Lake Pointe Elementary PTO

Board Meeting Minutes

December 8, 2009

Present:  Mindy Baldwin, Kristi Jordan, Karla Ent, Heidi Gudelman, Tracy Keever, Amy Dolce, Lynn Ballard, Babita Deitrich, Tami Strait, Julie Gurley, Tracy Miller, Mary Carnes, Page Ballard, Raquel Knox, Dinah Laughery, Sharon Smith, Chelsea Watts

 1.         Meeting was called to order at 9:39 a.m.

 2.         Motion to approve minutes from November 10, 2009 Board Meeting.  Motion seconded.  Motion approved. 

 3.         Treasurer: Babita -  Ending cash balance on the P & L is $74, 062.00.  Recorded about $200.00 in interest and       income from the Waterloo Spirit Night.  Not much went out in expenses. 

 Motion to approve the P & L ending December 7, 2009.  Motion seconded.   Motion approved.

             Funding Requests: Tutoring (has already been approved) $5000.00

                                           Plan of Work for Family Science Night  $300.00

                                           Programs – Talent Show $800.00 (within their budget)

                                           *No usage fees needed for this night because it is on a Friday night.

             Motion to approve Funding Requests.  Motion seconded.  Motion approved.

 4.         Fundraising: Kristi Jordan & Karla Ent – If we did a Spring Bash at the Hill Country Pasta House, for a “Date Night”, LPE would get a percentage of  sales.  Similar to a spirit night.  Considering March 27th for the Spring Bash.

            Chic Fil A Spirit Night is this Thursday.

 5.         Membership: Julie Gurley – Margaret Kilgo is going to speak at the January 14, 2010 General Meeting about reading comprehension. 

 6.         Programs: Page Ballard – Talent Show is coming up in January.  They are trying to get a bunch of volunteers lined up.  There will be new decorations this year. 

 7.         Staff Appreciation: Raquel Knox – Thank you to everyone who made pies for Shop the Market!  And, thank you to Iron Cactus, too.  Door decorating is done and the doors look great!  Tomorrow is Hot Chocolate Trolley for the staff.

 8.         Volunteers: Tracy Miller – Volunteer hours for November are 1,545.  New Best Club Members are Jonathon Kaut, Lynn Ballard, Tracy Keever, Kristi Jordan, and Kenny Knebel.  Please remember to log your hours!

 9.         Grade Level Reps: Tracy Keever – Holiday Parties are next week.

 10.       Principal: Heidi Gudelman – Thanks for the staff appreciation luncheon and the doors look great!

             Some suggestions were made as to how we can spend some of our funds…

             Enrichment Room:  this room would provide teachers an opportunity to send kids   

            who are working ahead in a subject area or as a reward to a student.  Students must

            be able to work independently.  It would include educational games such as Chess,

            Rush Hour, Shut the Box, tessellation activities, a talking math mat, puzzles, and

            novel sets. 

 

            Sharon Smith would be in charge of this “program” and she would like to begin

            with “baby steps”.  Open twice a week, to start with, and she would teach

            Chess lessons.  The games will be on all different levels, with lots of different

            interests.  NOT just for the higher level kids.  Sharon would like to marry what the

            kids need with what the teachers and parents want.  She would first start with older

            groups, then introduce the younger ones.  Kids will get 15 minutes to an hour in

            the room.  This could start as early as January. 

 

            There is already $2,000.00 in the budget.  Motion to approve $2,000.00 for Enrich-

            ment Room.  Motion seconded.  Motion approved.

 

            MiScope Handheld Digital Microscope: it is a great lead in to middle school.  This

            Microscope has 12-140 times variable magnification, a built in LED light, USB

            computer interface, video toolbox software, and a stand for increased depth. 

            The cost is $1600.00 for 2 of them.  It could be written as a LTEF Grant proposal

            this Spring, or could be a wish list item for 2010-2011.  Would like to start with 2,

            but ideally, would like 3. 

            Dinah Laughery suggests asking for the microscopes through a grant. If we wrote a

            grant, we would know by May if we get them or not.  Lynn suggests putting them

            on a wish list, just in case. 

 

            Stand Alone Portable Video Cart: a video system used throughout the school. 

            Some assemblies could be “broadcast” live via video, along with morning

            announcements.  It can be used for grade level writing projects (commercials, etc.),

            the filming studio would be a part of the Enrichment Room.  It would allow

            students to review things, if absent.  It could be used to help introduce new

            students and families to LPE.  Reader’s Theatre at all levels could use it.  Grade

            level performances could be shown, i.e. Kinder Thanksgiving Play, Track & Field

            Day, etc.  Fifth graders could have 4 week sessions to run and produce assemblies,

            introducing 4th grade to it eventually.  It could be added as an after school program

            to write and produce mini video segments.

 

            The Video Cart would consist of:

·         Rolling cart plus electrical outlets, inserts, rails, drawers, sliding shelves.

·         2 Cameras with cases

·         2 Tripods

·         Audio/Video mixers

·         Encoder

·         DVD Recorder

·         Video Monitor

·         Wireless Microphones

·         Misc. cabling

            Total Cost is $11,242.00.  An I-Pod docking station would probably be needed and would be an additional expense. 

             Discussion ensued regarding Field Trips.  They have been funded in the past by

            PTO/PTA’s.  The District would need certain things to be met in order for them to

            fund our Field Trips.  Heidi reminded us that Field Trips are an enrichment item. 

 

11.       Presidents: Amy Dolce & Lynn Ballard –

They are trying to work out how the transition from middle school to high school could go smoother.  It will be tweaked and improved.  Once this year is over, there will be no more free after           school programs for Best Club Members.  They will be drawing one name at the end of the year and that person will be eligible for a free Summer Camp. 

            There is consideration for a Best Club Breakfast on April 20th, from 8-9 a.m.

 12.       Meeting was adjourned at 11:07 a.m.

 Respectfully submitted by Tiffany Todd.

 

Next Meeting Dates: Board Meeting: January 5, 2010

                                   General Meeting: January 14, 2010