BCO Updates and Minutes

Attendees: Deana Davalos, Deb Couture, Gretchen Gerding, Donna Boudreau, Michael Schooler, Melissa MacEachran, Sharyl Haas, Kandace Majoros, Rob Wessel, Amy Adoph, Kris Baugh, Becky Tolpa, Alex Martin, Rick Thompson, Angela Guggemos, Kris Baugh

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by President Deana Davalos.

Thank you to Rick Thompson who brought popcorn for the BCO meeting.

Budget Update: Treasurer Deb Couture reported that we grossed $17,873.37 at the Stampede. Prizes will run about $2000. We didn’t need all of the money we budgeted for eco week scholarships. We have 29,718 in cash.

Gold C: We sold 34 Gold C books and made $12.50 per book.

Volunteer Training: Last literacy training was well-attended. See principal’s report.

Bronco Stampede Update: Melissa M. reported that everything went very smoothly at the event. The teacher checklist that went out in advance was a big help. Thanks to Melissa, Sharyl, Amy, and all who helped out. All of the prizes have been ordered – we should have all of the prizes out next week. There was discussion about doing away with the medals because the younger kids are disappointed when they don’t earn one. We could consider ribbons for kids next year for participating. Each kid could set a personal goal and work to achieve that. Maybe the kids could get a special plastic charm for the chain they have for big foot mileage club and it would encourage more participation in Big Foot. The Stampede committee will discuss it in their follow up meeting.

Chili Supper: Sharyl and Deb suggested that we sell King Soopers cards at the Chili Supper at the craft fair. Rick reported that we’ve pre-sold 290 tickets. He wasn’t convinced the pre-sold tickets are worth all of the work, but it does cut down on the lines and volunteers having to take cash at the event. Rick sent two flyers home in the Thursday folder. Some people indicated that they wait until the night of the event to pay – even if it costs more, it’s more income for BCO. We still need more volunteers. Sharyl sent another email today. When class reps help recruit volunteers, it can be a problem because volunteers need to be registered and cleared to volunteer. People should respond to the official email that comes out. That’s why a phone number contact isn’t given. Class room reps should encourage people to register as volunteer.

Sock Hop: Date set for Friday, January 27.

Service Project: We still need canned meat (spam, chicken, tuna) and juice and a few soups. We will be in the art room the night of chili suppers putting together the blizzard boxes. Kids are decorating the boxes.

Appreciation Committee: Amy reported February 14 will be the next appreciation event – treats etc. for teachers. There was lots of food at the last appreciation luncheon. Appreciation Committee won’t be calling those who said they would volunteer or do reminders, so people should mark their calendars.
Lulu’s Work Update (given by Rob Wessel): The Bennett directory is 20 percent down in participation from last year. Rob suggested that we set up the computers at back-to-school night to people can enter their information. At the same time, they could also register to be a volunteer.

Grant Forms: We have $3000 for teacher grants budgeted for the year. We had two grant requests – both are tabled for December because the teachers couldn’t be at the BCO meeting to make the request.

Class Rep Update: Kris Baugh is still recruiting class reps. We still need class reps for Mrs. Lowndes, Mrs. Shigemura and Mrs. Vaught. The list didn’t get finalized for the directory. Class reps help the teacher coordinate events and volunteers and serve as a liaison from BCO to other parents in the class.

Book Fair Update: Murielle reported that the book fair had good response on volunteers – we still need a few more however. Book Fair should arrive tomorrow and be set up on Thursday. Kids go with their classes for a sneak peak. We usually gross about $8,000 in the fall. Murielle recommended that we move the spring book fair earlier in the year. Scholastic would have more merchandise, and people at Bennett might be more interested since there is so much going on for teachers in May. We will discuss again at another meeting.

Principal’s Report: Mr. Schooler gave a brief report but had to leave for another meeting.

Alex Martin gave the principal’s report. He reported another literacy training is coming up – hopefully with morning and evening times. In the new year, math training will also be offered.

Bennett lego robotics took second place.

We are pre-approved for a greenhouse grant through CSU construction management. It will be the John Ray Memorial Greenhouse.

We are having a collaboration day at Bennett for all IB schools in the state.

Why doesn’t Bennett celebrate Halloween? One reason is because instructional time is lost, especially coming so soon after the stampede. One suggestion would be to combine those two, but the weather could be bad on Halloween. Curriculum parties also take the place of Halloween – pirate party in third grade etc.

DAB: Rob hasn’t had a meeting so no report.

Add after school classes at Bennett for the next BCO meeting agenda.

Spring service project idea:  Larimer County Open Space turns back land to grass land – they need people to gather rocks from the land they are reclaiming – its kid and family friendly. It starts up in March.

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. Next meeting will be on Tuesday, December 6, 7:00 p.m. in the library.

NOVEMBER UPCOMING EVENTS

November 1: Tuesday, 7pm BCO Meeting
November 4-9:  To the Book Fair and Beyond, Bennett Book Fair
November 7, 8, 9: Double Swipe Days at Richie's Car Wash (with Paybacks Reward Card)
November 8: Tuesday Chili Supper/Craft Fair/Book Fair/Service Project
November 14-18: Learning Express Fundraising Week for Bennett Elementary School

2010-2011 School Year
May 2, 2011
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March 1, 2011 
February 22, 2011  
January 1, 2011 
December, 2010 
November 2010  
October 2010

2009-2010 School Year
May 2010
April 2010 
February 2010  
January 2010  
December 2009 
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September 2009