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Fireside PTO Meeting Minutes
August 22, 2005

Attendance:

Welcome: Board members introduced themselves to Pat, our new principal.

Minutes: May meeting minutes will be approved at September's meeting.

Principal's Remarks: (Pat Heinz-Pribyl)

1. Pat is so pleased to be a new part of Fireside.
2. We have six new staff members.
   - Abby Hamlin is our new part time morning Kindergarten teacher. She's just completed her Masters in May and did her student teaching with Mrs. Schafer.
   - Erin Reivich is our new 2nd grade teacher. She has taught preschool through 3rd grade.
   - Veronica Woodworth is our new 4th grade teacher. She has taught 2nd grade bilingual in Ft. Lupton and worked in 3rd and 5th grade classrooms at the Denver Campus for Jewish Education.
   - Carolyn Brumfiel will begin the year job sharing with Jennifer Brown, our music teacher. Then in January she will be full time as Jennifer pursues her Masters degree.
   - Gloria Kirkpatrick will be our new cashier replacing Shauna.
   - We also have a new part time custodian named Dan W.
3. We currently have an office position open.
4. The Chat will go out once a month (15th or 16th) instead of twice a month. Any items that need to go in it are to go through Jill or Maia. It will also be posted on our website.

Co-Chairs Remarks: (Maia Jourgensen and Jill Andrews)

1. We still need volunteers to help with the yearbook. We would like input from several volunteers and check out other possible companies to produce it.
2. New volunteer sign up sheets for the year will be in the lobby. This is a great way for new families to get involved in our school.
3. We still need volunteers to help with the Labor Day parade.
4. We also need a coordinator for our Movie night or maybe it could be a Sock Hop instead?
5. One of our goals for this school year is to help our teachers with the new Math curriculum. The PTO needs input from our teachers as to what help the PTO can provide.
6. We would also like to organize and implement the new reference library for the teachers. Cathy Finleon's money from her Impact on Education award will be used and can be supplemented with PTO money. Finding a location is still a problem.
7. Pat will investigate the rules of marketing for our school to open enrollment students. We need to do it with quality.
8. We need to keep our focus on encouraging everyone to buy grocery certificates.
9. Michelle, one of our grant writers, is working on a grant to update our sound system. Doris Encinias, Gay Salim, and Michelle are working on a grant that will help extend literacy into ESL families along with our ESL Fireside students.
10. Impact on Education nominations are coming up. Consider nominating one of our many great educators!
11. Fall Feast plans are moving forward. We need to prepare ourselves of the possibility that vendors may not want to attend every year and that our great volunteers will not continue with this fund raiser far into the future.
12. Entertainment books will not be going home with students. Only the order forms. We will need a replacement for Ilene Olson to man the books for next year.
13. We will be selling Sally Fosters wrapping paper in October. We earned $5000 last year.

Treasurer Report: (Jennifer Piper)

1. Joe Newell, our website creator, will put our budget onto the new Fireside PTO website minus the names of our teachers. Just our budget totals will be included and not our projected goals.
2. We broke even on our budget.
3. We still need to check our bylaws to see if we can further break apart the discretionary fund column.
4. We will approve our budget in September's meeting.
5. Joe will post the teacher reimbursement forms on the website for easy access.
   
   

Fund raising Report: (Joli Lofstedt and Brenda Cannella)

1. We have added Kohl's gift cards to our fund raising. We buy the certificates and earn 5%.
2. We still have some Old Chicago's Pizza Pals left. We make $5 on each certificate. Be aware that they expire the end of November.
3. We are still doing Escrips so sign up online.

Communication: (Meredith Eddy)

1. We still need a logo for our website. This logo will go on everything. We would like to use a Falcon design that's friendly looking. If anyone has any ideas please pass them onto Meredith.
2. We also need to decide on our school colors. Blue is one but we still need another.

District Parent Council Meeting: (Lura Vernon)

1. In May of 2005, a task force was formed to look at the salary schedule for teachers. This task force looked at different schools, current salaries, and compared the data. The task force recommended to the keep the current salary schedule the same.
2. Transportation Tax Levy: The district wants to use this money to update all the computers in the district every five years.
3. Meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of the month. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Fireside t-shirts: (Lori Commander and Margie Keatley)

1. We have new t-shirts that say "Fireside Rocks." Please send in your orders.
2. We will be selling "Lance Armstrong" style bracelets for $3 each that will say "Fireside Rocks."

Volunteer Coordinator: (Melaney Ubel)

1. New sign up sheets will be posted in the lobby.
2. Teacher brunch for the first day of school is all set.

Safety Coordinator: (John Kelin)

1. We still need crossing guard volunteers. Please let John know if you can help.

Open Forum:

1. Can a girl scout troop conduct an animal needs drive at Fireside so that they can earn their Community Service Bronze award? Pat will check into the rules.

Meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm.

Next meeting is September 12th at 6:30 pm in the school library.

August - September - October - November - December - January - February - March - April - May

Fireside PTO Meeting Minutes
September 12, 2005

Attendance:

Minutes: Meeting minutes from the May 9th and August 22nd meetings were approved.

Principal's Remarks: (Pat Heinz-Pribyl)

1. We are off to a very smooth start. The first days of school were great.
2. We have interviewed for a new part time literacy position. The decision will be announced soon.
3. Shauna is leaving and the interviews to replace her will begin soon.
4. The Child Assault Prevention program begins next week. September 19th is for the parents to preview the program and on the 20th thru the 22nd, it will be presented to the children in their classrooms. PTO funds this great program.

Co-Chairs Remarks: (Jill Andrews and Maia Jourgensen)

1. We still have $11,000 earmarked for new playground equipment. Jill will talk to Mrs. T about picking out some pieces to add to what we have already.
2. Fireside Spirit Days will be 9/30, 11/4, 1/20, 3/10, 4/28, and 6/2.
3. We still need a coordinator for the national Walk-To-School day. This is a one time commitment with not a lot of time involved. Please contact Jill or Maia if interested.
4. Volunteer sign up sheets will be in the lobby on Parent Information night.
5. The Fall Feast is moving ahead as planned. If we are to continue this fund raiser next year, we will need at least six volunteers to take over. Trish Jamison has offered to be a resource and guide. Our great volunteers who do it now have everything written down. We have to face the possibility of not having a Fall Feast next year.
6. We made about $550 at the tie dye booth at the Labor Day celebration. Thank you to Mary Roman, Heidi Day, Jill and Maia for their efforts!!
7. Our fund raisers for this year are:
   a. Fall Feast
   b. Gold C and Entertainment books.
   c. Wrapping paper
   d. Grocery certificates, Pizza Pals, Kohls' gift cards, Target Visas.
   e. Math-a-thon
   f. Soup labels
   g. Box tops for Education
8. Heidi Day has volunteered to be our new coordinator for the Gold C and Entertainment books for next year. Thank you Heidi!
9. Paul Karlzen was voted in to be our second District Parent Council representative along with Lura Vernon.

Treasurer Report: (Jennifer Piper)

1. The updated budget was passed around. New teachers' names will be added with their start up classroom amounts.
2. A line will be added for Pizza Pals and the Kohls' gift cards.
3. Jen checked with the IRS and we do have to have original receipts from teachers for reimbursements. Email receipts can not be used. This is in case we get audited. Jill and Maia will send out a reminder note to all teachers.
4. PTO voted to approve the budget for the 2005-2006 school year.

Yearbook Coordinator: (Tina Flotilla)

1. Tina will call on the volunteers who signed up to help.
2. Two companies were investigated to produce our new yearbook. There are so many options. For example, we could have personalized covers, ad space for congratulatory remarks to students, memory DVD, etc. All the options cost more money. Tina passed out examples of yearbooks and they looked great. Tina will find out more information on the memory dvd and the cost break down. It was suggested that maybe this year we could just sell the yearbooks at cost to build up parent confidence in the new layout with a new company.

3. The decision was made to go with Jostens at $15 per book.  We will sell it at this price with no profit margin.  This is the same price as last years book.

Volunteer Coordinator: (Melaney Ubel)

1. Sign up sheets will out during Parent Information night.

Open Forum:

1. Trish Jamison suggested that we hold a winter/sporting clothes exchange in October. This would give families the opportunity to update their children's sizes and also clear out items they can't use anymore. Families could sell, donate, or just exchange. Trish volunteered to organize, set the guidelines, and send out flyers. Maybe hold it on a Saturday? Further details will be forth coming. This would be a great community service and not a fund raiser.
2. Maia suggested that maybe the PTO could sponsor a fund that would be used strictly by Fireside students. Students could apply for mini grants to use for projects. This would be overseen by a board of Trustees, have a limit per student request, and would have to be coordinated through their teachers. Only downfall would be that we would have to fund every reasonable request. We'd have to set a cap. Further discussion and/or ideas are welcome.
3. By selling Sally Foster wrapping paper and Gold C/Entertainment books, our school earns points that can be used to buy items out of this sponsoring company's catalog. Fireside can earn more points by offering to parents a kit for about $30 that includes a workbook and/or DVD. Families would be able to buy this kit to be used over the summer. It would be offered for purchase in May/June. This is not a fund raiser and is completely optional! Do we want to provide this option to possibly earn extra points? We need to commit to the company.
4. Pat will make available her power point presentation on the new report cards to parents who are unable to attend on Parent Information night.
5. There is still ad space available in the directory. Contact Tam Dalle-Molle if interested.
6. There is a Katrina relief fund jar at the front office window for those who want to donate. Teacher's tip jars at the Fall Feast will be for Katrina relief.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.

Next meeting will be TUESDAY, October 11 at 6:30 pm in the school library.

August - September - October - November - December - January - February - March - April - May

Fireside PTO Meeting Minutes
October 11, 2005

Attendance:

Minutes: Meeting minutes from the September 12th meeting were amended and approved.

Principal's Remarks: (Pat Heinz-Pribyl)

1. Thank you for the great Fall Feast! There was a great sense of community and fun. 2.
2. The new directory is out and looks great.
3. CSI (Committee for School Improvement) had their first meeting. They went over two goals that they would like to achieve this year:
   a. Math Achievement: To raise our scores this year.
   b. Equity goal: To close the gap between Hispanic and Caucasian students.
   We still need members, so please consider coming to our next meeting.
   We will be reviewing the by-laws and choosing officers and going over the year end report. Our next meeting will be November 2nd at 6:15 pm in the school library.
4. We found space for the reference reading library. We will need storage units. Since Cathy Finleon's Impact on Education award money is $1500, the PTO approved to match that amount. It will be voted upon at the November meeting.
5. Money from the PTO may be needed for Math Enrichment. Pat will keep us posted on any future needs.

Co-Chairs Remarks: (Jill Andrews and Maia Jourgensen)

1. The Fall Feast made approximately $10,200 but all receipts are not yet in to Jennifer.
2. We had great news coverage in the Louisville Times and Maia had a great thank you letter in the Camera for our wonderful vendors.
3. Maia is going to head up the Fall Feast for next year and she needs many volunteers so please call her if you can help. ANY help is appreciated no matter how little it may be.
4. Coffee House is November 4th at 6:30 pm. Participants are on a first come first serve basis so please sign up soon. Volunteers are needed to bring food.
5. We have over 15 different languages spoken at Fireside! The school district only provides a minimal budget for hiring translators. Heidi Day suggested using volunteer college students during Parent Information night and Parent/Teacher conference days. She will check into it.
6. We have several Girl Scout troops who hold their meetings at Fireside at a reduced cost. Because of this, they are asked to give back to the school by doing a community service project. These troops would like some ideas. It would be nice to have all the troops spend the same day doing this one day project. In the past, troops have pulled weeds and picked up garbage. If anyone has any suggestions please contact Jill or Maia
7. We still have $11,000 set aside for more playground equipment for the south playground. We will ask Mrs. Turnicliff for the cost of monkey bars and any left over money might be used towards supporting Math achievement.
8. Mr. Lang has suggested a possible portable computer Math lab. We would get laptops for every student in the class and take it from room to room. A class would use the same Math software together. This would be for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. It's estimated to cost $25,000. This could also be something to work towards for the future.
9. Wrapping paper sales end October 25th. Half of the proceeds go directly to Fireside PTO!!
10. We have seen a slight increase in grocery certificate sales. Keep on using them!
11. Movie Night will be around January 20th.

Treasurer Report: (Jennifer Piper)

1. Mini grants for Track and Field needs a line in the budget. PTO approved $500 for this purpose.
2. Any reimbursements from the school year MUST be given to Jennifer Piper by June 30, 2006, or they can't be paid. Late receipts unfairly affect next school year's budget.

District Parent Council Representative: (Lura Vernon)

1. Schools have to supply military recruiters with student names and addresses. You can fill out a waiver and write letter to block this.
2. Enrollment this year is about the same district wide.
3. Several school board candidates were present at the meeting. Two are running uncontested. Everyone please take the time to vote.
4. The next meeting is October 26th and anyone can attend.

Yearbook: (Tina Fontillas)

1. According to Pat, we have a grant from Impact on Education to help cover the costs of free yearbooks. Pat will provide Tina with the amount.
2. It was decided by meeting attendees to not include 5th grade congratulation ads, yearbook personalization, or 3D glasses. A 5th grade DVD was approved to be available as an optional purchase. An example of a memory DVD was played before and after the meeting.
3. Yearbook sales will start around November 1st.
4. There will be absolutely NO LATE ORDERS for yearbooks. The cost of the company to reprint a late order is too expensive. Tina will send out reminders when the time comes.
5. The exact number of yearbooks needed to buy must be available by January 9th.

Open Forum:

1. Mrs. Schafer presented a request for the purchase of five digital cameras. One per grade level for a total cost of $1500. PTO approved cameras for Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 4th grades. Third grade is pending the approval of a grant Mrs. Encinias submitted for a digital camera.
2. Lura Vernon mentioned that the playground fields behind the school have many weeds and some that are sharp. There's a big hole in front of one of the soccer goals and the nets are falling apart. Pat will find out who maintains the grounds and ask them to check into these concerns.

Meeting adjourned at 8:40pm.

The next meeting will be November 14th at 6:30 pm in the school library.

August - September - October - November - December - January - February - March - April - May

Fireside PTO Meeting Minutes
November 14, 2005

Attendance:

Minutes: Meeting minutes from October 11th were approved.

Principal's Remarks: (Pat Heinz-Pribyl)

1. We won a grant from the Rose Community Foundation that Mrs. Encinias helped write. It's approximately $1300 and it will be used to help Spanish speaking families to use resources that will support their kids in school.
2. Mrs. Encinias also won a mini grant for the purchase of a camera.
3. Tara Newman won the Center of Wonder and Discovery grant for preschool.
4. The Katrina fund jar raised $400. Half will go to the Red Cross and the other half will go to Houston Public schools. Fireside's student council voted on where the money should be sent.
5. The first of six open enrollment sessions begins November 29th. Any parents who would like to help with tours please contact Pat.
6. Kindergarten registration is January 10th.
7. The Coffee House was a wonderful evening! It was very well organized and the food was good. We had approximately 200 people.
8. CSI (Committee for School Improvement) voted in two Co-Chairs. Thank you to Cindy Edgar and Brigitte Mutter.

Co-Chair Remarks: (Maia Jourgensen and Jill Andrews)

1. Yearbook price may be $16 instead of the original $15 because of sales tax. We're still waiting to find out the final price.
2. The Parent Engagement Network (P.E.N.) offers many workshops for parents to attend with topics that include drugs, alcohol, suicide, etc. The PTO would like to have some parents attend a few and then report back during our meetings. These workshops are at the Education Center on Arapahoe in Boulder. There is a website that anyone can check out. 
3. There is a school district in Connecticut that saved $1.1 million in energy costs in one year!!
   How about getting an energy audit for Fireside? How much do we waste? Does the district have a conservation person? If not, would PTO fund an audit and how much would it cost? Fireside could start off the district into saving energy and maybe generate some good publicity. Jill will find out more information.
4. A Dinner and Dance was agreed upon by parents at the meeting instead of doing a Movie Night. It will be in January. Any one who would like to help, please contact Maia.
5. PTO voted and approved $1500 to be spent on bookshelves for the Guided Reading Library.

Treasurer Report: (Jennifer Piper)

1. Veronica Woodworth would like $150 for three guest speakers to help with the fourth grade poetry unit. PTO voted to approve the money.
2. Jen presented the updated budget.
3. PTO made ~$4,800 on the wrapping paper fund raiser.
4. Tara Newman would like PTO to consider purchasing an early intervention Kindergarten literacy program for $1500. Tara has written a grant to be used for this but hasn't heard back yet so she would like PTO to consider the purchase now. Jill will invite Tara to present the program to the PTO at the next meeting. This program could very possibly be used this spring and certainly would be used next fall.

District Parent Council Representative: (Lura Vernon)

1. The district talked about their many accomplishments this year:
   a. The class of 2005 had more than 1,900 graduates.
   b. $18 million in scholarships were earned by students.
   c. There were 30 National Merit Finalists, more than 4 times the national rate.
   d. 84% went on to colleges or universities in all 50 states and six foreign countries.
   e. Vocationally, 301 technical certificates were earned.
2. On state accountability reports (SAR's), the district received 47 excellent or high out of 58.
3. Boulder Valley has the largest number of excellent schools of any district in the state.
4. Should CSAP scores show up on a student's transcript? Many people split on this issue.
5. Middle level healthy food guidelines were introduced last year. Healthier food choices were discussed. Vendors are eager to make changes in products.

Volunteer Coordinator: (Melaney Ubel)

1. We've ordered pumpkin, lemon meringue, and pecan pies from Perkins for our Fireside staff. The pies are made fresh and are very tasty. The teachers were polled so they could choose their favorite. The pies will be delivered on Friday, November 18th. Thank you to all who donated!

Open Forum:

1. Do we want to sell tickets to a Nutcracker performance and make 20% on the ticket price for our school?
2. Parents would LOVE teachers to make a classroom wish list so that parents could help donate items or contribute in a productive way.
3. PTO is adopting a family for the holidays. Maia Jourgensen and Lura Vernon are collecting money. Please help out a family in need.

Meeting Adjourned at 8pm.

Next meeting will be December 12th at 6:30 pm in the school library.

August - September - October - November - December - January - February - March - April - May

Fireside PTO Meeting Minutes
December 12, 2005

Attendance:

Minutes: Meeting minutes from November 14th were approved.

Principal's Remarks: (Pat Heinz-Pribyl)

1. The open enrollment tours have been going well. We've had one family interested in first grade and all the others were interested in kindergarten. Thank you to all the parents who have been helping with the tours. Tour dates are on the Fireside website.
2. The school accountability ratings have recently been released. Fireside was rated as "high." New this year is a growth rating which shows that on average, our kids are making a year's growth in a school year. A letter from Pat will be coming home in the Friday folders. Our rating is very good considering it doesn't take into account all our ESL, special ed., and free and reduced lunch kids. It is based on our CSAP scores. With all our diversity, our teachers are better able to accommodate all levels of children's ability from high achievers to non English speaking students.

Co-Chair Remarks: (Maia Jourgensen)

1. 1. The PTO has adopted two Fireside families for the holidays. We are collecting monetary donations or gift certificates. Checks can be made out to Maia and placed in the PTO mailbox in the front office or given directly to Maia.
2. Thank you to Melaney Ubel for picking up the Perkins pies for our school staff as a Thanksgiving treat. There was a lot of positive feedback!
3. Maia and Jen are going to come up with the top ten important points to mention to new parents during the kindergarten tours.

Treasurer Report: (Jen Piper)

1. Tara Neuman and Kay Bingham gave a great speech about purchasing an early intervention Kindergarten literacy program. This program is currently in place at Mesa Elementary and Kay was able to observe it in action. This program will be able to identify struggling readers early on and give them the extra help needed at the start of their school career. There are about four or five kids per class who could benefit from this program. The initial cost for this program is $1500. PTO voted to approve the purchase. Michelle Jones has also applied for a WB2 Gives grant but is still waiting to hear from them. If approved, money from this grant will be used to purchase extra tools that the program has to offer.
2. Elise Graninger is asking for $350 for the purchase of the Little Shop of Physics. PTO paid for this last year. All the students in every grade are able to participate in this program. PTO voted to approve the purchase.
3. Cathy Finleon and Karen Donohue would each like $239 plus shipping for the purchase of an easel like the one Jill Ritchie has in Kindergarten. It's on wheels, has great storage, and is just the right size for kids to write on when needed. PTO voted to approve the purchase of the easel for Cathy. PTO voted again and approved the purchase for Karen.

Fund Raising: (Lori Commander & Brenda Cannella)

1. We now have grocery certificates for Vitamin Cottage.
2. We also have more Pizza Pals that have an expiration date of June 30th.
3. Grocery certificates make great holiday gifts so don't forget that we have them for King Soopers, Safeway, Wild Oats, and Kohl's.
4. We still have Fireside bracelets and t-shirts left for purchase.
5. On December 19th there will be a meeting for the dance committee. A DJ has been selected so far. Volunteers will be needed to help so please let Joli or Brenda know if you can help.

Communications: (Meredith Eddy)

1. On Tuesday, Dean Stankovic is having his formal holiday tea. Rocky Mountain News, Louisville Times, and The Camera will be here to cover the story. There is a possibility that news cameras will also be here. Meredith can help teachers to get press coverage for class events. Positive publicity for Fireside is always welcome!
2. Do we still need new colors and a logo for Fireside? Do we want to change the colors we have now?

Open Forum:

1. We still have Fireside t-shirts left. We could sell them during lollipop sales or possibly during the dance in February.

Meeting adjourned at 8pm.

Next meeting will be January 9th at 6:30pm in the school library.

Happy Holidays everyone!!

August - September - October - November - December - January - February - March - April - May

Fireside PTO Meeting Minutes
January 9, 2006

Attendance:

Minutes: Meeting minutes from December 12th were modified and then approved.

Principal's Remarks: (Pat Heinz-Pribyl)

1. Thank you to all the parents who have been giving tours to new prospective families.
   We have had several new kindergarten students open enroll.
2. Mr. Dayhoff and Mr. Stankovick both have student teachers that just started.
3. Jennifer Brown won't be able to organize the talent show this year due to her maternity leave.
   Maybe we could do one or two more Coffee Houses? A discussion ensued and more
   information will be presented at the February meeting.

Co-Chair Remarks: (Jill Andrews and Maia Jourgensen)

1. Some parents have expressed an interest in having the Love & Logic lecture held at Fireside.
2. Friday, February 3rd, the PTO will be sponsoring the "Black Out Blast" dinner and dance at
   Fireside. We will be getting pasta from Pasquini's, pizza from Dominoes, and a DJ for
   dancing in the gym. We will need many volunteers. Please call Jill or Maia if you can help.
3. Next Fireside spirit days are January 20th, March 10th, April 20th, and June 2nd.

Yearbook: (Tina Fontillas)

1. There will be no class pictures in the yearbook.
2. PTO will order three copies of the yearbook. One for Pat, the office, and the library.
3. Tina has offered to put together autograph sheets for every student. The cost will be about
   $45 for all.
4. Instant Imprints, in Louisville, has offered to wave the $45 set up fee if we want to order
   500 pencils with "Fireside Rocks!" on them. The cost would be $65. If we wanted to order
   pens, the cost would be $87. Maybe we could give one to each student with the autograph sheet?

Communication Committee: (Meredith Eddy)

1. The school website has been updated with a section for awards. Meredith needs help
   recalling historical information for the website.
2. We should decide on what our school colors are going to be. Right now they are teal and
   magenta but our sign is a medium blue, t-shirts are yellow, lime green, and black. A more
   cohesive look would definitely make us more recognizable in the community.

District Parent Council Representative: (Lura Vernon)

1. There was no December meeting. These are highlights from the November meeting.
2. Any parent can be on the District Parent Council. (DAC) Log onto the website at
   www.bvsd.org for more information on how to join.
3. The District Accreditation Overview was given by Sherri Williams.
4. Briggs Gamblin was introduced as the new Communications Director.
5. Lafayette elementary held a luncheon with local realtors to hopefully have them encourage
   home buyers to send their kids to neighborhood schools.
6. Five board members were present and a list of questions were given to them to answer.
   Please email Lura Vernon at luraellen@yahoo.com for the complete minutes and/or a list
   of the questions and answers.

Open Forum:

1. We will need new Co-Chairs, Secretary, and other officers for next school year. If anyone is
   interested please contact Jill or Maia.
2. The Science Fair will be happening in April. If anyone can help please contact Elise
   Graninger.
3. Cathy Finleon and Karen Donohue say thank you for their new easels. They are working
   out great.
4. Mrs. Encinias has parents who are learning Spanish helping out our Spanish speaking kids
   learn better reading in Spanish. If anyone can help in this, please contact Mrs. Encinias.
   (Third grade.)

August - September - October - November - December - January - February - March - April - May

Fireside PTO Meeting Minutes
February 13, 2006

Attendance:

Minutes: Meeting minutes from January 9th were approved.

Principal's Remarks: (Pat Heinz-Pribyl)

1. Thank you for the Blackout Blast. It was very organized, had good food, was safe and fun.
2. CSAP starts this week for 3rd grade and in March for 4th grade. See "The Chat" for exact dates.
3. February 17th is a professional day for the teachers.
4. Liz Richards will be taking over for Karen Donohue while she is on maternity leave.

Co-Chair Remarks: (Jill Andrews and Maia Jourgensen)

1. The Blackout Blast went great and made a nice profit even though it wasn't a fund raiser.
2. March 6th at 7pm there will be a school meeting at Monarch to discuss the fact that Monarch
   does not have a football stadium. They have no stands or lights and have to share
   Centauraus' stadium for games. This will also be a bond issue on the ballot in November.
3. Open PTO positions for next year are:
   Co-chairs Fund raiser
   Secretary Communications
   Fund raiser District Parent Council Representative
   Members-at-large Box tops
   Soup labels Ink cartridges
4. Fall Feast committee will be meeting soon. Please contact Maia if you would like to help or have ideas to share.
5. Math-a-thon will be held in April.

Treasurer: (Jennifer Piper)

1. Jen handed out an updated budget.
2. Blackout Blast made over $1200.
3. $11,000 is given to teachers every year for their classrooms.
4. Another $12,400 is used for mini grants for the teachers. Examples include assemblies, field trips,
   computer software, etc.
5. A pie chart will be designed and put on the school website to show where PTO money is being spent.
6. Jane Permut would like $60 for math manuals that will help supplement the 4th and 5th grades.
   PTO voted to approve it.
7. Dean Stankovic would like $300 for frames to showcase student art work in the computer lab.
   Laura Webster will help in rotating different students' art. PTO voted to approve the $.

Open Forum:

1. Imadail Pearson spoke about a benefit dinner that will be held February 16th to help out seniors to
   pay their heating bills. Food will be by the Blue Parrot. Please refer to the poster in the school lobby for ticket prices.
2. Liz Richards, Fireside's Ambassador for Impact on Education, spoke about the latest news.
   A. The awards dinner will be held on April 6th from 5:30pm to 9:30pm. Tickets are $35 and can be
   purchased by calling Impact on Education at 303-245-5937.
   B. Mrs. T was a top ten finalist as she was last year too. Way to go Mrs. T!
   C. Adele Bravo, a teacher from L.E.S., won Colorado Teacher of the Year Award.
   Impact on Education is trying to raise $1500 to help Adele's family afford airfare and
   other travel expenses. Our PTO voted and approved a $100 donation.
   D. The Tech 21 program is now committed to fund two Tech 21 projects for up to three years.
   Therefore they are not soliciting proposals for new Tech 21 projects this spring.
   E. S.T.A.R. (Students Achieving Resiliency) advisory group is encouraging school
   educators to submit a Letter of Intent describing a proposed project. Projects should be broad
   based, research supported, one that will help to increase the number of BVSD students graduating
   from high school and reduce the achievement gap.
   F. Impact on Education currently funds:
       1. Welcome to Middle School
       2. Substance Abuse Partnership
       3. Adelante
   Please refer to www.impactoneducation.org for more information on their website.
3. It would be nice to take a poll of the teachers to see where Fireside's needs are and what goal(s)
   that the PTO can work towards.
4. There will be no talent show this year but we will have another Coffee House.

Meeting adjourned at 8pm.

Next PTO meeting will be Monday, March 13th at 6:30 PM in the school library.

August - September - October - November - December - January - February - March - April - May

PTO Meeting Minutes
March 13, 2006

Attendance:

Minutes: Meeting minutes from February 13th were approved.

Principal's Remarks: (Pat Heinz-Prybl)

1. Karen Donohue had a baby girl on March 10th. Everyone is doing well.
2. A parent survey was sent home. Please fill it out and encourage others to return them. We
   would like to improve on our % response rate.
3. We have a site review coming up. Every five years, a team comes to our school to review our
   goals and to see if we are meeting our standards. They will also ask for parents input. This
   team will tell us what we do well and what we need to work on. PTO has offered to sponsor
   food for the team during the two days that they will be at Fireside.

Co-Chair Remarks: (Jill Andrews & Maia Jourgensen)

1. We still have many PTO board positions open including both co-chairs!
2. The back soccer field is in very bad shape. There are many big holes and noxious weeds.
   Pat will call the City for info on repair.
3. PTO will sponsor two nights of dinner for the teachers during the parent/teacher conferences.
4. The Science Fair still needs lots of help. Please contact Elise Graninger if you can help!
5. Impact on Education is going to hold a silent auction and they're asking each PTO to donate a
   gift basket worth about $100.
6. The Math-a-thon will take place after spring break. Packets go home April 7th.
7. The Nicky run will be April 18th.
8. District Parent Council (DPC) meeting minutes from January and February can be emailed to
   you by Lura Vernon at luraellen@yahoo.com

Treasurer: (Jennifer Piper)

1. According to the I.R.S., original receipts are needed for anyone to get reimbursed.
2. Susan Jefka is asking for $400 for an author to visit Fireside. This is a poet who will do a
   workshop with all grades except preschool. PTO voted to approve the $400.
3. If any one would like to take over the treasurer position next year please let Jen know.
4. Jen handed out an updated budget.

Open Forum:

1. The next Coffee House will be Thursday April 27th.
2. Next Fireside spirit days are April 20th and June 2nd. Mark your calendars!
   

Meeting adjourned @ 7:35 pm.

 Next meeting will be April 10th at 6:30pm in the library.

August - September - October - November - December - January - February - March - April - May

PTO Meeting Minutes
April 10th, 2006

Attendance:

Minutes: Meeting minutes from March 13th were approved.

Principal's Remarks: (Pat Heinz-Pribyl)

1. CSAPs are done and went well.
2. C.E.A. (Colorado English Language Assessment) has started. This is for all our ESL students. It takes a lot of time and ends in mid May.
3. Our site review went well. We had six people here for two days. They gave us good ideas and suggestions. They also acknowledged our achievements. Thank you to the PTO for providing food for them. It was a nice treat.

Co-Chair Remarks: (Jill Andrews and Maia Jourgensen)

1. A few complaints have been received about the Chat being too long and only coming out once a month.
2. Next year, it would be nice to have an email coordinator who could send out email announcements, etc.
3. Teachers will be e-mailed to let the students participating in the Math-a-thon to finish all their problems.
4. We still have the PTO Co-Chair positions open for next term.
5. Fall Feast planning is underway. Please join a subcommittee to help out even for ONE task.
   "Many hands make light work." Contact Maia or Julie Mesek.
6. Mr. Dayhoff would like about $500 for an end of the year party for the teachers. Mr. Lang and Ms. Whitehead are retiring and Jennifer Brown is not coming back to teach music. PTO voted to approve the amount.
7. We MAY go with National Greetings next year as our wrapping paper fund raising company.
   If we sign up for three of their services; ex. games for the Fireside Festival, Gold C books, and summer reading program, then we can qualify for free school supplies.
8. Staff Appreciation Week will be May 8th-12th. Please sign up to help if you can.

District Parent Council Representative: (Lura Vernon)

1. Lura was not able to attend the March DPC meeting but the minutes should be posted the BVSD website.
2. The science fair has the biggest turnout ever! (~150 students) Everyone will get a ribbon and a bag of goodies.

Open Forum:

1. Gay Salim and Kathy Stangel have asked the PTO for $1,430 to help support the Puentes Committee. This committee has Saturday meetings with ESL parents and students to help them navigate our school and community. The other schools in our district are extremely impressed with our success! Next year we will get $1,430 from a grant with one stipulation: The Puentes Committee has to come up with matching funds. PTO will vote on this at the May 8th meeting.
2. Don't forget that anyone can attend a DPC meeting and use it as a place to bring up school concerns. It's a good way to be heard by Dr. Garcia.
3. The 7th annual Nicky Run is next week.
4. May 8th is the last PTO meeting of this school year. New committee members will be voted into their new positions.

Meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm.

Last meeting will be May 8th @ 6:30pm in the school library. All parents are encouraged to attend!!

August - September - October - November - December - January - February - March - April - May

PTO Meeting Minutes
May 8th, 2006

Attendance:

Minutes: Meeting minutes from April 10th were amended and approved.

Principal's Remarks: (Pat Heinz-Pribyl)

1. Third grade CSAP reading results are back. We have a higher score this year but then we
   have different third graders.
2. There will be no C.A.P. (Child Assault Prevention) program next year but the whole school
   will attend for the 2008/2009 school year.
3. So far we have ~58 kindergartners for next year!!
4. The Denver Junior Symphony Guild came on Monday for a school assembly. The orchestra
   sat in a circle around the kids and they gave a great presentation.
5. We have bought the shelves needed for the teacher's reading library. Thank you to the PTO
   for matching Cathy Finleon's Impact on Education award money. The shelves are already
   holding books.

Co-Chair Remarks: (Jill Andrews & Maia Jourgensen)

1. The Fireside Festival will be June 2nd.
2. Our last spirit day will be June 2nd. Thank you to Lexie Kermani for ordering the pushup
   pops for each student to enjoy for that day.
3. There will be no used book sale during the Fireside Festival this year.
4. Joli Lofstedt has volunteered to run the tie dye t-shirt booth on Labor Day. We need to buy
   more dye and t-shirts which will cost ~$800. These supplies will last us for three years. We
   usually make a profit of ~$500 each year so it is worth it!
5. Everyone/anyone is welcome to march in the Labor Day parade and help represent Fireside.
6. The last Coffee house was a success! Everyone had fun.

Treasurer Report: (Jennifer Piper)

1. PTO voted to approve $1430 for the Puentes Committee. (See April minutes for details)
2. The Math-a-thon made ~$6300 with funds still trickling in to Jen.
3. Tara Neuman won a $500 grant from Walmart for the parenting library!!

District Parent Council Meeting: (Lura Vernon)

1. DPC meeting minutes were passed around. Note the interesting BVSD statistics.
2. Thank you to all for the parents who volunteered for the science fair. It was the biggest one!
   

Open Forum:

1. PTO voted in new committee members. We still have some openings available if
   anyone is interested in volunteering.
2. Some of us feel it is getting harder to find volunteers this year. Now that the Chat comes
   out only once a month is it harder to disseminate information?
3. We will have a new email coordinator position for next year. Jill Andews has volunteered
   to take this on. Hopefully we can acquire many email addresses to better send out announcements and information.
4. The yearbook position is open for next year. This can be a committee if needed. It doesn't
   just have to be for one person!
5. A BIG THANK YOU to all the staff and parents who helped to make the 2005-2006 school
   year at Fireside terrific. It has been our pleasure to work with you! --Jill & Maia
   
   

Meeting adjourned at 8:12pm. Have a great summer everyone!!

August - September - October - November - December - January - February - March - April - May