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 3rd 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 5th 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 3rd to 5th 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 11th 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.