Derynoski Elementary School PTO - Southington Public Schools

Derynoski Parent Teacher Organization
Visit the PTO pages on the DES website.
Despto2@gmail.com
Secretary’s Report DES PTO Meeting February 20, 2013
Executive Board
President: Stephanie Leavitt
Vice President: Lynn Lafontaine-(Acting)
Treasurer: Tania Eaton
Assistant Treasurer: Christine Zaczynski
Co-Recording Secretaries: Angela Heidgerd, Tracie Stanton
Events Coordinator:
Fundraising Coordinators: Ann Micacci Flynn, Tiffany Gillis
Cultural Arts Coordinators: Casie Messina,
Public Relations Coordinator: Audra Sullivan
Book Fair Coordinators: Laura McKnerney
Absent: Traci Schneider, Kim Ferreira, Stacey Hinckley
Call to order: 6:48 pm
Introductions
Stephanie Leavitt led introductions where all present introduced themselves, stated grade levels of children.
Staff and community members introduced themselves too.
Secretary’s Report
January minutes accepted by Tiffany Gillis, 2 nd by Casie Messina
Middle School Restoration Report
Assistant Superintendent Karen Smith attended the meeting in place of Dr. Erardi who was out of town at a
conference. Mrs. Smith passed out a FAQ sheet about the middle school projects. Posters of the building
projects were displayed. The project must go back to referendum which will take place at DES on March 19,
2013 from 6:00am-8:00pm. The reason for another referendum is that the project costs are now 89 million
instead of 85 million. The reimbursement rate from the state has changed from 52% to 56%. The taxpayer
cost of the project will be 1 million less. The revised project will have less space. Value Engineering resulted in
cutting faculty space, Tech Ed rooms, tennis courts, and climbing walls. Mrs. Smith urged everyone to come
out to vote on March 19 th . The timeline hasn’t changed. The project is set to begin on July 1 st .
Principal’s Report
Mrs. Verderame asked BOE member Pat Johnson to speak on BOE matters. Mrs. Johnson reiterated that the
educational process will not be compromised during the middle school renovation project. As far as the budget
process, at this time the Board of Finance is looking at the 85 million dollar budget and asking questions. The
next phase is public input.
Mrs. Verderame spoke about upcoming safety measure changes. Soon visitors will get a numbered badge that
they will wear while in the building that will be given back when they check out. Still in discussion is changing
the entry door to near the office.
DES staff raised funds and will be providing lunch on March 13 th to the staff of Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Derynoski Parent Teacher Organization
Visit the PTO pages on the DES website.
Despto2@gmail.com
Kindergarten registration is taking place Feb 27-March 1 st . march 1 st is the practice CMT test. STEPS
afterschool program at DES begins on Feb 27 th . Nine courses are being offered to 135 students. 40 students
will be taking the late bus.
Mrs. Kahl reported about field trips. A projection of savings of over $600 from last year field trip transportation
costs is expected. 4 th grades will be visiting the CT Science Center. K, 1, 3 will be planning trips for May.
Committee Reports
Cultural Arts- Chariots of the Sun was educational and enjoyable. Slap Stick Science will be coming in
April. Casie made a motion to reinstate previously deleted $300 back into the Cultural Arts line items.
Yes vote to reinstate $300 to Cultural Arts was unanimous.
Book Fair- March 4 th -8 th . Science Theme. Volunteers needed especially for afternoon hours. Ice cream
social Wed. evening march 6 th . Breakfast Book fair Tuesday, March 5 th .
Fundraising- Wooster Street Pizza night profit $175. Booklets with addresses filled in and returned
will profit $2.25 each for school. Munson’s Chocolate Delivery- March 8 th . Rock Cats family day will be
4/28. Seats on 3 rd baseline. Profit will be $4.50 per ticket. The Whale ticket sales had no profit. The
recent Spirit wear sale went well. Many orders filled with inventory on hand.
Nomination Committee
Lynn reports that one general member still needed on this committee. Commitment to attend May 22 nd
meeting and assist with election is needed.
Gladiator Dodge Ball Pit
Christine Zaczynski made a motion for the PTO to sponsor the acquisition of a Gladiator Dodge Ball pit. Laura
McKnerney 2 nd the motion.
Yes vote for the PTO to sponsor the acquisition of a Gladiator Dodge Ball pit was unanimous.
Christine Zaczynski made a motion for the PTO to fundraise specifically for construction of a dodge ball pit.
Tiffany Gillis 2 nd the motion.
Yes vote motion for the PTO to fundraise specifically for construction of a dodge ball pit was
unanimous.
Additional agenda items:
Auditing Committee- Stephanie asked for general members to come forward who would be willing to work
on an audit committee. The committee is needed after June 30 th to audit the fundraising and financial reports.
Mr. Shea volunteered.
Proposed Bylaw changes- Stephanie and Lynn proposed the following bylaw changes to be voted on next
meeting.
Proposed Bylaw Amendments/Changes
Revise Cultural Arts coordinators third bullet to read, Provide updates and information
regarding programs at monthly meetings.
Revise Book Fair coordinators fourth bullet point to read Provide updates and information
at monthly meetings.

Derynoski Parent Teacher Organization
Visit the PTO pages on the DES website.
Despto2@gmail.com
Reason for the change: not necessary to have it say attend monthly PTO meeting as this is
stated under Article IX:Meetings
Under Article V: Officers/C. duties: President. Add check the despto email box regularly
and respond to messages or forward to the appropriate board member to handle.
Reason for the change: to clarify whose responsibility it is.
Article VII: Executive Board - either modify D to say a vacancy/LOA or put a completely
separate LOA policy in place.
Move Volunteer Coordinator and current description from under Public Relations Coordinator
to Event/Volunteer Coordinator. This will become a co-board position with one vote for
executive votes. Under current Event Coordinator description change the second bullet from
“Aid in set up at events throughout the year” to “Aid in set up at events throughout the
year as coordinator sees fit.”
Meeting adjourned:
8:05pm
Minutes recorded and typed by: Angela Heidgerd