MINUTES

ST. ANTHONY’S P.T.O. MEETING

SEPTEMBER 11, 2003

Meeting was brought to order by  President Debbie Martin

Introductions of  Board members

Mr. Carey led us in opening prayer at 7.00 p.m.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT – Mr. Carey

1.                   It has been a great beginning of a new school year.

2.                   There was a touching traditional welcoming Mass for the 1^st and 8^th graders.

3.                   Back to school night was a great success with at least 95% of parents attending.

4.                   Ciro Ortiz has joined our staff as a noontime director and physical education instructor.

5.                   Julie Schiro is our new all-day Kindergarten teacher and Shelly Syvertson is our new 3^rd Grade teacher.

6.                   The PTO has provided funds for the following items and programs for St. Anthony’s School through last year’s fundraising activities:

1.                   Interior furnishings and electronic components for new classrooms, $14,600.

2.                   San Joaquin Valley Writing Project Teacher Seminar, $2,000

3.                   New Dell computers for computer lab, $11,500

4.                   Physical Education Conference at San Luis Obispo, $550

5.                   Math, Spanish, Reading Specialist, $17,500

6.                   Ellison Die Casts, $600

7.                   STAR Reading Assessment Software, $2,000

8.                   Whiteboards and dry erase boards for classrooms, $2,000

9.                   Kitchen supplies, $300

10.               2 computer workstations for 2^nd Grade, $994

11.               New VCR/DVD player for Kindergarten, $200

12.               One Sonora sponsored field trip, $115

TREASURER’S REPORT – Rollie Cochran

There is $88,967.25 net available in the PTO account as of this date.

$17,500 is owed to the math and reading program and $48,500 is earmarked for the new classroom construction project.  $15,000 will be paid toward the PTO’s commitment of $75,000 for the 2003/04 school year.

School directories for this school year will be sent home in the September 23, 2003 Tuesday packet.

Linda Fry, presented information on a fund raising opportunity for Hungry Bear Cookie Dough and other candy and gift items.

Jerry English presented another fund raising opportunity for On the House Coupon Book sales.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Debbie Martin

1.                   Debbie discussed the purpose and goals of the PTO.

2.                   Debbie is pleased that committee chairs are all in place for this school year.

3.                   The Carnival is coming up soon and it has grown tremendously in the last few years.  It brings the school and church community together.

4.                   Dan Kemble was introduced as the Raffle chair and gave an update on this year’s raffle.The Raffle has only a 5-week cycle this year from the beginning of school to the Carnival.  We are 500 books behind from this time last year, but are hoping to catch up soon.  The Raffle traditionally gets a great deal of support from the school and church community.  The goal is to net between $35,000 and $40,000.

5.                   Lorraine Smith gave a presentation on the vendors for the Carnival.  There are fifteen vendors in all.  New vendors this year  will sell candles and Italian Charms.  There will be hand painted clothing, and wonderful gift and jewelry items.  The rock wall will not be returning, but new activities include a giant twister game, a golf driving range, and a baseball pitch.  Returning activities include water wars and paintball.  There will be a craft activity room for younger children.  Entertainment will include “Crispin” a jazz band, and Radio Disney will be broadcasting from the Carnival from 11:00 to 1:00.

6.                   Cathy Horn gave us a progress report on the Carnival T-shirts.  Last year, 202 were sold and this year, 313 have been sold.  This year $1 more is being made per shirt due to the simpler red, white, and blue design.   A T-shirt was given to each St. Anthony’s staff member to show our appreciation. 

7.                   Class booths are ready for set-up and set-up for the Carnival will begin Friday after school.

8.                   Vendor booths and the Farmer’s Market will be open at 9:00 a.m.

GUEST SPEAKER – Mrs. Cochran

Mrs. Cochran gave a presentation on our new STAR Program and Accelerated Reader Program.  They are loaded and ready to start next week .  The STAR Program tests children on their reading level.  The test takes about 10 minutes and helps match children with appropriate books.  The tests are given to children in grades 2 – 7.  It may be given to younger children upon request.  Results of the tests should go home in 2 to 3 weeks.  The Accelerated Reader Program  tests children on the books they read.  Usually 5, 10, or possibly 15 questions depending on the size of the book.  There are 22,000 tests available and St. Anthony’s has approximately 3,000.  This program motivates kids to read.  The teachers at each grade level set class goals.  This is only one type of motivation.  Children should enjoy reading regardless of the motivation. 

NEW BUSINESS

1.                   Wendy Forestiere gave a presentation regarding the New Family Welcoming Committee.  The goal of the Committee is to make new families welcome and to answer any questions they may have.  They have called all the new families and chaired a very successful New Family Ice Cream Social this year.  Sylvia Romero was not able to attend the meeting, but Wendy had several questions regarding the upcoming Halloween Party.   A questionnaire will go out surveying the school community’s wishes for the Halloween Party.

2.                   A President Elect for this school year is still needed.

Mr. Carey led us in closing prayer at  9:15 p.m.

Maryann Lewis, P.T.O. Secretary