachers’ feedback of every assembly.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:50pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Leslie Coble, Recording Secretary

Download a PDF copy of the PTO Meeting Minutes – February 2011 (55)

President’s Remarks:

Ms. Reilly welcomed everyone and reported a profit of $5,635.70 from the Ice Cream Social.  She also reported the disbursement of the Wish List fund.

• A specialized flip camera for the speech department
• A document camera for the first grade team
• A new rug for the art department
• Temple blocks for the music department
• A new bookcase for Ms. Weinbaum
• A new P.A. system for the P.E. department

Secretary’s Report:

Minutes from the October 12, 2010 meeting were read and approved.

Guest Speakers:

Ms. Lisa Brown – AACPS Office of School and Family Parnership

Ms. Brown introduced the new V Soft Raptor program, which will help keep track of a school’s volunteer hours, especially out-of-school volunteer hours that are currently not logged.  She encouraged parents to sign up for the parent involvement conference happening this weekend, November 13^th, at Anne Arundel Community College.  She also asked for photographs of our school’s “volunteers in action” for the Volunteer in Action newsletter, and asked volunteers to consider appearing as a guest on her office’s 30 minute TV show.

Mr. Michael McClung – Assistant Vice President, TD Bank

Mr. McClung introduced various programs and services available to our school provided by the bank.

• WOW Zone Classes – Certified instructors come into a classroom and teach age-appropriate finance lessons
• Savings accounts for students – free, no minimum balance
• Summer Reading Program – students receive $10 in their account when they read 10 books
• Affinity Program – free, the bank will give money to the PTO based on the total balance of participating PTO families’ accounts with TD Bank
• Participation in School Events – TD Bank can help raise money at school events by supplying goods for sale (such as hot dogs, water, etc.) which the PTO could then earn 100% profit by selling

Principal’s Report:

Ms. Pergerson distributed a hand-out of her remarks.

• Naglieri scores have arrived
• “Dimes for Dollars” fundraiser for technology: Nov. 1 – Jan. 31
• American Education Week classroom visitation Monday Nov. 15 8:30am-2:15pm
• Connect-Ed Message regarding Book Fair, classroom visitation and availability of newsletter on-line
• Winter Chorus Concert, Wednesday, December 8, 7:00pm
• Winter Strings Concert, Tuesday, January 11, 6:00pm
• Winter Band Concert, Tuesday, January 11, 7:30pm (PTO Meeting scheduled for the same night)
• Parent Surveys: Community Engagement Survey, available on-line (www.aacps.org) and at Parent/Teacher conferences, and Bullying Survey available only on-line (parent passcode pe83mc).  Both surveys’ deadline is December 22^nd.
• Thank you to the PTO and Mrs. Sessions and Mrs. Brown for funding and organizing our Cultural Arts Program

Staff Liaison Report:

Mr. Poorman, standing in for Ms. Cressman, had nothing to report, but was “happy to be here.”

Old Business:

Rene Rutledge reported the Ice Cream Social was “fabulous,” and the Teachers Silent Auction was very well received.  There was general brainstorming of ideas to help reduce waiting time in line for tickets, such as volunteers walking the floor selling game tickets, and making food and ice cream tickets available only during pre-event sale.

New Business:

Theresa Holtzclaw reported that Laura Sherman has moved, and we are now looking for chairs to replace her. Christine Jozwick will co-chair School Supply Kits.  Chairs are still needed for Giant/Safeway/Capri Sun fundraising.

President Reilly reported the possible existence of the “Work to Rule” option some teachers are following now, due to an impasse between the teachers’ union and the County Board of Education.  She reported that she will draft a letter, which the PTO Board will review and approve, in support of our teachers and all that they do above and beyond their contractual obligations.  This letter will be sent to the County Board of Education, and will be available on the PTO website.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Leslie Coble, Recording Secretary

Download a PDF copy of the  PTO Meeting Minutes - November 2010 (64)

September 21, 2010

PTO President Sarah Reilly called the meeting to order at 6:30pm with approx. 31 people in attendance. 

President’s Remarks:

Ms. Reilly welcomed everyone and expressed a hope that many will return for future meetings.

Secretary’s Report:

Minutes from the May 11, 2010 meeting were read and, with more current Fun Run numbers, approved.

Treasurer’s Report:

Sarah Reilly reported a draft of the budget, due to the treasurer’s absence.  Kristy Larsen reported a change in name from “Restaurant Raffle” to “Restaurant Fundraiser.”

Principal’s Report:

Ms. Pergerson thanked the PTO and expressed gratitude for its support.  She also thanked the PTO for the recent landscaping work – weeding and mulching – performed by Coble Landscaping, Inc.  She reported that the staff and administration enjoyed the dinner provided by the PTO Hospitality Committee at Back to School Night, as well as the dinner provided to her and Assistant Principal Lorton tonight.

Ms. Pergerson announced that construction will begin in June 2011 to add six new Kindergarten classrooms to the school, all with up-to-date technology, including smart boards and LCD cameras.  Construction is expected to be completed by January 2012.  Broadneck Elementary has recently completed its construction and can be considered a “prototype.”  She will invite the architect to speak at a future PTO general meeting.

Staff Liaison Report:

Ms. Mumper and Ms. Cressman were in attendance.  Ms. Cressman thanked the PTO for its support.  She announced that October 13th will be a “Walk to School Day.”  She also reported that she would like to have another “Chesapeake Bay Day” which will involve the entire school population involvement, not just the third grade.  Ms. Mumper thanked the PTO for the Back to School dinner.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Social Activities: Kerry Wilson, VP

• Directory: Will be on-line only this year in a pdf file, expected out in late October, early November.  Kammy Curry, chair
• Movie Night: Will be rescheduled for November 12th.  Geralyn Valente, chair
• Spirit Wear: Will be delivered before the Ice Cream Social. Linda Miller, chair
• Talent Show: Expected in March or April.  Jen Caughron, chair
• PTO Membership: 160 families reported, 18 teachers.  Kerry Wilson, chair

Fundraising: Susan Ogden, VP

• Book Fair:  Peg McKay and Stacie Cochran-McNeal, co-chairs
• Box Tops for Education: Will include internet purchases this year, Tina Zercoe, chair
• Market Day: Brenda Hall, chair, reported first month’s profit of $556
• Giant/Safeway/Capri Sun: There will be another article in The Caper announcing this fundraiser.  Laura Sherman, chair
• Ice Cream Social: One of the biggest fundraisers for the school, in need of lots of volunteers.  Renee Rutledge and Kristie Alva, co-chairs.  Ms. Alva is looking for a co-chair “trainee” this year, to take over her role next year.
• Restaurant Fundraiser: Starting to collect donations, proceeds going toward additional playground equipment for primary playground. Kristy Larsen, chair
• Fun Run: Will be April 30th next year. Kerry Wilson, chair
• Holiday Shop: Will be December 9th & 10th this year. Heather Kilpatrick, chair
• 5th Grade committee: More fundraising opportunities explained, including bulb sales (Nancy McCamish, chair), November Market Day pie sales (Brenda Hall, chair), December and February candygrams (Stephanie Stillwell, chair), to help offset cost of Philadelphia field trip, Fun Night, Graduation, and gift to school.  Heather Kilpatrick and Renee Rutledge, co-chairs.

School Activities: Theresa Holtzclaw, VP

• Beautification: Volunteers needed to help weed courtyard. Jen Brown and Robin Bell, co-chairs
• Chess Club: membership is full. Melissa Hagan, chair
• Cultural Enrichment: Ms. Pergerson reported next assembly October 13th: “Goombay Experience.”  Anne Sessions, chair
• Destination Imagination: Ms. Reilly provided explanation of this club. Liz Wolin, chair
• Hospitality: Vendor Fair coming in November. Vicky Jenkins, chair
• School Kids:  Laura Sherman, chair
• Yearbook: Karen Collins and Ann-Marie Lipchak, co-chairs

Questions/Remarks from Floor:

• Concern was expressed about the lack of boundaries on the Kindergarten playground.  Temporary solutions were discussed, such a small flags or painted lines marking the boundaries, as the playground will probably be impacted by the upcoming construction.
• A question was raised as to whether donations to the PTO are tax-deductible.  Ms. Reilly answered that they are, but when one donates money and receives something in return (i.e.: ticket to Ice Cream Social, spiritwear), it gets more complicated.  Ms. Reilly answered in reply to a question that the PTO will accept a direct donation, if one would prefer to do that and receive the tax deduction rather than participate in a fundraiser.
• Brenda Hall, Market Day chair.  Market Day will still provide a party to class of the student who sells the most pies.  Ms. Reilly informed Ms. Hall that it is at Ms. Hall’s discretion if the top-selling student will receive a gift card this year.
• Mad Math Minutes: Yvonne Gazelle, former VP School Activities, will help a new chair with this fundraiser (reported by Kerry Wilson, Ms. Gazelle was not in attendance).  Leah Humphries volunteered.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:40pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Leslie Coble, Recording Secretary

Download a PDF of the September Meeting Minutes (97)

President’s Remarks:

Ms. Woods began by thanking all the committee chairs for their outstanding efforts. In particular, she recognized the Ice Cream Social chairs for putting together a terrific event.

Secretary’s Report:

Minutes from the September 18th meeting were read by Christy Roberts. The minutes were motioned and approved.

Treasurer’s Report:

Treasurer Dottie Ballard reviewed the budget.

Principal’s Report

Mr. Zacharko reported the following:

• Approval has been given to convert the existing tennis courts into school parking. Funds should be available by the end of the calendar year.
• Preliminary approval has been given for the Kindergarten playground upgrade.

Staff Liason’s Report

Ms. Lombardo thanked the PTO for snacks for testing.

Committee Reports

The following comments were made:

• Ice Cream Social is still in need of volunteers for games shifts.
• Restaurant Raffle has brought in $2400 so far.
• Ms. McNeal and Ms. McKay reported that there are plenty of volunteers for Book Fair and that preparations are fully underway for the November 12 – 16 event.
• Box Tops will again be collected. Ideas were discussed for a reward for the class that collects the most.
• The 5th Grade Committee had a great bulb sale fundraiser. Pie Sales will be next in November.
• Ms. Rutledge requested and received approval to purchase gift cards for the school custodians in recognition of their service to our school.

New Business

• Ms. Jackson inquired about the criteria for becoming a “Green School”. She agreed to investigate further.
• Ms. Seebeck proposed introducing a PTO sponsored “Health and Wellness” program to help raise awareness about fitness and healthy eating habits.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:15 PM.