OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION

MEETING MINUTES - FEBRUARY 8, 2006

Jamie Brenner, President                                                   Pam Kennedy, Treasurer

554-4411                                                                            984-4597

Heather VonLehmden, Vice President                              Karen Stevenson, Secretary

733-3337                                                                            563-7583

OPENING PRAYER - The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Jamie Brenner, PTO President.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES - The January meeting minutes were approved as written.

TREASURER REPORT - Pam reported that we had $250 in income from January’s Market Day. We had $3,150 in expenses in January for Catholic Schools Week and Open House, the Teachers’ Wish List and get well gift for Kris Holtmann.

ORGANIZATIONAL REPORTS

Market Day - In addition to the income reported above, Lisa Schoenberger reported that Market Day is looking for ways to increase profits and membership. One suggestion is a Tally Rally - if the Market Day order sheet is returned to the classroom, whether or not an order is placed, the child’s classroom will be entered into a contest. More information will be forthcoming.

Parish Council update - no meeting held this month.

OLD BUSINESS

Catholic Schools Week Update - The staff luncheon, coordinated by Gina Vonderhaar, was delicious. Thanks to Vonderhaar’s Market and Catering for their donation of the luncheon food. It was suggested that next year’s Open House include more tour guides and greeters for each classroom. The Welcome Book handed out at Open House was very beneficial for “new” families to the school. Thank you to everyone who coordinated the Catholic Schools Week activities.

Teacher Wish List Update - We purchased most of the equipment outlined on the Teachers’ Wish List. We also purchased some new gym equipment for Mrs. Geers.

Mrs. Gorsuch requested that the money allocated for an author be held until next year. That way the teachers will have more time to prepare for the presentation. It was suggested that we may want to pursue Angels with Attitude this year for the younger grades.

NEW BUSINESS

Nominations for PTO Board Members - Jamie Brenner and Heather Von Lehmden are stepping down from their positions as PTO President and PTO Vice-President. Pam Kennedy has nominated herself for the Treasurer position, and Karen Stevenson has nominated herself for the Secretary position. Therefore, we are looking for nominations for the President and Vice-President positions. You can also nominate yourself to run for the Treasurer or Secretary position. If you are interested in any PTO Board member position, or you know of someone who may be interested, please contact Jamie Brenner. The final list of candidates will be announced at the March meeting, with voting taking place at the April meeting.

Talent Show - Tamara Anderson is chairing this event. There will not be a cover charge this year. PTO has provided the Talent Show committee with a $300 budget for their expenses.

PTO Awareness - Discussions were held about ways to make families more aware of PTO and its’ functions, particularly increasing attendance at monthly PTO meetings. One suggestion was requiring families to volunteer “x” number of hours per year (you would get credit for attending PTO meetings). It was also suggested that service hours be instituted for sixth, seventh and eighth graders. Some of the parents in the audience will check with neighboring schools to see how service hours and incentives for attendance at PTO meetings is handled. If you have any ideas, let one of the PTO board members know.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION are due by the end of February. Put them in an envelope marked “Box Tops for Education” and put them in the Campbells Soup Labels bins.

Fish Fry Fridays will be March 24 and 31 and April 7. Additional information, including volunteer sign-up sheets, will be forthcoming.

Next meeting - The next meeting will be held March 8, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the Lower Level of the Parish Center.

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 8:05 p.m.