Meeting was called to order at 2:00pm. Members in attendance were Mindi Blanchard, Susie Anderson, Beckie Cooper, Monique Dodd, Tony Jones, Bettina Kates, Tracy Winkeler, Beth Edgeman, Elizabeth Luecke, Stephanie Henry & Sheila Conway.

Treasurer’s Report – Susie Anderson presented the financial pages. Pages were discussed. It was determined that a line needed to be inserted for each fundraiser determining how much $ should go to an appropriation for the school. Elizabeth Luecke made a motion was made to approve the budget with changes made. Monique Dodd seconded the motion. All approved.

Principal’s Report – Mrs. Jones thanked the PTO for the cookies provided by the PTO for the 6^th grade Antler Camp night. It was discussed in the future there should not be drinks provided due to the mess. Cookies are adequate.

DCMS has added many new teachers and staff this year. There are now 67 total staff members. Mrs. Jones is thankful to have the separate teams and the new staff is welcomed and much appreciated.

Lunches have been easier since the 6^th grade has been divided into 2 groups – a boys lunch and a girls lunch. It is a very large class and it makes the lunch room flow much better.

Executive PTO Report – Stephanie Henry came to talk to the DCMS PTO. Budget & Finance from the executive PTO now has a new system created to keep all schools accountable. They have created a handbook for all PTO officers. Transition from year to year should be easier in the future. It will also be an easier move for PTO volunteers to move up to MS and HS after volunteering in the Elementary Schools. There will be an executive PTO officer at every DCMS meeting from now on to update us.

New Business - The PTO link on the DCMS webpage needs to be updated with current officers and contact information.

Adopt-A-Teacher & Deer Moms have already begun for this school year! Thank you to all who volunteer!

Committee heads have been assigned for the following. If you would like to volunteer, please give the Committee head a call!

We are still in need of a committee head for the 6^th grade assistance – they would really like to have a 7^th grade parent who has experienced the 6^th grade Mr. Lemin projects in the past. Please call Mindi Blanchard to volunteer.

Old Business - Lunch Ladies Rock – was discussed again. Looking for volunteers to play Bingo or have open mike with the kids during the lunch time. We are still deciding to do this only on bad weather days or just a certain day per week.

A Student Spirit Store has been considered. The PTO is still deciding what the best fundraiser will be for their 2^nd fundraiser of the year

Meeting was adjourned at 2:55pm. Next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 10^th at 2:00pm. The meeting will be held in the teachers lounge.

September Newsletter!!!

Welcome back! We have had a very successful first month back to school!

Many thanks to the smooth transition to our outstanding staff!

We also feel like the students jumped right in and kicked the school year off to a great success!

As a reminder, every person that has a child at DCMS is a member of our PTO. We welcome all participation. Sometimes the middle school student feels like the parents should no longer participate in their education. Our principal, staff, and administration feel very different!

Part of the success of our school district lies in the hands of those that participate: both at home and in the schools. Please continue to actively pursue areas to be involved in your child’s education. The PTO is one FREE way to do that.

Our first PTO meeting was held this past Wed. at 2 pm in the teachers lounge. Please remember to add our schedule of meetings to your calendar. Everyone is invited. It is a quick and easy way to meet people and find out the "happenings" at DCMS. We meet every 2nd Wednesday at 2:00. We are always finished in time to pick up your kids.

Volunteering at DCMS is crucial to continuing with our greatness!

The staff at our school works very hard and put in many extra hours to give our kids an exceptional education.

There are many ways you can volunteer your time. We have 16 committees to choose from (so don't let your kids fool you that parents are not welcome at the middle school!) It is not too late as committees were just organized and will be calling this next week to get started.

IF YOU ARE NOT CALLED BY THE END OF NEXT WEEK - PLEASE LET ME KNOW! I LOST ONE OF MY LISTS FROM BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT!!!! WE WANT EVERYONE TO FEEL INCLUDED!

If you want to join us: we will take any and all help! However, we are in desperate need for "Deer Moms" - those people that can volunteer in the workroom. You do not work solely for one teacher. Instead you assist with work for all of the staff. This is a great thing to do with a friend so you can visit while you work!

The other committees that are still in need of help are:

HOSPITALITY: teacher appreciation, new family welcome and other such events with baking etc.

OFFICE AND/OR MEDIA VOLUNTEERS - assist with duties in those locations

NEW FAMILY WELCOME - group to welcome new families AND volunteer families to act as "parent family" to answer school related questions and help the student feel welcome

ON-CALL - various events that turn up short handed, volunteer substituting, extra help

Mr. Lemin and the 6th grade team are looking for a 7th or 8th grade parent to help coordinate their awesome activities. The volunteer will act as an assistant and have help from the staff. However, so many things need to be done during school hours for scheduling the activities; they would like help. We ask for a few parents to volunteer that have already seen Antlerborough Fair and the Gathering. This is a lot of fun and a great time. Let's show our new 6th graders a wonderful educational experience!

Last year we were able to purchase almost $20,000 in educational items gifted by the PTO! Help us to do that again!

Instead of fundraisers, we have opted to continue to give families ways to donate to the school by purchasing things they might already do. For example, school supplies and spirit shirts. DCMS PTO has just a few t-shirts left! They say: "The Buck Stops Here" on the back and "Fear The Deer" on the front. SS, white t-shirts. They are $12 with checks to DCMSPTO

You can turn your order in to the office and shirt will be delivered there to go home with your student. (Those that ordered special sizes will be in next week. We will send home with your child as well).

Our Creek Registry is designed to give families ideas of needs within our school. Instead of fundraising, we ask for donations. These can be anonymous. The Creek Registry is updated as needed (so check often - the link is on DCMS webpage). A lot of times there are items you have at work or home. Some of the bigger expense items are donated by groups of friends etc. This is also a great way to think of ideas for staff gifts.

We have a family who gives of their time to keep our front flower beds weeded and seasonal. If anyone has a connection to plants, mulch, weed spray etc. - there is always a small need! The PTO funds that; so it does not come out of your child’s education money.

And last, but not least, LUNCH - with inclement weather approaching (rain, cold, and snow) - we want to offer something "fun" to do for a midday break for our kids. One parent has an idea of games such as Bingo etc. for those days and with enough response - weekly! There will be a need for prizes (candy and other such small items). We want to for a new committee for this. If you would like to help organize, donate, or have any ideas for this: please let us know!

Welcome and thank you to all of the students, staff and their families for kicking off what I know will be a GREAT school year!

I am always available if you have any questions! I want to help you find your place to be a part of your child’s middle school years!

Mindi Blanchard

PTO President

email: nflkicker@cox.net

home: 470-4710

cell phone: 308-9995

email to cell phone: mblanchard@naturalwatercompany.com