TAFT PTO HAPPENINGS

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Margaret Seibel, Principal	Taft Elementary School PTO	June 2008
Taft Elementary PTO – June, 2008 Where did 2007-2008 go?? SAD NEWS It is with great sadness that I share the following news. Dorothy Parker, past-President of Taft PTO, passed away on May 9th. Dorothy’s husband, Rick, daughter, Hannah, and her many friends will miss her terribly. Dorothy was a remarkable woman and a devoted mother and wife. Dorothy and her family have many friends in the Taft community and many more throughout Lakewood. Dorothy always wore a smile and touched many lives. She will be missed. THANK YOUS Great big thank you to Teacher Appreciation organizers Joanne Schwark, Jamie Ball, Ann Schleckman, Inas Jassani, and Mary Beth Kohl for all you created to show our teachers and staff just how much they mean to our community. Thank you to chef Gary Thomas and our thanks to our Taft culinary/artistic expressionists; Christine Jones, Sarah Bosworth, Karen Forte, Traci Burke, Colleen and Tom Sutton, Susan Krebs, and Heidi Paul for providing treats, lunches, cookies, poems, artwork, posters, surveys, etc. The teachers commented repeatedly that they are so proud and honored to be part of our humble little Taft family. Appreciation also to the many parent volunteers who relieved our teachers so that they could have a chance to relax and share time with their colleagues and friends. We were thankful for clear weather. Many thanks to Mary Beth Kohl and her creative volunteers for undertaking a unique and unsurpassed Artist in Residence week of sculpture. The kids and adults alike all had a ball. Much gratitude to the teachers and staff for a lovely Volunteer Tea, we enjoyed it immensely. Thanks to Jamie Ball and her athletic group of energized parents for cheering on our children and showing Mrs. Lach how we “Track and Field” here at Taft. At the time of this writing, Taft Elementary Commemoration has not yet ocurred. I will thank Mrs. Seibel, Heidi Murray and her team in advance. So much work, thoughtfulness and detail have gone into making this a memorable event for each of us and particularly for the larger Taft community. Many former Taft alums are expected to be on hand. UPCOMING EVENTS - Vacaciones del verano– in other words SUMMER VACATION. Everyone enjoy, everyone stay safe. See you all on the playground in late August at Emerson. Finally, I must close by thanking you all for the wonderful support I have received this past year. It has been an honor to be affiliated with and to work alongside such a fine group of dedicated and hardworking parents, teachers and staff. Each of you is always willing to pitch in, share talents, share resources, locate contributors, unearth contributions, collaborate, and celebrate in the name of our children. Lakewood is very fortunate to have families like you, families who put children first. Seeing Taft as a fun, collaborative, and educational home has made my experience here so very special. I will miss those of you who will be moving on. I look forward to seeing and working with those of you who will be moving down the street. Taft, Garfield and Franklin will live on in our children and Emerson will truly be a special place for our community. LAST 2007-08 PTO MEETING (please join us) Thursday, June 5 @ 7 p.m., location TBD Mary Therber Taft PTO President 2008 MINUTES Minutes of Taft PTO Meeting - January 17, 2008 PTO President Mary Therber called the meeting to order at 9:15 am. Attendance form was passed around. Teacher Representative, Candy Olender, had no report but stated that she was grateful for PTO and other parent volunteers. The minutes from the November 2007 meeting were published in the December Chalk Talk. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Iselin Dimacchia and seconded by Heidi Murray. The motion carried. Principal Peg Seibel welcomed all attendees. She reminded PTO that the first choral performance was tonight for 1st and 3rd graders. She stated that due to many changes, a new calendar for the second half of the school year would come out in the next Chalk Talk. Elementary student conduct surveys were collected and will be forwarded to the District. Thanks to all who completed these. New staff positions include Mrs. Starr who will have a Title I position in the afternoon, and a new afternoon kindergarten aid. The new "Emerson" building is not on schedule, however we still need to celebrate the closing of Taft this Spring. The celebration will tentatively be scheduled for June 6th. Mrs. Seibel would like a subcommittee formed of parents and teachers to plan the event. Alison Taylor, Treasurer, presented the Treasurer's Report. Elizabeth Clementson moved that $350 be reallocated from Market Day and put into the Parent Resources budget. Mary Therber seconded the motion. The motion carried. 1st VP Cheryl Moorman reported that an assembly, "Balloonetics" will be held on January 30 at 9:15 am. The assembly will explore Math, geometry, music and dance. 1st VP Heidi Murray reported that the next Family Night will be held on February 22 and will feature a magician. The following Family Night will be a Family Skate Night at Winterhurst, on March 14th Admission will be free; skate rental will be $1. 2nd VP Elizabeth Lawrence reported that the next Market Day Pick up will be January 30th She needs assistance during pick up. 3rd VP Mary Beth Kohl is scheduling Artist in Residence this spring, It will involve printmaking. Corresponding Secretary Inas Jassani was absent. No Report. Membership Chair Jill Richardson reported that PTO had 166 members. She also reported that a "Buy one get one free" Schloastic Bookfair will be held in April. Heidi Murray reported that she will make cupcakes for the Valentine parties — she has it all under control. Mary Therber reported that the candy sale for Mohican is underway. Fifth graders will attend Mohican March 10-12, 2008. New Business A spaghetti Dinner fundraiser for the Nekl family will be held on Friday, January 25th. Alison Taylor moved that Taft spirit wear be donated to the event's auction. Elizabeth Clementson seconded the motion. The motion carried. Mary Therber led a discussion on the benefits vs. negative changing from a PTO to a PTA. Karen Forte discussed some to the reasons why Taft changed to a PTO several years ago. A benefit of being a "PTA" is that ability to participate in the PTA Reflections Art Contest. It was decided that a member of Lakewood Council will be invited to the next meeting to present the financial obligations and benefits of rejoining PTA. Ann Schleckman will call PTA President Patti Richardson. The next meeting will be held on February 28th at 7pm. The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 am. Cindy Caskey discussed successful and painless fundraising strategies used at Franklin. Ann Schleckman presented the idea that the PTO may want to consider becoming a PTA next year at Emerson. Further discussion regarding the plans for closing of Taft ensued. Alison Taylor stated that she has been in contact with Therese Andreani of the Lakewood Schools Alumni Association. Mary Therber acknowledged receipt of a $200 Giant Eagle gift card by former Franklin PTA. President Mary Therber adjourned the meeting at 10:20 am. Minutes of Taft PTO Meeting – February 27, 2008 PTO President Mary Therber called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm. Attendance form was passed around. Recording Secretary - Sarah Piotrowski was absent. Heidi Paul recorded minutes. Last month’s minutes were published in the Chalk Talk. Cheryl Nekl moved to approve January’s minutes. Karen Anderson seconded the motion. The motion carried. Principal Peg Seibel welcomed all attendees. She reported that the Taft website is up and running. Chalk Talk, forms, menus will be on it. Testing is coming up in March. March 19 will be the Kindergarten open house and music program. Fifty 5th grade students will be attending Mohican with 3 staff members in March. Teachers have various requests for funds from PTO including: moneys for instructional MP3 players from Mr. Shields. This request was formally written up and handed out. Mr. Shields would also like to take about 12 students to the Lego Olympiad. 5th grade would like to bring in author Shelly Pearsall at a cost of about $600. These requests for funds will be considered and voted on at the March PTO meeting. Peg asked the feasibility of putting together a bake sale for the election on March 4th. Treasurer’s Report – Alison Taylor was absent. No report. Corresponding Secretary - Inas Jassani. No Report. New Business – Representatives of Lakewood PTA Council, Karen Lee and Patti Richardson, presented option of becoming a PTA next year when we move to Emerson. The key element of PTA would allow us to share information between schools. Council meetings have reps. from all schools as well as Dr. Estrop. Members can ask questions, network, and learn what is going on in the upper level schools. As a PTA part of dues goes for to the National and State PTA as well as Council. Lakewood PTA Council pays for bonding and liability, levy funds, scholarship fund, Reflections art program. PTA allows lines of communication to be kept open and helps to promote uniformity amongst the schools. Also there is strength in numbers as an advocacy group. Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Richardson were thanked for their presentation. 1st Vice President – Activities. Heidi Murray is planning a Family Night at Winterhurst on March 14th from 6 – 7:30 pm. She is also looking into Emerson Tee shirts for next year. 2nd Vice President – Fundraising. Mary Therber reported the Malley’s sale grossed about $3000. Much less than expected. New Business Snow days discussed. Mrs. Seibel says it is completely the Superintendent’s call. Inas Jassani brings up the Reflections art program, stating that it alone is a good reason to become a PTA. Members of the Nominating Committee are announced by President Mary Therber. It will consist of volunteers Peg Seibel, Jill Richardson, Heidi Murray, Iselin Dimacchia, Cheryl Nekl and Alternate Ann Schleckman.\ President Mary Therber adjourned the meeting at 8:25 pm. Minutes of Taft PTO Meeting – March 13, 2008 President Mary Therber called the meeting to order at 9:20 am. Attendance and volunteer hour sign up was distributed. Treasurer’s Report. Alison Taylor distributed budget expenditures and treasurer’s reports to attendees. Good news -- we have enough money to continue as planned. Bad news -- we have not met our fundraising goals. Malley’s netted only $1200. Discussion regarding the need for an additional fundraiser occurred. Alison pointed out the there is approximately $4000 in carry over funds from last year and approximately $1000 in a Mohican account. These items do not seem to be reflected in the budget and should be. Discussion about the need to spend what we make and carry over a smaller amount of funds was discussed. Alison moved that we let the budget stand without an additional fundraiser. Jamie Ball seconded the motion. The motion carried. Alison states that Market Day has brought in about $1485 thus far. Recording Secretary – Ann Schleckman stated that the minutes from both today’s meeting and the February 27, 2008 meeting will be in the April Chalk Talk. Principal’s Report - Peg Seibel – Mohican trip for 5th graders was cancelled due to severe weather. It will be rescheduled for the first week in June. Due to the rescheduled Mohican trip, the Taft Closing Commemoration must be rescheduled. Dr. Estrop, Superintendent, is looking for a new job – it is unknown why. Kindergarten and 2nd grade concert and open house is scheduled for March 19, at 6:30 pm. Chalk Talk deadline is March 17th. There will be a classical lunch with tablecloths, harpist, best manners on April 11th. The Ohio Achievement Tests for 3rd, 4th and 5th grades are scheduled for April 21st - May 2nd. Track and Field Day is scheduled for May 23rd with a rain date of May 27th. Emerson will have an all day Kindergarten next year. It is not yet known if it will house a Project 123. Upcoming programs include a visit by author Shelly Pearsall for the 5th graders and the Lego Olympiad for a group of 4th graders. Principal Seibel requests funding help from PTO for these programs. Teacher Representative - Candy Olender. No Report Corresponding Secretary - Inas Jassani – No Report. 1st Vice President - Heidi Murray – Family Night 6-7:30 pm on March 14th. Heidi is looking into a summertime welcome back party at the new school instead of a pool party. Heidi is also looking into Emerson T-shirts. Market Day – Cheryl Nekl reported that next month will include a promotion. We had 38 customers last month and are slowly growing a base of customers, many from outside of Taft. 3rd Vice President – Mary Beth Kohl reported that the Artist in Residence program will take place in the 2nd week in May. Artist will create 3-D sculpture with the children. Committee Reports Jill Richardson reports that the nominating Committee will meet tomorrow. She seeks interest in several officer positions. Taft Commemoration – Cindy Caskey and Cheryl Nekl show a collage poster created for Franklin’s Commemoration. New Business - Mary Therber recommends PTA vs.PTO vote be tabled for further discussion and vote at the April 17th meeting. Joanne Schwark will compile a PTA vs. PTO pro-con list for the April Chalk Talk. Teacher Appreciation is scheduled for May 4th – May 10th. Volunteers are needed to help with this weeklong event. Bookfair is scheduled for mid-April. It will be a buy one book get one free. Jill Richardson is seeking volunteers to run the bookfair. Mary Therber presented requests for monies. Ann Schleckman moved that $100 be allocated for the Unicycle Club. The motion was seconded by Jill Richardson and the motion carried. Jamie Ball moved that $200 be allocated for the Lego Olympiad. Cheryl Nekl seconded the motion. The motion carried. Iselin Dimacchia moved that $250 be allocated for the Shelly Pearsall visit. The motion was seconded by Jill Richardson. The motion carried. It was decided that additional information was needed for Mr. Shields MP-3 Program before monies could be allocated. Mary will ask Mr. Shields to speak at our next meeting. President Mary Therber adjourned the meeting at 10:30 am. PTO Meeting Minutes April 17, 2008. Called to order at 9:20 a.m. A motion was made by Cheryl Nekl to accept the minutes from the March meeting. Motion was seconded by Rosanne LaDue all were in favor. A motion was made by Jamie Ball to donate $50.00 to both the LRC and the student body to be used at the Book Fair. This donation did not occur during the fall book fair. The motion was seconded by Alison Taylor all were in favor. Jill Richardson who headed the book fair was thankful for the donation. 2nd Vice President Fundraising: The Malley’s income was less than expected due to our sales falling short of $5000. At the $5,000 mark 50% is returned to the school. Sales short of $5,000 lower the profit to 33% of sales. Sales of $3,565.50 yielded a profit of $1,166. Market Day is doing well but needs the continued support of Taft Families. Cindy Caskey and Cheryl Nekl shared samples of Market Day products and anticipate an increase in sales next year. Incentives such as gift certificates for return customers will be a new feature to look for. Treasurer Report: Cash on hand $9,748.14, interest earned $4.71. A discussion occurred regarding the overall banking practices including: closing of a savings account, switching banks, opening a CD or money market account. After much discussion it was decided that some research needed to occur and the incoming treasurer along with the current treasurer would explore options to be presented at a future meeting. An audit needs to occur at the close of this school year, anyone with a CPA willing to donate his or her time to perform the audit should contact Mary Therber. Mr. LaDue may be a possible contact. Alison Taylor reported that we do not have to file with the IRS this year because the average of our last three years fell under $2000. Principal’s Report: May 23rd Track and Field Day: will be held on Whippoorwill again this year. Parents will be needed to assist in the various events and pass out participation awards. In addition to track and field events, the scheduled Lunch of Hot Dogs will be served outside as a “picnic”, and parents will be needed to set up blankets and assist with this fun lunch. Emerson Update: The new home of Taft is a bit behind schedule but construction managers assure it will be ready in time. In the event the building is not ready “Plan B” is to stay at Taft until our new home is ready, a few weeks at most. In preparation of the move, many things need to be packed for crews to re-locate them. Parents willing to help pack should contact Mrs. Seibel. Math Tournament: May 17th at Taft D.A.R.E.: April 26th 1st game for Taft is at 10:00 a.m. at Harding’s Gym. 3rd Vice President: Artist in Residence Mary Beth Kohl reported the program will begin May 12th. Teachers will sign up for their desired time slots. Parent volunteers will be needed during this program. Room volunteers will be contacted and any one else interested in helping can contact Mary Beth. Committee Reports: Teacher Appreciation: May 4-10. Joanne Schwark and Mary Beth Kohl will assist volunteers with this week long salute to our teachers and staff. Anyone interested in helping contact Joanne or Mary Beth. Commemoration: An event is in the works to commemorate the closing of Taft. Several parents and Mrs. Seibel are working on a festive event. Anyone with memories, memorabilia or contact information on prior Taft students please contact Mrs. Seibel. The event will take place during the day on May 28th. New Business: Heidi Paul and Luanne Baker are planning the 5th Grade party. Anyone wishing to supply pictures for the yearbook please contact them. They are especially interested in pictures featuring the former Franklin students. Election of Officers for 2008-09: A motion was made by Alison Taylor to accept the nomination of officers as presented. Cheryl Moorman seconded the motion and all were in favor. Old Business: Recently, discussion has occurred with regard to the Taft PTO possibly becoming a PTA. A decision awaits. Current officers will meet in advance of May 1 to discuss the fine points of both organizations and the costs and benefits of each. In order to pursue this discussion and present vote to membership by end of school year to potentially disband Taft PTO, current PTO by-laws require that a motion be made to disband PTO a today’s meeting. Motion was made and seconded to potentially disband the current PTO. A motion to disband the current PTO is the first step of 4. 2nd step: Notify the entire membership of the motion to disband by May 1st. Members will receive, via email and hardcopy, notice of vote. Members will also receive a written benefits/costs of PTA and benefits/costs of PTO. 3rd step: Vote on the motion. This vote would occur at the WEDNESDAY, May 21st 7 p.m. PTO meeting. In order for the motion to pass, 2/3 of those current and registered PTO members present need to approve the disbanding. 4th step: Incorporate as a PTA. This motion in no way implies that the PTO will become a PTA. In the event the decision is made by the May 21st meeting, the necessary steps will have been followed to disband the current PTO. Without this motion we would not be able to notify and vote on this issue this year. Cheryl Nekl made a motion to disband, Joanne Schwark seconded the motion and all were in favor. Meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m. PTO Meeting Minutes May 21, 2008. Called to order at 7:10 p.m. Discussion on vote PTO/PTA – Mary Therber/Heidi Paul provided an explanation as to why Taft became a PTO. Approximately 5 years ago, with low membership, Taft was forced to fundraise to cover dues. In addition, a late payment of membership dues to Lakewood PTA Council resulted in our Taft students not being accepted into the Lakewood Reflections program. At that time there was no support to remain a PTA. Vote was unanimous to become PTO. Floor was opened to questions/discussion – Kim Vivolo strongly believes that a PTO will fund and financially support, therefore, help, more children with more programs. Candy Olender surveyed staff and indicated that a small number was supportive of a PTA, particularly of Reflections. The remainder of staff overwhelmingly supported a PTO. Other comments included the 2% levy fee (fundraising profit less expenses) charged for levy support, PTA is a national, state, and local advocacy group to help children. A motion was made by Heidi Paul, seconded by Traci Burke, to open vote for disbanding, all present were in favor. Mary Therber read Article XII of by-laws detailing specifics regarding disbanding current PTO. In accordance with Article XII, Section 2 of said by-laws, Alison Taylor made a motion, seconded by Luann Baker, that all property and assets of current PTO would become property and assets of a new PTA, should the current PTO vote to disband. All were in favor. Voting ensued, votes counted while meeting continued. April minutes – A motion was made by Inas Jassani to accept the minutes from the April meeting. Motion was seconded by Heidi, all were in favor. Treasurer Report – Almost at 100% goal for box tops ($760). Market Day is at 80-90% range of anticipated goal. An additional $100 was raised for Mohican than reported in April treasurer’s report. There is $200 unallocated, since 4th graders did not participate in Lego Olympiad. $905 is left from assemblies. Artist in residence paid, materials awaiting payment. Receipts needed from Joanne Schwark and Jamie Ball for Teacher Appreciation events. Teacher Representative – Teachers were impressed with PTO parents for Appreciation Week, lunch was wonderful. Tree planting in Taft teachers’ honor at Emerson was looked upon very favorably by teachers. Teachers could use help with packing after May 28 commemoration activities and school open house. Principal’s Report Student Council is raising money to send to Myanmar and China for disaster relief. Spare change will be collected week of May 27. Principal’s Fund and Reuter Foundation will match what students raise. Emerson Update – construction at the new home of Taft is ongoing and completion date yet to be determined. Mrs. Seibel encourages parents to check our school website over summer to follow progress.Teachers/staff looking for parents willing to help pack anytime after May 28. Please contact Mrs. Seibel or your child’s teacher if you would like to assist. Chalkfest – On May 28, students will decorate sidewalk around Taft with favorite Taft memories. Public artwalk and viewing at commemoration that evening. Closing Ceremony – Wednesday, May 28 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Track & Field – picnic lunch, popsicles, Friday, May 23. Committee Reports: Teacher Appreciation: May 4-10. Mary Therber thanked Joanne Schwark and her able team for a great week. Commemoration: Looking forward to a great event. Heidi Murray has all details under control. Box Tops earned $774.00 this year. Our Giant Eagle awards were used to purchase a Leap Pad system and book bundles for our lower grades. If parents have unwanted Leap Pad cartridges, books, please contact Mrs. Seibel, we will be happy to use them next year. New Business: Mary Therber shared request from Lakewood Early Childhood PTA for support of the sixth annual Brake 4 Kids speed awareness campaign next fall. Motion was made by Traci Burke and seconded by Heidi Murray to donate $50 and act as distribution point for Brake 4 Kids for fall signage. All present voted in favor. Kim Vivolo stated that bus costs for field trips next year will likely double. Mrs. Seibel suggested that they are likely to triple. If anyone would like to investigate a grant writing proposal for field trip transportation, it could prove beneficial to all. Heidi Paul and Luanne Baker are planning the 5th Grade party at Lakewood Park on Tuesday, June 10. Notices sent home to 5th grade parents on May 21. PTA/PTO VOTE resulted in favor of remaining a PTO. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.