PTO Meeting Summary 9/12/2012

MSL PTO Meeting Summary

Wednesday September 12, 2012

8:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

·      Attendees: Greg Dixon

Shannon Williams

Lori Wendelin

Claire O’Laughlin

Andi Baggarley

Rebeeca Buse

Robert Buse

Preethi Ananthakrishnan

Becky Thomas

·      Introductions and message from Mr. Dixon

o   Mr. Dixon discussed the importance of looking back at MSL’s past, before we make important decisions for the future.  Six years ago, the MSL community worked together to move the school and experienced tremendous growth.  Creating and supporting the “Community” is critical to MSL’s success and a primary goal of the PTO.

o   Several ideas were discussed to help foster the growth of MSL’s family community:  New family mentor program, personal phone calls to new families to welcome and “check-in,” magnets/shirts, maximize communication through possible mass texts/alerts and Google Calendar.

o   Dr. Buse spoke about his experiences with Montessori within his family and how his children transitioned from Montessori to a traditional high school.  We talked about promoting the Chess Team to our community and increasing awareness of our clubs in general.

o   We discussed ideas to help remind families about PTO meetings:  Blue flyer distributed in car-line prior to meetings, mass texts, emails.

·      Fundraisers

o   We agreed to minimize the amount of “stuff” we ask families to buy.  Instead, our Fall goal is to promote Kroger Cards, Target Cards and Box Tops. 

o   Mr. Dixon ordered more magnets and shirt orders (spirit wear) are pending. 

o   Fall Bake Sale (11/16/12) The PTO will host a Bake Sale just prior to our Thanksgiving Holiday break.  Proceeds will go to the Outdoor Play scape. 

§  Cake Flour participation? (need to contact)

§  Sign ups for bake sale items

§  Promotion with emails/fliers and pictures and/or design of play scape

·      Butterfly Benefit Discussion

o   Need to form a separate committee, with chair, which meets separately from the regular PTO

o   Need to start promoting the event and soliciting donations ASAP (Save the Date, asking families to start acquiring items for the auction now, teacher donations)

o   Need to create a calendar with action items and due dates ASAP

·      Next Meeting Date: Friday October 12 8:15 am

o   PTO members in attendance discussed potential meeting times, to help include as many families as possible.  It seems mornings are best, as afternoons require childcare for everyone and evenings/weekends are already very busy.