Christ the King-PTO

CKS PTO Board Meeting MINUTES December 17, 2014, 1:15 p.m. ______________________________________________________________________________ ­­­­­­ Meeting started at 1:30 p.m. People in attendance: Katherine Marsella (President), Mary Ann Lickteig (Secretary), Tara Banks (Treasurer), Angela Pohlen (Principal), Odile Steel (Associate Principal, arrived at 1:42 p.m.), Jon Hughes (Advancement Director, left at 2:30 p.m.), Tracey Whitney (Administrative Representative) 1. Opening Prayer 2. Accept October minutes -- Katherine Marsella moved and Tracey Whitney seconded. Minutes were accepted. 3. Public Comment -- None 4. Treasurer’s Report -- Tara Banks reported that the Christmas Extravaganza brought in about $3,500 and the Barnes and Noble Book Fair raised about $4,500. 5. Old Business a. Christmas Extravaganza Report -- Katherine Marsella reported that taking wreath decorating off-site was a hit and that having splitting tree-selling managers’ duties worked well. We discussed making sure we meet the deadline to advertise in the parish bulletin next year. b. 75th Anniversary Kickoff Report 1. Jon Hughes reported that 12 Sisters of Mercy, including a former CKS principal, attended the Dec. 7 kickoff Mass and reception. Msgr. John McDermott gave parish history during his homily and the reception featured lots of great food. 2. Angela Pohlen said that ticket sales for the March 19 Dennis McNeil concert at the Flynn have started slowly. Selling out could raise between $20,000 and $38,000 for the school. We plan to find sponsors to help underwrite the $12,000 cost to put on the event. 3. Mary Ann Lickteig reported that the PTO’s Jan. 11 ice skating event at Calahan Park will be opened to the parish as an anniversary event. c. Genevieve’s Report -- Katherine said that the sale is all wrapped up; all that remains is a dress-up day the kids earned. d. Barnes and Noble Gift Wrapping/Book Fair -- Katherine Marsella reported that the Dec. 13 event was a success and that we will have the event on the same weekend next year. e. Catholic Schools Week 2015 Update 1. Odile Steel said that the school will have an open house for current and prospective parents on Sun., Jan. 25 from noon to 1:30 p.m. 2. Katherine said the PTO will find volunteers to cover teachers’ lunch and recess duties. Also, the PTO is getting a new Keurig coffee maker to replace the teachers’ leaking unit. 6. New Business a. Discuss adding PTO members at large -- The group discussed Katie Nunn’s idea of adding at-large members as a way of introducing potential PTO board members to PTO activities. Discussion suggested adding a parent representative from each CKS department: early education, K-2, 3-5 and middle school. Each would chair a PTO event with a PTO board member serving as co-chair. Tracey and Mary Ann will write a proposed amendment to the bylaws to reflect the changes. b. School board report -- The first meeting of the strategic plan steering committee is Jan. 12. c. Discuss Christmas Gift Envelope System -- Katherine suggested that we consider pooling parents’ cash contributions for Christmas gifts and dividing the collection evenly -- maybe having one envelope for teachers and one for support staff. While this could be more fair, we may not collect as much. No decision was made. Meeting adjourned at 2:42 p.m.

CKS PTO Board Meeting

MINUTES

November 12,  2014, 6:30 p.m.    

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Meeting started at 6:35 p.m.

People in attendance: Katherine Marsella (President), Katie Nunn (Vice President, until 2:20 p.m.), Mary Ann Lickteig (Secretary),  Tara Banks (Treasurer0, Angela Pohlen (Principal), Odile Steel (Associate Principal),  Jon Hughes (Advancement Director), Erin Dye, Darcy Church, Earl Handy, Justin Kelley, Debbie Byrne, Ryan Lyford, Pam Stevens, Amy Langevin, Lorin Holmes, Sarah E. Murphy, Jennifer Pizzagalli

1. Opening Prayer - led by Jon Hughes

2.  Accept October minutes -- Katherine Marsella moved and Katie Nunn seconded. Minutes were accepted.

3. Introduction of PTO board members and brief overview of PTO events

a. Board members introduced themselves.

b. Katherine listed the five main PTO fund-raisers: the golf tournament, Genevieve’s/Red Barn sale, Christmas Extravaganza, Cabaret/Silent Auction and Spring Challenge. In addition, the PTO facilitates teacher appreciation events.

4. Treasurer’s Report -- Tara Banks

a. The PTO has to meet a $47,000 budget, which it does through the five events. See attached budget for details.

b. In addition, we help raise $3,000 for teacher appreciation events, which include treats for faculty meetings; meals on in-service days and before evening school events, such as concerts and Cabaret; and surprises, such as lottery tickets for St. Patrick’s Day. Proceeds from the following events support Teacher Appreciation: Popcorn Friday, Hoedown, Ice Skating, Barnes & Noble Book Fair and gift wrapping.

5. New Business

a. Principal’s Report -- Angela Pohlen

i. Tarrant Technology Initiative -- Angela reported that the school has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Tarrant Institute, which is giving CKS $175,000 over three years for technology, professional development and in grant money. Tarrant focuses on middle schools. Within the year, we hope to have a device (still to be determined) for each middle school student. We are now a Google school, using Google calendars for middle school. Angela said that she views technology as a tool and she wants kids to learn how they can use technology to navigate their lives. Also, students will start building personal web sites in third grade and continue working on them through eighth grade.

ii. Academic and Social Intervention -- Jen Hill runs the Student Success Team, which is designed to meet kids’ academic and learning needs that can’t be met in the classroom. Teachers and parents are involved in developing and executing a plan. The result is a documentation of accommodations that have worked and failed. Social intervention takes the form of a “lunch bunch.” Kids, in small or large groups, eat lunch with their teacher or with Angela to discuss social interaction.

iii. 75th Anniversary Plans -- Mary Ann Lickteig reported that Fr. Rich wants an anniversary activity each month for the entire year. Several events are school events that we’ll expand to include the whole parish. Highlights include the kickoff Mass and reception Dec. 7, internationally known tenor Dennis McNeil at the Flynn March 19 and the Gala Dinner/Dance at the Hilton May 30. Commemorative bricks are for sale and will comprise a new entrance to the church and school. Schedule attached.

b. School Board Report -- Jon Hughes reported that the School Board discussed the true cost of educating a child at CKS and the idea of doing project-based, rather than general fund-raising. Angela added that the school plans to hire a consultant, who specializes in Catholic elementary schools,  to develop a five-year plan for CKS.

6. Public Comment — Public comment was scattered throughout the meeting.

a. Justin Kelley noted that PTO minutes posted online are outdated.

b. Some people suggested that the 1:15 p.m. start time of many board meetings is inconvenient for many parents who may like to attend.

c. Earl Handy suggested promoting the Christmas Extravaganza more and suggested using lights and pitching a tent outside to sell coffee. Others suggested expanding the event to include a bazaar, breakfast and photos with Santa.

d. While Earl thought that the PTO could use a Facebook page, Lorin Holmes warned that too many school-related Facebook pages could dilute the school’s message. Earl suggested that Instagram could be a good tool for the school and said that our Facebook, Twitter and Web site need to coincide.

e. Earl suggested a bottle drive and Angela said she was open to the idea but it requires having one person pick up bottles and cans regularly and finding a redemption center to take them.

f. The group discussed the pros and cons of having a rummage sale. Some seem successful (Orchard School’s) but some parents worried that we’d get stuck with a lot of junk. Angela said we need to balance effort with return.

g. Angela reported that bathrooms are cleaned at least three times a day and get a deep clean on a weekend rotation. The school nurse is working on a handwashing initiative.

7. Old Business

a. Genevieve’s Update — Shipment came in and went home today.

b. Christmas Extravaganza Update — Dec. 6 and 7 event discussed during public comment.

c. Barnes & Noble Gift Wrapping/Book Fair Update — Katherine reported that CKS will get a percentage of all sales, including the cafe’s, if the buyer mentions CKS during the Dec. 13 book fair and for the following five days.

Meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.

CKS PTO Board Meeting

MINUTES

October 8, 2014, 1:15 p.m.    

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Meeting started at 1:42 p.m.

People in attendance: Katherine Marsella (President), Katie Nunn (Vice President, until 2:20 p.m.), Mary Ann Lickteig (Secretary),  Angela Pohlen (Principal), Odile Steel (Associate Principal, from 2:04 to 2:17 p.m.),  Jon Hughes (Advancement Director), Sarah Kim  

1. Opening Prayer

2.  Accept September minutes -- Katherine Marsella moved and Katie Nunn seconded. Minutes were accepted.

3.  Public Comment  

1. Bathroom Improvements

1. Sarah Kim said that school bathrooms need better cleaning and improvements. She asked if we could hire a private service to clean and the group discussed options.

2. Angela Pohlen said that the bathrooms got a deep cleaning in April and that with the recent addition of a second custodian, every bathroom should get cleaned every day.

3. Jon Hughes suggested considering auto-flush toilets. It was suggested that we price the toilets, hand driers and toilet paper dispensers. Jon’s quick check during the meeting showed that Dyson driers cost $1,200.

4. Mary Ann Lickteig suggested foot pedals to open doors to minimize germ passing on handles.

5. Angela will ask school nurse Molly Rafftery to develop anbathroom hygiene educational program for students.

6. Katherine suggested selling tickets for a 50-50 raffle and using proceeds for bathroom improvements.

b.  Katie Nunn said that she is using Volunteer Spot to create a single page where families can see all CKS volunteer opportunities. Right now, each event gets its own page and parents need a specific link for each page. We agreed that this would be simpler and user-friendly.

4.  Treasurer’s Report — Tara Banks could not attend the meeting but reported in advance that the only update from last month is that preliminary figures show that the golf tournament made $11,000.

5  Old Business

a.  CKS 2014 Golf Tournament Report and Ideas for 2015 — Jon Hughes — Tabled.

b.  Genevieve’s Update — Katherine is processing final sales before submitting the order.

c.  Popcorn Friday Update — Mary Ann Lickteig reported that we have enough supplies to get started. The first Popcorn Friday is Oct. 24. We need to sign up more volunteers.

d.  Hoedown Update — Katherine said that volunteers will move Scholastic Book Fair books between 1 and 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17 so that set-up can start that afternoon for the Oct. 18 Hoedown.

e.  75th Anniversary Update —

1. Commemorative bricks will be sold and installed in front of the church and, if we sell enough, in front of school.

2. Johanne Yordan painted a 3-foot-by-4-foot picture of the school/church which will hang in the lobby.

3. Fr. Rich would like to sell commemorative pewter Christmas tree ornaments.

4. We need to make at least half of the gym available for a reception on Sunday, Dec. 7, after the 11 a.m. Mass that kicks off the 75th anniversary year of celebrations. This is also the weekend of our Christmas Extravaganza.

6.  New Business

a.  Christmas Extravaganza Update — Trees are ordered. Lorin Holmes will coordinate wreath decorating off-site to accommodate people with pine allergies. We need an event chair.

b.  Barnes & Noble Book Fair Update — Katherine — Tabled.

c.  School Board Report — Angela Pohlen

1.  Angela reported that the roof will be replaced, starting in November.   

2.  CKS has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Tarrant Foundation, which will provide $175,000 over three years for computer hardware and professional development. Plans include having each student build a personal web site starting in third grade and continuing through eighth grade. Eventually, each middle school student will get a computer tablet.

Meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m.

CKS PTO Board Meeting

MINUTES

September 10, 2014, 1:15 p.m.    

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Meeting started at 1:22 p.m.

People in attendance: Katherine Marsella (President), Mary Ann Lickteig (Secretary), Tara Banks, (Treasurer),  Angela Pohlen (Principal) until 2:15 p.m., Jon Hughes (Advancement Director)  

1. Opening Prayer

2.  Accept August minutes -- Katherine Marsella moved and Tara Banks seconded. Minutes were accepted.

3.  Treasurer’s Report

1.  Tara reported that our 2014-15 budget is $50,000, including $3,000 for Teacher Appreciation. See attachment for details.

2.  Hoe Down makes about $800, which we will allocate for Teacher Appreciation.

4.  Public Comment -- None

5.  Old Business

a.  CKS 2014 Golf Tournament Update --

1. Jon Hughes reported that we have $11,700 in sponsorships; 19 teams registered, which fills the course; many prizes; and enough volunteers.

2.  Jon has ordered $25 signs to recognize the $250 hole sponsors.

3.  Golfers will get a golf towel with the new school logo on it, a cap with the cardinal on it, a sleeve of golf balls, breakfast and lunch.

b.  Genevieve’s Update -- Katherine Marsella reported that the sale, which started Sept. 5, is going well. About 40 kids redeemed coupons for selling at least three items.

c.  Finalize Popcorn Fridays -- Mary Ann Lickteig

1.  Dates will be the second Friday of the month starting in October and ending in May.

2.  A few volunteers have signed up; we’ll ask class parents to get the rest.

3. Katie Nunn’s cousin can get popcorn for us.

4.  Fliers will go out in the new Wednesday family folders.

6.  New Business

a.  Review Chairpersons, PTO Reps for events and new positions for 2014-2015 -- Katherine Marsella -- See attached list.

b.  Discuss Hoe Down -- We will ask last year’s chairs if they will chair this year’s event.

c.  Assign PTO reps to attend School Board meetings (Item added to agenda) -- Katherine and Mary Ann will alternate. Jon and Tara attend most.

Meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m.

CKS PTO Board Meeting

MINUTES

August 28, 2014, 1 p.m.    

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Meeting started at 1:05 p.m.

People in attendance: Katherine Marsella (President), Katie Nunn (Vice President),  Mary Ann Lickteig (Secretary), Tara Banks, (Treasurer) until 2:03 p.m., Angela Pohlen (Principal) until 1:50 p.m., Odile Steel (Associate Principal), Jon Hughes (Advancement Director), Tracey Whitney (Administrative Rep.)  

1. Opening Prayer

2.  Appoint Katie Nunn vice president -- Katie’s appointment was approved.

2. Accept minutes from June meeting -- Katherine Marsella moved to accept, Tracey Whitney seconded. Minutes were accepted.

3.  Treasurer’s Report -- Tara Banks

No change since June. We made $66,334 last year, $20,334 over our $46,000 budget. For now, our 2014-2015 budget is $46,000.

Katherine said $800 remains in Teacher Appreciation funds. She bought an iHome for the teachers’ lounge and suggested buying chairs for the lounge. This year, we will allocate $3,000 for Teacher Appreciation. Last year, we budgeted $1,000 and raised $2,270.16.

CKS Night at the Lake Monsters raised $594 and the board liked the idea of using it to buy spiritwear for teachers.  

4.  Public Comment -- None

5.  Old Business

a.  CKS Golf Tournament Update -- Jon Hughes reported that we have $8,750 in sponsorships. Thirteen teams are registered; we can field 22. We are still gathering door prizes for the Sept. 12 event.

b.  New Family Liaison Information and Summer Playdates Report -- We plan to start earlier next year. Katherine suggested having one playdate on the same day that New Horizons comes to CKS with uniform samples. Both play dates this summer were cancelled.

c.  Fall Fundraisers update -- Katherine reported that Genevieve’s kicks off Friday, Sept. 5. We are adding Genevieve’s Gourmet, frozen dessert sales. All grades sell the same items.

d.  Lake Monsters Game report -- Jon Hughes reported that we earned $594, which was $3 for each of 198 tickets sold. Angela threw out the first pitch. Board decided to allocate Lake Monsters profits for Teacher Appreciation.

e.  Back to School Night Update -- Angela reported that the 6 p.m. Sept. 4 event will start earlier than last year. The three teachers’ sessions will be longer -- 28 minutes each. Katherine will have volunteer sign-ups available as well as Genevieve’s samples.  

f. 75th Anniversary Update -- Jon reported that the Gala will be on Sat. May 30 at the Hilton, which we are getting for no charge. Jon suggested that corporate sponsors could cover the cost of food, making the $100 tickets all profit. No decision has been made on having an auction/fund-raiser during the event. The Phil Abair band is a possible entertainer. The committee has selected a company to engrave memorial pavers for the church and school entrances.

6. New Business

a.   Review Chairpersons, PTO reps for events and new positions for 2014-2015 -- Katherine Marsella -- Tabled.

b.  Set PTO meeting schedule -- We will meet the second Wednesday of every month at 1:30 p.m. except for November, February and April, when we will have an evening meeting on the second Wednesday.

c.  Discuss PTO budget for 2014-2015 -- Our goal is to raise $47,000 plus $3,000 for Teacher Appreciation.

d.  Popcorn Fridays -- The board decided that monthly Popcorn Fridays are a go. The kids loved them. Mary Ann Lickteig will check our supplies and update the flier.

Meeting adjourned at 2:37 p.m.

CKS PTO Board Meeting

MINUTES

May 14, 2014, 1 p.m.   

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People in attendance: Katherine Marsella (President), Kathy Mumma (Vice President), Mary Ann Lickteig (Secretary), Tara Banks, (Treasurer), Angela Pohlen (Principal), Odile Steel (Associate Principal), Jon Hughes (Advancement Director), Tracey Whitney (Administrative Rep.) Meeting started at 1:14 p.m.  

1. Opening Prayer

2. Accept minutes from April meeting -- Kathy Mumma moved to accept, Tracey Whitney seconded. Minutes were accepted.

3.  Public Comment -- None

4.  Treasurer’s Report -- Tara Banks

a.  Cabaret/Silent Auction had a net profit of $20,108, not including the still outstanding  $4,000 bid for laser eye surgery and approximately $200 for other auction items.

b.   The PTO has raised $46,925 so far this year, $925 over our annual budget. Spring Challenge, budgeted at $14,000, is still to come. Jon Hughes said $6,000 in Spring Challenge donations has been deposited so far.

5.  Old Business

a.  Teacher Appreciation Report

1. Odile Steel and Tracey said the week was a big success. Katherine Marsella said that additional funds may be used to buy something from the teachers’ wish list, maybe a table or a sound system (MP3 player/radio) for the faculty lounge.  

2.  Tracey suggested adding a treat for after-school staff.

3.  Lunch coverage for preschool and bridge teachers could be added.  

b.  Spring Challenge

1.  Kathy reported that volunteer sign-up is going well.

2.  Jon said we have 13 T-shirt sponsors, which basically covers the cost of the shirts.

3.  Eighth graders will run games rather than play games this year.

c.  Annual Campaign/Excellence in Education Update -- Jon reported that we now have 11 donors (up from the original five) challenging 25 families to contribute $500 each to the annual campaign and to the Excellence in Education foundation. So far 19 donors have met the challenge.

d.  Uniform Additions Update -- Angela Pohlen reported that New Horizons Embroidery expects to have a web site available in early summer showing uniform additions. Only P.E. shirts will be a new requirement. The new logo is still being developed.

e.  CKS Social Update -- Katherine suggested inviting next year’s new parents to the May 31 event at the Burlington boathouse. Since $30 per person seemed expensive to some, Katherine decided to include a voucher for one free drink. Angela suggested putting cab companies’ business cards on the food table.

f.  Cabaret-Silent Auction Follow-Up

1. Cabaret/Silent Auction meeting set for 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. on May 22.

2.  Discuss additions and deletions -- Nothing discussed.

3.  Follow up on DVDs and class photos -- Angela said that DVDs are in the editing process. Katherine aims to send class photos home with kids on May 30 after Spring Challenge.

g.  PTO election report -- Tracey said the only nomination she has received is for Mary Ann Lickteig to return as secretary. Katherine said that Katie Nunn has agreed to run for vice president. We will solicit other nominations and schedule an election if we get multiple candidates.

6.  New Business

a.  Discuss possibility of YMCA taking over SOAP -- Angela said she is seriously considering hiring the Y to run our after-school and vacation child-care programs.  While Tracey Whitney has done an outstanding job, it’s really a full-time job.

1. Advantages include: the Y is fully licensed, nationally accredited, reputable and they will come to our school. Once or twice a week, they will take the kids on a field trip, such as swimming or bowling. They provide tutors, snacks, run staffing and billing and are available on religious holidays. One drawback is that they don’t accommodate drop-ins.

2. Cost would go from $60 per week to $85. State assistance and scholarships from the Y are available.

b.  Lake Monsters ticket sales, programs, timeline -- Jon said a packet will go out to families on May 23 to be due back June 6. Families buy tickets --  CKS gets half of the cost -- and can go to any Lake Monsters game. CKS night is Aug. 2.

c.  Fall Fundraiser ideas for Middle School -- Katherine would like to have kids in 5th grade and under sell Genevieve’s and Red Barn and is looking for something else for older kids. We had limited discussion on this.

d. Golf Tournament 2014 Update -- tabled.

Adjourned at 2:37 p.m.

CKS PTO Board Meeting

MINUTES

April 15, 2014, 6 p.m.

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People in attendance: Katherine Marsella (President), Kathy Mumma (Vice President), Mary Ann Lickteig (Secretary), Tara Banks, (Treasurer), Angela Pohlen (Principal), Odile Steel (Associate Principal), Jon Hughes (Advancement Director), Tracey Whitney (Administrative Rep.), Terry Benner, Ellen Cislo, Alexis Handy, Debbie Byrne, Ryan Lyford, Max Holzman, Laura Benner, Courtney Lamontagne, Arline Duffy, Tracy Towers, Karen Marcoux, Amy Langevin, Karen E. Moynihan, Sandy McGuire, Natalie Byrne, Jennifer Pizzagalli, Nancy Viner, Traci Griffith, Toni Sneddon, Anthony Neri, Mary Farley

Meeting started at 6:01 p.m.

1. Opening Prayer

2. Accept minutes from February meeting -- Katherine Marsella moved to accept, Tara Banks seconded. Minutes were accepted.

3. Public Comment

a. Karen Moynihan complimented Cabaret.

b. Nancy Viner expressed concern for children’s safety at dropoff and pickup due to speeding drivers. Concerns voiced by others include parents dropping off kids on the street and parents driving onto the playground for drop-off or pick-up when kids are still on it. Principal Angela Pohlen said that she is aware and considering options, such as a car line, in which cars file through an established route and take turns dropping off students. Tracey Whitney said suggestions are available in a study done several years ago under the state’s Safe Routes to School program.

4. Treasurer’s Report -- Tara Banks reported that the PTO has made $50,817 so far this year, exceeding our $46,000 2013-2014 budgeted goal. Preliminary Cabaret/Silent Auction profit stands at $24,000. The PTO’s final fund-raiser, Spring Challenge, typically makes between $14,000 and $15,000 and is still to come.

5. New Business

a. Discuss Possible Uniform Additions

1. Angela Pohlen and Anthony Neri, owner of New Horizons Embroidery & Screenprinting, showed samples of a plaid fabric, cardigan, P.E. shirt and spirit wear, which the school may add as uniform options. Neri is a distributor for Elderwear, a St. Louis-based uniform company.

2. Angela said she likes the fact that Elderwear is in the uniform business, which means they make clothes truly designed to last for years with durable fabric and ample hem allowance.

3. Rather than offering strictly mail-order, New Horizons has a store in Essex, where students could try on uniforms to determine their correct size.

4. The new uniforms would feature a new logo, which still is being developed to celebrate the school’s and parish’s 75th anniversary.

5. Angela would like to offer middle school students their own alternatives to set them apart from elementary students.

6. Angela said she is considering adding a P.E. uniform to cut down on class time lost as well as other issues with kids changing for gym. Students would be required to wear a P.E. uniform shirt and any black shorts. They would be allowed to wear gym uniforms all day on gym days, unless they have a school Mass.

b. Preview of fall Genevieve’s fund-raiser

1. Katherine Marsella said the PTO plans to run this wrapping paper/gift item sale, which made $9,771 this year. Perhaps, middle school students will sell something else, such as a coupon book that offers discounts to local and national merchants.

2. Karen Moynihan and Amy Langevin suggested selling scrip. Odile Steel mentioned said that her former school, about the same size as CKS, raised at least $33,000 selling scrip. Angela welcomed the idea, noting that dollars spent on scrip would be spent at participating stores anyway.

c. Discussion of Middle School science (This item was added to the agenda.)

1. Angela Pohlen said that she is working with middle school science teacher Vidula Srivastava to add lab activities to get kids excited about science, give them hands-on experience and connect science to the real world.

2. The school hopes to complete a memorandum of understanding next month for the Tarrant Institute for Innovative Education, which partners with middle schools to improve the education of young Vermonters through technology-rich learning. The Tarrant Institute has accepted CKS into its three-year, funded program, which, Angela said, will give teachers professional development and help us enrich our technology curriculum.

d. Discuss PTO Nomination process and possible candidates

The vice president and secretary are up for election. Nominations should be made to Tracey Whitney this month and the election will be in May, possibly on Survey Monkey.

e. School Board Report -- Jon Hughes reported that, at its last meeting, the school board discussed:

1. Writing a vision statement to outline how the school defines itself and where we see ourselves in the future.

2. The future of St. Anthony’s.

3. The Tarrant Institute.

4. Ideas for the 75th anniversary celebration, which include a black-tie gala, a cruise on the Spirit of Ethan Allen and reuniting alumni of CKS and St Anthony’s school as well as former priests and sisters who served here.

5. Replacing the school roof, which is scheduled to happen this summer.

6. Old Business

a. Cabaret-Silent Auction Report -- Katherine Marsella said that she and Jon will analyze the auction to determine most popular/profitable items.

b. Spring Challenge Update

1. Kathy Mumma said that the kid’s fund-raising letters will go out this week. Vendors are secured and the event will be held on the lower field at Calahan Park.

2. The committee would welcome ideas for games, especially for older students.

3. Courtney Lamontagne suggested that eighth graders could run games.

c. Annual Campaign/Excellence in Education Foundation Update -- Jon Hughes said we have reached our $74,000 goal for the annual campaign. An effort is under way to find eight more donors to donate $500 to the annual campaign and $500 to the foundation in order to meet a challenge, which would bring an additional $13,000 to the foundation.

d. 75th Anniversary Update -- Covered earlier

e. Parent Social Update -- Katherine Marsella said that the May 3 event will include a DJ and food. It’s a community builder, not a fund-raiser.

f. Teacher Appreciation Week Update -- Event Chair Jennifer Pizzagalli explained that events have been going on all year and that the actual week -- May 5-9 -- will include, among other things, daily breakfast or lunch for teachers and cleaning the teachers’ lounge.

Meeting adjourned around 8:10 p.m.

CKS PTO Board Meeting

MINUTES

March 19, 2014, 1 p.m.

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People in attendance: Katherine Marsella (President), Kathy Mumma (Vice President), Mary Ann Lickteig (Secretary), Angela Pohlen (Principal), Odile Steel (Associate Principal, had to leave at 1:35 p.m.), Jon Hughes (Advancement Director)

Meeting started at 1:17 p.m.

1. Opening Prayer

2. Accept minutes from February meeting -- Katherine Marsella moved to accept, Kathy Mumma. Minutes were accepted.

3. Public Comment -- None

4. Treasurer’s Report -- Nothing new since February

5. Old Business

a. Cabaret/Silent Auction Update/Discuss PTO contribution to silent auction -- Aida Cadrecha, Katherine Marsella

1. Event director Aida Cadrecha reported that she is working on the program, there will be pizza served, parent Julie Benz and her mother will run concessions, and parents will be asked to bake.

2. Cabaret Week Schedule:

Monday, March 31: Hang stage, lobby and hallway decorations

Tuesday, April 1, 3 p.m.: Sound and light set-up

Wednesday, April 2, 8:30 a.m.: Photos start

Wednesday, April 2, 9:45 a.m.: Dress rehearsal

Wednesday and Thursday, April 2 and 3: Individual acts rehearse on stage

Friday, April 4, noon: Downstairs hallway cleared for silent auction set-up

3. Katherine suggested having a performers’ seating area to lessen

the disruption caused when parents leave the gym to pick up kids after each grade performs. Jon suggested seating kids in a classroom where they could eat popcorn and watch a live stream of the show. We decided to leave things as is this year but consider a change for next year.

4. Child care will be available for performers from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15

p.m. to lessen congestion in the halls and allow parents to shop at the silent auction. Kids will get pizza.

5. The PTO will contribute a lottery tree to each night’s auction.

b. Spring Challenge Update -- Kathy Mumma

1. Kick-off is March 31 at 9 a.m. with talks by UVM student athletes and activities.

2. Only half of the database was updated with addresses for solicitation letters and students’ T-shirt sizes.

3. Joey the clown will put on a game show for afternoon entertainment.

c. Parent Social Update -- Katherine Marsella said she is researching venues for the May event. Jon suggested we might consider a guy who has a portable pizza oven.

d. Annual Campaign and Excellence in Education Foundation Update -- Jon Hughes

1. We are on track to reach or exceed the annual campaign goal of $74,000. We need 12 more donors to donate $500 to the campaign and $500 to the foundation in order to reach the challenge.

2. The foundation recently opened a checking account. It has about $19,000 in pledges with $10,000 of that in hand.

6. New Business

a. Feedback from mandatory volunteer hours -- Angela Pohlen

Most reaction to the requirement that families each contribute 25 hours (or pay $250) next year has been in the form of clarifying questions. Negative feedback came from a couple of parents but after a short discussion, they were more positive. One parent told Angela, “You’re not asking for enough.”

b. 75th Anniversary report -- Anglea Pohlen

Fr. Rich O’Donnell wants a big celebration for the church and school anniversary. A planning meeting was rescheduled for March 24 because of a snowstorm.

c. Discuss nominations for PTO vice president and secretary

We will solicit nominees in April and have an election, maybe via Survey Monkey, in May.

d. School Board Report -- Kathy Mumma

Discussions included re-opening bids for the roof; registration; next year’s enrollment, which looks good as some classes already are full; proposed changes for the St. Anthony’s properties and the 75th anniversary.

e. Discuss posting pre-approved PTO minutes online

We decided to post them after Katherine Marsella, Tracey Whitney and Angela Pohlen approve.

Meeting adjourned at 2:50 p.m.

CKS PTO Board Meeting

MINUTES

February 20, 2014, 6 p.m.

______________________________________________________________________________

People in attendance: Katherine Marsella (President), Kathy Mumma (Vice President), Mary Ann Lickteig (Secretary), Tara Banks (Treasurer), Tracey Whitney (Administrative Representative), Jon Hughes (Advancement Director), Angela Pohlen (Principal), Odile Steel (Associate Principal), Debbie Byrne, Ryan Lyford, Traci Griffith, Max Herman, Sara Kruk, Tracy Towers, Robin Webb

Meeting started at 6:05 p.m.

1. Opening Prayer

2. Accept minutes from January meeting -- Katherine Marsella moved to accept, Tracey Whitney seconded. Minutes were accepted.

3. Public Comment -- Traci Griffith expressed appreciation for the PTO’s efforts.

4. Treasurer’s Report -- Tara Banks

a. All PTO events so far have exceeded goals.

b. Our two biggest fundraisers -- Cabaret/Silent Auction and Spring Challenge -- are still to come.

c. The amount brought in by Popcorn Friday, $794, may change.

d. The financial report is attached.

5. New Business

a. Principal’s Report -- Angela Pohlen

1. Registration/Mandatory Volunteer Hours

The letter inviting families to register for next year will go out Feb. 21. Tuition is going up 5 percent, or about $200 per year, to generate increased revenue to raise teachers’ salaries. No student will be turned away for inability to pay. The Excellence in Education Foundation will help fund other teacher retention programs, such as a merit pay process.

New next year will be a pastor verification form. Because we are keeping three levels of tuition -- in-parish; Catholic, belonging to another parish; and non-Catholic -- we want to verify that those getting lower tuition for belonging to a parish actually belong to the parish they claim.

Also new next year, CKS will ask families to commit to 25 hours of volunteer time per family, per year. Families can opt out for $250. Volunteering builds community, helps keep tuition down and sends a message to our children that school matters to all of us.

2. Hour of Code

Students in grades 3-8 are involved in this national program that teaches

computer coding. We plan to integrate this into tech curriculum next year.

3. Common Core

Angela likes this skill-based curriculum, which we have adopted and

integrated into language arts and math and partially into science and social studies. Unlike public schools, we are freer to teach to the student, not to the test. Terra Nova, the assessment test CKS has used for some 20 years, is being adapted to Common Core.

4. Mascot

The school community is voting among five choices: Cardinals, Lions,

Saints, Fishers and Bishops. Voting ends Feb. 21, and the winning mascot will be revealed at a pep rally.

5. Possible Uniform Additions

We are adding to, not changing, our uniform. Angela is talking to two or

three companies. Possibilities include plaid and a cardigan for girls as well as P.E. uniforms and spirit gear.

b. School Board Report -- Tara Banks

Next year’s budget is being written. Fr. Rick O’Donnell is open to ideas to

celebrate CKS’s 75th anniversary next year. Fr. Dallas St. Peter has moved into the rectory at Christ the King. Other topics: registration packets, tuition increase, pastor verification forms and volunteer hours.

c. Barnes & Noble Book Fair Update -- Katherine Marsella

We have secured the same weekend -- the second Saturday in December -- for the 2014 book fair. Our goal is to get $10,000 in sales, netting CKS 20 percent of those sales.

6. Old Business

a. Cabaret/Silent Auction Update -- Katherine Marsella

Tracey Whitney reported that the event has been moved from March 28 and 29 to April 11 anad 12 because at least two CKS basketball teams will be going to the CYO regional tournament the original weekend. Tickets will be sold in advance; the event sells out.

Jon Hughes said that auction donations are coming in.

b. Spring Challenge Update -- Kathy Mumma

Calahan Park’s upper field can’t be used so we are researching other options, including using Calahan’s lower field.

c. Parent Social Update -- Katherine Marsella

The event date is May 3. Katherine is checking into venues. The plan is to offer food, a DJ and raffle prizes in this community builder.

d. Volunteer for School Board Meetings

The schedule: March: Kathy Mumma, April: Katherine Marsella, May: Tara Banks, June: Mary Ann Lickteig

e. Catholic Schools Week Report -- Angela Pohlen

Great feedback from kids and teachers.

Meeting adjourned at about 7:15 p.m.

CKS PTO Board Meeting

MINUTES

January 16, 2014, 1 p.m.

______________________________________________________________________________

People in attendance: Katherine Marsella (President), Kathy Mumma (Vice President), Mary Ann Lickteig (Secretary), Tara Banks (Treasurer), Tracey Whitney (Administrative Representative), Jon Hughes (Advancement Director), Odile Steel (Associate Principal)

Meeting started at 1:05 p.m.

1. Opening Prayer

2. Accept minutes from December meeting -- Tara Banks moved to accept, Kathy Mumma seconded. Minutes were accepted.

3. Approve amended minutes from November meeting -- Katherine Marsella moved to accept, Kathy Mumma seconded. Amended minutes were accepted.

4. Public Comment -- None

5. Treasurer’s Report -- Tara Banks

a. The Christmas Extravaganza made about $3,000 making our net cash raised to date $23,958.73.

b. Katherine reported that the Barnes & Noble Book Fair made $1,297. We got 15 percent of in-store sales when people mentioned CKS and 10 percent of online sales. Gift wrapping brought in just over $130 (all tips), the bulk of which we used to buy the Nook we raffled.

6. Old Business

a. Ice Skating Report -- Tara Banks

About 50 people came to the Jan. 12 event and we grossed $109. There may be a few expenses to pay.

b. Cabaret/Silent Auction Update -- Katherine Marsella and Mary Ann Lickteig

1. Mary Ann reported that the decorating committee met Jan. 15 and decided that the masks of comedy and tragedy used several years ago will hang on the back curtain as the main stage decoration. White nylon netting and tiny white lights will hang on each side.

2. Katherine said there has been a good response from the class parents’ e-mails asking for three Cabaret/Silent Auction volunteers from each class.

3. Odile suggested asking teachers to offer outings -- such as mini golf and ice cream or bowling -- as auction items.

c. Teacher Appreciation Update -- Katherine Marsella

1. Teacher Appreciation has been allocated $1,600. Revenue comes from Popcorn Friday ($965.84), family skating events ($110.16) and some from the Barnes & Noble Book Fair.

2. New this year was the dinner we catered from Chipotle for teachers on the night of the Christmas concert.

3. Some funds were used for Christmas gifts for staffers, including custodians and kitchen staff.

4. Activities for the rest of the year are planned.

d. Pick date for CKS Night at Laker Monsters game -- Jon Hughes

We picked Saturday Aug. 2, a night that honors military personnel and offers fireworks.

e. Discuss speaker and other ideas for February PTO meeting --Katherine Marsella

We are considering inviting a police officer to talk about social media safety or a representative from the Abbey Group to talk about our lunch program.

f. Father-Daughter Dance Update -- Katherine Marsella

Planning for the Feb. 1 event is going well.

7. New Business

a. School Board Report -- Mary Ann Lickteig

1. The January meeting was cancelled

2. School Board president Bob Clark, via Katherine, reported that all parents are encouraged to read the mid-year School Board report. Bob is working on getting a bus to run from Middlebury to CKS, Rice and possibly Mater Christi. Bob also wants to encourage kids to use the school’s new piano.

b. Catholic Schools Week -- Odile Steel

1. Faculty, staff and student council will serve a pancake breakfast for parishioners on Sunday, Jan. 26 to kick off the week.

2. Principal Angela Pohlen wants the kids to have fun and to feel proud of their school.

3. Activities include recognizing service providers in our community, games, surprises and Mass at Rice High School.

c. Principal - Parent Coffee -- Katherine Marsella

The first coffee is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Jan. 21.

e. Review future PTO Meeting Dates -- Katherine Marsella

1. Because Angela Pohlen has regular conflicts on Thursdays, the remaining daytime PTO meetings will move to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays (March 12 and May 14.)

2. Evening PTO meetings are now scheduled for 6 p.m. Feb. 20 and 6 p.m . April 10.

Meeting adjourned at 2:28 p.m.