Lakewood Montessori
Parent-Teacher Organization
September 10, 2009 Meeting Minutes

Mission Statement

The parent-teacher organization strives to support Lakewood Montessori school and its teachers & staff to ultimately increase the positive learning opportunities and experiences for our children.   

A Year in Review

Last year’s events were reviewed including the successful fundraising events, (chili feed, photography sales, cookbook sales, box tops, etc), purchases (especially the purchase of the kiln!), and successful social events.  

Financial Report

The financial report was reviewed including income and expenditures.  Our current balance is $995.99.  

Cookbook Sales Update

The PTO sold $1100 worth of cookbooks, but we still have many books left to sell in order to break-even.  The price is $20 per cookbook or $15 each for the purchase of two or more.  You can purchase your cookbook from somebody at the front desk.  Checks should be made payable to “Lakewood PTO”.  They make great gifts for family and friends!

Kiln Status

Last year, we purchased a used Kiln in very good condition.  An updated bid to install the appropriate electrical and venting in the art room is still needed.  We hope to have the Kiln installed in the art room by the end of October.  

Goals for the 2009/10 School Year:

•    Installation of the kiln.
•    Establishment of a library fund for ongoing expenses.
•    Fenced outdoor play area for Ms. Kim’s pre-primary classroom.
•    Purchase of Montessori bells for each classroom (cost = $1100 per set)—there has been much research documenting the relationship between music and increased reading, math and language development skills.  Our intention with these bells is to honor Ms. Marika and her love for music.

Three to Five Year Plan

•    Continent Maps (large wooden puzzle maps of each continent) (cost $1000/set)
•    Enhance the library by purchasing more math and science readers – Kevin and Susan Williamson (son-Connor); a former Lakewood family has generously offered to build more book shelves to accommodate our expanding library collection.
•    Maintaining and enhancing supplies and materials for each classroom.  

Discussion of Ideas

•    Supplies required to build the pre-primary fence should be minimal, but volunteers are needed to lend a hand.  Shelby and Anthony Bills have already expressed an interest in assisting with the building of the fence.   
•    The date of the Holiday party was discussed - Saturday, December 5th, 2009.  It will be held in the morning so as not to conflict with the BSU football game.  More information will be available at a later date.
•    Julie Galeone spoke to the Children’s Store regarding a shopping night to raise money for Lakewood Montessori.  The owner will be in touch to plan the specifics.  She will also be available at the Montessori convention during the October teacher in-service days.  
•    Melody Whigam will be the Box-Tops coordinator for the 2009/2010 school year.
•    Julie Galeone and Debbie Miller will be the Campbell’s soup labels coordinators for the 2009/2010 school year.  
•    Art Auction Planning:   Anne Moe will chair the event.  Sub-committee chairs will be assigned.  The first planning meeting will take place following the PTO meeting on Thursday, October 8th, 2009.  Anybody interested in helping with this event can contact Anne at anne@animobooks.com or Debbie Miller at dmiller@bmhc.com or plan on attending the meeting on the 8th.  

Election of Officers

All officers were re-elected for this year.  

Next Meeting

Thursday, October 8th, 6:00 PM
Childcare will be provided.  

Thank you to all who participated.  Welcome to a new year at Lakewood Montessori!