PTO Meeting Minutes 10-14-21

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Sara Marshall: Welcome, Introductions to Board members

  • PTO President: John Ball
  • PTO Fundraising Chair: Lisa Stanelun
  • PTO Social Chair: Julie Wilson
  • PTO Communications/Parent Engagement: Nicole Paliotti
  • Room Parent Coordinator: Amanda Desantis

President update (John): Thanks for attending, really good engagement so far this year. Funny4Funds, ice cream social were both a success. Thank you to Halloween spooktacular committee for event this weekend.

Social chair update (Julie):

  • PTO mission: “Build a sense of community among our families, teachers and staff. Through volunteering and developing opportunities for funding, we strive to address school needs and support enrichment activities in order to provide the best educational experience for our children.”
  • 1st Poll question –  Are PTO meetings in person or via Zoom preferred? 50/50 response – “find a way to offer both” or “continue offering via ZOOM”
  • Funny4Funds: Successful parent nights’ event @ The Rathskeller, raised $2600.
    • PRO: it was a great event; the bar was wonderful to have
    • CON: a weekend is preferred; it was cold
    • Feedback from Chris Finlay: It was awesome, it was cold, but nothing we could do about that. Great to attend a “normal” event again.
  • Upcoming Events:
    • Halloween Spooktacular- Saturday (Oct 16th) 5:30-8:30- (Estimating 220 attendees right now)
    • Clark Farm Middle School night- Saturday (Oct 23rd) 5-9pm (30+ attendees)
    • TBD- Parent/Student night out (aiming for Nov)
  • PTO poll: Should we continue tradition of four events- mother/daughter, father/son, mother/son, father daughter OR move towards two events- two “girls night out” and two “boys night outs”?
    • 63%- keep tradition 38% – move towards two events
    • Michelle Main offered to chair father/daughter dance- Thank you Michelle!
  • Possible Christmas Nativity Drive through? (aim for early December)
    • Engaging music/theatre teachers and parent volunteers to pull together drive thru event. Possible stations set up with actors who could tell the story of Christmas. Specific drive thru times.
    • PTO poll: Are there volunteers who would like to chair/volunteer to help pull this OUTDOOR event together?
    • 0 volunteers for chair
    • 14% willing to help on a committee, 64% would attend this event, 21 % – Are you crazy? This seems like a huge undertaking

Fundraising Chair UPDATE (Julie for Lisa):

  • Looking to fund our “friend-raising” community social events as well as striving to make several improvements to the campus.
  • Paid for bibles for 7th grade bible mass and new 7th and 8th grade students- COMPLETE!
  • Basketball hoop for the elem playground – have raised funding but need help sourcing and installing hoops
  • Bathroom updates- refresh- new floors, stall doors, touchless faucets, and new décor.
  • Upcoming fundraisers:
    • Mrs Fields Fundraiser- Oct 14th thru Oct 27th, delivery in the 2nd week of Dec .
      • All done online, when items arrive group, need volunteers to help coordinate pick up times and sorting
      • Michelle Main volunteered to help- Thanks Michelle!
    • Give back night- Nov 10th @ the Flatts Restaurant – 10% of all sales will be donated to MCS PTO
    • Christmas Calendar: in the works! More info coming soon
    • School Store Info went out today- this runs all year
    • Anyone interested in being part of the fundraising committee in general, please contact Lisa. There will be opportunities as we enter into the new year and we are always open to new ideas!

Communications/Parent Engagement Chair UPDATE (Nicole):

  • Working on School directory, received 187 responses. Lots of positive feedback from parents about doing this.
    • Sam Coogan feedback: Look at MySchool App for possible digital platform for school directory
    • Front office is currently working on software updates to have a digital platform for school registration, sign ups, etc….

Other Topics:

  • Field Day Volunteers & Chair Person Needed!
    • Timing in June
    • Melissa Wray will chair- thank you Melissa!
  • Coaches needed for Basketball! (Cassie)
    • Middle school coaches needed
    • Need 3rd and 4th boys
    • 3rd, 4th and 5th girl coaches
    • Younger kids, practice twice a week right after school
    • Middle school- practice 3 times a week
    • Season starts Dec 4th- thru end of March
  • Also still looking for Middle school robotics help

Open Discussion:

  • Sam Coogan: Would like to see long term vision for grounds/building updates. Lighting updates, more like the middle school
  • Turf field in the back: could we include benches in addition to logo? Need some type of netting in the back so balls don’t leave school yard.
  • Cassie Barbato: Anthem Sports in Pawcatuck, CT may be able to help sourcing our basketball hoops and their affiliates could install
  • Kerri Grundy: historically, a jog-a-thon with t-shirt sales has been very successful in raising money for large projects (e.g. turfing and outfitting back fields)
  • Nicole: Would people like to see a school spirit wear store?
    • Squad Locker, Custom Ink, Martha Whittier, 401 Studio- Nicole will research for next meeting

 

PTO Meeting Minutes 09-09-21

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PTO Board Introductions

  • John Ball- President
  • Amanda Desantis- Room Parent Coordinator
  • Julie Johnson- Social Chair
  • Lisa Stanelun-Fundraising chair
  • Nicole Paliotti- Communications/Parent Engagement

Dr Lisi – opening remarks.

1 week in, students are still enrolling. Highest enrollment since 2013. We are off to a great start and looking forward to a great year.

President’s Update (John):

Focus on community, do as many events as possible in person. Please reach out if you want to participate on any subcommittee or help with school projects.

Parent Engagement/Communications Coordinator Update (Nicole):

Funny4Funds event, September 30th @ The Rathskeller. Doors open at 6pm. Show starts @ 7pm. We are looking for sponsorships (thru the website) and raffle prizes. Please send into the office.

Social Chair Update (Julie):

  • Fall/Halloween Spooktacular Outdoor event October 16th, 100% outdoors. Cassie Barbato has volunteered to chair the event. Thank you Cassie!    Ideas: Trunk or treat, scarecrow making, games, donut eating, DJ. All MCS families welcome.
  • Middle School Clarke Farm event: Able to accommodate October 23rd, 5-9pm . Looking for folks to volunteer. Please contact Lisa.
  • Other Events:
    • Christmas Drive thru nativity
    • Holiday raffle calendar

Room Parent Update (Amanda)

Thank you to new room parents, as well as veteran room parents. We are teaming up in some grades. Still working on a few classes. Class lists will be coming out this week.  Amanda and Nicole to work on School Directory once class lists are finalized. Hope to have done in October.

Email: pto@monsignorclarkeschool.org

Fundraising for specific items: Face lift for cafeteria and front bathrooms

Open Discussion:

Michelle Main: Holiday raffle fundraiser- do we want to stay within the school community or go out to local businesses for raffle prizes? Holiday bazaar vendors aren’t on board to make donations. Lisa- we would have to reach out to the community for donations.

Thanks to all for attending!

September PTO Updates

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September 2021 | Issue 1

Upcoming Events

PTO meetings will be hosted in the library or via Zoom the 2nd Thursday of each month @ 7pm.

  • 1st PTO meeting: September 9th @ 7pm
  • Parent’s Night Out: September 30th
  • Fall Festival: Oct 16th (Rain date Oct 17th)

Open Volunteer Positions

We are currently looking for parent volunteers to help with the following projects. Please contact nicpaliotti@gmail.com if you would like to help.

  • Fall festival subcommittee
  • Fall Book Fair
  • Christmas festival subcommittee
  • Paint the cafeteria
  • Give the front foyer bathrooms a “facelift”

2021-2022 PTO Board Members

    • PTO President: John Ball
    • Social Chair: Julie Johnson
    • Fundraising Chair: Lisa Stanelun
  • Communications/Parent Engagement Coordinator: Nicole Paliotti
  • Room Parent Coordinator: Amanda DeSantis

Be sure to Join Us for Parent’s Night Out!

A Funny4Funds event @The Rathskeller September 30th

It’s been awhile since we have been able to host a Parent’s night out. Come meet up with other MCS parents for a good cause. Tickets are $25 and there will be a cash bar and the al carte Burger bar will be open down back @ The Rathskeller. Event is outside under the tent.

DO YOU HAVE OLD GIFT CARDS AT HOME? WE ARE CURRENTLY COLLECTING RAFFLE PRIZES FOR THE EVENT. PLEASE SEND IN UNUSED GIFT CARDS ATTN: FUNNY4FUNDS OR DROP IN THE MAIN OFFICE

Welcome Back from the MCS PTO!

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Welcome New & Returning MCS Families!

MCS has been fortunate to have a strong parent and teacher network dedicated to building a sense of community as well as providing volunteers and funds to meet school needs and support enrichment activities. Over the years, the PTO has helped fund the science lab, playground equipment, retreat space, smart boards, tablets, and ChromeBooks. These efforts directly impact our education and school environment.

Last year was unusual, with little opportunity to host in person events, and students and families suffering from Zoom fatigue. A main goal of the PTO this year is to rebuild and reinforce the sense of community for which MCS is known. To relaunch and re energize the PTO, we are asking for your support and involvement more than ever, and are seeking volunteers to fill open board positions. We look forward to getting to know you and we welcome your ideas and suggestions.

PTO Board Open Positions

Social Chair: Responsible for organizing and establishing committees for PTO social events to get the school community together, including oversight or management of parent/child events. 

Fundraising Chair: Works closely with the Social Chair and is primarily responsible for the school’s small fundraisers and oversees the chairs of the large events. 

Room Parent Coordinator: Responsible for communicating all important information to Room Parents and following up. Takes board meeting notes and disseminates them to Room Parents. Assists in social/fundraising activities as needed. 

Communications & Engagement Ambassador: Responsible for helping to build PTO involvement outreach to families, including the PTO newsletter, website, and bulletin board. Ideally would have the flexibility to be at school during times where they could engage with families face to face. (ex: pick-up line, school events) Needs to be outgoing and energetic.

If you are interested in serving in one of these roles, or have further questions, please send an email to the PTO or contact Sara Marshall.

Have an idea for the PTO?

The PTO would love to have your ideas and opinions. Historically, the PTO has coordinated several large events during the year, including the Halloween Spooktacular, Christmas Festival, and Golf Tournament, as well as smaller fundraising events. We would love to hear from you about things you have seen that work! We encourage you to provide suggestions for additional fundraisers or social events.

Information for PTO Meetings & Events

First PTO Meeting will be Thursday, September 2 at 7pm. For the 2021/2022 school year, we will have general PTO meetings every other month to discuss our larger initiatives, and will work in subcommittees to plan specific events.  We are also asking for event involvement by class by (a) asking class parents (or their alternate) to attend all general meetings to represent the views of class; and (b) ‘sponsoring’ specific events by assisting in the planning and/or providing volunteers for the event.

New Family Ice Cream Social – Sunday, August 29th, 2021 from 6:00 – 7:30 pm @ MCS Playground. Hosted by MCS Admissions & Parent Ambassador Team

How can you support the PTO?

The PTO is a team effort!  Our success depends on active participation by parents, guardians, and other family members, as well as our dedicated teachers and staff. Studies have shown that students who have involved parents do better academically. We have opportunities to match the amount of time you can give. Just a few hours of your time will help us reach our goals.

Share Your Opinions & Expertise

Get involved! Attend general PTO meetings to learn about upcoming events and become part of the decision making process. Our first meeting will be held on Thursday, September 2 at 7pm.  We will offer a Zoom option to increase participation and involvement. More information will be sent a week before this meeting.

Support School Fundraisers

The PTO spearheads various fundraising events, including the Christmas Festival and golf tournament. Additionally, there are a number of other activities that bring additional funding to the school. We are thankful for the generous support of MCS families, friends, and the business community. Your participation is essential to making our future fundraisers successful. Every little bit helps!

Consider Volunteering

We need you!  Our events would not be successful without the help of our fantastic volunteers. We currently are looking to fill the following Board positions:
Additional roles and committee memberships will become available during the year. Please consider volunteering and becoming involved! Any amount of time is greatly appreciated. If you would like more information or are interested in one or more events, please emailpto@monsignorclarkeschool.org.

Volunteer to be a Class Parent!

Interested in Serving as a Class Parent but not sure what it will involve? Here is what you can expect for the 2021/2022 school year.

The MCS PTO is ‘green’! We will be sending all communications via email only to the address on file with the school. You may opt out of these communications by clicking a link on the email. Please realize that you may miss important announcements, so we recommend at least one parent receives these emails.

A Note from the Chair of the 2021 MCS Golf Open

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I wanted to relay my sincere thanks to the MCS Golf Committee, our sponsors, donors, volunteers and all of our golfers. I would also like to thank the MCS Front Office staff for their support in promoting the event and assisting with the day of logistics.

Despite the COVID challenges, the MCS community once again rallied and came together to put on a hugely successful event. I am happy to say that we raised just over $14,000 which will allow the school to proceed with the playground enhancements!!!

Lastly, congratulations to the 1st grade class who won the Del’s party by raising the most for their tee sign creation!

Sincerely,

Kate Smith,
Golf Committee Chair

 

MCS Golf Committee – Cassie Barbato, Ann Borke, Tom Canning, Kathy Curtis, Chris Daigle, Rebecca DiMuro White, Kristen DiSanto, Jared Goodwin, Rayleen LaRue, Steve McLaughlin, John Parker, Matt Royer, Mike Smith, Jeremy White, Martha Whittier

MCS Golf Open 2021

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Raffle Prizes!

We want you to have a chance to win our awesome raffle prizes, even if you can’t attend the event! Check out the items below, purchase some raffle tickets and email the PTO with the item number(s) you want to try to win!

(scroll to the bottom for Silent Auction items)

1. $100 Cardi’s Gift Card ($100 value)
 2. $100 Chop House Gift Card ($100 value)
 3. Tennis Hall of Fame – 2 passes ($32 value)
4. Santa’s Village – 2 passes ($72 value)
 5. Hula hoop and lessons ($160 value) 6. Lands End MCS Quarter Zip Pullover – Medium ($50 value)
7. Lands End MCS Quarter Zip Pullover – Large ($50 value)
 8. IZZO Swami Golf GPS Watch ($150 value)
 9. TCL 50″ Class 4-Series 4K UHD HDR Roku Smart TV ($325 value)
10. Club Champ Golf Cooler Bag with Whaler’s 6-pack ($25 value)
 11. Club Champ Golf Cooler Bag with Whaler’s 6-pack ($25 value)
 12. Golf Basket with IZOD Golf Men’s Cooling Polo, L, Rapture Rose ($70 value)
13. Golf Basket with IZOD Golf Men’s Cooling Polo, XL, Canteloupe ($70 value)
 14. Golf Basket with PGA TOUR Men’s Polo, M, Cayenne ($70 value)
 15. Golf Basket with PGA TOUR Men’s Polo, XXL, Classic Blue ($70 value)
16. Golf Basket with PGA TOUR Men’s Polo, XL, Classic Blue ($70 value)
 17. Golf Basket with IZOD Golf Men’s Cooling Polo, XXL, Light Blue ($70 value)
 18. Golf Basket with PGA TOUR Men’s Polo, L, Paisley Purple ($70 value)
19. Nike Golf Hat, Cool Grey ($20 value)
 20. Golf umbrella ($20 value)
 21. Golf umbrella ($20 value)
22. Mizuno S-18 Gun Metal Wedge ($150 value) 23. Sunice Men’s Alum Half Zip Pullover, XL ($80 value) 24. OUUL Python Super Light 15-Way Cart Bag ($230 value)
25. Puma Women’s Brisk Hoodie, XL, Indigo Heather ($75 value) 26. Cleveland Launcher UHX, 5 Iron ($170 value) 27. Glove It Blue Camo Club Covers ($60 value)
28. WhiteFang Deluxe XL Pop Up Beach Tent ($90 value) 29. AICOOK 2LB Stainless Steel Bread Machine ($130 value) 30. Otium Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth ($45 value)
31. 6.3″ Selfie Ring Light for Video Conferencing ($40 value) 32. SKYWING Soundace Waterproof Shower Speaker ($36 value) 33. Instant Pot Ultra 60 Ultra 6 Qt 10-in-1 Multi- Use ($140 value)
34. Coleman stove and 4-pack propane ($65 value) 35. Yeti cooler with goodies ($200 value) 36. Travel Map® Air World ($70 value)
37. Build Bonanza Lego Tape ($18 value) 38. Nerf Ultra One ($50 value) 39. Rhode Island Basket
40. Rhode Island Basket . .

Silent Auction Items

Similar to the raffle prizes, you can put in a bid for our silent auction items as well! Check out the items below and email the PTO with which item you’d like to bid on with your maximum bid!

1. Principal for the Day!
Your child will take the role of principal for the day at MCS! Value = priceless!		 2. Secretary for the Day! Put a smile on your face and be the front pesrson for the day!
Value = $200		 3. Be Mr. Z’s Helper for a Day! Help to keep the school running smoothly!
Value = $200
4. Extreme Airsoft Birthday party – Airsoft or Nerf (12 players). Rentals included, not private. Value = $300 5. (3) Patriots tickets to either the Jets (10/24 @ 1:00pm) or the Chargers (10/31 @ 4:05pm). Tickets are located in Section 340, Row 20.
Value = $225		 6. (2) Patriots tickets to either the Jets (10/24 @ 1:00pm) or the Chargers (10/31 @ 4:05pm). Tickets are located in Section 340, Row 20.
Value = $150
7. (2) 1-hour voice lessons from MCS’ own Mr. JP!! For new students only, non-transferable. Expires 9/1/21. Value = $160 8. A lawn cut and trim by MCS’ 3rd grade teacher, Jacqui Muller, and her husband! She brings her own lawn mower! .

 

PTO Meeting Minutes 02-25-21

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NOTES from the 2.25.2021 Meeting

Board Composition and opportunities to get involved in the PTO!  (JOHN)

  • Diana McLaughlin – Has stepped into the Board as the Social Chair — Thank you Diana!!
  • We are always looking for more help on the Board and in the PTO Committees.  Please let John Ball know if you are interested in getting involved (jball321@gmail.com)

    Survey Output (JOHN)

    • 50% of people would prefer a safe in-person alternative for a Parents Night Out
    • Events that caught the most people’s attention the most were outdoor (i.e. Walk-A-Thon, Scavenger Hunts, etc.)
    • Feedback on the Parent/Child events was that 39% said they would prefer to do so in a socially distanced way.
    • We received some helpful feedback on the play equipment that children are interested in having added to the playground. 
    • There is also great interest in there being more black top space.  Kerri Grundy mentioned that Sean may be available to support the blacktop project and the PTO would like to fund it.
    • Little Angels playground needs leveling and mulch — Good project for the Spring (potentially)

      Golf Tournament (KATE) – Secured Richmond Country Club for Saturday, June 12th – 8am (shotgun start)

      • We have a small committee started; however, we would like to welcome more
      • Please email Kate Smith if you are willing to Chair the committee or support as a committee member

        Social Event (DIANA)

        • Focus is on two events between now and the end of the school year
          • Early April 10th/11th  – Whole Family Scavenger Hunt on the Walking/Bike Path and/or MCS campus.  Maybe split location by age.
            • Traditional (pictures + Palette) OR QR Code
            • Considering if a virtual option is possible
            • Looking for volunteers to help with the planning.  Please email Diana McLaughlin if you are interested in helping.
            • End of May – Combo Mother/Son & Father/Daughter Formal Outdoor Event [COVID dependent] on the back lot of the MCS property. 
              • Option 1 – Maybe a 2 night event to keep numbers lower if there are issues with the number of people allowed for social gatherings
              • Option 2 – Family Field Day – Idea to have a picnic and a DJ or cookout and DJ as a way for families to interact safely outdoors.
              • Option 3 – Split a combo event by age groups to keep group size smaller
              • Right now, catered events can be 30 inside or 50 outside; however, we expect it to be increased by May
              • NEXT STEP – Idea proposed to have a student survey of the 8th grade class or general survey and will run the survey past Administration before it is sent out

            Popcorn Sale (KATE) – https://www.doublegood.com/

            • 4-day online popcorn sale via Double Good, tends to generate good funds
            • Tentatively looking at March 8th
            • More information to be sent via the Weekly Update

              School Store Fundraising (DIANA)

              • We are currently less than 50% of where we were last year
              • This is an extremely helpful fundraiser for the teachers — School Store Cares Now — D. McLaughlin shared the impact it has made on her ability to purchase science materials and kits.  For the younger grades it has helped with manipulatives. 
              • Number of emails has been reduced; however, we may consider turning them back on for a little while to keep it top of mind

                Teacher Appreciation Week in May (MELISSA WRAY)

                • Theme has been selected; ideas are in process. Please contact Melissa Wray if you are interested in assisting!

                  PTO Agenda for 2/25/21

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                  AGENDA – Monsignor Clarke School
                  February 25, 2021 @ 7pm via Zoom link (see Parents Update)

                  Board members: John Ball, PTO President | Kate Smith, PTO past President | Amanda Andrade, Room Parent Coordinator| Diana McLaughlin, Social Event Chair |

                  7pm – Welcome – John
                  7:05pm – Old business and approval of last meeting’s minutes – John
                  7:10pm – Update on board composition, request someone fill in as fundraising chair
                  7:15pm – Trends/Results from PTO Family Survey

                  7:20pm – Social Events Report – 2021 Golf Tournament Update – June 12 @ Richmond Country Club, 8 am shotgun start; need chair and committee members; Spring activity – walk (potentially fundraising purpose) or

                  scavenger hunt
                  7:25pm – Fundraising Update – School store, Squad Locker, Shopping programs (Amazon Smiles, Stop and Shop A+ rewards, Box tops). Popcorn fundrasier. Explore addition of blacktop/asphalt area to Elementary playground and additional playground equipment – does anybody know somebody?
                  7:30pm – Principal’s Report
                  7:45pm – Open Discussion, Q & A

                  2021 PTO Survey Request

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                  Happy New Year to our MCS community from the PTO! While we are all hopeful 2021 is quite different from last year, we are still under certain restraints when it comes to PTO events and community building activities. We’d like to hear some thoughts from you all in terms of how you would like the PTO to engage this winter / spring, realizing our limitations. Thank you for taking a few moments to participate.
                  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WVVSYQP

                  MCS Christmas Raffle Calendar

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                  As you know, we are not having the MCS Christmas Festival this year. We are very saddened to have to cancel as our Christmas Festival is not only a school tradition but a community one. We know this year has been hard on everyone and our school is not immune to that. We have been so fortunate to be able to send our children back to school, everyday all day, but as you imagine it has taken a financial toll and we had to cancel our two biggest events. In an effort to help raise awareness and promote our loyal vendors as well as local businesses, while also helping our school’s fundraising efforts, we are holding a calendar raffle in lieu of the festival.  
                  Instead of 1 day of festivities, we are offering you 31 Chances to WIN!
                  MCS Christmas Raffle Calendar will run from December 1st to December 31st offering a $25 value prize daily from a vendor or local business! Vendors from our Christmas Festival and local businesses have partnered with us to offer you 31 Days of Gifts valued at $25 each day! We are trying to make this as safe and contactless as possible so each participant that purchases a calendar will have their name entered into a spinner app. We will host a Facebook LIVE daily to spin the app and announce the winner! Your name will remain in the drawing even if you win so you have multiple chances to win!
                  We will have a Facebook event on the Monsignor Clarke School page that will have the listing of prizes for the raffle as well as information and links to all the vendors and local businesses that have graciously donated to this fundraiser! We hope you will help support Monsignor Clarke School by purchasing calendar entries and by supporting our vendors and local businesses that have supported the Festival now and in the past!
                  Click here to order your calendar!