Minutes from May 13 Meeting

Attending

Jonathan Nolan
Ellen Monaghan
Mary Jean ORegan
Kathryn Moxhay
Dawn Fischer
Ellen Popenoe
David Grant
Beth Quinlan
Cath O’Connor

The group started with a discussion of tonight’s vote for the school budget. It was noted that with the low turnout, the active school parents could have lobbied neighbors, friends, etc. to get out the vote.

Regarding the King Talent Show / Auction: Parents felt like the show was great, tons of kids, a lot of enthusiasm, very positive feeling seeing the spirit of the community at the event — kids, teachers, adults interacting beautifully.

Suggestions for next time: More stuff to bid on; more time to look at the tables; an earlier show in the fall, sponsored by the PTO, to get people interested in being involved in King; moving the show back a week; breaking the talent show up into more separate acts; starting earlier to create more time for bidding; opportunities to make contributions beyond the auction items; discussed straight out donations; no show ball. It was noted that the other school auctions that have grown have done so over a few years with a large number of committed parents; an all parent event?

Celebration of Learning: Noting the tremendous amount of work that was out, the competence of the kids at explaining their work. The group noted that there could be an opportunity to get sponsors for the event that could help King meet its financial needs. Wouldn’t it be great if the show had longer hours?

How about combining the COL with an auction night / evening event. People seemed really excited about that.

Bringing in More Parents: The group suggested that it would be great for parents to get the King story — test scores, change, etc.

General Communication: The King calendar is blank and there is a general lack of effective communication. It was noted the there is a letter coming from places like Longfellow weekly from the Principal. The parents at the meeting were in agreement that a school-wide, well-maintained calendar is needed. Parents said that the houses could do more to communicate with the families about expedition needs. Concerts, Thanks a Latte.

Next Meeting: Planning for the PTO to get stuff done in the summer and prepare for fall PTO events, etc.