Dover Middle School PTSA
Special Executive Board Meeting
September 21, 2004

 The PTSA executive board met briefly prior to back to school night and went over the proposed budget, as follows: 

 Balance carried forward                        $4600.00
Anticipated Income                               10,280.00
Estimated Expenses                              10,280.00

 The executive board approved the budget and Eileen introduced a motion to the general membership for approval of the proposed budge. 

 Sue Shauer and Andres Szentmikolsey respectively carried the motion and the budget was filed for audit.  

 Submitted by:

 Nancy Valle
Recording Secretary

(minutes approved 10/13/04  nv )

Dover Middle School PTSA
Executive Board Meeting
September 15, 2004

 The meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM.  The minutes of the June 9, 2004, PTSA meeting were read and approved.  

 President's Report – No report.

Correspondence Report – A thank you card was received from the DMS teachers for their bagel lunch held on May 6, 2004. 

Treasurers Report –      On Hand as of 6/9/04  13,085.08

Income                              130.00
Expenses                          6941.91
On Hand 9/8/04               6300.17

 The question was raised regarding the proposed budget for the 2004/2005 year.  Linda, Sheila, and Georgette agreed to get together over the next few days and come up with a proposed budget.  It was discussed whether the budget would be ready to put to vote by back to school night or possibly the next general meeting on December 15^th at the winter concert.  

Membership Report – No numbers were available as of yet.  Sheila had just picked up a stack of membership forms and dues from the office.  Sheila showed a sample of envelopes that the elementary school uses for membership with name/grade, etc preprinted on them and put in a request to purchase envelopes so that she may print these up and have ready for back to school night.  It was agreed she would purchase the envelopes and have them ready for back to school night.  A membership table would be set up and Eileen offered to be on hand for assistance to Spanish speaking parents. 

Ways and Means – Mrs. Casiano reported that Martha had the Fall fundraiser ready to go on September 16^th.  She had omitted the magazine sale portion from the fundraiser. 

 Teachers Report – Ms. Sperry was in attendance.  She spoke about the upcoming 8^th grade trip to Philadelphia and provided a preview of the information/contract that would be going out to students.  Stephanie Bentlyoski raised a question regarding the trip coinciding with the Halloween Fun Run date.   Ms. Sperry and Mrs. Casciano both acknowledged this and explained that due to scheduling, upcoming weather, and time in for student contract purposes, etc. the 10/29 date was the only realistic date at this point.  Ms. Sperry did agree to take the Fun Run into consideration next year when scheduling the trip.  Linda Wilk raised the question of limited spots available for the trip and both Mrs. Casiano and Ms. Sperry explained that the way it has worked out in prior years, all students that wanted to go were able to attend. 

PTSA Executive Board Meeting

September 15, 2004  

Ms. Sperry spoke briefly about the 7^th grade Team 3 trip to Sandy Hook on 10/19 and 10/20.  Half of the students would attend the first session and the other half the second session.  She said that further trips would be planned during the year so that all students would have the opportunity to attend a field trip.  Finally, Ms. Sperry reported that she was working on DMS staff PTSA membership and encouraging all to join.      

 Cultural Arts – No report. 

 Administrator's Report – Mrs. Casiano said the year is off to a good start.  We would be continuing the Character Education Initiative with the morning announcement program.  Additional activities and lessons will take place in relation to this program throughout the year.  The year long theme is unchanged from last year, i.e. The Dover Way – Respect, Responsibility, and Caring. 

In recognition of the third anniversary of 9-11, Social Studies classes presented a variety of lessons on 9-11 as history.  Everyone was encouraged to wear red, white, and blue to commemorate the day. 

 A list of upcoming events was given and the note was made regarding the change in back to school night date. 

 Old Business – None.

 New Business – Linda Wilk inquired if it were possible to have a student available at back to school night to explain the different clubs/after school activities available to DMS  students.  Ms. Sperry offered to look into providing some written sort of dictionary or explanations of the various clubs.  Linda Wilk also asked about the lunch menu being available on the web site, as she had looked for it, but didn't see it.  Mrs. Dondero said she would look into it.

 There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.  The next meeting date is October 13, 2004.

 Submitted by:

 Nancy Valle

Recording Secretary

 (minutes approved 10/13/04 nv )

PRESIDENT’S REPORT: no report

CULTURAL ARTS:
Joann Spano reported that April 1st has been set as a date for our first cultural arts program. “ Dancing Through the Ages.” Two programs will be presented. Total cost $700. Although our cultural arts budget was set at $1500. for the school year, Joann was requested to hold off on booking another program until we determine our spring sale proceeds and budget for our remaining 2003 year end expenditures.
A second program “Lazerlights” at a cost of $745. is pending.

MEMBERSHIP: no report

WAYS & MEANS:
No formal report, however unaudited spring sale proceeds were determined to be approximately $2443., with a portion of that to go to student’s accounts.

STUDENT REPORT:
No report, however student council president was present earlier in the evening.

OLD BUSINESS:
Carol Lally inquired if anyone had names of potential PTSA officers for the 2003-04 school year. Several names were discussed as possibly being interested in assuming a position. We will be extending an invitation to our Academy Street, East Dover and Canfield Ave. 6th grade parents to attend our April PTSA meeting.

Also discussed was the possibility of having a DMS teacher as an executive board member for the 2003-04 school year.

Sandra Scarneo made mention of the traffic conditions and safety issue on McFarland St. behind the school. There are both AM and PM traffic issues, but in particular afternoon recess issues. Mrs. Casiano will review the teacher assignments for the PM recess and bring these issues to the teacher‘s attention.

NEW BUSINESS:
Paula Henn distributed TAL International promo items to those present.
Next meeting 4/3/03 7:00pm.
There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 9:00pm.

Submitted by:
Carol Lally
Recording Secretary

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