Columbus Gifted Academy PTO

Official website for the PTO of the Columbus Gifted Academy

PTO Meeting Minutes – September 10, 2018

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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

 

 

PTO Meeting Minutes – May 14, 2018

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Meeting Date: May 14, 6:00 PM

Meeting Location: Columbus Gifted Academy

 

Call to Order @ 6:05 pm

Ms. R.’s Report

Ms. R introduced Andy Bosley, Dream Center, who described their program and how the partnership to create the community garden came about.

PhoenixPhair – May 18.  End of Year Recognition and PRomotion — May 31.  Dates for next year’s Spruce Up Day and Back to School Night announced.

See school calendar for details.

 

PTO Board Reports

Brief report on spending for the last month: author visit; middle school pool trips; Teacher Appreciation activities; support for the Momentum program, the 2nd trip to the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Philadelphia trip.

Still have open positions for next year’s board; may have a VP, but still need secretary and treasurer

 

Events and Activities

Proposal to replace a donated shade canopy that was stolen during field day set up. Moved and seconded; passed.

Proposal for June Picnic – Monday, June 11 at CGA. 6-8 pm.  Potluck.

Volunteers still needed for Phoenix Phair – https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090b4fafab29a0fa7-2018

 

Adjourned 6:27

 

PTO Meeting Minutes – April 9, 2018

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Meeting Date: April 9, 6:00 PM

Meeting Location: Columbus Gifted Academy

 

Call to Order @ 6:08 pm

Ms. R.’s Report

Recognitions & Shout Outs.  May will be a month to recognize giftedness and the CGA community. Plans for a celebration of accomplishments – May 31.  Field Day – May 11.  PhoenixPhair – May 18.

Highlight of upcoming events.  See school calendar for details.

 

PTO Board Reports

Received information from Miami University Community Institute – Reading, Writing, Speedreading program –  for all ages. Fluency, long-word decoding, writing strategies. Flyers available.

 

Board Elections for 2018-2019

We have nominations for President, Communications Chair. By-laws specify when elections be held, how to handle lack of nominations (board will appoint).

Voice vote on existing slate: passed

 

Events and Activities

Read-a-thon – Report

$4870 raised. $725.25 for student prizes and $490 to vendor. $3652.52 net income to PTO.

PhoenixPhair Update – May 18, 2018

No explicit plans to report yet.  Still looking for volunteers to help.

 

New Business

Dream Center – School Garden / Community Garden

Ms.R has been meeting with the Dream Center.  This is part of an on-going partnership being developed.

The garden will connect the Dream Center, Thompson Rec Center, and CGA.  The partnership involves funding, labor over the summer, as well as the land for the garden.  This will be a Community Garden.

Physical work will begin late April, early May.  More information about opportunities will be available.

PTO will also be looking at grant opportunities for future years.

 

Announcements

None

Adjournment

6:40 PM

PTO Meeting Minutes – March 12, 2018

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Meeting Date: March 12, 6:00 PM

Meeting Location: Columbus Gifted Academy

Call to Order @ 6:31 pm

 

Ms. R.’s Report

Thanks and kudos.  Read-a-thon.  3rd quarter grades being calculated.

PTO Board Reports

Read-a-thon started today.  Already over $1000 contributed.  Read-a-thon ends next Friday; with donations open through that Sunday.  Chromebook drawing (2) for kids who read above a certain level, top reader in each grade gets a book-related gift certificate, everyone who participates get site trinkets.  Will consider a class-level award for highest level of reading.

Board nominations – deadline extended to next PTO meeting, when slate will be presented (April).

Treasurer’s Report – Report about income from 3rd party options (aka, Kroger City BBQ).

Events and Activities

PhoenixPhair – May 18, 2018 – Angie Meeker asked for additional volunteers, specifically

  • finances – keeping track of receipts & expenses
  • creating advertising / communications / flyers / social / whatever
  • activities & games – some things that can really take advantage of the big space
  • volunteer wrangler – recruit and day of schedule
  • food truck wrangler

New Business

Mrs. Harris – 3rd grade needs $50 – Indian Village Outdoor Education Center.  Moved, seconded, and approved.

Mr. Cashin – Presentation from 7th Grade Trip #1 to Cleveland Museum of Art (Ayla Bella).

Mr. Cashin – 7th grade field trip #2, March 27 (focus on Middle Ages and the Armory). Overall cost is just over $2000 ($1500 for 2 busses; studio time / hands-on experiences for $525; other programs are free). Mr. Cashin expects to cover $800 through scholarships / donations; students also asked to pay $10 (or more).  Asking for $525 for this trip.  Moved, seconds, approved.

A parent is interested in ensuring the piano in the auditorium is tuned and ready to use.  Ms. R will check with district authorities about any regulations.

Announcements

None

Adjournment