OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION

MEETING MINUTES - OCTOBER 9, 2007

Tamara Anderson, President                                              Jeanne Fisher, Treasurer

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Katie Leary, Vice President                                               Karen Stevenson, Secretary

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OPENING PRAYER - Tamara called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m., then Katie opened the meeting with a prayer. Since there were new members in attendance, everyone introduced themselves.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES - The September minutes were approved as written.

TREASURER’S REPORT - Jeanne reported that we had income of $356.70 from Market Day, and we paid $3000 toward the field trip buses.

OLD BUSINESS/COMMITTEE REPORTS

Update on Library/Librarian Position - Ms. Fischesser advised us that she interviewed some candidates, and has someone in mind to fill the librarian position for this school year. She met with Fr. Ron and John (temporary business manager) and has the approval to move forward with the hiring. Finance Committee and Parish Council have approved this position. PTO’s financial commitment to this position is approximately $7500, some of which will come from the library fund account and library fundraisers. PTO needs to work out a payment schedule; we make our payments to the parish, who then pays the librarian.

Fall Fundraiser - Nancy Sutor reported that we would not know our final profit until November. It appears that our profit will be approximately $13,000. Thanks to all volunteers who helped with the processing of the orders and to those who supported the fundraiser.

Entertainment Books - Laura Schaeper was unable to attend the meeting. Sales of Entertainment Books will continue until October 12. All profit from the sale of these books goes to the library program..

NEW BUSINESS

Scholastic Book Fair - Sandy Mitsch announced that the Book Fair will be held October 15-21. She and co-chair Debbie Stroh have secured volunteers to work the Book Fair. Thank you to all volunteers and supporters of the Book Fair.

Conference Dinner- Susie Finan was unable to attend, so Katie updated us. Everything is on track for the conference dinner.

Skating Party - Janet Gates reported that our next Skating Party is Thursday, November 8 at Skatetown USA.

Progressive Dinner - Susie Finan was unable to attend, so Katie updated us. This event will be open to all members of the parish. The date is April 5. Susie is still looking for host/hostesses and dessert makers.

Bylaws Review Committee - Karen Stevenson reported that she has requested copies of bylaws from other OLSH committees as well as other Catholic elementary schools. Once this information is received, it will be routed to her committee, which consists of Mrs. Tebbe, Mary Beth Armstrong and Yvonne France.

Market Day - Lisa Schoenberger reported that 195 Boo Bags were sold. As a result of reaching our October Market Day goal, we will receive books (40-60) with a value of $400 that can be included in the school library. These books will be shipped in January. We will have the pie contest in November.

Public Relations Committee Update - Yvonne France updated everyone on the PR efforts that have taken place. She mentioned that Ann Falci has joined her on the committee, so now the committee has 3 members - Yvonne, Alison O’Neill and Ann. Yvonne briefly discussed PR opportunities.

BUSINESS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT

PTO Goal Setting - We began our PTO goal setting with a brainstorming session. PTO members mentioned the following ideas:

             Review the purpose and mission statement of PTO

             Update website

             Request ideas from the teachers on needs in the classrooms

             Develop liaison with teachers - researches field trip/assembly ideas for the teachers

             Analyze fund-raisers - volunteer time versus PTO profit

             Explore direct donation

             Replace information sign in parking lot (parish capital improvement)

             Link OLSH students with CCD students

             Build parish community

             Purchase picnic tables for courtyard

             Review public relations opportunities

We will continue our brainstorming at the November meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Alison O’Neill reminded everyone to sign-up for the parish directory pictures. You will receive a free

8 x 10 portrait and a copy of the parish directory by having your picture taken.

Child care services will be provided at all PTO meetings this school year. Eighth graders can receive service hours for providing this service.

Our next PTO meeting is Tuesday, November 13. Please join us as we continue to define our PTO goals.

Any questions, comments or suggestions about PTO should be directed to one of the Board Members listed on the front of this page.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:11 p.m.