Capt. Nathan Hale Middle School
Parent Teacher Organization
Minutes
September 12, 2006
Activity
Tom Dzicek and Patti Wilson demonstrated the Renzulli Learning System. All of the parents in attendance had
the opportunity to experience this for themselves. It was a lot of fun and very interesting to see how this will
help our children.
Introductions
Secretary’s Report
The minutes from the June meeting were approved with the exception of the Treasurer’s Report, which was
corrected.
Treasurer’s Report
Beginning Balance $1,635.50
Expense 453.98
Income .47
Ending Balance $1,181.99
Total Uncommitted Funds $ 844.24
Total Committed Funds 337.75
Total $1,181.99
Principal’s Report
Marie Castle-Good stated that they made it through the Asbestos Project. They have new bright tile. The great
custodial help was critical to the success, as well as, the teachers who packed and unpacked boxes.
Open House is next Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. beginning with a program for the 6th graders in the Auditorium
where they will be introduced to the various Related Arts teachers. Marie does put this information on the
school voicemail – announcements and reminders for parents.
Over the summer a few teachers worked on the Web Site for the school. The home page includes staff; teams
provide links to things, items for the nurse, field trip forms, etc. Jeff Spivey and Ken Goodale worked on this.
Homework assignments will still be on the homework hotline using 6 plus the teacher’s phone extension. It is
not efficient to do this on the web site since only two people are managing it.
There is also a Safe Kid’s Hotline. This is an anonymous safe place to report things such as bullying, special
concerns, etc. They never divulge the source.
The school is more crowded this fall. They have 549 students. Classrooms are busy. From last August to now
they received 26 additional students. The increase is mostly in 6 th and 8th grades and a few in 7th grade.
They have received a New Math Curriculum called RM Frameworks through a grant using a web page
curriculum template. Through this process, teachers viewed a software program that brings math to class. Two
classes have “smartboards” already (i.e. enabling the class to look at a cylinder through an in-depth view where
it unfolds it). The goal is for math teachers in each grade level to have a “smartboard” and projectors. These are
refurbished and obtained from companies getting rid of them. This allows the math program to be manipulated.
They have been holding Grade Level Meetings. They showed a movie called “Take One Bite” which was about
food allergies and reactions. There was a good response from students. It brought the serious nature of this to
life for them.
Marie also explained the New Food Program to us. There is no food allowed in the classroom, no candy, no
eating on buses, and field trips are organized to set apart kids with allergies. More snacks are baked. More
juices are offered. They are offering healthy snacks such as bagels, pretzels, baked chips, etc. They are allowing
students to carry water bottles. This is state regulated.
Staff Announcements:
Jeff Spivey moved to 6th grade.
Jane Scopino joined our school and is on team 7B.
Mark Mancini came to CNH from writing sports for the JI. He is on team 8A teaching language arts.
Virginia Dimmock is the new reading consultant.
Chris Ekstrom is a teacher in the Transition Room.
Rick Young retired as the gym teacher.
Matt Hurlock moved to CNH from GHR and Christine Kessler moved to GHR. Michelle Talaga will be the new
gym teacher.
In October Mrs. Nugent will be out for knee surgery until after Christmas. Mr. Hurlock will help out as a
guidance counselor in her absence. Andrew Jeffries will sub for Mr. Hurlock until Michelle Talaga arrives, and
he will be a sub when Mrs. Nugent returns.
New Discussion Items:
Pie Sale
The school will sell pies again as their main fundraiser for PTO. This will be mailed home during the first week
of October. The pies come in just before Thanksgiving. Volunteers are needed for the day of delivery. The
Superintendent suggested we go through other schools also.
Ski Sale
Two years ago we started a ski sale. This will be held on Sunday, October 29th from 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. We do
advertise. We will need volunteers the day of the sale to set up, run the register, and break it down. New and
used equipment is sold. We can also sell used equipment for the school direct. We may be able to take credit
cards this year. The prices are reasonable. They study what we sell and what we need next year.
Spirit Wear
Cheri Trudon explored this with the words “Coventry” or the “Name of the School” using college block letters.
We are looking at sweatshirts and both long and short sleeve t-shirts. We discussed letting kids vote on colors.
Eileen Hosey will talk to the people at Embroid Me to get some ideas. We talked about prices and what to add
on for a profit for the PTO. We will also add an order form into the newsletter. A motion was made and
approved to allocate $150 for a set up fee.
Open House
We will have a board in the cafeteria highlighting what we do, as well as, pie samples and t-shirts samples.
Old Discussion Items:
New sink for staff room
Last year we allocated funds for this. Carol talked to Paul Noel, and he will get rid of the old unit. Lisa Decker’s
husband will volunteer his time and can order a sink and cabinets wholesale. One parent was going to check to
see if they could contribute their older counter to this project. We will also purchase a filter for the faucet.
Next Meeting
Tuesday, October 3, 2006. We will meet and learn about Family and Consumer Science. There will be no PTO
meetings if the school closes early. Meetings will be held on the first Tuesday of every month unless there is a
conflict.