Meeting called to order at 6:05 p.m.

ATTENDANCE: Rosemary Keilty, Leigh Ann Merrill, Nikki Blass, Ashley DeMazza, Amy Dodge, Jill Holderman, Jessica McCarthy, Tammy MacDonald, Marilisa Camardi, Melissa Bachetti, Viv LaBerge, Stephanie Baldwin, Beverly Becker

SECRETARY'S REPORT: Minutes were read and accepted.

CORRESPONDENCES: Thank you notes were received from Christine Farrell for her scholarship, Debbie Carroll for her flowers, and Breath Express for our donation.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Report was read and accepted.

• Tammy MacDonald and Dolores Perotti have been asking around about the flower sale. There seems to be money missing from the 2nd day. Tammy apologized for not depositing the money in May. After discussion, it was suggested to look in the left over stack of plastic bags and to obtain a bank bag or a locked box for future fundraisers. It was also decided that every couple of months someone should check over the accounts.

PRINICIPAL'S REPORT: Rosemary Keilty reported the following:

• School webpage - They are being updated on a regular basis. Some teachers are putting daily homework assignments on their pages.
• Mr. Perry is coaching both the boys and girls basketball teams.
• The soccer teams finished the season in second place.
• Thank you to Nikki and Leigh Ann for providing information about recreational soccer teams to be announced over the loud speaker.
• Two more Smartboards were purchased with grant money. One will be located in the middle school science classroom and the other will be a floater between classrooms.
• Weatherbug - Our school has already been on television. There were some problems hooking up the equipment but it is working now. Channel 8 has already picked it up and Channel 3 will do so starting in December.
• Parent/Teacher conferences will be next Wednesday and Thursday. The middle school conferences will be a different style this year because of the number of teachers, students, and cross grade teaching. They will take place in the gym. Each conference will last for 10 minutes and will be round robin style. When the bell rings parents will rotate or join in.
• Jaime Crane is expecting twins in January. She is trying to work as long as possible. Theresa Jacquier will be her replacement.
• A note went home about Staph infections. It describes cleaning routines and encourages hand washing. The school nurse will be doing hand washing clinics in classrooms.
• Chef Peter Elliot will be here on Friday to cook scrambled eggs in the K-2 classrooms.

OLD BUSINESS

• MAGIC SHOW - Nikki Blass reported that there were 150 people in attendance. It was a really great evening. There were plenty of refreshment and magic souvenirs. She will be sending some stuff back. $102 was profited from the souvenirs which will help offset the cost of the magician.
• BOXTOPS - There were over 50 participants in the first challenge. Approximately $184 was earned. At the awards ceremony a name or two will be picked for a gift card from all of the children that participated. They were easy to count and mail since there were 10 on a page. Marilisa Camardi has volunteered to be coordinator of Boxtops for this year. She will get together a flyer to send home in December.
• BOOKS - Ashley DeMazza spoke about obtaining new or gently used books for a lending library at the food pantry. It seems to be going well. Currently, there are very few picture books for toddlers. Ashley is seeking a monetary donation from the PTO to purchase board books. A motion was made [Leigh Ann Merrill/Jessica McCarthy] to give Ashley DeMazza $100 to purchase new books for this lending library.] All members were in favor. After discussion, it was decided that another flyer should be sent home requesting toddler books specifically. Ashley will purchase these books through the Oblong Bookstore. A sticker will be placed on the back of each book purchased that says donated by the NCES PTO.
• CONFERENCE LUNCH - Tammy MacDonald reported that she and Dolores Perotti are all set. Helpers will arrive around 9:30 to set up. It was discussed to make sure that there is enough rolls and sandwich meat. It was suggested that a pan of ziti could be ordered from Freund's to make sure that there is enough substantial food for the day. Tammy will talk to Dolores about it and then get back to Nikki. Miss Keilty will make an announcement that lunch starts at 12:00.
• SCHOOL APPREL - Approximately 6 orders were received. They have been placed. An order form will be online at our website.
• STUDENT DIRECTORY - Vicki MacDonald has been in contact with Judi and Mrs. Palmer.
• GYM MURALS - Information about new gym murals was presented at the October 2007 meeting. After discussion, the present members of the PTO would like to amend this vote based on the need to have a further discussion and more information. Jessica McCarthy has spoken with Beth Miller and she stated that it would be better if this was not a rushed project and that she would have more time for it after the holiday season. Last year, a committee was formed for this project and they raised the money through donations from local businesses. There was $107 left over from last year. It was also suggested that these murals be placed in other areas of the school besides the gym since that space is also used for school and drama club performances. After discussion, it was decided to revisit this topic at a future meeting when the artist is available and the committee is reestablished. Jessica McCarthy volunteered to head the committee if no one else is interested. Stephanie Baldwin suggested that there should be a process outlined in the by-laws about amending votes.

NEW BUSINESS

• TREE LIGHTING - This will be December 3rd. PTO needs to provide baked goods.
• BREAKFAST WITH SANTA - After discussion, we will not do this fundraiser this year.
• SHOPPING IN DECEMBER - Nikki Blass has talked to several vendors who are interested in a shopping night. It would be in early December. Vendors would pay $25 for a table and donate a percent of their profit. Leigh Ann will organize a bake sale to benefit the 6th grade trip to NYC. Leigh Ann will need to contact the Torrington Area Health District to see if there are any guidelines. Nikki will arrange the vendors. Friday, December 7th is tentative date at 3:30.
• TWO HOUR PLEDGE - Nikki has a flyer to send home asking parents to pledge 2 hours of their time throughout the school year.
• LOWE'S - They have grant applications for PTO's to apply for up to $5,000. Nikki thought we could purchase a sign for the front of the school. Viv LaBerge will take the grant application home. A committee should be formed for this task.
• SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE - Tammy inquired when they do fundraisers. It has been in the spring in the past.
• FAMILY PORTRAITS - Nikki reported that Betsy is too busy this month. She suggested we do Easter photos with real rabbits during last week in February. This idea will be tabled until another meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

Next meeting: Wednesday, January 2, 2007 at 6:00 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Melissa A. Bachetti