I. Call to Order
Ann Cochran called the meeting to order at 7:12 pm. Each board member introduced his- or herself and told what job they are doing this year.

II. Thank Yous/Roadrunner Recognitions
Ann Cochran thanked various board members for their hard work over the summer and at the beginning of the school year.

III. Reading of the Minutes
Terrie James moved that the board dispense with the reading of the May board
meeting minutes. Debi Russell seconded the motion. Motion was approved by
unanimous consent.

IV. Board Folder/Meeting Procedures
Ann Cochran briefly reviewed board policies and meeting procedures.

V. Treasurer Report
Beth Richey reviewed the current financial reports for Leslie Jackson who was
unable to attend the meeting. She also explained the procedure for turning in
money and getting reimbursed.

VI. Carnival
Terrie James introduced the theme and logo for the Briargrove Carnival to be held
on Saturday, October 16, 2010. The theme is “Briargrove Beach Boardwalk”.
Volunteers are needed for the day of the carnival and for set-up the day before the
carnival. Those wishing to volunteer can contact Erin Fowler or one of the Chairs.
There will be no family underwriting for Carnival this year. It will instead be
rolled into a year-long campaign. T-shirts will be on sale at Open House. Old
sheets are need for the “Shark Attack” booth. Walkie-talkies are also needed but
the school office may be able to provide those as they have a whole new set.
Carnival attractions include a mechanical surfboard, boardwalk swings, trackless
trains and a carousel. Tickets will be available online prior to the event and at the
gate.

VII. Voting Item: House and Grounds
Ellecia Knolle reported that she had gotten 2 bids from contractors to re-grade and
improve the drainage for the Kindergarten playground. The entry into the school
is extremely muddy at all times. The winning bid was $1800. Also, Ellecia
located the original landscape plans for the school which called for 5 crepe
myrtles to be placed on the North wall west of the front entrance. The bid to
plant the crepe myrtles plus additional landscaping was $2700. Emily Kennedy moved that money be distributed from the park fund to pay for these two projects. Shelly Newton
seconded the motion. Motion was approved by unanimous consent.
Ellecia also reported that a work day for small house and grounds projects will
possibly be scheduled for a Saturday in October. The tiles for the 1st cornerstone
on the northeast corner of the school have been installed. The other one should
be completed by the end of September. Ellecia is working on planting vegetable
garden at the back of the school. HISD has agreed to put water fountains on
the playground and install new mulch under the playground structures. They
will also fix the sprinkler system which has been broken since the school first
opened.

VIII. Family Underwriting
Cynthia Anhalt, Holly Dinsmore and Ellecia Knolle are leading the family under- writing efforts this year. Instead of asking for money throughout the year, the
PTO will now have an annual campaign. Packets will go home with students the
week of 9/22. The Auction, Underwriting Party, grandparent letters and corporate
matching will all be incorporated in this campaign.

IX. Corporate Underwriting
Heidi Prince stated that the PTO has raised $20,000 from corporate underwriters
at this point. Any ideas for new companies to solicit should be submitted to Heidi
Prince, Felicia Beaver or Amanda Fisher.

X. Book Fair
Maureen Chaouch announced that book fair will be held the week of 11/15.
Scholastic Books will once again be the vendor. The theme is “Here’s to
Our Heroes—Reading Saves the Day.” She and Ms. Pryor will be inviting
everyday heroes (policemen, doctors etc.) to read to the students. The option
to pre-order lunch from Chick Fil A will possibly be available for parents coming
to Book Fair. Chick Fil A will donate the lunches at cost and the PTO will mark
up by $2.

XI. Box Tops
Stephanie Walden noted that HEB is having a promotion whereby you get 70 extra box tops if you buy 10 boxtop items. There will be fewer flyers this year—most BT info will go through the Buzz Lite. The first BT contest ends 9/17. Go to www.btfe.com and enter a raffle every day where BG could win major cash prizes.

XII. Yearbook
Brenda Jeffreys urged board members to buy their yearbooks early as the books sold out last year.
Parents will once again be able to buy ads for their students in the back of the yearbook.

XIII. Curriculum Enhancement
Maureen Chaouch discussed BG’s new Curriculum Enhancement program. The idea for the
program came from a group of moms who looked at successful schools and what programs they
offered. Every single PTO of a successful school had a Curriculum Enhancement coordinator.
Afternoon fee-for-service activities will still be offered. Maureen is looking to expand the
offerings. Over 20 students signed up for the chess club and Mad Science now has 2 classes.
In the morning, two free activities are being offered: the Jogging Club and Homework Help.
The Jogging Club will meet on the track on Tuesday morning at 7:15. Homework Help will be
available on Thursday mornings in the Library. Both offerings will be parent- and volunteer- driven. At mid-semester, a survey will go out asking parents what activities they’d like to
have available. Both morning activities provide a great opportunity for working parents to be
involved.

XIV. President’s Report
Ann Cochran stated that Beck’s Prime will hold a fundraising night for BG on Monday, September 27 at the Augusta location. Beck’s will donate 15% of BG-generated proceeds
to the PTO. CPK will host a night in October and Bullritos will host one in November.
Ann has been forwarding completed volunteer forms to appropriate program chairmen.
She reminded the board to contact the volunteers and include them in their activities. She
also urged board members to be informed and be good ambassadors for the PTO and for BG.

XV. Preschool Open House
Aimee Verheeck announced that BG will host a preschool open house in the fall to coincide with admissions open houses at area private schools. Invitations will be sent to parents of students at the Oaks, Westminster and St. Martin’s.

XVI. School Supplies
Emily Kennedy stated that school supplies are close to breaking even. Teachers will continue to
collect from students who have not paid.

XVII. Dad’s Club
John Lilly reported that the first Dad’s Club meeting will be Wednesday, September 15 at
Texadelphia. The Pumpkin Sale will be the second weekend in October. Dad’s Club will
once again sponsor the Haunted House and Grillin’ with the Guys at the Carnival. They will
also have a raffle as in years past. The Fall Party will not be held due to lack of participation
last year. The Dad’s Club is discussing other options for get-togethers.

XVIII. Uniform Depot
Tammy Kidd announced that BG is having a coat swap with Valley Oaks Elementary. Uniform
Depot will take donations year-round as well. Uniform Depot will be open at Open House.

XIX. Grady Middle School
Tammy Hiskey reported that Grady MS is now an IB Candidate campus, working toward
acquiring IB certification pending a three-year process. On Monday, September 13, Ms.
Hoffman will discuss Grady’s IB status and other information with parents in the BG
cafeteria. Tammy also reported that the old Grady structure has been demolished and
that construction on the new Grady wing should begin soon with a target completion date of
August 2011. The homecoming game will be on Wednesday, September 22 at Delmar stadium
against Paul Revere MS. Following the game, CPK will host a fundraising night for the Grady PTO.

XX. Principal Report
Debi Russell reported that the playground mulch should be delivered by mid-October.
The start date for Breakfast in the Classroom has been postponed to October 19. Ms. Russell
will discuss the program with parents at Open House. Ms. Russell reported that the school was
completely full before the first day of school. HISD ordered her to exceed the cap and go up
to 24 students/class. BG now has 880 students. The good news regarding this high enrollment
is that more money will be available to the school. Ms. Russell has started an intervention
program whereby teachers evaluate students who need extra help on a weekly basis and intervene
to get these students help early. On a higher learning level, students needing more intellectual
stimulation will participate in individual and group projects led by assistants. There is one teacher
aide for every two grades. BGTV is experiencing technical difficulties but should be repaired soon. BG funding is based on attendance. Therefore it is extremely important that students are
on campus at 9 am daily. BG has a 96.1% attendance rate which could stand to be improved.
New personnel include Jenny Thomas, new Assistant Principal, a new kindergarten teacher, 4 new
second-grade teachers and 1 new 5th grade teacher. A suggestion box has been placed outside the
front office for comments/question which will then be answered in the Principal’s Blog.

XXI. The Oaks
Anne Janse announced that the Oaks is offering a bridge class this year and it is full at present.

XXII. Adjournment
Ann Cochran adjourned the meeting at 9:17pm.

BRIARGROVE ELEMENTARY PTO              Martin Garza, Principal

Board Meeting Minutes                    Traci & Kamal Ariss, PTO Presidents

February 5, 2009

"Celebrating 50 years in the community!"

President Traci Ariss called the meeting to order at 7:15pm at the home of Courtney and Sean Mitchell.

Traci welcomed the PTO members and their guests to the third board meeting. Everyone introduced themselves and stated their current board position.

Traci presented “Roadrunner Recognition to the following:

          Courtney and Sean Mitchell for hosting the PTO Board Meeting

The Briargrove Teachers, administrators and staff for a successful and fun Math night

Susan Simpson, Jessica Peirce and the BG players for the Briargrove’s first play competition

Teacher appreciation-Leslie Jackson, Vicki Locascio and Blake Adams for making our teachers feel extra special over the holidays

Spring Buzz chair-Meredith Zenner

Traci read an inspirational story “The Cracked Pot” reminding everyone that differences and apparent flaws can be strengths that provide positive influence. Traci challenged each board member to write a personal note to another member that has been a positive influence to them.

A motion was made by Chris Butler to dispense with the reading of the minutes from the last PTO Board meeting held on November 20, 2008. The motion was seconded by Melinda Prewett and passed by unanimous vote.

Traci reviewed meeting procedures as discussed at previous meetings.

Paige Glass presented the treasurer’s report which included the current 2008-2009 PTO budget, the balance sheet and current income/expense status. A discussion was held regarding the cost and necessity of agenda books. Paige announced the 2009-2010 budget will be reduced to eliminated unnecessary expenditures.

Susan McConn announced the 2009-2010 officer nominations:

          President Elect-Ann & Burke Cochran

          Secretary-Emily Kennedy

          Treasurer-Paige Glass

          Treasurer Elect-Leslie Jackson

A motion to except each nomination was made and the new slate of officers was unanimously approved.

Susan then passed out the board position list for the 2009-2010 school year. All requests are to be turned in by mid March for selection at the end of March.

Grady student Kamryn Pursell spoke on behalf of Grady Middle School. She discussed the recent trip to Washington DC during the inauguration that was attended by 33 7^th and 8^th graders, 4 staff members and 10 parent chaperones.

Anne Janse announced that The Oaks Preschool will not be raising tuition for the 2009-2010 school year and all classes are currently full. Many Pre-k students continue to graduate and begin kindergarten at Briargrove.

Aimee Verheeck, Melanie Marglous & Sallie Guerino gave an auction update. The committee thanked Karen Guerriero for the invitation design, Emily Kennedy for the online catalog, Heidi Prince for the decoration cute outs and everyone else who has helped. Aimee announced that the first 150 guest to send in their reservations will receive a “special surprise” and that the online catalog will have a printable version the week of the auction.

Renee McGah announced the auction “wish list” items which include academic aids for the teachers to use in their classrooms.  She gave a brief description of a “Smart Board” and an “Elmo” (electronic visual presentation) which guest will have the opportunity to donate funds towards the purchase of these. Each cost approximately $1,000 with a goal of purchasing one per grade this year.

Traci announced that the yearbook committee still needs pictures for the 4^th and 5^th grade along with Patriot Day and BG rocks. The deadline to submit pictures is February 27^th.

She also announced that Field Day is April 24^th and volunteer opportunities will be available soon.

Emily Kennedy announced the current website redesign will give parents, administrators and teachers the ability to modify certain pages with the goal of a complete “paperless” environment.

Traci announced that due to hurricane Ike and required classroom instructional time, Valuntune’s will not be performed this year. A performance on BG TV will take place by Mr. Garza, Ms. McGah and Ms. Pickard and lollipops will be distributed to the classrooms.

Chris Butler announced that the Dad’s Club fall fund raisers were very successful and thanked all those who participated. She discussed future expenditures and announced that the Dad’s Club had approved spending $25,000 on books for the Guided Reading program and the purchase of one Smartboard and one Elmo. The Dad’s Club spring fundraiser will be a Clay Shot with the date to be announced.

Mr. Garza announced that a new brochure is being designed to give to all prospective kindergarten parents at mini-kindergarten, similar to the brochure Grady Middle School distributes. Other Briargrove updates included the hiring of two new teacher assistants and an hourly Math teacher and an hourly Reading teacher. Briargrove is currently evaluating necessary changes to next year’s school schedule allowing for more planning time for teachers and administrators. The schedule under consideration will include a weekly early dismissal day each Wednesday at 12:45 with dismissal all other days at 3:15. A brief discussion followed regarding the pros and cons of Wednesday versus Friday. This year Science Day will have two “domes” brought into the school which will hold 50 students for an Imax experience.

Traci made several other announcements:

HISD superintendent Abe Saavedra announced his retirement

The next board meeting is scheduled for May 14, 2008.

Traci adjourned the meeting at 8:45pm.

BRIARGROVE ELEMENTARY PTO              Martin Garza, Principal

Board Meeting Minutes                    Traci & Kamal Ariss, PTO Presidents

November 20, 2008

"Celebrating 50 years in the community!"

President Traci Ariss called the meeting to order at 7:15pm at the home of Beth and John Richey.

Traci welcomed the PTO members and their guests to the second board meeting which was designated as “Bring a Friend”. Everyone introduced themselves and welcomed all “friends” of the Board. Traci read an inspirational poem reiterating the importance and appreciation of each parent’s involvement at Briargrove. Pom-poms were distributed along with a board members name with the challenge to “cheer on and support” your designated person.

Traci presented “Roadrunner Recognition to the following:

          Beth and John Richey for hosting the PTO Board Meeting

          Carnival Chairs Delores Jones, Diane Harding and Iliana Tamacas

          Treasurers Dayna Paull and Paige Glass for their carnival work

          Patriot’s Day Chairs Terrie James, Edlyn Pursell and Allison Maurer

          Book Fair Chairs Michelle Woodward, Lori Watler and Ellicia Knolle

Dad’s Club Presidents Bo and Chris Butler and everyone who helped with the Pumpkin sale, Carnival Raffle, Cook off and Haunted House

          Corporate Underwriting Liaison Lisa Rossmiller

          Summer Party Chair Gina Spessard

          Library Chairs Brenda Jeffreys and Maureen Chouch

          Webmaster Emily Kennedy

          Fall Buzz Chair Linda Perniciaro

          Office Volunteer Coordinators Melinda Prewett and Shelly Newton

          Room Mother Chairs Tricia Ayers, Christine Braddock and Deanna Harrington

          Teacher Appreciation Chairs Blake Adams, Leslie Jackson and Vicki Locascio

          Graphic Designer Karen Guerriero

Hospitality Hostesses Heidi Prince, Tammy Hiskey and Courtney Mitchell

          Directory Chairs Sheri Howard and Mary Beth Burrow

          AR Chari Michelle Baird

Box Tops Chair Michelle Glickman

Decoration Chairs Debbie Guinn, Laurie Ferguson, Angie Hardin and Joey Hixson

House and Grounds Barbara Lilly, Beth Richey and Leah Eknoyan

Publicity Chairs Kelley Anderson, Jennifer Tellepsen, Blake Kunetka and Jana McHenry

T-shirts Chairs Lauren Eagle and Cynthia Anhalt

Uniform Depot Chairs Kathleen Haley and Cecilia Esquivel

A motion was made by Linda Perniciaro to dispense with the reading of the minutes from the last PTO Board meeting held on September 4, 2008. The motion was seconded by Anna Jones and passed by unanimous vote.

Traci reviewed meeting procedures as discussed previously in September.

Dayna Paull presented the treasurer’s report which included the current 2008-2009 PTO budget, the balance sheet and current income/expense status.

Book Fair Chairs Ellecia Knolle, Michelle Woodward & Lori Watler announced that as of the second day of the book fair, sales were strong. Students continue to enjoy having lunch, shopping for books and having dessert in their classroom with their special guests. 

Auction Chairs Melanie Marglous, Aimee Verheeck & Sallie Guerino announced that the “Solid Gold” Briargrooven for 50 Years! auction will be held on February 28, 2009 at the Firehouse Saloon. The auction committee is in place and solicitation has begun. Bottles of wine are appreciated for the wine cellar and well as suggestions for underwriting. A new category of items in the silent auction this year will be “Wish Lists”. Each item will be designated for donations for the purpose of purchasing specific items requested by Briargrove staff.

Mr. Garza announced that the new “Guided Reading” initiative has been very successful to date and the goal is to add 3^rd grade to the program next year.  Mr. Garza would like to purchase additional Kindergarten equipment and will include this as an auction “Wish List” item. All construction funds from HISD have been spent. An additional 5^th grade teacher will be hired for the spring semester to bring the class size down to 25. Mr. Garza also announced three projects Briargrove will be administering. The first is a curriculum breakout for high achieving students to ensure that each student is academically challenged to their full potential, the second and third are programs that breakdown standardized testing scores and provides detailed analysis of the data. These three new initiatives will require possible scheduling changes for students to allow for staff discussions, training and integration.  All suggestions are to be forwarded to Mr. Garza addressing any scheduling changes. Mr. Garza stated that the phonics portion of the Guided Reading program at the kindergarten level continues to reflect growth.

A brief discussion was held on the Shared Decision Making Committee explaining that it is a forum for informal discussions between teachers, parents and administration.

Gloria Alvarez gave an update on Grady Middle School and passed around a schedule of fall events. Tammy Hiskey informed everyone that an onsite tour was attended by 25 Briargrove parents conducted by the principal, Gretchen Kasper-Hoffman. Susan McConn made a few comments about the positives Grady has to offer the community.  Applications will be sent home on December 3^rd to 5^th graders for the 2009-2010 school year.

Anne Janse announced that the students at the Oaks Preschool continue to enjoy their preschool experience.  Many of her staff just attended an Early Childhood Awareness convention.

Traci provided an update on the Ogansoy family and announced a fundraiser at all California Pizza Kitchen Houston restaurants on December 11^th with 20% of sales proceeds benefiting the Jett Ogansoy Memorial Fund. She also announced that the petition deadline had been extended for the speed bumps and formal HPD investigation.

Traci made several other announcements:

Donations are needed for Uniform Depot and PE equipment for Coach Barrera would be greatly appreciated.

The next Parent Teacher Focus Group Meeting will be held on January 13, 2009 and copies of the notes from the meeting held in November are available upon request. These meetings are open to any attendees.

Bo Butler thanked all those that helped with the fall events.

Angie Hardin inquired about the tiles while Bridget Wade announced that there is still a need for additional tiles to be painted for completion of the fence and marquee.

Plaques have been installed on the brick columns of the fence.

Traci adjourned the meeting at 8:30pm.

BRIARGROVE ELEMENTARY PTO              Martin Garza, Principal

Board Meeting Minutes                    Traci & Kamal Ariss, PTO Presidents

September 4, 2008

"Celebrating 50 years in the community!"

President Traci Ariss called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.

Traci thanked Bridget and Pat Wade for hosting the meeting and welcomed everyone and stated her job could not be done without the dedication of all the board members, Briargrove staff and parents. She continued with a poem about “Making a Difference” to remind everyone that each individual contribution makes the entire school successful. Traci also challenged each member to acquaint themselves with another board member they may not know. She passed around a basket for everyone to draw a name.

A motion was made by Susan McConn to dispense with the reading of the minutes from the last PTO Board meeting held on May 15, 2008. The motion was seconded by Linda Perniciaro and passed by unanimous vote.

Traci announced that all PTO Board meeting documents had been emailed prior to the meeting in an effort to reduce paper consumption. Folders were available for those desiring to print their copies.  Traci also explained that any lengthy discussions were be deferred to the end of the PTO meetings to give members who may need to leave after presenting their items the opportunity to do so.

Other items discussed were the new PTO and teacher blogs, the newly organized PTO room at school and the new underwriting packets.

Dayna Paull presented the treasurer’s report which included the current 2008-2009 PTO budget, the balance sheet and current income/expense status.

Traci made several school news announcements:

A generous donation in the amount of $30,000 was given by the Tellepsen Family for the completion of the Tellepsen Park including a track and beautiful landscaping.

All website bgroadrunners.org updates should be sent to Emily Kennedy, the 2008-2009 webmaster. Please make comments and give feedback to the teachers regarding their blogs. This is a great information tool.

Traci will be posting “Chronicles & Recollections” on her blog and in the BG Buzz which will reprise current events happening 50 years ago when Briargrove Elementary was first opened.

Carnival Chairs Delores Jones, Iliana Tamacas & Diane Harding reported on carnival preparations. This year’s theme is “50 Years in Our Space”. Bumper magnets will be distributed soon along with underwriting information. Carnival t-shirts are available for online ordering.

Book Fair Chairs Ellecia Knolle, Michelle Woodward & Lori Watler announced that the book fair would be held on November 19^th, 20^th & 21^st.  The featured author this year is Kate McMillon.

Auction Chairs Melanie Marglous, Aimee Verheeck & Sallie Guerino announced that the “Solid Gold” Briargrooven for 50 Years! auction will be held on February 28, 2009 at the Firehouse Saloon.

House & Grounds Beth Richey announced that the committee has been identifying areas around the school that are potential hazards and need to be addressed. Several places on the iron fence were found to be loose. John Richey is contacting the company that installed it for repairs.

Dad’s Club held its first meeting on Wednesday, September 3^rd at Texadelphia. The Pumpkin sale is scheduled for October. Rob James, Jonathon Newton & Tim Jones are preparing for the fall raffle. The fence plaques are on order and the fall party is scheduled for September 25^th at Texadelphia. The Dad’s Club will host a “Spring Shoot Out” for their fundraiser.

Mr. Garza announced that the enrollment this year has increased and grades 3 and 5 are full. Briargrove has adopted a new “Guided Reading” initiative to address all levels of readers and HISD is testing to ensure that all levels of learners including high performing students are “growing academically” each year.

Gloria Alvarez gave an update on Grady Middle School and passed around a schedule of fall events.

Anne Janse announced that the Oaks Preschool is currently full. Spanish is now being taught three days a week and the preschoolers continue to blossom.

Gina Spessard announced that 110 students completed their summer reading packets and would be celebrating with a donut party in the library.

Brenda Jeffreys announced that library volunteers are still needed.

Melinda Prewett thanked all those who have volunteered to work in the office and hall greet at lunch time. She also stated that there are still several shifts available.

Traci again thanked several with Roadrunner Recognition, announced that the next meeting will be held on November 20^th at Beth Richey’s house and adjourned the meeting.