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2003-04 PTO Minutes
Monthly Higgins PTO Newsletter

April 2004

The PTO held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 14, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. in the library.  The monthly meetings are typically held on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.  Please try to attend!

Cultural Events update Grade 7 Ancient China and Museum of Fine Arts.  Grade 8 stunt bicyclist that teaches self-esteem and discusses bullying,  ER nurse on site "A Dose of Reality" which teaches consequences of drugs and alcohol.  An African Dance group is scheduled for June.

George gave a scholarship update.  There are sixteen applications being evaluated.  He will have a full report for the May meeting.

Fundraising update - Krispy Kreme profit was $800.  This went very well, in fact, we ran out of donuts.

PTO Budget update - We are in GREAT shape.  The budget has been met, and there is an excess of money.

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 3rd - May 7th. The PTO will sponsor the following to recognize the faculty that is such an important part of our children's lives.  There is a need for helpers on these days.  If you are interested in helping, please contact Sue Rankin.

        Monday                Breakfast - bagels, muffins, etc.
        Wednesday          Italian Day - lasagnas, meatballs, salad and bread
        Friday                  Dessert Day - triffles, cookies, brownies, etc.

There was a rumor that the Canobie Lake trip was going to be cancelled this year, but that is not true. The children will be going to Canobie Lake,. but this will be the last year.  It is a very expensive trip, and Canobie Lake gives no breaks for our group.

Cate [Cullinane, Principal] gave an update on the Tree Fundraiser which is not going very well.  We are hoping to raise $1,000-$2,000.   The PTO voted to donate the money.

Nominations for next year's PTO board are as follows:

        Co-Presidents                       Donna Craven and Linda Fabrizio
        6th Grade Coordinator            Linda Phyles
        7th Grade Coordinator            Paula Equiavic and Sherry Pelletier
        8th Grade Coordinator            Linda Farranti, Jean Corcoran and Millie Mennion
        Fundraising                           Beverley Dunne
        Treasurer                              Stacey Shields
        Recording Secretary              Patty Brennan
        Corresponding Secretary        Sharon Mills
        Scholarship                           George Doonan
        Cultural Events                      Marleen Atkins and Lynn Mackinson
        Membership                          Donna Dewsnap
        Hospitality                            Cathy Sheehan

The meeting was turned over to Sudi Smoller for the presentation of "Missing" - Internet Safety.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 12, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. in the library.  Looking forward to seeing you there!

February 2004

The PTO held their monthly meeting on February 11 at 7 p.m. in the Library.  The monthly meetings are held typically the second Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Library.

Stacy went over the budget and advised that we are in very good shape and have made our budget.  The Student/Faculty basketball game was fun and very successful.

The proposal for the playground area out in the back of the school did not get the grant.  There are still areas being looked into to try to get the funds to revamp the area.

Career Day went well.  It was done different this year and the feeling was that it went better than in the previous years.  The professionals went into the classrooms and gave discussions regarding his or her particular career.

Cultural events for each grade are schedule for March.  Sixth grade will have a program called Nothing to Read.  Seventh grade will see Poetry Alive and the eighth grade will see From Page to Stage.  The details for an end of the year program for all grades are still being worked on.  Ask your children to tell you about these wonderful cultural events.

Parent Advisory Board is now being chaired by the new Superintendent, Dr. Binkley, and there will not  be any meeting until at least May.

The city wide PTO was held and Dr. Binkley spoke and shared her vision with all who were present.  Some of the things she shared were bringing chess into all schools and she wants parental involvement in the schools.  The next meeting being hosted by the Kiley and Burke schools will be held March 15, 7 p.m. in the Higgins Library.

There was some discussion regarding the new idea for the incoming Freshmen at the high school next year.  There will be a test done with these students with keeping them with the same five main teachers.  The thought is to help with the transition to the high school and that this could help some students academically.  Read the Peabody news(papers) for stories with more details.

Beverley (Griffin Dunne) discussed fundraising - Student/Faculty basketball game was a huge success again this year.  This is a great family event and has huge school participation.  Thank you to all who helped.  There will be a Krispy Kreme fundraiser in the month of March and the teachers are going to use it to work with the math curriculum.  There will be different activities planned. Ask your children for details and when they can purchase Krispy Kreme donuts.  A suggestions was made to use any funds raised for this fundraiser to help beautify the school, maybe focused around Earth Day.  A motion was made and passed.  Also an idea was presented to maybe have a Pride in Higgins Day and this may be able to be incorporated with the beautifying of the school. 

The yearbook committee is selling calendars for $5 as a fundraiser to help with the high costs of creating a beautiful yearbook.  They are also looking for sponsors - pages being sold.

The next Higgins Parent Teacher Night is scheduled for March 25 at 12:30 - 2:30 and 6:30 - 8:30.

The next Higgins PTO meeting will be held on March 10 at 7 p.m. in the library.  Hope to see you there!

 Archives: Minutes of the Higgins PTO and Photographs of PTO events
 

Archives: Minutes of the Higgins PTO and Photographs of PTO events