Minutes of the Culbertson Elementary School PTO Meeting
Recorded by Angela DiPrinzio

June 3, 2008

New Business:
Mr. Cook introduced Fred Dewey, a Marple Newtown school board member, to the PTO group. Mr. Dewey announced that Marple Newtown school district hired an architect to build a brand new high school facility. The projected date of completion of the school is the year 2011- 2012. There will be a tax increase of 2.8% to all township residents. Mr. Dewey is available for any questions/discussion at Fred@FredDewey.com . The Board of School Directors recently approved the start of a leasing plan for computers in the District. This plan requires multiple years of phasing, in order to reach all of the buildings in the District. This is a very positive first step in developing a long-term plan for providing instructional technology in the classrooms. The Administration is still working with the vendors and once the 2008-2009 Budget is approved, will have a plan in place for distribution and implementation.

Arlana Ross, the PTO co- president, addressed the agenda. She reviewed the current positions for committee chairpersons. There are availabilities for the Outreach, 4th grade and 5th grade fundraising committee chairs. Committees can be co-chaired if there is an interest.

Pam Lairdieson discussed options for new playground equipment and the committee's plan to start corporate campaigning. She also discussed the possibility of establishing a not-for-profit organization. The goal is to phase in new playground equipment in the fall of 2008 and complete the playground project by the spring of 2009. The committee plans on surveying the students in the fall to look at their needs/requests. The equipment will be ADA friendly and incorporate good core strengthening. There have been significant requests for a rock-climbing wall and "the wave". The number of swings will increase, and the frame for the swings will be u-shaped similar to Russell School.

Lynne Keebler reviewed the proposed budget for the school year 2008-2009. Copies of the budget were distributed and each item was discussed. At that time, it was proposed that the PTO fund the playground committee with $15,000.00 for the 2008-2009 school year. A vote was taken, and it was agreed. The projected cost for the new playground equipment is $50,000.00. To date, including the $15,000.00 from the PTO, the playground fund is @ $35,000.00.

Kate Keith reviewed the sale of Value Cards as part of Culbertson's 50th year anniversary celebration for 2008-2009. The cards can have any front face picture of the school's choice, and there will be a selection of several local merchants who will honor a discount when purchasing items from their stores. The school will make a $5.00 profit from each card sold. There is unlimited use of the card throughout the year.

Amy Corr reviewed Cougar Clothing inventory and discussed possibly using another vendor for the school clothes. She also expressed using order forms and distributing them in the first day packets. Lisa Siracusa suggested increasing the sale price of the clothes to make a profit for the school. Ideas for logos for the 50th year were tabled.

Anna Deacon agreed to chair the ACME Script program for next year. The ACME cards are no cost to you. The amount that you pay for the card is the amount you spend in the store. This year, Culbertson raised $1,000.00 from ACME Script card sales. Anna also suggested the Hospitality Committee assign specific homerooms to bake/bring food for different events during the school year. Other elementary schools follow this format, and it works well in their schools.

Assemblies: Carol Wenger was invited to meet with other schools' assembly chairs to discuss scheduling the same assemblies. There would be a discount for some programs if they were booked by multiple schools in the district.

Bea Colangelo is researching cougar paw car magnets to sell for the 50th anniversary celebration and beyond. Mrs. Seeds suggested the logo, "50 plus years of Culbertson excellence" as a logo. Bea also scheduled a summer Market Day for July 23, 2008.

Jennifer Gries proposed the Family Cookout token costs be incorporated into the homeroom party fund for each student. This would alleviate sales to be held before the cookout.

Beth Malone suggested Mrs. Samuels, the librarian, coordinate Barnes and Noble night for Culbertson and collect all profit for the library fund. Pam Lairdieson suggested researching distributing coupons from Five Guys restaurant and Salad Works for anyone who attends the Barnes and Noble event.

Arlana Ross announced the Kids' Stuff coupon books will continue to be sold as part of fundraising.

Anna Deacon acknowledged all 5th grade PTO parents who will be leaving this year. There were gifts for all those mentioned and will be distributed before the end of the school year. She also announced current staff members who will be retiring.

Gifts and acknowledgements were give to Anna Deacon and Arlana Ross, co-presidents, Lynne Keebler, treasurer, Beth Malone and Angela DiPrinzio, vice president/recording secretary.

Updates from Mr. Cook:
Mr. Cook acknowledged Mr. and Mrs. Smith and their Beautification Committee for all their hard work this year. He also thanked the 5th Grade Activities Committee for their work preparing for the 5th grade promotion ceremony. He thanked Linda Duffy and the Hospitality Committee for the Parent –Teacher Appreciation Luncheon, Jennifer Gries and Amy Dietrich for the Family Cookout event, Arlana Ross for the Yearbook and Anna Deacon for her leadership and dedication as PTO co-president for 2 years.

Teacher representatives were: Mrs. Milligan, Mrs. Dickey, Mrs. Seeds and Mrs. Naab. They all reviewed what was happening in their respective grades and thanked the PTO for all their support throughout the year. Mrs. Milligan discussed the butterfly project and journaling in second grade. Mrs. Dickey discussed the intense academic focus this year in 5th grade. The 5th graders visited PHMS last week. They will be going to the Brandywine Park on 6/10, and the Promotion Ceremony will be on  6/11. Mrs. Seeds discussed the use of flash drives ,powerpoints and computer enrichment in second grade. Mrs. Naab thanked the PTO for a delicious parent-teacher luncheon.

Important Dates:
5/4: Sing To Read First Grade Program.
5/4: Scholastic Book Fair.
5/5: Mrs. Savchuck's 3rd grade Math Fair.
5/5: Scholastic  Book Fair.
5/6: Field Day @ 1PM (Olympic Theme).
5/9: Kindergarten End of Year Program @ 9:15AM.
5/10: Brandywine Park Class Trip for 5th Grade.
5/11: 5th Grade Awards Ceremony.
5/11: Class Picnics @ lunchtime. Cafeteria supplies lunches.
5/12: Early Dismissal @ 12Noon. No lunch.
5/12: Market Day pick-up.
5/13: Last day of school. Dismissal @ 12Noon.

Culbertson Home