The Mahomet-Seymour PTO approved the 2013-2014 budget last night. The M-S PTO board has also committed to budget transparency both at meetings and on their website.
Teachers and parents gathered at the monthly meeting to discuss solutions for Science Day, Dawg Walk t-shirts and Back to School night.
In the discussion which started with teachers and administrators reflecting on the feasibility of Back to School Night, the board decided to look at options during in-service days before school.
In an effort to listen to both teacher and student needs, the M-S PTO opted against the pre-school party which gives students the opportunity to meet their teachers before the first day of school this fall.
Back to School Night often falls on an evening when teachers are not under contract, yet are expected to be at a school-wide event. Last spring, a few teachers suggested the meet-and-greet may be more effective as an in-school event where students also get to see their classroom while teachers prepare during an in-service day.
Scheduled teacher and administration meetings prevented this event before school started this year.
Sangamon Principal Mark Cabutti suggested M-S PTO President Penny Mossion consult with the Superintendent’s office about in-service possibilities. He also mentioned that it’s very important for apprehensive first and second grade students to meet their teacher before the first day.
Five Sangamon teachers have children going to college next fall, and they will not be able to attend a Back to School social outside of their contract time.
M-S PTO board members suggested informal school tours guided by PTO members while students meet their teachers, drop off school supplies and get a feel for the layout of the school.
Along the lines of providing educational opportunities which fit into the curriculum teachers are required to present, the group also discussed the possibility of rearranging what they offer the school in terms of science education.
In years past, the M-S PTO has sponsored an in-school Science Day where students take a break from regular instruction to learn different science concepts provided by parents or the University of Illinois Extension.
After gathering teacher feedback in the spring, the M-S PTO learned many of the subjects taught were not in line with the curriculum, and that students lose a full-day of instruction during Science Day.
The group also discussed the impact of Engineering Day or another event held outside of school hours. While students and parents enjoy the Engineering Open House, the overwhelming crowds were a concern.
Parents suggested in-classroom activities facilitated by parents or University of Illinois experts which will enhance classroom instruction while giving students enrichment opportunities. Teachers were concerned with the feasibility of this option during the upcoming curriculum changes.
In a short discussion, which will continue throughout the year, teachers and parents talked about concerns regarding Dawg Walk t-shirts. Both parties agreed the $50 requirement for a t-shirt is the driving force behind the $80,000 they raise nearly every year.
All parties are sensitive to the fact that not every student receives a t-shirt during the Dawg Walk, though. With nearly 1,300 kids in Middletown, Sangamon and Middletown, 900 students received a Dawg Walk t-shirt this year. While the board is aware there are students whose families cannot afford the $50 per student minimum, they also understand there are students who are not interested in receiving a t-shirt.
In an attempt to include all children this year, the PTO handed out Dawg Walk bracelets to students.
Moving forward, the PTO will include the Dawg Walk t-shirt discussion at their monthly meetings alongside a survey in the spring.
The MS-PTO continues to encourage teacher and parent input on all topics. The Dec. M-S PTO meeting has been cancelled.
