LCHS PTO Minutes

PTO Minutes – Jan. 8, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by President Rosey Lawrence and opened with a prayer.

Present were:

Donna Chambers, Mary Jo Diffendal, Donna Cunningham, Lisa Aichele, Kim Roche, Rosey Lawrence, Mary Jane Lehman, Cristina Gimenez, Mr. Garrett

1.         Secretary’s Report:

Minutes from the last meeting (Nov. 2007) were approved as written. A reminder that all minutes are posted on the LCHS website. To view minutes, click on Parents, then PTO, then minutes.

2.         Treasurer’s Report:

• In the absence of the treasurer, President Rosey Lawrence reported that the PTO was reimbursed $1,200 because another entity sponsored the November speaker.
• $300 was spent on the Teacher Appreciation dinner.

3.         Teacher Representative Report:

• Donna Cunningham reported that in the past, the PTO purchased a camera for teachers to use. The camera is very much appreciated and is used frequently. She is now requesting that the PTO consider putting money toward the purchase of a laminating machine.
• Basket Bingo to benefit the Post Prom will be held on March 14, 2008. Tickets are $15 in hopes of raising $4,000.
• Ways to raise money for the Post Prom were discussed including contacting Kathy Bopwers of the Bon Ton to become a part of their Community Days Coupon Book.

4.         Advancement Representative’s Report:

• Mary Jo Diffendal reported that the student council and the Alumni Association will sponsor a Mini-thon in the gym on April 12, 2008 to benefit the 4 Diamonds Charity. To participate, students must raise at least $30 in advance and then dance or remain on their feet for 12 hours during the mini-thon. Chaperones are needed.
• Grandparents Day is march 26, 2008.
• Congratulations to Naomi Gilles, Jen Montegen and Ben Hoffman in their spectacular placement in District Chorus.
• Pequea Valley was very moved when Karen Sinkoski led a spontaneous prayer service upon learning of the death of a Pequea Valley student.

5.         Guest Speakers:

• Sue Martin reported that the Middle States Evaluation Committee now requires that the school present a profile of a graduate. The profile must contain the following:

                        What the student will know the value of

                        What the student will be able to do

                        What qualities and characteristics the student will possess.

• She presented the PTO with the current draft requesting that it be reviewed for any comments, additions or deletions. The draft is pending school board approval.
• Middle States also requires surveys to be completed by students and parents. The surveys for students will be administered in school. The survey fro parents will be available for parents through the Survey Monkey link on the LCHS website.

• Kim Roche announced that the second annual March Madness Gala will be held in the Gym on Saturday, March 29, 2008 to benefit the Athletic Programs. The Gala raised $30,000 last year.
• Live and silent auctions will feature items such as one year’s tuition to LCHS, summer beach house stays, tickets to the Hershey Bears Game in the UGI box, gift baskets, and more.  There will also be a raffle for $5,000 cash and five more prizes of $100 each. Tickets are $50 and the doors open at 6 PM.
• Volunteers for the Gala are needed. Credit for service hours will be given.

6.         Principal’s report:

• Mr. Dermott Garrett reported on Lancaster Catholic After Hours. These are study sessions offered by teachers in preparation for midterm exams.
• Mr. Garrett reported on the successful fence building project at the home of Mrs. Simpson, widow of trainer Mark Simpson. He requested that PTO make a donation toward the cost of that project.
• Strategic Plan – The K Statement consisting architect’s drawings, etc. is in the process of being prepared. Once done, it is sent to the Diocese for approval and to discern financial feasibility. It will then be sent to 60 people for their opinion. It is hoped that the whole process including the capital campaign will begin this summer.

7.         Old Business:

Christmas Cards and gifts for teachers were very much appreciated.

Post prom Update as reported aobve by Donna Cunningham.

8.         New business:

• Discussion on the role of the PTO – Mr. Garrett sees the PTO as a useful and vital organization. The PTO is the voice of the parents, a forum for issues and offers a personal face to attach to the issues. The PTO is the direct link with the principal to ask why something in particular is not working.

It was suggested that PTO might introduce the organization to parents during Freshman orientation.

• On-line discussion is not desirable at this time because contributors are not readily identified. Parents can click on the “Contact PTO” link found on the LCHS website if they would like anything addressed. They may also attend any and all PTO meetings to discuss concerns.

• Volunteer opportunities – please see above for March Madness and Mini-thon. In addition, the magazine drive needs the following to count “turn-ins”. Shifts are normally for two hours and start at 9 AM with the hope that volunteers would be there by 8:30 AM.

Tues, Jan. 29 – 2 or 3 people

Fri, Feb.1 – 4 or 5 people

Tues, Feb. 5 – 7 or 8 people (two shifts needed this day. Second shift starts at 11 AM)

Fri, Feb. 8 – 6 or 7 people (two shifts needed this day. Second shift starts at 11 AM)

Tues, Feb. 12 – 2 or 3 people

• March 11 Academic Program – Curriculum books will be distributed prior to this date so that parents can ask questions as the meeting.

• Homework load –The curriculum at LCHS is homework intensive. Most students manage the homework load well. For particular problems, consult individual teachers and Mr. Garrett.

• School facilities – are available to school organizations. It is preferred that a staff member pertinent to the facility being used be present. However, if such a staff member is not available, the organization may still make use of the facility.

• NEW to PTO minutes- parents are welcome to comment on PTO minutes. To do so, please click on the “Parents” then  “Contact PTO” link found on the LCHS website.

9.   Announcements:

      Next  PTO meeting is the Academics/Curriculum Session with Mr. Discavage on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 7PM in the Library.

Respectfully submitted,

Donna Chambers

PTO Secretary

3. Teacher Representative’s Report:

5. Principal’s Report/Remarks:

• Don Discavage, vice principal, reported for Mr. Garrett.
• At the conclusion of the first marking period, there are 18 classes that exceed 30 students per class.
• To avoid classes being over 30, the administration is considering running the schedule later in the summer.
• Class numbers must remain at least at 30 due to finances.
• Mr. Discavage reported that the highest priority of LCHS was not to serve as a prep school but to provide a Catholic education to any student who desired one.
• The use of who may use the school’s facilities and when was questioned. Mr. Discavage asked that those questions be addressed by Mr. McCaskey.

PTO Minutes – October 9, 2006
PTO Minutes – March 6, 2007
This special meeting focusing on the course selection process for the upcoming academic year was called to order at 7 PM by President Rosey Lawrence. No official business conducted.

Principal’s Remarks:
Mr. Garrett requested that used uniforms be donated to the uniform exchange.     Notices will be forthcoming with information on where to bring them.

Announcements:
·Kim Roche announced that a fund raising event for the athletic department, March Madness will be held March 24, 2007 at 6 PM in the Gym. Items up for auction include vacation rentals, Penn State tickets, Car care packages, original water color by Dick Ressel and tickets to the Rachel Ray show. There will also be a raffle – top prize $5,000.
·Thank you notes were received for the Faculty and staff appreciation dinner held during Catholic Schools week.
·Magazine Drive – 8 volunteers came in to count. Proceeds help fund activities that are not related to band or athletics.
·Career Day is April 10, funded by the PTO
·A reminder that LCHS volunteer opportunities for service hours are posted on the LCHS website. Look to the left of the page for the link.
·Next PTO meeting is April 10, 2007 at 7 PM.

Presentation by Don Discavage:
Mr. Discavage explained state and LCHS graduation requirements in order to assist parents and students with course selection for upcoming year. A question and answer session followed the presentation.

It was suggested that the LCHS handbook be uploaded to the LCHS website.

Parents were reminded that the Academic Achievement Center is always available to assist students.


The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Donna Chambers
Secretary

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 PM by President Rosey Lawrence and opened with a prayer.
Present were:  Donna Chambers, Donna Cunningham, Mary Jo Diffendall, Dermot Garrett, Cris Gimenez, Rosey Lawrence, Mary Jane Lehman, Christine Peppers


Minutes from the previous meeting were approved as written.
1. Treasure’s Report:
Funds form the PTO were allocated in the following manner:

Amount Paid            Purpose
$2,000.00                Teacher Appreciation dinner
$275.00                Teacher gifts
$500.00                   Career Day
$500.00                   Purple tablecloths
$1,200.00                Safe Homes Directory
$164.83                   Post Prom

$300.00 was budgeted for mailings and postage but actual invoices
have not yet been received.

$1,000 has been budgeted for guest speakers at Special Programs.
Possible speaker mentioned was Tom Fertal. A presentation on Internet
Safety was also proposed.

More money will be allocated to the Post Prom as needed,
Mr. Garrett urged parents not to take away from the post prom by
hosting private parties. The competition destroys the reason and the spirit
of the post prom.

2. Teacher Representative’s Report:
Career day, held on April 10, 2007, had 93 careers represented.
Participants thanked PTO for the bountiful snacks.
Kudos to Barbara Goss for the event.

Just for Juniors will be held Thursday, May 24 in the Old Gym at 7
PM.  Program will begin with a power point presentation and then focus
on college selection, the application process and financial aid.

There will be an orientation for parents of freshmen and new students
in late August or September (before the Back to School Night) to
inform them about what to do in instances of student absence, delayed
school openings, etc.
The PTO will pay for the postage for this event.

3. Advancement Representative’s Report:

Science Fair - LCHS received 10 top honors out of a total of 43.
6 LCHS students will be going to states.

April 21 is the diner to =honor outstanding LCHS alumni. Sue Martin is
one of the honorees this year.

April 28 - Service Day in the community from 7:30 AM- 1PM.

Enrollment next year is projected at 850

4. Principal’s Report/Remarks:

LCHS captured one fourth of the awards available in the county.

Uniform surveys were tallied. They showed differing opinions on vendors.
Discussion ensued on possible change in uniform vendor.


5. Old Business:

The LCHS Handbook is on line.


6. New business:

PTO officers were elected as follows:
President – Rosey Lawrence
Vice President – Elise Schanz
Treasurer – Chris Peppers
Secretary – Donna Chambers
Teacher’s Rep – Donna Cunningham
Communications – Mary Jo Diffendall
Principal – Mr. Dermot Garrett

Carnival – will be held June 18-23, 2007. Anyone in need of service hours should volunteer.

There will be no PTO meeting in May. The next meeting is Sept. 11, 2007.
 
7. Announcements:
Basket Bingo to benefit the post prom will be held Friday, April 13,
2007 at 7 PM. PTO sponsors a basket to support that effort.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM

Respectfully submitted,
Donna Chambers

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by President Rosey Lawrence and opened with a prayer.

Present were: Rosey Lawrence, Christine Peppers, Donna Chambers, Donna Cunningham, Mary Jo Diffendall, Dermot Garrett, Kathy Felker, Tony Sinski(?), Cristina Kasaler-Gimenez, Annette Rosa-Pabón, Mary Jane Lehman, 

1.    Secretary’s Report:
Minutes from the previous meeting were approved as written.
Anyone wishing to be on the PTO Email Distribution list should please provide secretary with an email address.

2.    Treasurer’s Report:
Balance Brought Forward, May 2007    $2,416.40
Receipts:
    Dues – 236 members            $3,565.00
    (772 families)               
                        ___________
                       
                        $5981.40
Disbursements:
    None               
Balance, September 11, 2007        $5981.40

Projected Expenditures 2007-2008:

    Projected Expense                            Actual
Teacher Appreciation Dinner            $2,000.00
Teacher Gifts                    $300.00
Mailings and Postage                $300.00
Career    Day                    $1,000.00
Special Programs                $1,000.00            $1,1500.00
Safe Homes Directory                $1,200.00           
Gifts/Contributions                $200.00           
Post Prom                    $250.00

Total expenses                $6250.00            $1.150.00

Note: Career Day is held every other year but it is budgeted annually.

3.    Teacher Representative’s Report:

Nothing new to report for this meeting.


     4.    Advancement Representative’s Report:

Nothing new to report for this meeting.

5.    Principal’s Report/Remarks:

·    There are 840 students enrolled as of Sept. 11, 2007.
·    Owing to the recent staph infection outbreak in other schools, LCHS is going a step above proto-call and taking pre-emptive measures so that the problem does not occur at our school. An outside outfit has been hired to professionally clean and disinfect bathrooms and locker rooms.
·    Class size is 30. Class sizes should be stable as of Sept. 19, 2007. Non-teaching staff (proctors, custodians) must meet Diocesan guidelines and pass FBI checks before reporting for their first day to work.
·    Talks of real estate acquisition and green engineering continue.

6. Old Business:

Discussion of paper versus computer version of safe home directory:
·    Corrections can not be made once the directory is printed.
·    Updates and corrections can be made as needed.
·    Paper version affords a ready made list for parents to consult.
·    Computer version can be accessed from anywhere.

Result- Approximately 300 Safe home directories will be printed. They are available for pick up at Back to School Night and during any regularly scheduled PTO meetings.

Discussion on whether only those who agree to abide by the Safe Home Pledge be listed in the directory.

7. New business:
·    PTO membership – discussion on how to increase attendance at PTO meetings. Out of the 236 member families, less than a dozen attend PTO business meetings.
·    Volunteer Opportunities – PTO activities often count for Service Hours. Information on those opportunities is distributed at PTO meetings.
·    Upcoming Activities:
        *Back to School Night – Tues, Sept. 18, 2007
        *Guidance Department Program – Tues, October 9, 2007 (Meet in the                                     cafeteria)
        *Speaker – Jason Evert- Wed, Nov. 14, 2007 – Held at St. John Neuman                              (a mailer will be forthcoming with more details)
        * No meeting in December


8. Announcements:

No meeting in December.



The meeting was adjourned at 8:53 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Donna Chambers, secretary