Mark your calendars:The PTO will continue to meet on the 1st Wed. of each month @ 7PM (excluding Apr.)

Remaining regular meeting dates are slated to be: 2/4, 3/5, 5/6 & 6/3.

President Christine Abbatemarco welcomed everyone back. Since our last meeting was held on 10/1/2014 we reviewed events and fundraisers that were held:

-  Fall Festival 10/17/14: we had over 200 attendees, various stations (with parent volunteers & a few older student volunteers earning community service credit hours), overall a very successful event. Slight disappointment with the vendor who provided the blow-up rides—it was suggested not to use this vendor next year. 50/50 raffle was fairly successful, considering it was a last minute idea – next year we might promote the idea since some parents stated they would’ve been more supportive, if they knew to bring money.

-  Pumpkin Patch 10/28/14: over 600 pumpkins were distributed (one to each student) as they came to the “patch” on the front lawn of the school grounds with their individual classes. A suggestion came up to run the Fall Plant Sale simultaneously since we had such an abundance of adult volunteers.

-  Halloween Bake Sale 10/31/2014: ran same time as parade. A volunteer coordinator position has been proposed for this and other events. A few individuals did a lot of work to run the tent. If individuals signed-up for time slots, this would facilitate a smoother sale and allow class parents to attend their parties. It was also suggested that the tent be moved closer to Winthrop Rd. (perhaps by the WES School Sign), so it is more visible by spectators.

-  Scholastic Book Fair 11/11-13/14: Preview night was very successful as coordinated with Parent-Teacher Conferences. We has a good amount of parent volunteers to man Wed. & Thurs. Friday we had a make-up day. It is suggested that if this practice is continued (which it probably should as it was lucrative) we enlist volunteers for these time slots as well to accommodate the individuals who needed to make purchases that missed out with their classes. We brought in over $2900 [Scholastic dollars] for our library to update/replenish its supplies. A generous family made a monetary donation to the library, and the PTO gave a $125 Amazon Gift Card to Ms. Cupo (the librarian) to also help out. We have scheduled a second Scholastic Book Fair for the week of Parent Teacher Conferences in March. (week of 3/2/2015)

School Store dates are listed on the school website, and notices are sent home the day prior. Upcoming dates: 1/8/15, 1/22/15. School Store Gift Certificates are taking off fairly well. Gift Certificates are available for purchase. Parents have the option to buy certificates in denominations of their choice as a possible alternative to sugary treats, in light of the school nutrition policy.. They can send in requests with cash or check (made to Washington School PTO) through the classroom teacher and the gift certificates will be sent home in a sealed envelope with their child(ren).

-  Giving Tree: in conjunction with many generous donations from Washington School Parents, many deserving families were provided with Holiday gifts. C.A.R.E. also provided Target Gift cards ($50 per child) as a means of additional assistance during the holiday season.

-  Teacher “Google” Wish List: As needs are brought to the PTO’s attention, we will make every effort to provide funds to support said needs. Through the Campbell’s Labels for Education Program, we have been able to acquire requested playground equipment. If you purchase Campbell products (or Box Tops for Education) please clip these labels and send them in with your child.

The PTO will attempt to provide materials (such as the poster samples we were provided with) to support P.A.W.s (a rewards-based program for positive behaviors).

-  Holiday Sale 12/9 & 12/10/14: over $448 profit. Thank you for the many volunteers that helped out. It was greatly appreciated.

-  Movie Night 12/19: It was very well organized with “job details” for the staff volunteers. Thanks to Mrs. Ales and the rest of the WES crew. We are hoping to follow suit with the Family Bingo Night. We were grateful for the snack donations.

-  We have had several successful fundraisers (Chuck E. Cheese, Franks Pizzeria, Scrips) that were detailed in the Treasurer’s Report- starting balance: $5321.01, ending balance: $7978.68

NEW BUSINESS:

Family Bingo Night 1/23/15: hoping for faculty involvement (card checkers, runners etc.) and another 50/50. Each child will win one prize. Families should bring their own bingo markers (cheerios, small candies, pennies, chips). This year in lieu of a monetary donation, it was discussed that a snack donation be provided as an entrance donation.

My Special Someone Dance (2/20) – to be held at EHS. Possible class baskets will be raffled off. The EHS Culinary Club may be enlisted to provide refreshments.

Comedy Night (3/20) – volunteers for committees will be solicited at next meeting

UPCOMING FUNDRAISERS:

-  Clothing Drive/ Garage Sale- Tara Huslage is running this fundraiser. Donations will be requested, then an ad will be run in The Criterion to advertise the Garage Sale. All items not sold will be picked up by the company that ran the J.A.M.S. Clothing Drive, that pays by the pound. This is tentatively scheduled around the time of our Spring Clean-Up.

-  Feb. Flower Sale

-  Candy Sale(Gertrude Hawk/ Vermont Nut Free) – 2/23 – 3/6 (Delivery week of 3/25)

-  Apparel Sale

-  Color Run

-  Comedy Night 3/20 @ the Rosewood (3/27- blizzard date)

Will be discussed in more detail at next meeting

To enhance communication and reduce paper waste, we are in the process of updating a Facebook Page. You can find us at:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Washington-Elementary-School-PTO/159825954218005

All PTO information can also be found on the school website: http://www.edison.k12.nj.us/Domain/23

Our email is: