When: Jan 10 2013
Where: Great RoomHead of School Comments:
Marie Dugan spoke of the Transition Mornings as a great opportunity to see what goes on in the classroom as well as a chance to have questions answered by teachers in a round table discussion.  She emphasized how impressive it is to witness the Montessori Method in practice.  Marie also mentioned another exceptional opportunity for parents to experience the Montessori Method is by attending The Journey, which is being offered January 25^th.  Contact Theresa at 302-475-0555 or theresa_conaty[at]wmsde.org to register.

 

Board Comments:
Susie Ventresca(Vice President of Board) shared that the board is working on setting the budget for next year.  Included in this task is setting tuition.

 

The Board is hoping to have re-enrollment numbers by March 3^rd. Susie encouraged families not to wait to re-enroll.  This re-enrollment number is crucial to being able to offer the teachers contracts as early as possible.

 

Independent School Management (ISM) is assisting the Board in developing a 3yr Strategic Plan.  Roxanne Higgins is ISM’s President and a former WMS Parent.  She has generously donated this service to help WMS solidify it’s future.

 

The Governance Committee is working to rewrite the Bylaws.  The new Bylaws would provide an opportunity for elected Board positions, as well as a “feed-back” loop for community concerns.  The Committee is working to present the Board with recommendations at the January Board Meeting.  This, in an effort to have the new Bylaws available for adoption by the members (current families) at the March Annual Meeting.

 

Looking for volunteers to support Teacher Appreciation.  This would include management of the “refreshments” in the Staff Lounge.  There will be a small refrigerator for beverages and several shelves of snacks.  Volunteers would need to monitor and purchase (which would be reimbursable) supplies.  Any proceeds will be contributed to the staff’s annual Employee Luncheon.  Please contact Susie (susieventresca[at]comcast.net) for further information.

 

Any thoughts, ideas, questions or concerns for the Board can be submitted by following the link below:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WMSTownHall2012
or
by email [email protected]

 

 

Community Service:
Drew Matalonis reported on the Volunteer Day at the Food Bank of Delaware.  30 families participated and packed over 800 “backpacks” to go home with children for weekend meals.  The kids learned how the Food Bank helps people in need and how important it is to volunteer their help.  The Delaware News Journal was there and posted the following video online.  Check it out! http://bcove.me/fyli187u  (there is an ad for the Concord Mall first, be patient).  The PTO will look into another Volunteer Day in the future.

 

Special Events:
WMS will celebrate it’s 49^th Birthday, January 31^st!!  Look for special events going on throughout the school.

 

Silent Auction is April 19^th.  Cathy Capper is this years Chair of the Silent Auction.  She will be looking for volunteers to serve on various committees in the near future.  If you’re interested in helping, please send her an email at catherinecapper[at]yahoo.com.  Also, keep your eye on the FaceBook Page and the PTO website (www.wmsdepto.org) for postings and updates.

 

Fundraising Team:
Stephanie Wolynetz (Team Leader; mypudim[at]verizon.net) reported efforts to ensure that ALL families, who are residents of Delaware, return their Transportation Reimbursement Forms.  If all eligible families were to donate this reimbursement, the amount would be around $11,000!  If you do not designate to either donate or receive the money, it is automatically returned to the State of Delaware. Please return the letter that was mailed at the end of December with your wished for this money.  If you do not have the letter, please call or email Carolyn Furman (carolyn_fuhrman[at]wmsde.org) with your reimbursement designation.

 

Attendees:
Meredith Amado, Kerry Shweiki, Susie Ventresca, Stephanie Wolynetz, Noel Dietrich, Eva Glick, Kevin Kahn, Becky Allen, Anna Quisel, Drew Matalonis, Marie Dugan, Joe Abele, Deb Costas, Elaine Walsh, Grimly & Lindsay Foret, Stephanie Simms, Amanda Biggs, Cathy Simon Cord, Betsy Haas, Lisa Lalama, Janet Hewitt, Nora Lober, Molly Sharp, Jessica Townsend, Mary Roberston, Paul Gatti, Linda DesMarais