September PTO Meeting Notes 9/20/2016

September's meeting was well attended and filled with incredible energy!  Each and every parent and guardian, administrator, and teacher is an important member of the PTO.  Please come out and show your support of OUR community at the next meeting on Tuesday, October 18, at 6 pm.

Here's a rundown of what was discussed last month:

-The academic games, for fourth and fifth graders who are interested, are starting up.
-The inimitable Ms. Faison gave insight into a morning in a Responsive Classroom.  She explained the routine of the Morning Meeting that is held in every class across all grades, and how the meetings foster connectivity in the classroom.
-Kitty Heard was voted in as PTO Secretary.
-Mike The Treasurer handed out the financial report.
     -Mitchell has two accounts: one only for the fifth grade camp, the other is a general fund.
     -The Family Fun Night, which has previously been co-hosted with Scarlett Middle, has been cancelled for the 2016-17 school year.  As this event has been a large fundraiser, new methods of fundraising need to be implemented.
-Michelle Foulkes, PTO President Extraordinaire, spoke to our hearts regarding this school year being a fresh, exciting start!
     -There are so many upcoming activities, such as Fun Run that was held Oct. 7, the Scholastic Book Fair that was recently held, and the annual Fall Fest that's coming up on October 28.
      -The Science Olympiad crew is starting early this year!  The first meeting will be November first. The competition is in May and is open to second through fifth graders.  We need coaches and helpers!
-Mr. Karr and Mr. Hilton invited all attendees to check out the new (and WONDERFUL) community room.  There's all manner of interesting ways the space is already being used, from ESL groups, to coffee meet ups, to Spanish classes for Mitchell families.  There's all kinds of creative uses for this room that are possible in the future, so bring in your mug and donate some craft items and board books for the kids to enjoy.
-A Dia de los Muertos wall or display was discussed, which led to a thoughtful and energizing discussion on the larger topic of PTO's role in incorporating multiculturalism into our school.  As an IB school, respect for, and knowledge of, many cultures is a requirement in the curriculum.  How can we, as the PTO, honor our various backgrounds and supplement what goes on in class to enrich our collective culture?
     -With such a large topic,  dialogue will definitely be ongoing!  All views and opinions are valued, please feel free to share your ideas and thoughts at the next meeting on October 18th at 6.
-PTO meetings will be held every third Tuesday of the month.  Meetings run from six to seven pm, with snacks set up beforehand.

Much appreciation to all who attended and presented, and a huge thank you to Michelle and Allen Foulkes for leading our PTO into a fresh, exciting new chapter!

SEE YOU ON OCTOBER 18TH AT 6!!!