Minutes

Blue Bell Elementary PTO Meeting

December 10, 2008

 

President Emily Cutler called the meeting to order at 9:35 am.

Executive Board present:  Emily Cutler, Beth Knowles, Paula Marinello, Shari Seitz, Pam Ramanathan, Sarah Boggs

Executive Board absent:  Sophia Penning

 

Mrs. Fagan presented the Principal's Report.  Due to a state mandate, the Wissahickon School Board has developed and approved a new policy on bullying and cyber-bullying.  The policy will be posted on bulleting boards in the schools, as well as on the district website.

 

Science PSSA scores from last year (2007-08) have been received by the school and are being mailed home to parents.  The scores are for last year's fourth grade class (current fifth graders).  57% of Blue Bell students scored in the "advanced", and 32% scored in the "proficient" category.

 

The current first graders will be taking the Primary Test of Cognitive Ability in January.  This test covers verbal, spatial and conceptual concepts.  The OLSAT test will no longer be given.

 

Report cards have been completed and are being reviewed and printed.  They will be mailed home on approximately 12/18/08.

 

There was a Holiday Assembly on 12/8/08, provided by the PTO.  The assembly was broken down into two groups:  grades K, 1, 2; and grades 3, 4, 5.  It was multi-cultural and focused on celebrations around the world.

 

The "Make Your MARK" semester celebration was last Friday, 12/5/08.  The students participated in a Turkey Trot around the school with their "buddy classrooms".  They were treated to pretzels and juice.

 

Parents that volunteer for Lunch/Recess Duty are asked to make lunch and recess a "cell phone-free zone".

 

The Blue Bell News is going to an electronic format.  The Deadline is December 18 for the January 7th, 2009 issue.  Submissions can be made to Bernadette Horvat at bernhorvat@comcast.net.

 

The Wednesday Update deadline is every Thursday, for the following Wednesday.  Submissions can be made to Aria Hillhouse at davidaria1@yahoo.com.  The last issue for this year is December 17, with a deadline  of December 11.  The first issue of the new year will be January 14, with a deadline of January 8.

 

A proposal to reduce waste by only sending one handout per household home in the Wednesday folders was discussed.  This action would reduce paper usage by approximately 25%.  In order to accomplish this, further work on the feasibility of this idea, as well as the specifics of the process, will be required.

 

The Cool the Earth committee requests that using recyclables for Holiday Parties in school is encouraged, as well as washable cloth napkins if possible.  They also discourage the use of plastic disposable water bottles.

 

The next Cool the Earth Green Day will be Wednesday, January 15.  The students can turn in their coupons for trading cards that day. In addition, The Cool the Earth Committee will be selling stainless steel water bottles at cost, for $9 for a 13 oz bottle, and $10 for a 20 oz bottle.  The water bottles will also be available at the school store and at Science Night.

 

Laine Dalby reported on Redemption. Redemption will expand to include ink cartridges, soda can tabs, and other recyclables.  If anyone has any information or ideas about additional fundraisers, please let Laine or Emily know.

 

Linda Secouler gave an extensive presentation on the district's curriculum.  She covered the curriculum basics for all grade levels, including social studies, science, language arts and math.  Specific to the elementary level, a productive discussion ensued amongst the parents and administrators regarding the math program, requirements for grade levels, and communication breakdowns between school and home.  There were also a few questions about foreign language introduction in elementary school.  Mrs. Secouler said that this issue is something that the board would have to discuss and vote on.

 

The next PTO meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 7, 2009, at 7:00 pm.  Please contact Emily Cutler at ercutler@verizon.net if you have any questions regarding the minutes, have an idea, or want to get involved.

 

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:45 am.

 

Minutes submitted by Pam Ramanathan on January 5, 2009.