General John Nixon Elementary School
PTO Meeting Minutes
January 19, 2006

The meeting was called to order at 9:55 am.
14 people signed the attendance sheet.

Treasurer’s Report
All of the major fundraising activities for the year have been conducted, with a year-to-date total of $20,792. The forecast for the full-year is 60% attained. Net Income is at $29,846, which is 68% of the full-year goal. The CPA that we hired has finalized the taxes and they have been filed. The cost for this service was $500 (PTO budget was $750) and the Odyssey is going to pay for this out of their budget, since that trip is the reason we needed to use an accountant.

There are still two remaining revenue producing events – Bingo Night and the Nixon March. Expenses are in line and are being closely monitored.

Co-Chair Report
A direct e-mail will be sent out reminding parents about Kindergarten Turnaround, which is January 30th. The Sudbury Summer Camp Fair will take place at L-S on February 11th. There will be an online survey form regarding the District Directory. They are trying to determine if the directory was successful and if it should be produced again next year. The open PTO positions for next year will be posted on the website in March, so please start thinking about how you might want to be involved next year. The Teacher Appreciation Lunch will be May 10. Hospitality will organize this luncheon and there may be something done at the classroom level. They are looking for ideas.

Curriculum Night
Curriculum Night is Wednesday February 8, 6-8 pm. The bulletin board and website are both up, so please take a look at them. They are looking for more countries to be represented. Some of the countries already participating are: India, China, USA, Switzerland, Spain, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Greece. There will be food, games and dancing. There will be a raffle table with the proceeds going to UNICEF and the Heifer Project. They are looking for volunteers and donations.

Fundraising
Bingo Night will be similar to last year with 2 seatings. There will be a raffle and they are looking for donations. General John’s March will be similar to last year and will be combined with the school picnic and slide show.

Geography Expedition
The Geography Expedition is complete and the certificates are getting ready to go out.

School Gifts
There have been 2 requests for school gifts. Kathy Zito asked to purchase books on writing strategies for the 3rd-5th grades. $165 for 11 copies. Sandy Bell requested to purchase 10 copies of books for literacy for the 5th grade at a cost of $60. Both were approved.

Gardening
The gardening committee met with the town (DPW) to see what the town will take care of vs. what the PTO is responsible for as far as maintenance is concerned. Gardening will also work more closely with the facilities manager. A family clean-up day was suggested. It was also suggested that a more definitive pathway be made from the cafeteria to the playground.

Science
There have been many enrichment programs over the last few weeks. The 4th grade had Techsploration, 3rd grade had simple machines, 2nd grade had Light and Color, 1st grade and Kindergarten had Mad Science. The Science Fair bulletin board and website will be going up soon. They are planning a Library Day at both Nixon and Goodnow and are working out the details. There will be Usborne books on sale during the Science Fair. Sign-up deadlines will be firm this year with no extensions.

A question was raised regarding 5th grade graduation. The Wings of Wisdom is the focus of the graduation. This is a breakfast in the Courtyard which is organized by the 4th grade parents and given for the 5th grade students and their parents. Certificates are given to the families who are leaving the school. In the past, there has been a 5th grade slide show organized by Michelle Youngs. Since she is no longer at Nixon, the slide show may or may not happen this year. There has also been a talent show where both the teachers and the students perform. They did not have this last year, but in the past have brought in pizza and soda and had a party after the show. The 5th grade play is in May.

10:40 meeting adjourned