⇩MARCH MINUTES⇩
Lakeland Highlands Middle School PTSO
In Attendance
Lourdes Pelaez-Echevarria, Lissa Bontrager, Tracy Ducar,
Debbie Burgess, and Aniela Estevez
Approval of Minutes
February minutes presented by Lissa Bontrager. Motion to approve by Tracy, seconded by Debbie.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer’s report presented by Tracy Ducar, Treasurer. The LHMS PTSO Checking account balance is $27,711.82
Old Business/Open Issues
v
Dances/Parties/Events
Ø
7th grade Social Fri. 2/16
4:30-6:30pm: Everything went well, the kids loved it!
Ø
8th grade Farewell Fri. 5/4
6:30-8:30pm: The theme “Final Fiesta” had
been chosen, but after the 7th grade dance the 8th grade
now also wants the “red carpet” treatment.
PTSO considering options for theme as well as food (chocolate fountain,
popcorn bar, etc.)
Ø
8th grade Awards Ceremony- Tuesday
5/22 at George Jenkins HS- 6th
grade parents to pass out flyers, lemonade, and cookies. Lissa and Esther volunteered to assist.
Ø
8th grade Clap Out- Last day of
School, Thursday 5/24- LHMS provides shirts to students.
v
Teacher Appreciation Breakfast- Carol
Clark/Marilyn Paul: Thursday 5/10 let’s
celebrate our LHMS staff during Teacher Appreciation Week! The PTSO discussed a grab and go catered
breakfast (chic fil a biscuits, juices, fruits, yogurts, etc) vs. a fun Popcorn
Bar (grab a bag and make your own favorite popcorn blend) There will be a Luau
theme.
v
Spring Fundraiser- Shannon Heink: Great American Fundraising event scheduled. A little off our planned schedule, Shannon to
clarify.
v
SAC/DAC Updates- Recent meeting was last
Tuesday, Lourdes was in attendance and provided info to group, including that
Polk County is the 7th largest in Florida (30 in the USA) and 4th
lowest funded!! ☹
New Business
v
PBS Big Ticket Events 3/16 & 3/18- Students
with cougar cash have opportunity to select fun items with positive reward cash
received.
v
Next School Year: Orientation 8/9, 1st day 8/13
v
3/14- Student Walk Out in support of Marjorie
Douglas students.
Open Forum
The cafeteria overhang is scheduled to be complete by 3/16.
Next Meeting
Wednesday 4/4/2018 @ Red Elephant.
Meeting adjourned at 7:32pm
Respectfully submitted,
Lissa
Bontrager
⇩FEBRUARY MINUTES⇩
Lakeland Highlands Middle School PTSO
In Attendance
Lourdes Pelaez-Echevarria, Lissa Bontrager, Esther Ott,
Tracy Ducar, Debbie Burgess, and Dyan Bechtol
Approval of Minutes
January minutes presented by Lissa Bontrager. Motion to approve with corrections by Debbie,
seconded by Tracy.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer’s report presented by Tracy Ducar, Treasurer. The LHMS PTSO Checking account balance is $27,267.48. Continued
discussion regarding potential purchase of digital LHMS sign. This has been the goal for some time and the
reason our bank balance is so considerable.
Approximate cost of sign is $20K (from last year’s estimates) with 1 $5K
donor we have ample funds. LHMS PTSO in
agreement to contribute $20K for sign purchase.
Old Business/Open Issues
v
Candy Grams- Debbie Burgess
Ø
Valentine Taki grams: Preparations underway,
gram sales 2/7, 2/8, 2/9 before school and during lunch. Volunteers needed. Lissa to create sign up’s
for posting to FB, LHMS blog, and to any emails available.
v
Dances/Parties/Events
Ø
6th grade Social Fri. 1/19
4:30-6:30pm: WOW!!! This event was great! 263 students
participated with approximately $1800 in ticket sales. Largest 6th grade group ever. Apparently the early time IS a good
idea. 😉
Ø
7th grade Social Fri. 2/16
4:30-6:30pm: Theme chosen is “Hollywood Nights” a red carpet event, decorating
and cafeteria prep will need to begin early with all hands available. Posters are needed ASAP. Ticket sales will be 2/14-2/16 before school
and during lunch. Volunteers
needed. Lissa will create sign up and post
on Facebook.
Ø
8th grade Farewell Fri. 5/4
6:30-8:30pm: The theme “Final Fiesta”
has been chosen. The PTSO agreed that
creating a tradition of “Final Fiesta” would be something for students to look
forward to, as well as minimize planning stress and costs.
Ø
8th grade Awards Ceremony- Tuesday
5/22 at George Jenkins HS- 6th
grade parents to pass out flyers, lemonade, and cookies. Lissa and Esther volunteered to assist.
Ø
8th grade Clap Out- Last day of
School, Thursday 5/24- LHMS provides shirts to students.
v
Spirit Nights- Chris Milliken: TONIGHT at Red Elephant. Signs out to help spread the word!
v
Teacher Appreciation/Christmas Dessert Bar- Tentative
dates to celebrate our LHMS staff during Teacher Appreciation Week are 5/9 or
5/10. Discussed a grab and go catered
breakfast (chic fil a biscuits, juices, fruits, yogurts, etc) vs. a fun Popcorn
Bar (grab a bag and make your own favorite popcorn blend)
v
Spring Fundraiser- Shannon Heink: Great American Fundraising event scheduled to
begin around March 1st thru March 16th with late orders
accepted until March 23rd.
Products will be received before Mother’s Day.
v
Cougar Gear- Dyan Bechtol: Sales are DONE for
this year! Discussed how to help LHMS
with presales for next years shirts.
Possibly sending pre-order flyers out to 5th grade families,
as well as returning students and having pick up separate for those who have
prepaid. Possibly also putting the pre
order for with tshirt photos on our blog and facebook page.
v
PTSO Blog/Website: <lhmsptso.blogspot.com> is up and
running although still a work in progress.
😊
New Business
v
Office Help needed 2/6, 2/22, and 2/23. Lissa to create sign up and post to Facebook
v
8th grade open house at GH Tuesday
2/6 at 6pm- FYI
v
St. Patty’s Day Grams/ Easter Grams? - The PTSO decided not to “over do” the gram
sales. 😊
v
Electronic Sign-
As above, the PTSO is ready to contribute $20K, awaiting schools green
light.
Open Forum
v
When will the outside cafeteria eating area be
completed? > This has been in the
works for some time and delays we are told are due to lack of supplies but
expect work to begin soon.
Next Meeting
Tuesday 3/6/2018 @ Red Elephant.
Meeting adjourned at 7:31pm
Respectfully submitted,
Lissa
Bontrager
⇩JANUARY MINUTES⇩
Lakeland Highlands Middle School PTSO
In Attendance
Lourdes Pelaez-Echevarria, Lissa Bontrager, Esther Ott,
Tracy Ducar, Debbie Burgess, Aniela Estevez, Nick Vosburg, and Chris Milliken
Approval of Minutes
December minutes presented by Lissa Bontrager. Motion to approve with corrections by Esther,
seconded by Nick.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer’s report presented by Tracy Ducar, Treasurer. The LHMS PTSO Checking account balance is $26551.20. This includes monies for Teacher stipends totaling
approximately $4000. Discussed potential
purchase of digital LHMS sign. This has
been the goal for some time and the reason our bank balance is so considerable. Approximate cost of sign is $20K (from last
years estimates) with 1 $5K donor we have ample funds. Lourdes to touch base with administration for
official green light.
Old Business/Open Issues
v
Candy Grams- Debbie Burgess
Ø
Candy Cane Gram:
228 sold. Plans underway for
Valentine grams!
v
Dances/Parties/Events
Ø
6th grade Social Fri. 1/19
4:30-6:30pm: Volunteers will be needed
especially with added time challenge related to the 4:30p start time. Cafeteria set up beginning at 2:30pm. Need as many volunteers as possible. Several posters still needed to
advertise. Ticket sales- Lissa will
create sign up. Lourdes will print
tickets by Wednesday, Lissa will cut. DJ/food/candy bar all in place.
Ø
7th grade Social Fri. 2/16
4:30-6:30pm: As above, decorating and
cafeteria prep will need to begin early with all hands available. Ticket sales will be 2/14-2/16 before school
and during lunch. Volunteers needed. Lissa will create sign up to post on
Facebook.
Ø
8th grade Farewell Fri. 5/4
6:30-8:30pm:
Ø
8th grade Awards Ceremony- Tuesday
5/22 at George Jenkins HS- Will need 6th
grade parents to pass out flyers, lemonade, and cookies. Lissa and Esther volunteered to assist.
Ø
8th grade Clap Out- Last day of
School, Thursday 5/24
v
Spirit Nights- Chris Milliken: Panera earned PTSO $45.64. Our next spirit night is 1/18 at Beef’s. Chris will clarify if Jet’s is a school or
PTSO sponsored event. Also discussed
other options like a Mongolian Grill “guest griller” event, or a Red Elephant
night.
v
Teacher Appreciation/Christmas Dessert Bar- Everything
looked beautiful and there were lots of desserts provided. Looking forward will plan for a breakfast
during Teacher Appreciation week.
Catered vs. Parent provided TBD.
v
PTSO Blog/Website: <lhmsptso.blogspot.com> is up and
running although still a work in progress.
😊
New Business
v
Spring Fundraiser- Shannon Heink: Great American Fundraising will be our next event
running 3/1-3/16 with plans for delivery by Mother’s Day.
v
Cougar Gear- Already time to begin pre-orders for
next year. Consider including a form to send
with the 5th grade welcome information, putting photos of shirts on website,
etc.
v
LHMS Tutoring- Remains available if needed.
Open Forum
v
When will the outside cafeteria eating area be completed?
> This has been in the works for some
time and delays we are told are due to lack of supplies.
v
What is going on at the basketball court? > The
basketball court is being partially covered. Work is in progress and scheduled to be completed
by spring break.
v
Nick shares he has overheard many students say what
a great time they had at the 8th grade dance.
v
Debbie asks if we have the previous digital sign
quotes. April shares she will inquire with
administration where those are and what is the delay. It was previously felt we had selected one (as
they are all SB approved vendors and funds were available) Also it is noted that
there is the potential for LHMS to pay $10K and PTOS pay $10K
Next Meeting
Wednesday 2/5/2018 @ Red Elephant.
Meeting adjourned at 7:31pm
Respectfully submitted,
Lissa
Bontrager
Lakeland Highlands Middle School PTSO
In Attendance
Lourdes Pelaez-Echevarria, Lissa Bontrager, Esther Ott,
Danielle Davis, Tracy Ducar, Debbie Burgess, Aniela Estevez, Nick Vosburg,
Shannon Heink, and Ajia Paolillo
Approval of Minutes
November minutes presented by Lissa Bontrager. Motion to approve by Esther, seconded by Tracy.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer’s report presented by Tracy Ducar, Treasurer. The LHMS PTSO Checking account balance is $25,933.47. The Yankee Candle fundraiser profit to LHMS
is $4441.53.
We have also received monies from Beef’s totaling $110. Tracy also shared that sales of Cougar Gear
has been successful with $979 received from hoodies sold. That final bill is still owed to the screen
printer.
Old Business/Open Issues
v
Candy Grams- Debbie Burgess
Ø
Candy Cane Gram Sales: Scheduled for 12/13-12/15, volunteers
needed. Tentative plan to deliver 12/18
& 12/19. The grams are printed,
Debbie and Aniela will meet to assemble on 12/16.
v
Dances/Parties/Events
Ø
Poinsettia Ball
(8th grade) Fri. 12/8 6-8pm:
Need additional volunteers to assist with ticket sales during
lunch. (11:30-1:30p) Decorations are
ordered. PTO donated 10 tickets to
administration to provide to selected students who may not otherwise have the
opportunity to attend. PTSO will
continue to publicize our “Drink Drive” to assist with offsetting the expense
of drinks for the ball.
Ø
6th
grade Social Fri. 1/19 4:30-6:30pm:
Volunteers will be needed. The
PTSO closet has lots of decorations that would be appropriate for a “Winter
Wonderland” theme. It was decided to use
what we have to reduce expense.
Additionally, the food/drink items for the event are in place. Will also hold a drink drive for this event.
Ø
7th
grade Social Fri. 2/16 4:30-6:30pm: Additional
details as the date draws nearer, however a “Valentine’s” theme was discussed
as items of this nature will be in abundance.
Ø
8th
grade Farewell Fri. 5/4 6:30-8:30pm:
As above, additional details as the date draws nearer.
Ø
8th
grade Awards Ceremony- Tuesday 5/22 at George Jenkins HS: As above, TBD.
Ø
8th grade
Clap Out- Last day of School, Thursday 5/24
v
Teacher Requests- The PTSO received a note of thanks for the PE
department for our donation of new walkie talkies. It is noted that this is the 1st
thanks ever received.
v
Spirit Nights- Chris Milliken: Panera Bread
tonight. More dates coming.
v
Teacher Appreciation/Christmas Dessert Bar-
Carol Clark & Marilyn Paul: 12/20
Parents/Volunteers will bake or purchase dessert items for holiday staff
appreciation. Items donated should be dropped by the school by 10am.
New Business
v
Teacher Requests
Ø
The CVTV department is requesting $415 for a
professional news set. Motion to approve
by Debbie, seconded by Esther. The Chess
Club has a request for $119.96 for the purchase of 4 new tournament sets @ $29
each. Motion to approve by Shannon, seconded
by Debbie.
v
Chorus/Drama/Musical Theater- Mr. King is in
need of volunteers for several upcoming events.
Ø
Chorus 11/30: Several Volunteers are needed to
chaperone back stage while groups transition on stage.
Ø
Musical Theater 12/15, 5 and 7pm: Several volunteers are needed to assist with
ticket sales as well as to sell snacks during intermission.
v
Spring Fundraiser- Shannon Heink: Shannon
presented information from Great American Fundraising, a company that offers a
variety of items for sell with both online and in person sales options. Our profit margin is 40%. We will plan for a 2 week sale beginning
March 1st ending March 16th with order placed by the 23rd.
v
Candy Grams for Valentine’s Day- Debbie: Ideas discussed for candy grams, it was
decided to go with Takis chips. A fun
printable will be attached. Each will
sell for $1.
v SAC
update: Parents and Staff meet for a
first meeting. All are encouraged to
attend. A good place to be more aware of
what and how things come to be at LHMS (financial, activities, changes,
etc). There is also an opportunity to
participate at the district level (DAC), that first meeting is in January 8th
at Ridge Community.
Open Forum
v
It is asked how tutoring is going at LHMS. Mr. Vosburg confirms tutoring is going well,
participation by Teacher’s has improved due to added Title 1 funding.
v
Debbie reports the PTSO closet has years of
accumulated items and would like to reorganize and discard as appropriate. Every was in support of this!
v
It was suggested that perhaps next year we
consider moving the date of the 6th grade social to earlier in the
year to help in the transition to middle school.
v
Concerns were expressed regarding the lack of
traffic help before and after school (to increase safety of students (as cars
are NOT slowing down) in addition to improving flow of traffic as car riders
attempt to get on and off campus.
Lourdes shares that our SRO is not employed by LHMS and tasks like these
are unfortunately not her responsibility.
v
Lissa shared a blog site with the group for
consideration as the link we attach to the LHMS website. This blog is free and can be easily updated
by us. This will save the PTSO money and
our network manager time. All were in
agreement.
Next Meeting
Wednesday 1/8/2018 @ Red Elephant.
Meeting adjourned at 8:02pm
Respectfully submitted,
Lissa
Bontrager
Minutes
Lakeland Highlands Middle School PTSO
In Attendance
Lourdes Pelaez-Echevarria, Lissa Bontrager, Esther Ott,
Danielle Davis, Tracy Ducar, Debbie Burgess, Aniela Estevez, and Chris Milliken
Approval of Minutes
October minutes presented by Lissa Bontrager. Motion to approve by Esther, seconded by
Debbie.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer’s report presented by Tracy Ducar, Treasurer. The LHMS PTSO Checking account balance is
$29,954.60. This includes monies
received for payment to Yankee Candle.
The Yankee Candle fundraiser profit to LHMS is approximately $4300. Tracy also shared that sales of Cougar Gear
has totaled $2436 with one last sale deadline remaining.
Old Business/Open Issues
v
Candy Grams- Debbie Burgess
Ø
Boo Grams:
447 grams sold for a profit of $402
Ø
Candy Cane Gram 6-8pm Sales: Scheduled for 12/13-12/15, volunteers
needed. Tentative plan to deliver 12/18
& 12/19. Debbie will inquire with
administration to determine if grams can be delivered directly to the
classrooms via PTSO to avoid any delays in students receiving them as well as
to not burden staff with an added “chore” during this busy time of year.
v
Dances/Parties/Events
Ø
Poinsettia Ball (8th grade) Fri. 12/8
6-8pm: Ticket sales scheduled for
12/6-12/8, Lourdes confirms the DJ has been booked and will make plans for the
pizza and dessert orders. Volunteers
needed. Debbie shared posters would be
needed advertising ticket sales, NJHS will earn needed volunteer hours with
this task.
Ø
6th grade Social Fri. 1/19
4:30-6:30pm: Volunteers will be needed
especially with added time challenge related to the 4:30p start time. Attempts to have these times changed were unsuccessful,
however administration is granting an out of uniform pass to any student with a
dance ticket.
Ø
7th grade Social Fri. 2/16
4:30-6:30pm: As above, additional
details as the date draws nearer.
Ø
8th grade Farewell Fri. 5/4
6:30-8:30pm:
Ø
8th grade Awards Ceremony- Tuesday
5/22 at George Jenkins HS- Will need 6th
grade parents to pass out flyers, lemonade, and cookies. Lissa and Esther volunteered to assist.
Ø
8th grade Clap Out- Last day of
School, Thursday 5/24
v
Title One Parent Nights- Dates TBA: 2 dates will
be scheduled. There will be a guest
speaker and food! 😊
v
Spirit Nights- Chris Milliken: PTSO discussed additional spirit night venues
such as Olive Garden, PDQ, Red Elephant, Chic fil A, and Mellow Mushroom. Administration is ok with 1 per week but it
was discussed that this may create “burnout” if the opportunities are so
frequent.
Ø
Jet’s Pizza scheduled for 11/21- will work to improve communications via group
page as well as marquis when available.
Ø
Panera Bread- Application is submitted with a
tentative date of 12/6
v
Teacher Appreciation/Christmas Dessert Bar-
Carol Clark & Marilyn Paul: Date
TBD, Parents/Volunteers will bake or purchase dessert items for holiday staff
appreciation.
New Business
v
Book Fair- 11/29-12/6: Volunteers needed. Lissa will reach out to Ms. Jones to assist
with volunteer recruitment.
v
Teacher Requests
Ø
The PE Department is in need of new walkie
talkies. Motion to grant request made by
Lissa, seconded by Esther.
v
Cougar Cash/Positive Behavior Support (PBS)-
Scheduled for 1/5
v
Chorus/Drama/Musical Theater- Mr. King is in
need of volunteers for several upcoming events.
Lissa will reach out to assist with volunteer recruitment.
Ø
Chorus 11/30: Several Volunteers are needed to
chaperone back stage while groups transition on stage.
Ø
Musical Theater 12/15, 5 and 7pm: Several volunteers are needed to assist with
ticket sales as well as to sell snacks during intermission.
v
Spring Fundraiser- Shannon Heink: More info to follow as date draws nearer
Open Forum
v
Lourdes shares LHMS has a new female school
resource officer.
v
Should we consider changing the LHMS 411 group
privacy setting to public, as well as if administration will allow for an
“unofficial” LHMS FB page? This may be the
easiest tool to reach the most families as well as very cost effective. Lourdes to speak with Mrs. Kendrick regarding request.
v When
will the outside cafeteria area be completed? - Lourdes shared that apparently the
delay was due to lack of supplies but tentatively scheduled for completion during
Thanksgiving Break.
v It
is noted that the PTSO link on the LHMS page is inactive- Tracy to confirm if renewal payment has been made.
Discussed other, more user friendly, options
for improving communication. Lissa to reach
out to the Network Manager to work on updating page.
Next Meeting
Wednesday 12/6/2017 @ Red Elephant.
Meeting adjourned at 7:15pm
Respectfully submitted,
Lissa
Bontrager
