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 7th and 8th 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 4th and 5th grade along with Patriot Day and BG rocks. The deadline to submit pictures is February 27th.
She also announced that Field Day is April 24th 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.