OCMS PTO Minutes
November 15, 2011
The meeting was called to order at 7:05. Those in attendance were Kendall Edelen, Karen Saunders, Kelley Eisele, Judy Marable, Melanie Jenkins, Jenny Major, Shari Travers, and Eleanor Cotton.
The minutes from the October meeting were read. Jenny Major made a motion to approve the minutes and Karen Saunders seconded the minutes were approved.
Principal’s Report: Judy reported the great things continue to happen at OCMS. The Veterans Program was great and Judy shared an e-mail from a special guest who attended the program. Al Harper thanked OCMS students, teachers and administration for a wonderful ceremony. Rock Eagle is tomorrow for the 6TH grade class. The 8th grade will be attending the Career Fair at the Civic Center. The video for the E instruction was fabulous. Judy also talked about Oconee Food for Kids that is headed up by Brian Bishop.
Presidents Report: Kendall once again thanked all of the volunteers that help make the OCMS PTO great.
Treasurer Report: Kelly reported the PTO currently has $5,123.88. Melanie Jenkins made a motion to approve the report; Karen Saunders seconded. A vote was taken and the report was approved.
Old Business: Kendall thanked Valerie Johnson for the donation of profits from the sale of the luggage tags. The Teacher of the Year gift was presented last month to Ms. Daniel. Generation Challenge will be discussed at our Jan mtg as to whether we want to host this event again.
New Business: Kendall talked about the proposed sustainable outdoor garden that the 3 schools OCMS, OCES, OCPS would share(a program initiated by OCPS PTO). It would start with a 20 x 20 space and could eventually expand. It would require a $500 commitment from each of the schools to get started. A permanent PTO Partner’s sign was also discussed. It would take the place of the banners that hang on the fence. The PTO will look into all of the expenses of a permanent sign.
Book Fair: The Fall Book Fair made $5,113.85 in sales. The committee took $1,100.01 in school money and $728.46 in cash.
Brave Run: Shari reported the committee is getting started and there will be another meeting after Thanksgiving. The race will be advertised soon.
7th Grade Movie: Will be January 18th at 3:30.
Hospitality: Jenny reported the next event will be December 15.
In School Volunteers: All volunteer needs are being met.
Communication: Eleanor reported that all is well; just let her know if you need something on the PTO website.
Restaurant Liaison/ Talent Show: The committee has begun discussion about hosting at the civic center. Dates are being determined.
Spring Fundraiser: Fantastic Savings Coupon Books. This committee is in need of a chair; please contact Kendall if you are interested.
Box Tops: This committee has raised $756 just by cutting out box tops. Keep sending them in.
Spirit Wear: Sale ends Monday.
Trading Spaces: Everything is covered for December 15.
Miscellaneous: An email from Karen Solheim, teacher OCHS was read about American Education Week. Shari Travers shared her Microscope that was purchased with a mini grant. She thanked the PTO for the mini grants and hopes they will continue.
Membership: The cash drawings for the membership drive were picker and the winners were: Gunho Kim, Christy Adcock, Christy Morrell as well as staff members MIchelle Bond, Amber England and Mimi Voyles. Additional drawings were done for members who attended.
The meeting was adjourned. The next PTO meeting will be January 17.
OCMS PTO MEETING MINUTES
October 18, 2011
The meeting was called to order by Kendall Edelen at 7:05. Those in attendance were Kelly Eisele, Teresa Davis, Judy Marable, LeaAnn Kemp, Eleanor Cotton, Cindy Taylor, Melinda Camus, Susan Vizurraga, Jenny Major, Molli Scarborough, Sherri Travers, Roslyn Beckstead, and Dorinda Haley.
The minutes from the September 20 meeting were read and approved.
Kendall passed around thank-you notes the PTO received from Dorinda’s class for the mini-grant they received.
Treasurer’s Report: It was reported that the PTO has $6,198.59. A discrepancy was noted due to a computer error. The report was reviewed and a motion to accept the report was made by Jenny Major. There was a second by Roslyn Beckstead. The vote was taken and the motion passed.
Principal’s Report: Mrs. Marable thanked everyone again for the mini-grants. The teachers are excited, orders have been placed and some items have already come in. She plans to use the November newsletter to show pictures of the students using the items purchased. Colonel Guy has been working with Dedra Cooper regarding a $75,000 E-Grant to be used for technology. We will be able to go on-line and vote for this, more information will follow. Signs for car rider line has been purchased and will be placed to direct parents to pull forward for faster loading and unloading. A team of teachers and parents meet with a parent from OCPS, C.J. Atkins regarding an outside teaching lab. The area is located where the old green house used to be. It would teach the Georgia Standards and bring all three schools together. Mrs. Marable noted that the FFA did an excellent job at the fall festival. She had received a compliment from a parent regarding the job they did. The FFA is currently in Indiana for the National Convention She noted that OCMS would not be the school that it is without the wonderful students and great parents that it has, so thank you to everyone.
President’s Report: Report cards will go out on Friday. At the bottom, a list of the money recently spent will be shown.
Book Fair: Kendal reported for Lisa and said everything was ready to go! Set-up will take place Friday, and flyers will be going home.
Brave Run: Kendall reported the event would be March 17th. Planning has begun, the flyer has been done. They are planning on trying to increase the numbers this year.
Grade Level: 7th grade is currently reviewing movies for their 7th grade activity.
Hospitality: Jenny reported the teachers enjoyed the candy bars recently left for them. A gift has also been ordered for Ms. Daniel, TOTY.
In School Volunteers: Kendall reported that there was a good response for media center help, and that has been set up. Mr. Barnette was asking for help to get things ready for the different testing that will come up this year.
Membership: Melinda reported things were going well. They were still getting some business members. Most of the staff has joined, and has given over the staff level.
Communication: Eleanor reported the web site was going well. A mailing list will be completed soon.
Talent Show: Mrs. Marable reported they were working with the Civic Center so it can be held there this year.
Spring Fundraiser: Kendall reported she had contacted the Boosterthon, but they have not worked out a program for Middle School students yet. Therefore, we will continue with the coupon books as planned.
Box Tops: Kendall reported the recent contest would end October 24th.
Spirit Wear: Kendall reported they are working on new styles that will be available in November. This will include long sleeves and hoodies. They are thinking about selling spirit wear at basketball games.
Trading Spaces: Kendall reported all was well, nothing coming up.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30. And then was turned over to Dr. Jackson.
OCMS PTO MEETING MINUTES
September 20, 2011
The meeting was called to order by Kendall Edelen at 7:05. Those in attendance were Kelly Eisele, Shari Travers, Susan Vizurraga, Kim Young, Dorinda Haley, Teresa Davis, Eleanor Cotton, Carolyn Maultsby, Kendall Edelen, Judy Marable, Karen Saunders, and Gillian Ball.
The minutes from the August 23 meeting were read and approved.
Principal’s Report: Judy Marable thanked everyone for a wonderful start to the school year. The staff luncheon was a huge success. It was enjoyed by everyone and was truly appreciated. She thanked the PTO for continuing to fund the mini grants. The 6th grade dance was great and the kids danced and ate. John Cotton put a lot of time and did a great job as the D.J. The comment of “it was awesome” was heard from a student. The fall sports are up and running and the clubs are also in full swing. The Heros Club has 47 members. The students are very busy with all of the activities at OCMS and the rigors of the curriculum. The students are happy in and out of the classroom. Judy thanked the PTO and said the school would not be able to offer all it does without the PTO. Ms. Beckham, the Principal, at OCHS is going to nominate OCMS for a Breakthrough Award(more details to follow).
President’s Report: Kendall said how thankful she is for all of the PTO members and Committee Chairs and appreciates their commitment.
Treasurer’s Report: It was reported that the PTO has $17,461.19. The report was reviewed and a motion to accept the report was made by Susan Vizurraga. There was a second by Kim Young. The vote was taken and the motion passed.
New Business: Congratulation to Teacher of the Year Elyse Daniel. Elyse is very involved with 4 H and is great with her students. She cares about her students and works very hard to help them both in and out of the classroom. A gift to Elyse from the PTO was discussed and a motion was made by Dorinda Haley to get a gift of up to $50 for Elyse. A second was made by Karen Saunders. A vote was taken and the motion passed. The luggage tags by Valerie Johnson are available and were shown at the meeting. Thanks to Valerie for her time and support for this fundraiser. The check for $1,000 to the media center will be written tonight as approved in the budget.
The mini grants were discussed and the PTO received 34 requests, which was more money than the PTO budgeted for. The budget for the mini grants was set with a membership goal in mind to fund the mini grants. The PTO surpassed the membership goal, so it was discussed to fully fund all of the mini grants. Two of the requests were discussed and it was brought up that they might be more appropriately funded from the professional learning line of the PTO budget. After the discussion of all of the grants, a motion was made by Karen Saunders to fully fund $9,662.94 for the mini grants based on the fact that the PTO was over the membership goal. Kim Young seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed. A motion was made by Dorinda Haley to fund two requests from teachers to attend a professional learning conference from the Professional Learning line of the PTO budget. A second was made by Teresa Davis. A vote was taken and the motion passed.
There was discussion of how to get the word out to all of the parents of what the PTO does for the school. It was decided that it would be a good idea to put information in the report cards, the report card envelopes are the one thing that all of the parents see during the school year.
Committee Reports:
Book Fair: Carolyn Maultsby reported the book fair will be October 24 -28. It will be a Halloween Theme. This year online orders will also be available. (Emails will be sent to the parents who volunteered)
Brave Run: Shari Travers reported the first meeting for the Brave Run will be October 18 at 6:30pm. Ann Mitchell who was the chair in the past will be there to help get things started. Molli Scarborough is also happy to help out with this committee. (Emails will be sent to the parents who volunteered)
Grade Level Activities:
6th: The dance was great and Molli Scarborough and all of the volunteers did a great job.
7th: The movie night will be in January and will be headed up by Alex Fass.
8th: The picnic will be the last day of school there are quite a few parents who have signed up to help. Still need a "chair" to organize all those who have volunteered).
Hospitality: Going great . Jenny will have some treats placed in staff boxes I october.
In School Volunteers: This committee is a great help to the school throughout the entire year. This year they have added volunteers to help in the media center.
Membership: The membership information has been emailed to all of the committee chairs.
Communication: Kendall gave huge thanks to Eleanor. She and Leah are doing a great job with the website. If you need anything posted please let them know.
Talent Show: Gillian reported on her conversation with the Civic Center and gave dates that were available. The dates of March 7, 8 and February 8, 9 or 22, 23 were discussed. Gillian, Ms. Marable, and Ms. Scott are going to look at the dates and will make the final decision on the date and place for the talent show. (It was discussed at the last meeting to consider moving this event from the gym to the Civic Center in order to better showcase the event).
Fundraiser: Kendall asked if anyone had any ideas for the Spring Fundraiser. Consideration for a "Boosterthon" type event was discussed. Challenges like time in classroom for mini-lessons as well as how to motivate middle school kids with "just what" type of prize were challenges. (Kendall will follow up with reps from "Boosterthon to see if they have programs for this age level for FY 13). Kendall made a motion for the PTO to sell the Fantastic Savings Coupon books again. The motion was seconded by Karen Saunders. A vote was taken and the motion passed.
Box Tops: Patsy Forrester is heading up this committee again. Last year the PTO made $447.00. There is a contest going on until October 24. So send in your Box Tops.
Spirit Wear: Kim Young reported the start of the year has been great! New order forms will be going out in time to have the items in for the Christmas Holiday.
Trading Spaces: Julie King is heading up this committee. The next trading spaces will be this Thursday.
Kendall announced that Dr. Jackson will be at the next PTO meeting. He will be there talking about ELOST and will answer questions that the parents have. He did this last year for the PTO. It was very informative and appreciated by OCMS, the PTO and those who attended the meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:15.
OCMS PTO MEETING MINUTES
August 23, 2011
The meeting was called to order by Kendall Edelen at 7:35. Those in attendance were Judy Marable, Kendall Edelen, Leah Quillian, Karen Saunders, Jenny Major, Dorinda Haley, Roslyn Beckstead, Kelly Eisele, Megan Henning, Eleanor Cotton, Sally Haugabook, Jennifer Miller, Deena Roberts, Cindy Taylor, Kelley Blasingame, Gillian Ball, Lisa Kohler, Carolyn Maultsby, Belinda Pooser, Arlene Escalante, Leanne Turk, Aaaette Sickert Karaw, Cameron Smith, John Barnette, Jeff McArdle, Connie McArdle, Lisa Allen, Kin McKinnon, and Shari Travers.
Principal’s Report: Judy Marable introduced herself to the parents and also introduced the assistant principals, John Barnette and Dr. Cameron Smith. She welcomed all of the parents and thanked them for coming to the PTO meeting. She talked about the graphing calculators and net books that the PTO bought for the school last year and how the focus for the school will continue to be technology. She said the faculty and staff were ready and looked forward to this school year.
President’s Report: Kendall welcomed the new and returning parents. She gave an overview of the Middle School PTO and its focus. She encouraged the parents to get involved anyway they could with time in the school, joining the PTO or both. She talked about the committees and said a big focus of the PTO is the monetary gift for mini grants.. These grants allow the teachers to get up to $300 a semester to use to buy items that will enhance teaching, beyond the standard classroom curriculum.
Kendall introduced Kelly Eisele who was nominated to be the PTO Treasurer. Kendall made a motion for Kelly Eisele to be the 2011- 2012 PTO Treasurer. Karen Saunders seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed.
Book Fair: Lisa Kohler spoke and said she was working with Alex Fass and Carolyn Maultsby this year. She was excited they were on the committee and said the committed would be in good hands when she left at the end of the year. Lisa said they would meet with Shari next week. The Brave Run and the Spring Book Fair would be at the same time in the Spring to try and bring in more money. All of the money raised at the book fair goes to the Media Center.
Brave Run: Shari Travers introduced herself as the teacher and committee member. She announced the Brave Run would be March 17th at 11:30. WE are still looking for a chair to work with Shari.
This is one of the biggest fund raisers of the year for the PTO.
Grade Level Activities:
6th: Molli Scarborough is the chair for this committee. The 6th grade dance this year is Sept. 9, right after school.
7th: Alex Fass will chair the movie night. This event will take place in January.
8th: The 8th grade has a picnic on the last day of school at OVP and on OCMS football field. This committee has several parents offering to help, but is in need of a chair.
Hospitality: Jenny Major introduced herself and said she is the co-chair with Cindy Blankenship. Jenny said they have already been busy and hosted the back to school luncheon, supplied by Chops and Hops.This committee recognizes the teachers, staff, nurse, cafeteria employees and custodians. The lunches during the year will be in conjunction with Trading Spaces.
In-School Volunteers: Patsy Forester is the head of this committee. The volunteers for this committee are in the school making copies, laminating, etc., whatever the teachers need.
Membership: Melinda Camus announced that the PTO has already raised approx. $6,000 from the memberships. 250 families, 25 staff and 7 business partners have already joined. The money from these memberships will go to fund the teacher mini grants.
Communication: Eleanor Cotton and Leah Quillian both spoke about the PTO website www.ocmspto.org. Let them know if you need anything posted. They will be sending out e-mail communication. (see PTO link on school website). Judy Marable added that she would be using e-mails moodle and powerschool. To get information to the parents, she would also use text messages, phone messages, and list serve to keep the parents informed.
Reading Counts: Judy and the Leadership team agreed to discontinue this program this year--and will revisit it for 2012-2013. They agreed to look at other ways to utilize the money being spent on this program and see if there are better ways to support student learning. The budgeted $600 for this PTO program will be redirected to another area.
Talent Show/Dinner: Gillian Ball and DeDee Bowden head up this committee. The talent show is one of the ways those students interested in the fine arts are able to showcase their individual talents. Gillian and her committee suggested a night with a little lighter fare (like sandwiches). Gillian would also like to explore possible other venues,( like NOHS and the Civic Center) for an even nicer ambiance.
Spring Fundraiser: The last two years we have sold coupon books and the sales have been successful, with over $9600 profit in the spring. We will be discussing/voting on this annual fundraiser at the September meeting. Please let Kendall know if you have any suggestions. Kendall, Leah Quillian , Karen Saunders and Teresa Davis are committed to helping this committee--but we are in need of a chair…PLEASE!
Spirit Wear: Kim Young said order forms for a fall order will be going out this week. There will also be December and Spring orders. This committee has already sold over $1500 this year!
(Note that PTO donated items for new students at OCMS--by requests from the counselors to be given at the "new student breakfast").
Trading Spaces: Julie King heads up this committee. Trading Spaces takes place on the same day as the Hospitality lunches. The parents take over lunch room duty and the teachers get a break and are treated to lunch by the PTO. The first one scheduled is 9/22.
Mini Grants: Applications for grants are due on September 15. Dorinda Haley and Shari Travers gave examples of some of the things that have been purchased with past grant money.
*The PTO budget for the 2011-2012 school year was reviewed/discussed. It was noted that $600 from the Reading Counts line would be moved to the $5,000 OCMS budget expense. That would increase donation to OCMS to $5,600. Kin McKinnon made the motion to amend the Reading Counts line to $0 and add that to the OCMS line which would increase to $5,600. Carolyn Maultsby seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed. Kin them made a motion to approve the 2011-2012 PTO Budget. A second was made by Gillian Ball. A vote was taken and budget was passed.
The meeting was adjourned. The next PTO meeting will be September 20th
