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 19th, 20th & 21st. 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 3rd 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 25th 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 20th at Beth Richey’s house and adjourned the meeting.