Meeting Date: Monday, September 10, 2018; 6 pm
Meeting Location: CGA Library

Call to order @ 6:04 pm

Ms. R’s Report
Introduced Mr. LaRonn Marshall, CGA’s new leadership intern. Mr. Marshall comes from Livingston Elementary, brings terrific experience and enthusiasm to the school.

Fourth year for CGA, smoothest start yet. Compliments Super Mandy (Licon-Conner) for her help and all of the parents who contributed to Ice Brigade.

First-quarter interim reports will be mailed/sent home October 1. Early dismissal scheduled for this Wednesday, September 12. Elementary open house September 19, middle school open house September 25, partners will be on site for the latter. Off campus visits begin this month; all currently scheduled school events are on the school calendar.

PTO Board Reports
President’s Report: 2018-19 PTO Board introduced themselves: Christina McMenemy, President; Emmy Partin, Vice President & Acting Secretary; Melody Reed, Treasurer; Scott Vezdos, Communications Chair. Need elementary parents to serve on PTO Board as all current officers are parents of middle-school students.

Treasurer’s Report: Discussion of 2018-19 Columbus Gifted Academy PTO Budget. Treasurer Reed explained budgeted versus actuals, has budgeted conservatively and over-assumed on expenses. This year, classroom support line is split into two halves to retain funds for spring teacher-requested expenses. Discussion of “non-PTO” lines in budget. Motion to approve 2018-19 Columbus Gifted Academy PTO Budget. Seconded and approved by voice vote of members present.

Events: First Skating Party of the year scheduled for October 15. Fall Fundraiser TBA, will be a low-effort donation drive like last year. Novemberfest is November 17 (on a Saturday during the day), will be looking for volunteers. Bringing back experiential raffles.

New Business
Middle-School Swimming: Mr. Scillia requests $750 to help fund middle-school swimming program. Program started last year with aquatic center, was successful, happens during PE class, supports curriculum. Cost is $1 for leisure card (good for all three years at CGA) and $1 per student per day for swimming; cannot be paid in arrears. Inquiry about leftover funds or donations toward swimming; the funds will be kept separate and dedicated for this purpose. Motion to approve Mr. Scillia’s request for $750 to support middle-school swimming program. Seconded and approved by voice vote of members present.

Author Visit: Mr. Leopold requests $500 to support the upcoming author visit. Margaret Peterson Haddix is a local author and will spend most of September 13 at CGA speaking to “the art of writing”. Ms. R found out just last week that if the author fee is paid by the Principal’s Fund (through the district), liability insurance is required. If paid by the PTO, the additional liability coverage is not necessary. Motion to approve Mr. Leopold’s request for $500 to support the author visit. Seconded and approved by voice vote of members present.

Announcements
Volunteer Needs: Still looking for a PTO Secretary and Box Tops Coordinator.

Phoenix Phair: Mandy Licon-Conner is chairing this year’s Phoenix Phair, intends to grow the event and use it as a fundraiser. Would like to open a school store to raise money for Phair expenses. Need to raise/spend $1,500 to cover expenses for Phair. Committee members are needed for Phair, volunteers needed for school store (during midday recess); contact Mandy or PTO Board to volunteer.

Spirit Wear: On sale now, classic design is available. Another, larger sale will be offered in November ahead of holiday shopping season.

Open Discussion
Inquiry for clarification of Facebook page ownership: PTO Facebook page comes from the PTO Board directly and is the only page that is “PTO official”. Parent/family page is an unofficial page administered by parents; some official information is cross-shared on that page but it is not considered an official outlet of the PTO or the School/Ms. R

Inquiry on how to sign up for middle school STEM club: Scholars should see their science teacher to apply.

Adjournment @ 7:07 pm