President’s Report – 4/11 PTA Meeting

We had fantastic attendance for our April meeting–huge thanks to all who attended!

Mr. Conlon’s report was super informative and candid. First, we discussed the maker-space project that is in the works for next year. TOW will be hiring a dedicated science teacher to run the classroom and help support grade-level science curriculum. The job is currently posted. The new science teacher will teach 30 mins once a week for Kinder, 45 mins for 1st-3rd, and 40 mins for 4th-5th.

Enrollment is projected to continue to decline next year, so 5th grade level will have only 4 classrooms (instead of 5, like this year) and there will be some reshuffling of teachers. The K-1 SDC class is being moved to TOW in 2015-2016. For next year, library and technology pullouts/push ins will include the teacher. 

CAASP testing will be a two week period starting May 15th for 3rd through 5th grades.

Financials to date were presented and our strong financial position continues. We appointed the budget committee to begin planning for next year. We plan to include a TOW PTA scholarship in the 2016-2017 budget to be awarded to a LBHS senior who is a TOW grad. We are also hoping to include funds to bring back Segerstrom cultural and performing arts assemblies. Thriva will be replaced with Rec1 for payment processing next year, which should be a significant cost savings. I encouraged all members to think about any programs or changes they would like to come to TOW next year.

We discussed Reading Counts and heard from members about the successes and challenges of the new program. We will plan to include Reading Counts in the end-of-year parent survey to collect feedback, but overall, Mr. Conlon is happy with the program and the information it provides to teachers. 

Sheri Morgan reported that 3500-4000 books are swapped and donated at the Book Swap each year, which is coming up next week–please come help at any time!

Kelly Osborne reported on the garden. Teacher training was held with the grade level chairs last Monday to review how garden lessons are progressing. Grant work on Window to the Canyon and the Nature Loose Parts station is mostly complete.

Tracey Duncan reported on the Jogathon, which was a huge success. The event went smoothly and we expect to hit $55,000 benchmark when the money is counted this week. For next year, we need to clarify the envelope collection and class prizes with the teachers so parents have until the envelope due date to collect money.

Christina Shook talked about holding another Family Art Night in May and is currently looking for an artist to run the project.

We hope you will all join us for our next meeting on May 9 at 10am in the MPR.

Thanks,

Sarah Durand
TOW PTA President