The 2008/2009 school year PTO meetings will generally be the first Thursday of each month.
FAB: Fine Arts Boosters – Currently our meetings follow the PTO’S schedule of the first Thursday of the month but at 2:45pm, in either the library, if available, or the art room. We would love new members, so please come and sit in on a meeting. If you would like to contact me or be added to the FAB updates online just send an e-mail to mcharper@cox.net.
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Portsmouth Middle School Parent-Teacher Organization
PTO Minutes
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM in the library.
Welcome and Introductions
April minutes were approved at 7:00.
Special Presentations
Rose Muller,PSD IT Director gave a technology report
What’s happening at PMS this year:
8th grade technology test-1/2 students took the test and did very well.
Re-vamped curriculum for computer classes, laying foundation for high school.
K-8 Technology Integration Specialist, Trish Hill-works closely with Mrs. Caron and Mrs. Strakosch to support middle school teachers.
Centralized model—Portsmouth currently houses technological support staff at the high school. Each school submits their requests and they respond.
The mobile and stationary labs are in constant use and the IT staff recognize the need for more equipment at PMS.
Next year:
1 more lab at PMS—wireless cart
Front of the building will be wireless, including office area
Lisa Freeman demonstrated use of Elmo technology by showing how a teacher could model the use of a graphing calculator. There was a lot of positive feedback and thanks to the PTO for providing ELMOs to the learning centers.
New Business:
Funding Proposal – Video Technology
The school is hoping to purchase 2 flat screen TVs with the intent on sending out school bulletins or video streaming. They will be run by a computer. An estimate was given by Flint Video for under $7,000.
A motion was approved to use Money Market funds to purchase the system.
Needs to go before the School Committee.
Election of 2009/2010 PTO Officers
Co-Presidents: Emily Copeland, Linda Hobbs
Vice President: Marianne Raymo
Treasurer: Fran Faria
Secretary: Nancy Mendonca
Slate—Approved.
2009/2010 Budget Expenses
Added a Performance Enrichment item to fund the annual events:
Hampstead players, Boston Museum of Science, Immigration speaker, etc.
Added a Contingency Performance item to fund last minute performances.
The budget no longer needs to provide funds for the bookstore to purchase planners.
Spring Rec Night is being held on May 8th from 7-9 PM.
Staff Appreciation Luncheon is taking place on May 21st. Karen Cipriani and Emily Copeland are organizing this event. The theme is “Sailing Into Summer.”
Reports and Updates
Treasurer’s Report: Fran reviewed the report and a motion was approved to accept it.
Bookstore Report: They will purchase 550 planners for next year.
Principal’s Report
5th grade students are currently visiting the school.
Students are busy preparing for a performance of
Grease.
Annual Walk to School Day is May 22nd.
Boston Museum of Science is giving a presentation on Motion.
Spring Band Concert is taking place on May 31st.
Science NECAP for the 8th grade is taking place on May 19th and May 20th.
The preliminary SALT report was very positive.
Career Day was held on May 4th.
FAB Update
Grease is taking place on May 14th, 15th & 16th.
A bake sale and a plant sale will be held in the lobby.
The Spring Concert is May 31st. A bake sale and basket raffle will take place.
FAB made $2000 on the sale of bulbs.
More artwork display boards and a computerized keyboard will be purchased.
Enrichment Update
A meeting will need to be held with administration and teachers to determine what to do with 7th graders who completed the 8th grade Spanish curriculum.
Other New Business: Meeting ideas for 2009/2010
A guest speaker to discuss curriculum and the relationship between grades.
A discussion was held regarding the cancellation of 8th grade’s visit to the high school. A decision was made to have the PTO follow-up with the high school principal.
Meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM
Minutes respectfully submitted by Nancy Mendonca, PTO Secretary
