Falmouth Middle School PTO Minutes

Falmouth Middle School PTO Minutes, 4-3-2002

Attendees: Kathleen Parr, Jen Furman, Melissa Cott, Christine Dalzell, Janet Bruen, Bonnie Jensen, Janet Scala, Rosemary Cox-Collins, Eydie Pryzant, Sheila Fay, Rena Becker, Carol Keroack, Nancy Richards, Meredith Mazur, Carolyn Hollowell, Susan Nevins, Karen Jones, Kate Clement, Peg Hebson, Steve Dunwoody, Monique Jeffries, Peggy Keach, Jade Doyle, Debbie Meahl, Lisa Parsons, Russ Stogsdill, MaryBeth Bachman, Jeannie Barbour, Deb Loveitt

Introductions

Treasurer's Report
Jennifer Furman provided a complete Income & Expense Report from November 2001 to April 4, 2002. Current ending balance of $26,297.04. Rough estimate of pending and committed amount of $8,450.00 includes:

Pending approval:

Announcement.
Next PTO meeting will be held Wednesday, May 1, 2002 at 7 PM in the Middle School Library. The business meeting will be brief, as the "Forum on Eating Disorders" will begin at 7:30 PM. The evening will feature a panel with a nutritionist, physician, recreational therapist, and young people who have struggled with eating disorders. Students, parents, staff, coaches, everyone welcome. Please spread the word. More info: MaryBeth Bachman @ 781-9882 or Lois Myers @ 781-4947.

Volunteer Report
Teacher Appreciation event for May in early planning stage. Co-chairs Melissa Cott and Ro Cox-Collins volunteered to organize.

8th Grade Cruise - The next meeting will be on Monday, April 8,2002 at FMS.

Bob Marley (the comedian) tickets are now on sale for the Falmouth High School benefit.

2002- 2003 Middle School Schedule Presentation by Principal Deb Loveitt
An excellent and informative presentation was given by Mrs. Loveitt regarding the daily schedule changes for next year in the Middle School. Although the schedule changes are currently a "work-in-progress", Mrs. Loveitt gave a preview of the goals, challenges and caveats of developing these changes.

Goals identified (culmination of staff, teaching teams, students, PTO, Personal Growth Task Force hopes and dreams):

Challenges
Fit into each student's day, (no pressure here):

Mrs. Loveitt delivered a proposal to the team leaders after the scheduling committee of Kathleen Marquis-Girard, Lois Murphy, David Galin, and Sue Palfrey developed a schedule to address some of these issues. She has made five round trips between these two groups with feedback to propose the following tentative changes. Feedback from the faculty is currently in progress.

Mrs. Loveitt expects that team building, experiential learning and chemical awareness programs would continue. Software to develop actual schedules is expected by mid-May, so nothing will be concrete for several months.

Thank you, Mrs. Loveitt!

School Budget Meeting Notice.
Monday, April 8, 2002 at Falmouth Town Hall. Also broadcast on CH 2. Previews: Will feature a Gifted & Talented presentation; 2002-2003 school year to start on August 28, 2002!

Wanted: Two Falmouth Middle School Parents to co-chair FMS PTO 2002-2003. Ideal team would include a parent with a 5th or 6th grader and a parent with an older child who has experienced the 7/8 grades at FMS. Time commitment: Monthly PTO meeting lasts 1 to 2 hours, plus one executive meeting per month; all other time is what you volunteer like the rest of us. Sense of humor helpful. Come to the next meeting and we'll vote you in.

Falmouth Middle School PTO Meeting 2-6-2002

Attendees: Suzy Andrews, Sherle Fay, Melissa Cott, Julie Cameron, Beth Willhoite Grade 5 teacher, Steve Dunwoody, Barbara Kilroy, Meredith Mazur, Monique Jeffries, Eydie Pryzant, Carol Kieroachk, Kathy Marquis Girard, Theresa Getson, Rena Becuer, Laurie Hasty

Treasurer's Report - Our increase in funds over last year is $9,547.21.
The Enrichment amounts for are proposed as follows:

The Treasurer proposed that our Rainy Day Fund of $4,000 be moved from the checking account and into a savings account where it will earn some interest.
Discussion: Is maximum liquidy worth the smaller amount of interest than investing in a CD? Right now the feeling is yes.
Proposal to move $4,000 to a savings account passed.

$3,900 has been received from Schoolpop. Each PTO will receive $1,300. Thanks to all who have signed up and participated. If you have not signed up yet - it is not too late. Contact your PTO for applications.

Enrichment Stipends:
Beth Willhoite a 5th grade teacher addressed the group. The fifth grade would like to bring Monica Brabin, the Singing Historian to the 5th grade. She presents singing history, a series of programs blending the music and history of the United States. This will tie in with the 5th grade curriculum. The cost will be approximately $900. A proposal was made to fund the Singing Historian for $900. Passed.

Ideas were suggested to look at a reading/writing connection - looking for an author to work with small groups. Another idea is the 5th grade science museum trip - the PTO could help pay for the admission for students who can't afford to go.

Carey Hotaling a 6th grade teacher made a presentation on Greek Week. This program has 6th grade kids immersed in Greek culture for the entire week, culminating in the Olympic Games. There are the Olympics, Myths, Greek Theater, Daily Living, Greek Cooking and Bookmaking. This program is a huge success. A proposal was made to reimburse the 6th grade for the exact costs of Greek week totaling approximately $750. Passed.

Mrs. Hotaling requested that the Enrichment stipend that is given to each grade level be announced at the beginning of the school year so that the teachers could plan their budgets accordingly. One problem with this is that the dollar amount of the enrichment budget is not known until the magazine drive is complete. The PTO is also requesting a clear accounting of how the enrichment money is being spent at each grade level.

Mrs. Hotaling's other request is to hire buses to take the 6th grade students to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. This is an end of year trip and the students spend half of their time at Quincy Market and half their time at the Museum. The approximate cost of 4 MaineLine buses is $2,800. The admission to the Museum is $4 per student. Last year the PTO paid $1,000. This discussion was tabled for more information and discussion.

Volunteer Coordinators - Mr. Conant needs volunteers for Thursday and Friday for Greek week.
MEA's start Tuesday March 5. The PTO would like to provide nutrition for the students such as juice and muffins, something healthy. Bakers are needed. Julie will make calls.

Announcements -

Kathy Marquis-Girard - Tom Farrell spoke to parents and students at the MS - He will be speaking to parents and students at the HS on Monday February 11.

Kathy gave a presentation on Bully and Harassment. This presentation was based on Kathy's research.

In a survey of the 6, 7 and 8th graders about harassment there seems to be an increase in incidences, but in reality Kathy feels that it means that kids are now reporting bullying and harassing behavior.

Profiles/Indications
There have always been bullies
The number has actually decreased
Social morals have improved
The belief is that Columbine was a turning point. The students had been bullied. Violence is the end of something, usually not the beginning
Bullying cannot be dismissed as a rite of passage

Bullying behavior
Physical assault
Verbal taunts
Name calling
Non-verbal communication
Extortion
Stealing money or possessions
Exclusion from peer groups
Bullying exists in kindergarten, increases in elementary school, Peaks in MS and lowers in HS.

Bullying is done by individuals or groups - usually groups.
More common in affluent schools

Profile of a bully
Little anxiety
Strong self esteem
Lack of empathy
Defends their behavior
Most likely to be some of the most popular students, the ones everyone likes and want to be like or with.

Societal influences are not constraining adolescent behavior, prime time TV, afternoon talk shows, radio, reality video games, violent movies, music.

Girls are bullied for how they look, boys for how they act.

Many thanks to Kathy Marquis-Girard for her wonderful presentation.

Next PTO meeting is Wednesday March 6 at 7pm

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Wednesday January 23, 2002

Jason Hurley gave us a brief overview of his experience. Most of his experience comes from the college level. He was a coach at St. Mary's College for 14 years and then became an associate AD. At a small college the AD does a lot of things similar to a high school AD.

Jason has met with many of the booster groups and is conducting a Value Survey, based on getting feedback on how they feel about the athletic department. He used this meeting to continue getting this feedback.

Included are the questions he asked and the answers from the HS and MS parents that attended the meeting.

If you could make a change in the program, what would it be?

What is your ideal program within athletic program

What do we need?

What are expectations of AD?

Other information from Jason:

Many thanks to Jason Hurley for giving us the opportunity to give him feedback on how we perceive the Falmouth Athletic Department.

Other PTO information

We have received $3,900 from Schoolpop, divided between the three PTO's. Thanks to everyone who signed up and uses his or her Shaws card.

Jean Gulliver gave a short overview of the Capital Campaign now in progress. The goal of the campaign is to support and strengthen the community. $350,000 has already been raised. The campaign will be kicking into high gear - we are hoping to meet the overall goal by the end of the school year. Some things the Capital Campaign is doing is supporting FEF, stimulate conversation and the creation of an alumni association.

Other news:
The opening ceremonies for the new HS will be held the first week in March. Stay tuned.

The next MS PTO meeting will be Wednesday February 6, 2002 at 12:30 in the MS library.
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December 5, 2001

Janet Bruen, Christine Dalzell, Eydie Pryzant, Deb Loveitt, Melissa Cott, Karen Jones, Julie Cameron, Carol Keroack, Peg Hebson, Peggy Keach, Rena Becker, Patty Webber, Monique Jeffries, Bonnie Jensen, Carolyn Hallowell, Rosemary Cox-Collins, Mary Beth Bachman, Margaret Curran, Jane Manheimer, Jennifer Furman, Nancy Richards, Kelly Frantzen

1.      Principal’s Report

Deb Loveitt thanked the PTO for the food – provided for the eighth graders who took the MEAs during the w/o 11/26/01.  Mrs. Pearle’s class wrote a Thank You note to the PTO.

The trip for 8^th Graders to Washington D.C. is a “GO”.  Reminder: Although the trip is happening on school time, it is NOT school-sponsored.  Next year it WILL NOT be conducted on school time, but since it provides important educational value, it will be considered for school-sponsorship in the future.

2.      7^th and 8^th Grade Christmas Dance

The dance will be held December 14^th from 7 to 10pm.  The Student Council has developed a specific and mandatory dress code for both girls and boys.

3.      5^th Grade Intramurals, School Activities

Intramurals for 5^th Graders are planned to start in January.  Among the activities included will be lacrosse and jump rope club.

Concerns were raised regarding lack of communication and organization of 5^th grade activities.

4.      Organizing Announcements

A request was made to have school activities and announcements published – for 10 days ahead – in the weekly Principal Notes.

A general discussion occurred regarding how announcements should be posted so that late, breaking additions, cancellations and any other type of change to school activities are readily accessible by parents, teachers, etc.

Several parents did not receive Electronic Principal Notes for the week of 11/23/01

5.      Ethics Committee

Christine Dalzell spoke about the Code of Conduct speech presented on November 27^th: by J. Duke Albanese.

Nominations were made for a community-wide ethics committee currently being organized. The committee is looking for +/- 50 Falmouth residents of varied backgrounds.

6.      Snacks for MEAs in March

MS_ PTO is looking for volunteers to make healthy, hearty snacks available for the 8^th graders taking MEAs during the week of March 4, ’02.

7.      Dance Classes for Middle School

MS-PTO is planning on developing socialization activities (and spending a portion of the Magazine-Drive money) to include line dancing for 5^th and 6^th graders, and swing dance for 7^th and 8^th graders.  Our own Bonnie Rand (Middle School secretary) is a line-dancing champion – and might possibly help out.

The classes will start in late January, will take place after school, and each grade will have their own dance class.

8.      Treasurers Report

The final tally on the Magazine Drive was $64,754.59.    The first of 3 installments has been sent to the Magazine Drive for $24,827.00.  We expect to net approximately $24,000 when final bills are in.

The first check issued by SchoolPop was $271.31.

9.      More Fundraising

A suggestion was made by Nancy Richards to do box-tops as a fundraiser.  She will head it up and get it OK’d by the Principal.  She’ll also set up collection boxes in the school.

10.  Volunteer Coordinator Report

5^th and 6^th Grades need volunteers to put up signs in front of the school for January – April (7^th and 8^th grade volunteers did this for September – December).

11.  5^th Grade Issues

5^th Grade Parents would like to have a 5^th grade parent forum meeting to get updated on how the transition went (from Plummer Motz to Middle School) and what (if any) changes may or may not be needed for future PL -> Middle School transitions.

The parents would like some 5^th grade teachers at the meeting as well as some of the transition team members, not just the Principal alone.

12.  EBSCO Database

The remainder of the meeting was a presentation about the EBSCO database by Middle School librarian Peggy Becksvoort.

What is EBSCO?  It’s a database of hundreds of magazine, newspaper, and journal articles.  These databases are costly – but because they are paid for on our phone bills, the cost is spread out among many and amounts to about .13 a month.

When do you use EBSCO? Anytime you want a full-text article from a source you can trust.

How do you find the EBSCO database?  One simple way is to go to the Falmouth Schools website (www.falmouthschools.org) and choose the Middle School -> then choose Library -> then choose General Sources.  At the top of the list you will find EBSCO.

Then what’s next? Click on the words EBSCOHost.  You will be asked 3 things: your name, your library (Falmouth Middle School) and your zip code (04105).  After the library and zip code are verified you will be connected to the database.

The next screen will provide selections on what type of search you want: business source search, academic search, newspaper sources, etc.  When performing a search BE SPECIFIC: use a specific word you want to do a search on, and then give it limits

December 18^th: Parenting forum (Tuesday 12:30pm, Falmouth Memorial Library)

A group of high school and middle school parents facilitated by Nancy Dix will meet monthly to discuss parenting issues.  Meetings are open to all parents.

Middle School Handbook on the Web

The assignment notebook information – i.e. the “Middle School Handbook” – all that wonderful information that right now is in the front of the assignment notebooks is available on the Web.

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Falmouth Middle School PTO Minutes - See Also Addendum below
November 7, 2001

Attendees:
Janet Bruen, Christine Dalzell, Lynda Rubinstein, Eydie Pryzant, Deb Loveitt, Kathleen Marquis-Girard, Melissa Cott, Karen Jones, Maria Locke, Julie Cameron, Mary Feigenbaum, Claire LaBrecque, Harriet Boomer, Beppie Cerf, Vicki Swerdlow, Laurie Hasty, Jean Gulliver, Cheryl Libby, Kathleen Parr, Carol Keroack, Peg Hebson, Peggy Keach, Debbie Wilson, Trish O'Carroll, Rena Becker, Patty Weber, Diane Boucher, Monique Jeffries, Bonnie Jensen, Carolyn Hollowell, Carol Harris, Rosemary Cox-Collins, Mary Beth Bachman, Dianne Strasse-Karn

Introductions

• Volunteer Coordinators for 7th and 8th grade: Julie Cameron and Nancy Lundquist
• Volunteer Coordinators for 5th and 6th grade: Lee Ann Desai and Rena Becke
• Communications: Melissa Cott
• Social Liaison: Clare LaBrecque

Items Discussed

1. Electronic Principal Notes

A questionnaire was passed out to sign up to receive Deborah Loveitt's weekly principal notes by e-mail. If interested, contact Sue Palfrey at nbarnes@fps.k12.me.us.

2. Agenda for future PTO Meetings
The above questionnaire also asked for issues that PTO members would like to see discussed at future PTO meetings. Among those mentioned were: ethics, raising academic standards, curriculum and technology, socialization skills, "one school", how to study/keep organized, and more.

3. Schoolpop
A presentation was made by Chris Hutcherson from Schoolpop. Schoolpop, a fund-raiser sponsored by the Shaws, donates 2% of your grocery bill to the Falmouth Schools when you

1. Are signed up for Schoolpop, and
2. Use your Shaw's Rewards Card.
You can get the sign-up forms at the Middle School or, sign up online at www.Schoolpop.com. The schools will receive a check every quarter. There is a check due next week for last quarter and on February 15 for this quarter. From November 18 through January 4 Shaws is donating 5% instead of the usual 2%.
Schoolpop estimates there are 400 families in the school system not yet signed up.

4. Treasurers Report
The balance carried over from last year is $2,715.02. This year's budget will be presented at the December meeting (see Announcements below).

5. Magazine Drive
Karen Jones stated that this year's magazine drive raised about $63,200 not counting the late orders. FMS gets 40% of that minus the prize money. Thanks to all the volunteers!!!

6. Volunteer Coordinator
Volunteers needed:

1. 8th grade math books need laminating.
2. Parent volunteers needed for a field trip to the Art Museum

7. Principal's Report
Deb Loveitt thanked all who participated in the magazine drive. She gave a PowerPoint presentation on the strengths and challenges she currently perceives within the Falmouth Middle School. They are:

Strengths

1. Skilled and dedicated community
2. Rich offering of academic and fine arts courses
3. Strong support for "at-risk" students
4. Active parent community
5. A diverse and inclusive athletic program

Challenges
1. Building size
2. Student body size
3. Need to build an assessment system to assure that

a. Students meet standards
b. Professional development keeps pace
c. Students have a response system

Deb encourages parents to come to her with problems, concerns, and ideas. Already changes have been made around the Middle School dances: the library is now open throughout the duration of the dance as a place for conversation, board games, or just a quick break. Students sign in upon arrival at the dance. These implementations are all the result of the ideas suggested by our newly-formed Dance Committee, comprised of students, parents, and teachers. Bravo to you all! Lets Dance!

8. School Board Report

Kathleen Parr reported some items on the agenda for the school board this year are

1. Reports on effective programs for FMS
2. AP programs at FHS will be looked at
3. Consultants and the Athletic Director will look at fields and usage, it will be a joint study between the town and school
4. Feasibility of bus stops
5. Job search for HS principal
6. Committee for a new elementary school

Announcements: Come One Come All! - See also Addendum below

• November 27th: Code of conduct discussion (Tuesday, 7:30pm Falmouth Middle School)
• J. Duke Albanese will kick off a discussion on the State mandated code of conduct that each school system and community will be responsible for developing.
• December 18th: Parenting forum (Tuesday 12:30pm, Falmouth Memorial Library)
• A group of high school and middle school parents facilitated by Nancy Dix will meet monthly to discuss parenting issues. Meetings are open to all parents.
• December 5th: MS-PTO Meeting (Tuesday, 12:30pm)
• Librarian Peg Becksvoort will speak about Internet Resources that will put the meat into your child's homework/projects. Her password: EBSCO.
• Middle School Handbook on the Web
  The assignment notebook information - i.e. the "Middle School Handbook" - all that wonderful information that right now is in the front of the assignment notebooks is now available on the Web.

Addendum to Falmouth Middle School PTO Minutes

November 7, 2001

Announcements: Come One Come All!
1. 5th Grade Intramurals.
Great news for 5th Graders! At the November PTO meeting concerns were expressed by parents that there are few opportunities for the 5th graders to get together after school hours. So, beginning in January, look for 5th grade intramurals! Much more information will be coming home to parents and children but this is certainly something to look forward to in the New Year.
2. PTO feeds hungry MEA test takers
Thanks Deb Loveitt, your magazine drive money is already at work. Deb suggested that we provide a nutritious snack for 8th graders during MEA testing. We all know that children learn (and we hope, test) better on a full stomach so the PTO provided orange juice, muffins and breakfast bars each morning before the exams. The PTO was greeted warmly by the students and teachers and we intend to continue this service when MEAs happen again in the spring.

Dates to Remember
1. December 5 at 12:30 pm: December PTO Meeting
The MSPTO will meet on Wednesday, Dec.5 at 12:30 pm in the MS Library. Our MS librarian, Peggy Becksvoort, will present information on exciting Internet research tools and resources to which we all have access in our homes. Come and see what your child is doing with EBSCO, a wonderful magazine and newspaper database. Here's your chance to try and stay a bit ahead of the learning curve! Amaze your child with your new knowledge! Some Internet "lingo" will be provided!
2. December 18 at 12:30 pm: MS/HS Parenting Forum
The MS/HS Parenting Forum will be on Dec.18 at 12:30 pm in the Falmouth Memorial Library.
3. January 23, 2002: MS/HS Combined PTO Meeting
The MS and HS PTOs will hold their annual combined meeting. The speaker will be Jason Hurley, the new Athletic Director. More information to come.

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