PTO and School Meeting Minutes: 8-22-08
Meeting called to order at 6:40 pm by Sister Roberta. She introduced our new PTO President Amy Golden.
Father Ray opened meeting with a prayer.
Agenda item(s) Discussed:
Father Ray Carlo announced that this academic year marks the ten year anniversary of St. Michael Catholic School, and acknowledged Sister Roberta’s strong efforts for her years of service. This year we will have a new baseball field thanks in part to the Pelicans Youth Diamond Fund who had given us a grant for the field in 2003. Father introduced our new priest Fr. Andrew Trapp. Fr. Trapp was recently ordained and comes to us from Aiken, South Carolina. Father Ray expressed his enthusiasm and appreciation, and is looking forward to “working together to make this the best year it can be.” Please join us in welcoming Fr. Andrew Trapp. Father Ray also welcomed new families to the school and reminded all parents to use the “envelope system” to ensure that parents/caregivers receive credit for being at church and contributing weekly. He reminded us that in order for him to sign the parish subsidy forms (entitling practicing Catholics, to the “Catholic discount”) which he referred to as “tuition assistance”. He also emphasized how important it was to reinforce the same message at home so our children can learn how to “build a personal relationship with God” by attending Mass on a weekly basis. Today’s youth will be faced with more challenges. Providing a strong Catholic foundation will provide a constant in an ever-changing world.”
Father Andrew addressed the PTO and expressed his enthusiasm about coming to St. Michael. He has been ordained for one year and looks forward to being a “spiritual Father to his many spiritual children, and feels he has been given a great Blessing. {Visit saintfactory.com to learn more about Fr. Andrew Trapp}.
Sister Roberta said there have been some great magazine articles about our school and our Latin program in GS Magazine and Parents Magazine (free publication). Please share these articles with families inquiring about St. Michael School. Sister introduced our Fair Share Coordinator, Theresa Mold. Theresa reminded everyone to send in their “agreement” forms if they have not done so. Sister reported that everyone seemed pleased with our new uniform company, Lands End. For your convenience, information regarding our new dress code can be found in the school handbook, online and on the Lands End website. Sister said, this year’s theme is “praying for vocations”. To reinforce this theme, we are offering families take place in the schools Challis Program. Students can sign up to take the challis home and pray for vocations. Details will be sent home soon. Sister Roberta introduced all members of the faculty to all those in attendance.
Amy Golden (PTO President)introduced this year’s PTO/teacher liaison, fifth grade teacher Mrs. G. According to Amy, we have an exciting year ahead of us and our goal is to make each year better and better. Some upcoming school news includes: our first MEET AND GREET scheduled for Wednesday, August 27 at 8-9 am in Duffy Center. The purpose of the meeting is to let our new parents meet some of our more seasoned parents and learn more about the school and get acclimated to SMCS. The Blessing of the Field is scheduled for Saturday, September 20 at noon. More details will follow. We are considering Movie Night, Bowling Mixers and many others. The school directory will be published soon. Please note that school logo items are available for individual purchase. You may obtain an order form at the school office. Contact a member of the PTO with questions. Amy also introduced all PTO officers, room parents and committee chairs, and thanked all for their participation and support.
Ms. Jeri announced that she will be repeating the Sally Foster Gift Wrap Fundraiser this year. 100% of the profit goes to the sale of sports equipment. For more information regarding Cici Pizza Night, visit the athletic program web pages.
Joanne Cordell announced we have changed from Piggly Wiggly to an in-house lunch program. The cost of lunches will remain $3 each, and the procedures do not change. We still need volunteers to help serve lunch. Lunch duty counts towards our Fair Share requirements.
Carole Martin chairs our Book Fair scheduled for Nov. 3-10. Look for classroom wishlists and library wishlists and contribute where you can. Volunteers needed to man the store and help set up.
Annette Austin will chair our Soup Bowl scheduled for January. The Soup Bowl makes a considerable amount of money for the school. Please start asking your favorite restaurant to donate soup. We need a commitment of a minimum of five gallons per recipe. Someone will go to the restaurant to pick up their donated soups. There will be two serving times – afternoon and evening.
Amy King is our chair for the Harvest Festival, and Susan Koch and Pam Jordan are the chairs and co-chairs for the Spring Auction. Details for these two major fundraisers will follow.
Kathleen McDonnell our PTOVP is spearheading our box-top program and “search and give”. Both programs earn money for the school while you do your online shopping. Just visit these websites before you shop and the school will earn money. Details included in tonight’s handouts. Please make sure you turn in any box-tops collected throughout the summer. Write your name on the back of the box-tops for a chance to win reimbursement of this year’s school supplies.
Debbie Floyd (PTO Treasurer) explained how our tuition is used. She explained that communication is key. If families are having issues paying for tuition, please don’t be afraid to come forward and alert the office to any issues or difficulties you are anticipating. Knowing in advance gives the school a chance to prepare. All information will be confidential.
Maura Utley (PTO Secretary/School Webmaster) walked our new parents through our school’s website and pointed out the sites most important sections. Maura urged parents/caregivers to make sure everyone is signed up for email alerts. As a school, we will be using the school’s site more often to keep cost down and be more environmentally friendly. If you have any questions regarding the site, please contact Maura.
Rhonda Perry is spearheading our new drama program with Karla Mauldin. There will be a Christmas Program and a play in the spring. Rhonda and team will be attempting “The Wizard of Oz.”
Kyle Myres spoke about the success of this summer’s robotics program and announced that it will continue throughout the school year. The program will be open to students in the 4th thru 8th grade. More information will follow. Our Girl Scout troop has grown to 25. New this year, the troop will be open to students up to eighth grade. We are anticipating 35-40 participants. Information will follow. Please attend our Pot Luck Supper in Pac Hall on Saturday, Sept. 6th at 6:30.
Contact Kyle if you would like to join, assist or volunteer.
Meeting adjourned at 7:40pm. Parents/caregivers were invited into the classrooms to meet their teachers.
Thank you for your participation. A very special thank you to Nancy Esposito, and Debbie Floyd for helping to coordinate our PTO meetings. Thank you Susan Koch for supplying the balloons for tonight’s event. And, thank you Ed Pot for helping set up the technology need for this meeting.