DCMS PTO Meeting

November 3, 2011 7:00 pm

Meeting called to order by Tamra Mahoney at 7:03 pm in the DCMS Media Center.

Officers present:   President- Tamra Mahoney, Vice President-Amy Prince, Secretary-Jan Goodin, Treasurer-Kerri Collison.

Secretary Report: October Minutes were reviewed.  Motion to approve and seconded.  Minutes approved.

Treasurer Report: October Treasurer Report was given by Kerri Collison.  Motion to approve and seconded.  Treasurer Report was approved. 

School Board Report:  given by special guest Dr. Danny Barnes:

Dr. Barnes was kind enough to give those in attendance a look into the history of the Deer Creek School District (complete with pictures!) and a look ahead on building projects.  Dr. Barnes mentioned the construction projects under the current bond issue have been accelerated which will save the district money.  The district is currently taking bids for the Performing Arts/Athletic Center.  Dr. Barnes was very excited about what’s taking place in the district for ALL our students!

President’s Report:  given by Tamra Mahoney: 

The school would like to thank Alecia and Tate Morgan for donating 20 Otterboxes and also thank Petra Industries for donating 10 Otterboxes.  With the PTO grant to purchase thirty more, we now have 60 Otterboxes to protect the all IPads.  Thanks also to Amy Prince for her hard work bringing this together.

Principal Report: given by Mr. Bellows:

Cross Country teams won their conference championships.  The 7^th & 8^th grade football teams both won their conference championships.  The fall pep assembly went well.  Congratulations to our Middle School athletes during fall semester.  Basketball and Wrestling have begun and games will start soon!

The Community Club is getting established.  The next event is November 12 and will be a school supply drive in partnership with the Sheriff Department’s “Grandparents Raising Grandkids” Program.

There will be reward field trips for the 7^th and 8^th graders to close out the fall semester.  7^th graders will go to Gatti Town and the 8^th graders will visit Quail Springs Baptist recreation center.  Attendance to these field trips will be based on grades, discipline and tardies.  Requirements will be sent home to parents.

Natalie Goodin and Obiageri Ananaba were selected to participate in the Oklahoma All-State Children’s Chorus.  Congratulations to Natalie Goodin, Emily Baranski and Dayo Amuda for making it through first round auditions of OCDA All-State.  Second round auditions will take place on November 15.

The Gathering was a great day for 6^th graders.  According to Mr. Lemin, it was one of the smoothest events he’s been a part of.  Thanks to the students for good behavior and to parents who volunteered.

The DCMS Monday Morning News will probably start being divided into subgroups (school, district, community, PSG, Sports, etc..) to make it easier to read and filter information.

To thank our teachers at DCMS, the administration would like to have a holiday party with drawings for prizes.  Any help would be appreciated in obtaining anything from $5 gift certificates to larger items.  There are currently about 70 teachers and, with the staff, about a total of 80 to 85 people. 

Congratulations to Kristin Jordan for being named the DCMS Teacher of the Year.

Committee Reports: 

Hospitality:  Has been providing evening meals to teachers this week during parent-teacher conferences.

6^th Grade Events:  The Agora is the next scheduled event. Tentative date is Dec. 16.

Creek Classic: Looking for volunteers at this time.  Save the date:  March 3, 2012

Unfinished Business:

FPA (Future Professionals of America) is asking for $100 for materials.  A motion was made for the PTO to donate $100 for FPA materials.  Motion was seconded.  Motion was approved unanimously. 

The PTO has made $440 so far on flags/decals.  Extras in the office for purchase.  

The PTO is pleased with the sales of the DCMS Rocks t-shirts and sweatshirts.   The order has been placed and a few extras will be available for sale.

New Business:

Ninety laptop mice are needed at DCMS.  Retractable mice are preferred and minis will be fine.  We currently have a bid from Petra for $579.  A motion was made for the PTO to allocate up to $600 for these laptop mice.  Motion was seconded.  Motion was approved unanimously.  *A parent in attendance (Mellissa Bokesch) will check with her employer about getting a lower bid or a donation for the mice.

The next PTO meeting will be Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 9:30 am.

Meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm.

 

DCMS PTO Meeting

October 6, 2011 9:30am

 

Meeting called to order by Tamra Mahoney at 9:35 am in the DCMS Workroom.

Officers present:   President- Tamra Mahoney, Vice President-Amy Prince, Secretary-Jan Goodin, Treasurer-Kerri Collison.

Secretary Report: September Minutes were reviewed.  Motion to approve and seconded.  Minutes approved.

Treasurer Report: September Treasurer Report was given by Kerri Collison.  Motion to approve and seconded.  Treasurer Report was approved. 

President’s Report:  given by Tamra Mahoney: 

Enrollment is up by about 450 students which is quite a bit considering only about 20% of those students are from the addition of the Pre-K program.

The new Middle School will be called Deer Creek Middle School.  The 5^th and 6^th grade Center (which will be located in the existing Middle School building) will be called Deer Creek Intermediate School. 

The planning phase of the 5^th Elementary school is underway.

Principal Report: given by Mr. Bellows:

Cross Country finals are coming up.  Football Super Saturday is on October 15.  Volleyball had more girls participate than in the past.  Softball season has ended.  Congratulations to all our Middle School athletes during fall semester.

Academic Team has almost 40 members and practices are going well.

FPA Club (Future Professionals of America) has three teachers to sponsor it.  Next step is to pay for the materials.

We are hoping to have a large turnout for our next Community Club meeting.

The Choir had three members make the COCDA Honor Choir.

In trying to eliminate bullying at DCMS, an Anti-Bullying box has been placed outside the office.  Students can anonymously report incidents of bullying.  Comments were made to possibly move the location of the box. 

Rachel’s Challenge assembly was held and made a big impact.  The mission is to inspire, equip and empower every person to create a permanent, positive culture change in their school by starting a chain reaction of kindness and compassion.   Leadership Club will continue the mission at the Middle School.

After a one question survey was sent out by email to all MS parents, 40% said they would attend an evening meeting.   The PTO has decided to give an evening meeting a try and will hold the next meeting on November 3 at 7:00.  Reminder emails will be sent.

Mr. Bellows spoke about some district information including construction, Common Core, the Deer Creek Transition House (for special needs students) and School Grades (API to Letter grades)

The 6^th graders will be participating in The Gathering, a Social Studies event based on the Stone Age. 

Committee Reports: 

Hospitality:  Will be providing evening meals to teachers during parent/teacher conferences on November 1 and 3.

6^th Grade Events:  The Gathering will be held on October 14.  It would be a good idea to email 6^th grade parents (or put in Monday Morning News) regarding clans and colors.

Creek Classic:  Looking for corporate sponsors at this time

Unfinished Business:

School Supplies:  A deposit was made for $4,080.51 from the school supply fundraiser.

DCMS ROCKS Wristbands:  Wristbands were purchased for $860 and will be distributed next week to all students and teachers.

New Business:

DC Car Flags and Decals:  Order forms have been sent home via Monday Morning News and to the High School and Elementary Schools.  Order deadline approaching.

DCMS ROCKS T’s and Hoodies:  We will begin selling these school shirts ASAP to go along with the Middle School theme this year.  Students should wear them on Fridays.  Deadline to order is October 25. 

30 IPad cases have been donated to the Middle School.  30 more are needed.  A motion was made for the PTO to allocate $1,350 to buy 30 IPad cases for the Middle School.  Motion was seconded.  Motion was approved unanimously.

Our next PTO meeting will be Thursday, November 3, 2011 at 7:00 pm.

Meeting adjourned at 10:55 am.

 

 

DCMS PTO Meeting

DCMS PTO Meeting

September 8, 2011   10:00 am

 

Meeting called to order and introductions of PTO members by Tamra Mahoney at 10:03 am in the DCMS Workroom.

Officers present:   President- Tamra Mahoney, Vice President-Amy Prince, Secretary-Jan Goodin, Treasurer-Kerri Collison.

Secretary Report: May Minutes were reviewed.  Motion to approve and seconded.  Minutes approved.

Treasurer Report: Summer (June, July, August) Treasurer Report was given by Kerri Collison.  See attached report.

Treasurer Report was reviewed.  Motion to approve and seconded.  Treasurer Report was approved. 

Superintendent Report given by Sean McDaniel:

The Deer Creek district is growing and had about a 10% population growth this year.  Currently there are 4,283 students enrolled in Deer Creek Schools.  This includes about 180 Pre-Kindergarten students. 

The Pre-K Program has more students enrolled than anticipated.  Out of 537 school districts in Oklahoma, Deer Creek was one of only five districts without a Pre K Program.  The program will create a good alignment for elementary years.

With the construction at the High School of a Freshman Academy, a math and science complex, and a media and technology center, parking issues have arisen for students.  The Land Trust Office (a Government Entity) has given us some land near the High School tennis courts for temporary parking.

The Football Stadium renovations are still ongoing.  There will be a Fire Marshal inspection tomorrow (9/9/11) and if we pass, we can have the football game in the stadium this week.

The new “7^th and 8^th Grade Center” should be officially named at the School Board meeting on Monday night, September 13.  Construction is coming along nicely and the building should be ready for occupancy sometime in November, but the plans currently are to open it officially next August at the beginning of the new school year.  Logistically, it will be an easier transition to do it then instead of in the middle of the current school year.  The new center will have a STEM Academy which focuses on teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and Math skills through participation.

The District’s goal is to become a global school district and become a premier school Nationally and compete with students outside of Oklahoma.  School Board members are in agreement that more rigorous course offerings at the secondary level are necessary to prepare students to become college and career ready.

Deer Creek will continue to follow the PASS objectives, but will be transitioning in the new “Common Core State Standards Initiative”.  The State of Oklahoma will fully implement Common Core in the 2014-2015 school year.  Visit the Oklahoma State Department of Education website for more information about this.

Deer Creek has hired Cindy Koss as the Chief Academic Officer.  One of her duties will be working with the counselors in the district to help find scholarship opportunities and communicate them with students and parents. 

Principal Report given by Mr. Bellows:

Mr. Bellows thanked everyone for coming and encouraged them to continue to come to the meetings and bring others.

Announced this year’s theme is DCMS ROCKS, which stands for Responsibility, Opportunity, Character, Knowledge and Safety.  Teachers and Administrators are recognizing Antler Rock Stars who show these traits and rewarding them with prizes from the mystery box. (giftcards, etc…)  Donations are needed.

The Middle School had about 8% growth from last year and with that came some growth issues, but most have been worked out.

Power School is up and running.  The User Name is the student’s 8-digit school ID and if the 4 digit password from last year doesn’t work, parents are to put in their child’s ID code for the password as well.  Any problems, please contact the school office.

The distribution list for emails and Monday Morning News is now coming through Power School.  If you are not receiving emails, please contact the school office.

In keeping with the DCMS ROCKS theme and to make every student feels included and important, Mr. Bellows would like to give each student a themed wrist band.  He is asking PTO help offset or pay the cost of the wristbands for the student body. 

The air conditioning in the gym is now functioning!

The district hired an Assistant Athletic Director, James Edwards, who helps a lot with the Middle School athletic program. 

“Flood the Fire Department” was held earlier this month and 5,448 water bottles were donated from district and community families.  Five students were recognized for bringing the most and will get to tour the fire department.  This was such a great success, that the school administrators would like to create a “community club”.  Students that join the club would help plan and execute fundraisers possibly once a quarter for local groups with a need.  This will emphasize the importance of giving back to the community.

To prepare the Middle School students for high school, college and careers, the Middle School is looking at Future Professionals of America (FPA) that may become a separate club.  Materials fees and dues are currently being discussed.

Antler Pride night was a huge success with lots of food, games and clothing sales to support the athletic program.

The Oklahoma State Department of Education has released last year’s individual testing scores.  The Middle School staff will be on hand on Tuesday, September 13 from 5-6pm to hand these scores out to parents.

Invitations were given out to all new students to invite them to gather for lunch.  There was a great turnout and good conversation.  An idea in the works is to have ambassadors, families that have been at Deer Creek for awhile, pair up with new families to be a contact and resource for them.

The PTO meeting times are currently set for 10 am.  Mr. Bellows will send out a one question survey to determine if we should consider afternoon or evening meetings at any point this year.

Committee Reports facilitated by Tamra Mahoney:

Hospitality:  Jennifer Turner:  will cover snacks and meals for monthly department meetings, new teacher meetings, parent/teacher conference nights and professional development days.

Adopt-A-Teacher:  Tracy Turner:  All teachers have been adopted!

Deer Parents:  Diane Jennings:  All slots are filled!

6^th Grade Events:  Kimberly Brinner: First event is The Gathering which is the Stone Ages Clans competition.  15 volunteers are needed and your child need not be in the 6^th grade to help.  There are a total of four events through the year.  Emails and reminders will be sent home to recruit volunteers.

Creek Classic: Kerri Collison:  Creek Classic will be held March 3, 2012 and the Middle School and the District would like to increase student participation. 

New Business given by Tamra Mahoney: 

The Middle School’s one sanctioned fundraiser this year is School Supplies.  The PTO officers feel another fundraiser is needed this year to give as much money to the school as we can. 

In keeping with the school theme of DCMS ROCKS, the PTO officers, after consulting with Mr. Bellows, suggest selling DCMS ROCKS t-shirts.  These shirts would be Middle School specific and would not overlap with Antler Pride gear.  After the Super Fan t-shirt sales begin to subside, an order form would be sent home for pre-orders of the DCMS ROCKS shirts.  When submitting information for additional sanctioning, the officers would like to add “Spirit Wear” as the second fundraiser. This gives the Middle School additional options, if we feel necessary, to sell not only t-shirts, but possibly IPhone and IPad cases with the DCMS ROCKS logo later in the year if necessary.

A Motion was made to add “Spirit Wear” as the Middle School’s second fundraiser of the 2011-2012 school year.  The motion was seconded.  The motion passed with no opposition.

In his report, Mr. Bellows, requested that he would like to have the PTO assist him in purchasing enough DCMS ROCKS wristbands for the entire student body.  A motion was made that the PTO would allocate up to $1,000 for wristbands.  The motion was seconded and passed. 

Our next PTO meeting will be Thursday, October 6, 2010 at 10:00 am in the DCMS Workroom. 

Meeting adjourned at 11:30 am.

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DCMS PTO Meeting

May 5, 2011 9:00 am

Meeting called to order by Steve Sternlof at 9:05 am in the DCMS Workroom.

Officers present: President- Steve Sternlof, VP-Lisa Hill, Treasurer-Jennifer Goldman, Tamra Mahoney (2011-2012 President), Kerri Collison (2011-2012 Treasurer)

Officers absent: Secretary-Jan Goodin

Secretary Report: (presented by Lisa Hill) April Minutes were reviewed. Motion to approve and seconded. Minutes approved.

Treasurer Report: April Treasurer Report was given by Jennifer Goldman. Motion to approve and seconded. Treasurer Report approved.

Principal Report given by Mrs. Skinner:

Track teams had great seasons. They swept the Suburban conference with four championships. The Baseball team was also Conference Champs!

Antler Excellence Awards are Tuesday, May 10 in the High School Auditorium. See web calendar for times. Criteria for awards has been sent home with the Monday Morning News.

Final Exams are coming up and will conclude on May 23.

8^th Grade Bridging Ceremony will be held May 23rd at 7pm at the High School Football Field. Ceremony will be moved to the high school gym if weather is bad.

The High School and Middle School gyms will be having air conditioning installed this summer. District building projects are underway or will be underway over the next few months on the Freshman Academy at the High School, the Fine Arts Center, the High School Media Center (which will have a spirit store and a coffee shop), the addition to the High School and the expansion of the Administration Building.

Committee Reports:

School Supplies: Motion was made to accept School Supplies as the Middle School fundraiser for the upcoming 2011-2012 school year. Motion seconded and accepted unanimously.

Sixth Grade Events: Mindi Blanchard reported that Sixth grade events went well this year and a new coordinator is needed for this position.

Adopt-A-Teacher: The End of the Year Reveal Party is today, May 5 beginning at 3pm.

Creek Classic: Allocations are available (See Treasurer’s Report). There will be a large effort next year for more student involvement in the Creek Classic.

Other Business:

This is the last PTO meeting of the current year. We look forward to having a large turnout for our first meeting next school year in September.

Meeting adjourned at 9:45 am.

 

April 7, 2011  9:00 am

Meeting called to order by Steve Sternlof at 9:00 pm in the DCMS Workroom.

Officers present:   President- Steve Sternlof, VP-Lisa Hill, Secretary-Jan Goodin, Treasurer-Jennifer Goldman.

Secretary Report: March Minutes were reviewed.  Motion to approve and seconded.  Minutes approved.

Treasurer Report: March Treasurer Report was given by Jennifer Goldman.  Motion to approve and seconded.  Treasurer report was approved.

Principal Report given by Reuben Bellows for Tracy Skinner:

Tuesday, May 10 are the Antler Excellence Awards.  6^th Grade awards start at 6:00.  7^th and 8^th Awards begin at 7:30.  Both are in the High School Auditorium.  Awards given that night are Foundation awards, Academic Excellence awards, Excellence in Arts awards, Library awards and Perfect Attendance awards.  Band awards will be given out separately at the Band banquet.

The 8^th grade graduation Bridging Ceremony is scheduled for May 23^rd at 7:00 pm at the High School Football field.  In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved into the high school gym.

Deer Creek Middle School Spring Sports Teams are having great seasons! Teams are winning and records are being set!

Congratulations to DCMS student Sooraj Boominathan for winning the State Geography Bee.  Sooraj will represent DCMS at the National Geography Bee this summer.

There will be some administration changes at the Middle school for the upcoming 2011-2012 school year.  Tracy Skinner will be going to the High School to become the new Principal.  Reuben Bellows will become the Middle School Head Principal.  Marshall Ottinger will be an Assistant Principal at the MS.  Becky Slothower will be moving to DCES.

Committee Reports:

School Supplies are for sale online.  Flyers were sent home in enrollment packets.  All ordering will be online.  Reminder emails should be sent out to let parents know not to forget to order.

Adopt-A-Teacher Reveal Party is coming up on May 5.  The Middle School PTO budgeted in $125 for refreshments/decorations.

Sixth Grade Events:  The 6^th grade Factory will be held on the last day of school.

Creek Classic:  final allocations should be available soon. 

DCMS PTO Election of Officers for 2011-2012:

All present signed in and filled out their ballot form.

The DCMS 2011-2012 PTO ballot is attached to these minutes and reads:  Tamra Mahoney, President; Amy Prince-VP; Jan Goodin-Sec.; Kerri Collison-Treasurer

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 am.

Next PTO meeting will be Thursday, May 5, 2011 at 9:00 am in the DCMS Work Room.

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DCMS PTO Meeting

March 3, 2011           6:00 pm

 

Meeting called to order by Steve Sternlof at 6:05 pm in the DCMS Cafeteria.

Officers present:   President- Steve Sternlof, VP-Lisa Hill, Secretary-Jan Goodin, Treasurer-Jennifer Goldman.

Secretary Report: January Minutes were reviewed.  (No February Meeting due to snow day) Motion to approve and seconded.  Minutes approved.

Treasurer Report: January/February Treasurer Report was given by Jennifer Goldman.  Motion to approve and seconded.  Treasurer report was approved.

The DCMS Drama classes performed a number from the musical, “Honk!”

Principal Report given by Tracy Skinner:

The new security system cameras are in place and functioning.  Thanks again to the PTO for supporting this need.

Beginning March 21 and running through April 18, DCMS will be on an extended day schedule to make up for the snow days missed.  Times for school will be 7:45-3:15. (30 minutes longer each day) Busses will run 15 minutes earlier than usual to accommodate this schedule.

Deer Creek Schools will be out of school on Friday, March 11.

Next Thursday, March 10 is the 6^th grade Antlerborough Faire.  Parents are needed and can volunteer to help by contacting Mindi Blanchard who is coordinating this event with Mr. Lemin.

Tuesday, May 10 are the Antler Excellence Awards.  Please check the DCMS calendar on the website for times.

The DCMS Choir performed two numbers from their Spring Concert.

At the next meeting the DCMS 2011-2012 PTO Slate will be voted on.  Slate currently looks like:  Tamra Mahoney, President; Amy Prince-VP; Jan Goodin-Sec.; Treasurer-?

Meeting adjourned at 6:35 pm.

Next PTO meeting will be Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 9:00 am in the DCMS Work Room.

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DCMS PTO Meeting

December 2, 2010    9:00 am

 

Meeting called to order by Steve Sternlof at 9:04 am in the DCMS Workroom.

Officers present:   President- Steve Sternlof, VP-Lisa Hill, Secretary-Jan Goodin, Treasurer-Jennifer Goldman.

Secretary Report: November Minutes were reviewed.  Motion to approve and seconded.  Minutes approved.

Treasurer Report: November Treasurer Report was given by Jennifer Goldman.  Motion to approve and seconded.  Minutes approved.

Principal Report given by Tracy Skinner:

The Deer Creek Schools Foundation is having a Canister Coin Drive.  The funds raised will be split between a chosen charity and for a need for DCMS.  Right now, it is narrowed down to three charities and four school needs.  A survey will be used to pick the winning charity and DCMS need.

Final Exams will be the week of December 13^th.  School resumes Tuesday, January 4.

Construction has begun on the addition to the practice gym.  Additions include a locker and weight room, a storage room for equipment and a coaches’ office.  Estimated completion of this project is April 2011.

Student Support Groups are completed for this semester and will begin again in January.  50 students participated this semester and the hope is to double the number of students.  Calm Waters will again be assisting.

Two exciting new clubs are a Book Club hosted by Miss Simer and a Creative Writing Club, which was started at the beginning of the school year and has about 16 students already participating.

Special Days coming up include 6^th grade Agora Day (Dec. 17), 7^th Grade Field Trips (Dec. 3^rd and 10^th), and 8^th Grade Junior Achievement Day (Dec. 17).

Basketball and Wrestling are off to a great start!

The Choir Concert will be on December 7 and the Band Concert on December 9.

“Honk!” Musical auditions begin today.  It is the first ever all school musical, meaning any 6^th, 7^th or 8^th grader can audition.

The school video cameras will be updated on December 8.  Thanks to the PTO for supporting this need.

Superintendent Report given by Sean McDaniel:

Projects approved on last year’s bond election are going to be accelerated.  For example, ground will be broken in June for the Performing Arts Center with the plan to be completed in two years.  The only project that will not be accelerated (unless a need arises) is the 5^th Elementary School. 

On December 13^th, a recommendation will be made to the school board to make the new Middle School a 7^th and 8^th grade center and the old middle school a 5^th and 6^th grade center.  Sean McDaniel has been talking to many school groups throughout the district about his idea.  This school will open in Fall of 2012. 

For the 2009-2010 School year, Deer Creek Schools was second in the state (out of 573 districts) in API Scores.  We were 4 points behind Mulhull/Orlando.  To see the full list of API scores, visit the Oklahoma State Department website. 

Committee Reports given by Steve Sternlof:

School Supplies-Wendi Bowers is again chairing. Wants to have ordering be online only.  Wendi will also talk to teachers after the first of the year about the quality of last year’s supplies and what they want to order next year.

A motion was made for the School Supplies Fundraiser to go to all online ordering.  Motion seconded.  No opposition.  Motion approved.

15^th Annual Creek Classic and Expo-Keri Shipley from the Exec PTO is heading this effort.  They are very much ahead on the planning phase.  Looking now for sponsors to support the Creek Classic.  Visit www.deercreekclassic.com to keep up to date and register.  They would like to make this year’s race a real community event. 

New Business given by Steve Sternlof: 

Jennifer Turner and the Hospitality Committee will be joining with Gerald Buckles to provide a Holiday Dinner for the DCMS teachers and staff on December 17.  Jennifer will be sending out an email to get people to help with sides, drinks, desserts and paper products.  Gerald Buckles will be supplying the meat. 

Meeting adjourned at 10:00 am.

Next PTO meeting will be January 6, 2011 at 9:00 am in the DCMS Work Room.

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DCMS PTO Meeting

November 4, 2010    9:00 am

 

Meeting called to order and introductions by Steve Sternlof at 9:04 am in the DCMS Workroom.

Officers present:   President- Steve Sternlof, VP-Lisa Hill, Secretary-Jan Goodin, Treasurer-Jennifer Goldman.

Secretary Report: October Minutes were reviewed.  Motion to approve and seconded.  Minutes approved.

Treasurer Report: October Treasurer Report was given by Jennifer Goldman.  A request from the Social Studies Department was presented for a Veteran’s Day reception.  This was already planned for in the budget, so no vote will be necessary.  A request from Mrs. Carpenter, the counselor, was also presented.  A pizza lunch needs to be funded for the winners of the canned food drive.  Funding this was approved at a prior meeting, so no vote is necessary.

The Treasurer Report was reviewed.  Motion to approve and seconded.  Treasurer Report was approved.

Counselor Report: given by Andrea Carpenter:  720 pounds of food was collected in this year’s canned food drive.  The recipient is the BritVil Food Pantry.  7^th Grade collected the most cans and was awarded a pizza party. 

A door decorating contest was held in conjunction with Red Ribbon Week.  The winners will get a cookie party.  We could use PTO money to fund this (from the Drug Awareness category of the budget), but all in attendance thought it would be better not to use the money and instead have the Hospitality Committee secure parent volunteers to bring cookies instead. 

Student Support Groups are in full swing.  Family Separation and Friendship/Stress/Bullying are the two groups.  Students are showing up and ready to share each time and good things are happening.  The counselors are hoping to double the amount of participants in the second semester.

Principal Report given by Tracy Skinner:

ITBS Testing was held this week.  ITBS testing will also be held November 16 & 18.

8^th Grade Junior Achievement Day will be held December 17.  Parent training is happening this week.

Parent/Teacher conferences are being held this week.  The number of parents requesting conferences is up significantly from last year.  Thanks to the Hospitality Committee for providing teacher meals on these evenings.

There will be no school on Friday, November 5.

It has been an extremely successful first quarter of the school year.  We do need to concentrate on lowering the number of absences since it factors into our API scores.

School Reach is going to start automated calling regarding absences soon.

It was a successful Fall Sports season.  The Boys and Girls Cross Country Teams (7^th and 8^th grades) were Conference Champions.  The 8^th Grade Football team was Conference Champion. 

The first school play of the year, “Monster Hunters”, was a huge success.

Six students made the OMEA Children’s Choir and three Middle school students made the COCDA choir.  Great things are happening in our choral and drama programs.

Students took a 10-question safety survey this week. Results will be tabulated and shared with parents.  The school Safety Committee will decide what changes may need to be made based on the results of the survey.

The new Middle School is being built.  There is a possibility that instead of a second middle school, that the new building may be used for a 7^th and 8^th grade center and the existing middle school would be used as a 5^th and 6^th grade center.  The School Board will be meeting on Monday, November 8^th to discuss the possibilities of this proposal. 

New Business given by Steve Sternlof:

The PTO has approximately $10,000 to spend, as noted in the budget.  The Middle School would like to update it’s video camera system.  Part of the money to pay for this is coming from a grant from the Oklahoma Sheriff’s Department, but $7,000 is still needed. 

A motion was made that the PTO give the Middle School $7,000 for a video camera system update.  Motion was seconded.  Motion was approved unanimously. 

The Special Needs program at the Middle School asked for a Deer Creek Foundation Grant for reusable science and social studies materials. 

A motion was made that should the Foundation not fully fund this grant, the PTO will provide $500 towards the Special Needs curriculum.  Motion was seconded.  Motion was approved unanimously.

Committee Reports given by Lisa Hill:

School Supplies-Wendi Bowers is again chairing. Wants to have ordering be online only.  The school will look into doing this and possibly setting up computers at enrollment for parents that can’t order online at home.

Adopt-A-Teacher-Tracy Turner is chairing.  Program is running smoothly.

Hospitality-Jennifer Turner is chairing. They have been busy with Parent Teacher Conference dinner nights.

Media and office volunteers- scheduled by Ms. Simer and the office directly.

Deer Parents-chaired by Elizabeth Mathena. 

6^th Grade events-Mindi Blanchard is chairing.  Just finished The Gathering.

Creek Classic and expo-will need volunteers very soon.  Keri Shipley from the Exec PTO is heading this effort.

Meeting adjourned at 10:04 am.

Next PTO meeting will be December 2, 2010 at 9:00 am in the DCMS Work Room.

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DCMS PTO Meeting

October 4, 2010  6:00pm

Meeting called to order and introductions of PTO members by Steve Sternlof at 6:05 pm in the DCMS Cafeteria.  Steve Sternlof acknowledged Sean McDaniel, Superintendent and Danny Barnes, School Board member who were present at the meeting.

Officers present:   President- Steve Sternlof, Vice President-Lisa Hill, Secretary-Jan Goodin, Treasurer-Jennifer Goldman.

Secretary Report: September Minutes were reviewed.  Motion to approve and seconded.  Minutes approved.

Treasurer Report: September Treasurer Report was given by Jennifer Goldman.

Treasurer Report was reviewed .  Motion to approve and seconded.  Treasurer Report was approved. 

Principal Report given by Mrs. Skinner:

Student Support Groups for the first semester begin October 5.  Calm Waters and trained teachers are facilitators for the groups.  Topics are separation of family and friendship & stress.  Approximately 50 students are participating first semester.

WorldView Advisory has begun.  We are using the Heart of A Champion curriculum and there will be various topics per grade level.

October is Drug and Alcohol Prevention/Awareness month.  It will conclude with Red Ribbon week.

Parent Teacher Conferences are on the calendar for November 2 and 4.  Parents can contact individual teachers to set up their times.

The 6^th graders will be participating in The Gathering, a Social Studies event based on the Stone Age. 

The PTO money has been spent on mobile labs and they are in use now. They are being used for Literature and Math Assessments, specifically to monitor progress and see how to improve students’ progress to the next level.

Suicide Prevention Week is being held mainly on the High School level this week, but Middle School students will receive and cup and a bracelet about this topic.

Junior Achievement Program by special guest Rachel Kanady

Junior Achievement (JA) Economics for Success explores personal finance and students’ education and career options.  It also demonstrates the economic benefits of staying in school.  JA is partnering with Deer Creek Middle School to offer “JA for a Day” in December to all 8^th grade students.  Volunteers are needed for this special program.  JA will provide volunteers with a kit and a training session.  You can pick to attend a training on either November 2 or 4 from 6:30-7:30. 

Superintendent Report given by Sean McDaniel:

The district has implemented a Volunteer Security Check to move our district to a higher level of safety for our students.  Please fill out the form if you have not already done so if you are planning on volunteering at school.  The volunteers will go through background checks (at no cost to them). 

He gave a special thank you to the PTO for their efforts.  Also, thanks to all volunteers in the district who have logged thousands of hours. 

Everyone is invited to attend School Board meetings held at 6pm on the second Monday of each month.

Special Guest Kathy Allendorfer from Chick-fil-A gave everyone in attendance a coupon for a free Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich.  She also asked for the Deer Creek Community’s help with their November food drive to support the local food bank.

Special Presentation given by Gayle Jones from the Oklahoma State Department of Education: Topic Bullying and Cyber-Bullying.

Our next PTO meeting will be Thursday, November 4, 2010 at 9:00 am in the DCMS Workroom. 

Meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm.

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DCMS PTO Meeting

September 2, 2010   9:00 am

Meeting called to order and introductions of PTO members by Steve Sternlof at 9:10 am in the DCMS Workroom.

Officers present:   President- Steve Sternlof, Secretary-Jan Goodin, Treasurer-Jennifer Goldman.

Officers absent:  Vice President-Lisa Hill 

Secretary Report: May Minutes were reviewed.  Motion to approve and seconded.  Minutes approved.

Treasurer Report: Summer (June, July, August) Treasurer Report was given by Jennifer Goldman.

Treasurer Report was reviewed.  Motion to approve and seconded.  Treasurer Report was approved. 

Principal Report given by Mrs. Skinner:

A Middle School parent survey was sent out via email.  Approximately 300 responses have been received.   A Powerpoint presentation was shown on the SmartBoard.   Responses have been favorable and positive.   We are always looking for ways to improve. 

The district has implemented a Volunteer Security Check.  Please fill out the form and return to the Middle School office as soon as possible if you are planning on volunteering in any aspect this school year.  This an added layer of protection to keep our students safe.  This background check is at NO cost to our volunteers.

The PTO money has been spent on mobile labs, new SMARTboards and projectors and Worldview materials.  Mrs. Skinner will provide a detailed list next month.

The Counselors had a New Student Luncheon this month and it was very successful.  Counselors are planning on holding these luncheons monthly.

WorldView Advisory has begun.  WorldView teachers give your child another person they can go to and trust.  We are using the Heart of A Champion curriculum and will meet every Friday through September.  There will be various topics per grade level. 

Student Support Groups were piloted last year in the 2^nd semester and will begin again this year in September for 6 weeks.  Calm Waters and trained teachers are facilitators for the groups.  You can contact Andrea Carpenter if you have questions.

Junior Achievement will be starting this year and 8^th graders can participate.  More info to follow from our special guest.

School Board Report given by David Miller:

This is a great time to be at Deer Creek!  We are in better shape than most school districts in Oklahoma.  Our biggest project right now is the construction of the second Middle School, which should be completed by the middle of next school year and open in Fall 2012.   At the current middle school, the upcoming projects include locker rooms and air conditioning for the gym.  We are making technology advances at all the schools.  We are committed to keeping the class sizes small.  Our new Superintendent has a great deal of experience.

Drug testing has been implemented this year for all students in extracurricular, competitive activities.  Signed forms are being gathered at this time and random testing will begin in September.  Principals are notified the day before a random drug testing will occur at their school and are given a list of those students who will be tested the morning of the testing.  

Junior Achievement Program by special guest Amy Serrata:

Junior Achievement (JA) Economics for Success explores personal finance and students’ education and career options.  It also demonstrates the economic benefits of staying in school.  JA is partnering with Deer Creek Middle School to offer “JA for a Day” in December to all 8^th grade students.  Volunteers are needed for this special program.  JA will provide volunteers with a kit and a training session.  You can pick to attend a training on either November 2 or 4 from 6:30-7:30. 

Committee Reports given by Steve Sternlof:

An overview of school committees was presented.  School supplies is our major fundraiser and was a success again this year.

There are a few t-shirts left from our Spirit Store.  Ideas are needed for the Spirit store this year that would not conflict with Antler Pride. 

Adopt a Teacher is headed by Tracey Turner and getting ready to begin again.

The following committees need chairpersons. Please contact Steve if you would like to volunteer or know of someone who would like to help:  Hospitality, Media, Deer Parent, Office Help, 6^th Grade events, Creek Classic.

Our next PTO meeting will be Monday, October 4, 2010 at 6:00 pm in the DCMS Cafeteria.  Please note the time change!  We will have a brief PTO meeting and then a special guest speaker, Gayle Jones from the Oklahoma State Department of Education, to speak about bullying and cyberbullying. Please invite friends and neighbors to come with you!

Meeting adjourned at 10:00 am.

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PTO Minutes 5/15/09 Emergency Meeting

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APRIL 2, 2009

DCMS PTO

9:00 called to order by Susie Boyer

Minutes are on the website, all had read  previously.

                ****Going green – not making copies – will read aloud

                Motion to approve - Steve Sternlof

                Second – Paula Wilson

                Unanimously approved.

Treasurer’s Report – Jamee Kelly

**no money spent – school supplies money deposited – balance - $11978.24

                Motion  to approve – Mindi Blanchard

                Second – Paula Wilson

                Unanimously approved.

Principals Report –   Tim Perdue

Thank you for Creek Registry items.

Enrollment going on currently.  50 more students in 6^th grade than currently enrolled so they are making adjustments accordingly.

Music Man Musical – next week – 2 night time performances – Cast A and B perform

3 week testing window starting mid-month – Andrea Carpenter organizing and all going as planned.

Spring sports – busy time of year – 10^th is Deer Creek Relays, 18^th is Deer Creek Track Meet, baseball  in full swing

Staff is planning for next year currently – if anyone is in need of putting something on calendar – please let him know now to save the date for next year.

5^th grade transition days in May for each school separately   (May 7^th DCES, May 8^th RU and PV split)

Awards ceremonies on calendar and being planned for currently.    All 4.0 students to be honored.

Committee Reports –

Creek Classic – approximately $9500 to be allocated for DCMS – Susie Boyer gave update

                *Mr. Perdue says by next meeting he will have ideas to approve from staff as to how to spend it.

Adopt A Teacher – Carol Williams sent in note that  May 6^th is Reveal Party – details to follow

                She also found a replacement for her for next year – Tracy Turner

Creek Registry – Mindi Blanchard

            Andrea Carpenter requested  pencils for testing – if not donated

Motion for PTO to fund if not donated – Mindi Blanchard

Second – Jamee Kelly

Unanimously approved

Hospitality  - not in attendance – Susie Boyer

                Provided Jersey Mike’s for staff during  conferences

No old business

New Business –

Susie Boyer – slate to approve next meeting

                President – Paula Wilson

                Vice President – Steve Sternloff

                Secretary – Kerri Shipley

                Treasurer -  Jamee Kelly

                **Motion to approve – Mindi Blanchard

                Second – Suzanne McGraw

                Unanimously approved

Superintendents Report/School Board Report – Beckie Wilkinson/Jan Larsen

                September 8^th is goal for next Bond Issue           

                                Anticipated growth and needs for that bond issue

                                Brought in project priority list and went over in detail and allowed for questions.

                **Jan Larsen brought up about the new property tax trying to be passed and how it might

                                affect the Bond Issue passing  with the patrons who do not have

                                students in the district.

Bond Issue cannot be funded by schools – will need parents support.

Meeting adjourned

NEXT MEETING:  May 7^th   9:00 a.m.

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DCMS  PTO 

Called to order 9 a.m. by Cindy Dehne

2-4-08

Minutes – posted on website

Minutes approved as read unanimously

Treasurer’s Report- Jamee Kelly

School supplies – deposit last of school supplies that were sold

Bought stamps and microwaves for cafeteria donation.

Motion to approve – Nicole Lepak

Second – Carol Williams

Approved unanimously

Principal’s Report – Tim Perdue

NATE testing – unanimously chosen to be tested by the state

Writing tests are next week as well

High School enrollment – working with DCHS to enroll this month

5^th grade enrollment next month

Trying to add a lunch for next calendar year.The current 4^th grade class will be the largest to go through and they are trying

 to move towards handling that.

6^th grade Dance – next week – old gym

Wrestling state – this weekend qualifiers to be announced today

Basketball – 3 teams playing for 1^st and one for 3^rd – conference championships this weekend

Pep Assembly to recognize athletes today.

Creek Classic – has begun meeting with Karla O’Hara about our role at DCMS

MS Graduation – working on with 8^th grade class currently

MS Hoops – led by Kristi Kringlen and Kristi Van Dorn starting next month

Teacher evaluations being done right now – visiting all classrooms

Creek Classic – given by Cindy Dehne

March 7^th

The Market – please invite vendors

Packet pick up will be Friday night as it was successful last year.

Need sponsors – economy affecting those a lot year – encourage family and students to participate to help make up the loss

Adopt-A-Teacher – reception scheduled May 6^th 3-4 p.m. to reveal the secret pals

Hospitality – Judy Whitton – March 9^th  - Jersey Mike’s donating subs parents will fill in

Creek Registry – requests for electric pencil sharpeners and a second monetary Donation

Deer Moms – Nicole Lepak – fantastic dedicated group this  year

School Supplies – Susie Boyer – working on currently will purchase tissue, Clorox wipes etc. separate from school supplies list to save money

Carol Williams – need to improve quality – all in agreement

Deer Creek School Board – Jan Larsen

All day Kindergarten will start next school year – elementary will register earlier this year.  Please help publicize for Round Up.

            Bonds sold for classroom addition –

                        RU and PV

–        additions start the first day kids out of school

–        portable moving to DCMS

           Facilities – committee reported to School Board – gave needs

           Curriculum, Safety and Technology Committees to report still

            Next bond (fall) will be large to build a self-contained new MS

            Next Tuesday – School Board election

            New Middle School – commission Rennaissance to design new one Escalate it by lease/purchase – which will allow us to start sooner

            Snow Days – in session Feb. 16^th and day after Memorial (could be in-service) No more school days built in to calendar

            Safety Task Force – Feb. 13^th – military and police “big whigs” to give us true safety needs – spread the word that police cars etc. are expected so no one panics!

PTO Officers will be elected in the next couple of months so start spreading the word.

6^th grade parent (Jeri Bryan)– communication has been outstanding this year – thank you!

Tennis – Emily Grammling – will be sending information out next week

March 5^th next meeting

9:40 a.m. adjourned

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DCMS PTO MINUTES

November 6, 2008 9:00 a.m.

 Call to Order – Cindy Dehne – 9:05 a.m.

Approval of Minutes – Mindi Blanchard

Motion to approve – Matt Evans

Second – Judi Whitton

Approved

Principals Report - Mr. Perdue

Book Fair very successful – thank you to volunteers.

THANK YOU to families who provided dinner for staff during conference night – and to Olive Garden for donating main course!

Francis Tuttle – Science Teachers to go to their Science Academy

                        Next will be math teachers

                        Looking for ways to enhance Gifted Program at DCMS                      

Intervention Program for students struggling in certain subjects – MASH (Math and Student Help) – after school program.

                        In test mode for next 5 weeks in Math – teacher directed – all grades.

First dance tonight – school sponsored

            Blair Young and Kelly Thompson and Billie Thomas – have organized this tremendously well

            Additional parents – minimum 30, 15 staff members, and a police officer will be in attendance.

            Pro-Active – principals visited all Worldview classes discussing expectations

            Mr. Perdue is hoping to have better chaperone and participation from staff and parents.

            Dance is tonight so kids could go to high school football game.

Science Department – curriculum interaction working with Rose Union students tomorrow.

Christy Van Dorn – Teacher of the Year

Election Day – moved to new gym – less chaotic with crossover of kids/voters

            Electors and DCMS staff liked it – will continue to keep it that way for safety.

Band Booster Dance – Dec. 12^th – Ron Talbot organizing – will be at old gym.

Veteran’s Day celebrations – Nov. 11^th – PTO providing muffins and juice.

Creek Classic – Matt Evans

 Meeting was postponed hopes to have more next meeting.  Starting to work on t-shirts, sponsors etc.

Treasurer’s Report – Jamee Kelly

            Trying to change format – may have new format to explain this next month

            No expenses this month.

            Motion to approve – Matt Evans

            Second – Judi Whitton

            Unanimously approved

Pre-Packaged School Supplies – Susie Boyer – agreed to do again next year.  Have sold all extras purchased to new students.  Office has 30 agendas for those that get lost throughout the year.  Typically, they go through many for that reason.

Executive Report –

            Increased site, personnel budget

            Redistricting biggest issue currently

            Mr. Benson stated we are very financially secure

            Task force for curriculum started – looking for parents to volunteer with MS and HS students.  Contact Toni Jones.

            09-10 calendar will be released next meeting

Committees –

            Adopt A Teacher – Cindy Williams (not present)– going well

            Hospitality – Beckie Cooper – thank you again – Mr. Perdue will send thank you to Olive Garden – HUGE help!

            **PTO will help bake cookies for November 19 Special Olympics fundraiser using Hospitality volunteer list – Judi Whitton will seek volunteers. Jamee Kelly offered to help with organizing that.

            Deer Moms – Nicolle Lepak (not present) – going great – lots of volunteers and it is working well.

            6^th grade events – Corina (not present) – events went great and thought she might organize it again next year

            Beautification – Dana Moore – not present – no report submitted

            Creek Registry – Mindi Blanchard volunteered to chair it.  Will get started immediately for staff classroom needs.

9:50 – meeting adjourned