Hi all,

We know everyone can’t always make it to meetings but want to remind you that you are always welcome.  Our experience has been “the more input, the better”.  If you would like to keep up on what’s happening click below to read through the minutes.  If you have any questions feel free to email us at cpsmithpto@gmail.com.

2016-10-10-cp-smith-pto-minutes

Hi all!  We had a great first meeting Monday night.  Thank you to all who attended and to all of you who participate in a thousand other little ways.  If you weren’t able to make the meeting and want to stay in the loop, check out our meeting minutes below.

PTO September 14th, 2015

Karen Ruben, PTO co-chair convened the meeting by reviewing mission and goals for the school year.
Our priorities include: building community, supporting teachers and students, and funding programming in the arts, sciences, and literacy.
***Find out information and keep up on current events and activities at CPSmith by checking out the Blog on the cpsmithpto.org website. Create an account on Sign-Up Genius to volunteer at school events.

We reviewed the budget expenses.
Similar to last year, this year the PTO intends to:

-provide $150 for each teacher for classroom enrichment (approx $3000)

-provide $7 for each child to attend a field trip (approx $1890)

-fund the 4 Winds Science Program ($1800)

-provide calendar magnets and school/home folders to each student ($650)

-provide school wide picnics at the start and finish of the year ($2000)

-other incidentals (teacher appreciation, field day, library supplies, International dinner, etc.) (approx $2200)

-We also optimistically hope to provide an artist in residence program, visiting authors and some math/science programming. (approx $7000 depending on the success of fundraising efforts)
This year we would like to get grant money for the 4 winds program. If anyone has experience writing grants and would like to participate please contact Karen Ruben or Sue Chayer for more information.

***School pictures will be on September 30th this year.
***Parent teacher conferences start the 1st week in October. You will be able to register online for your time slot and registration begins this Thursday. Assistance with online registry will be provided in the library.
Fundraising and Fun!
The Pumpkin raffle will be happening in October and we are planning a Halloween dance on October 30th.
The scholastic book fair is back November 2-6. This year besides being categorized by reading levels the books will also be organized by price so reading is accessible to all students!
#10 Diary of a Wimpy Kid is coming out and will be available at the fair.
To volunteer at the book fair in any capacity, there will be a  Sign-up genius on the Website. The fair will be open before school and we will have a family night on Wednesday that week from 5:30 to 6:30. The students will also come and shop with their classroom.
***Don’t forget the teachers will have wish lists for their classrooms.

GOING ON NOW! The Hannaford fundraiser is happening now and lasts through the beginning of November. Here is the link to the Hannafords list of items that will earn our school $3.  If you buy 4 of these products at one time, you receive a ticket and can drop the ticket in the CP Smith slot of the area schools kiosk near the exit of the store.
Smackeroos is another fundraiser that worked out great last year earning almost $5,000! If you aren’t familiar with this fun event stay tuned for more information on the website.
ITEMS NEEDED:
Extravaganza sale items needed for the pre-holiday event. The kids love to buy their loved ones gifts and it’s so much fun!  Please start setting aside items to donate now, We will begin collecting soon.  More information will be coming.
A word from Mr. Fleury:

This year’s theme is literacy. We are brainstorming ideas to promote literacy in the school and would love your input!
He desperately needs help in the lunchroom. The younger grades eat from 11:40-12:05. So many kids need help opening packing and his hands are full. The older students come from 12:05-12:30.
If anyone would like to volunteer or knows a senior citizen who might be interested in volunteering their time in the school cafeteria please let us know at cpsmithpto@gmail.com.
The new art teacher proposed an art class fundraiser. More to come….
Lastly, we will work on getting a school yearbook this year!