The next Hauser PTO meeting will be Friday, February 3, 2012, at 10 a.m., in the LRC (Library). The agenda is available here: Hauser PTO Mtg Agenda – Feb 2012.

There will be reports on several exciting, upcoming events, as well as news on the PTO Nominating Committee for next year’s PTO Board.

We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

The meeting was called to order at 10:10 a.m. by President Linda LaBelle.
MINUTES: A motion was made by Carol Barlow to approve the minutes from the October 14, 2011 PTO meeting, second by Kim Bolton. Motion passed.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT: Dr. Lamberson reported that ISAT results are posted on the Report Card on District 96 website. Each school’s report card is on the website. The results from 2010: Reading & math: 95% exceeded. We had the highest ISAT achievement in history-93%. Eighth grade (now in High School) – 55% on Math; leaving Hauser exceeding in Math. Reading is similar. We are 10% in State and we have doubled that percentage. We are celebrating the success of our kids at Hauser. In Feb. we will qualify for the Academic Excellence Award (third time). We have four out of five of our schools that qualify and one is in the mid 90’s. The last two years we had all of our schools. For the last five years we have been in the meets and/or exceeds. Capital Renovations: You can stay on top of our renovations by visiting the District website, under School Board – Capital projects. You can get the most current information there. Hollywood & Blythe will begin their renovations next summer and Central, Hauser and Ames will be this summer 2012. Website address: www.district96.org/school-board/capital-projects. The renovation will start with three R’s: Reduce the items we don’t need any more in the school. At the end of every month we will reduce. Recycle bin: this will not be trash. We could take items that could be used by someone else and donate them. Then after spring break we will reuse. We want some items back to reuse. There will be approx. 27 moving trucks to come to move furniture on the last day of school at Hauser, Central & Ames. The asbestos tile will be removed. This will take place all summer. The project is on target! There will be a tour tomorrow night through Hauser. All BOE members will take the tour so everyone knows what is going on at the school. All are welcome. The bids will be approved next month and could total $19,000,000. We had a 150 – 180 contractor bids at the pre-bid meetings. Contingency plans will be discussed for the summer projects. In February the BOE will decide if school will begin on time or if the start date will be after Labor Day.

TEACHER’S REPORT: Ms. Kempe informed us about the Food Drive fundraising initiatives, the goal and schedule for set up, take down and loading. A parent letter will be distributed to all of the families. The students will attend meetings during their advisory. This year we will be donating items to the Riverside Food Pantry and will continue to donate to the Salvation Army. New this year: no wagon campaigns; there will be bins at Riverside Foods; flyers at the Riverside Library and four Banks in Riverside. There will be an Applebee’s Food Drive fundraiser. Applebee’s will donate 15% of your food bill to the Food Drive. PoWeR Windows and Gutters will be supporting our food drive this year. Our goal is 85,000 (last year we received 81,000 with most of it going to Englewood.) Kathie Kunish & Karen McGee have the signup sheets. On Dec. 2nd there will be a booth set up at the Holiday Stroll in downtown Riverside.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT: Principal Berman thanked Katie Kempe for stepping up and taking the lead with the Food Drive. Thanks also to Carol Byland for organizing a great trip to Springfield for our 7th graders. It was a success! Thank you to Laura Lynch for your support with the play, Mary Poppins Broadway Show. (Subsidized by the PTO! Thank you!) Fall sports are finishing up. Thank you. Thank you to Mr. Wolf for organizing a successful Red Ribbon week. We need to get more parents to attend our speaker presentation that is held during this week. Maybe we need a different format. It is a great week for the kids. We did lose state funding for these activities. Thanks to Dr. Lamberson, we are funding these activities at our school. RBHS was not represented and Komarek may pull out. Mr. Wolf is setting up a meeting with our partners to discuss this issue further. We are committed! Basketball for boys and cheerleading will begin. The fall play is Charlie’s Aunt which is next week. Thanks to everyone who helped out. This is the best time of the year…the food drive and concerts! Parent teacher conference letters were sent out to the parents. We do conferences all year long. Thank you to the PTO for the food that provide to the teachers and staff. We are currently working on sending the report cards out electronically. The envelope will go home at the end of the semester for the parents to sign that they have viewed the report card on line. They can also check off if they would like a hard copy of the report card. This is the first time we are trying to do this. A paper report card will be sent out at the end of the year. Hi-Lines are ready to go out. PTO is still accepting Box Tops and getting credit when Target cards are used. We are no longer working with Amazon.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: Spirit wear: thank you to Pat Collins for organizing this for us. All orders will be in by the weekend and will be distributed during advisory. Teacher & Staff Dinner: The PTO will be providing dinner for the faculty & staff on 11/21 during Parent Teacher conferences. Melinda Brom reported that sandwiches and sides will be served. Please provide your name and email addresses on the volunteer sheet. We need help with set up, donations, serving and clean up. Honor Roll Breakfast: The breakfast will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 13th from 7 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. The signup sheet is being passed around. If you have any questions, please contact Cathy Louthen or Olga Pribyl. We need help with set up, serve, hall monitor. The kids will have games and stuff to do while they are eating. Invites to come! There are three honor rolls: Straight A Honor Roll, High Honor Roll and Honor Roll. Hospitality: No report. Webmaster: Nancy Hopkins. Kim Bolton is our Communications chairperson. Please submit event information to Kim.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Linda would like to encourage involvement in our PTO. Please stay updated by visiting the website and try to attend our monthly PTO meetings. We have a great group with positive energy!

FIRST VP: Kim is publicizing our food drive to the media. (Riverside Exchange and Women’s Junior Association)

SECOND VP: Kathie reported that we need a chair or co-chairs for our Family Dinner that will be held in February.

THIRD VP: Carol reported that box tops turned in $130. You can go to Market Place on box tops website (E-box). Box tops will give a percent of what is
purchased. Magazine orders keep coming! We received and additional $1200 more orders on line. We anticipate over $7,000 income. You can order all year long.

SECRETARY: Please remember that the approved minutes are on the website.

TREASURER: Audrey distributed a financial report for the month of October. There are no expenses yet. Spirit wear brought in $4,258 with a budgeted amount of $1,800. We have approx. 15 calendars left. Mary Lescher will report the final numbers for the directory.

NEW BUSINESS: The January PTO meeting has been moved to Thursday, Jan. 19th at 7 p.m. All district speaker event has been moved to Monday, Feb. 13th. The speaker is Sarah Migas, Illinois Attorney General’s Office. She will speak on computer and internet safety. The event will be hosted by Blythe in the Blythe Auditorium.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: There will not be a December PTO meeting.

Kathy Dudek informed us that the Riverside Food Pantry is in need of canned goods. There is a box for donations outside of the Village Hall Bldg. They will also take monetary donations.

DATES: Jan. 3rd – Classes resume
Jan. 17th BOE General Meeting – 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 19th PTO Meeting – 7:00 p.m.

Kathy Dudek made a motion to adjourn the meeting, second by Kim Bolton.
Meeting was adjourned at 11:26 a.m.

Respectfully submitted by,
Kathy Barcal
Secretary – Hauser PTO

The next Hauser PTO meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the LRC (Library). The agenda is available here:Hauser PTO Agenda 1-19-12

The RBHS Superintendent, Dr. Kevin Skinkis will be joining the meeting as a special guest to present District 208′s current financial status and budget planning process. A portion of Dr. Skinkis’s presentation will allow time to receive feedback and questions from the audience.

The Hauser PTO looks forward to seeing you at the meeting.

A friendly reminder that the next Hauser PTO meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 9, at 10:00 am, in the Hauser LRC (Library). Dr. Jon Lamberson will be attending to provide an update on District 96. In addition, Hauser Principal, Leslie Berman, will give a report along with many committee chairs for the November and December events. This is the last PTO meeting for 2011.

Linda LaBelle – Hauser PTO

Please join us for the October PTO meeting on Friday, October 14, at 10:00 a.m. in the Hauser library. The agenda is available here:PTO Agenda October 14, 2011

The first PTO meeting of the year was called to order by President Linda LaBelle in the Hauser Resource Center at 6:00 p.m.
Draft minutes to be approved at the next PTO meeting on October 14, 10:00 a.m.:

INTRODUCTIONS: Linda introduced District 96 Superintendent, Dr. Jonathan Lamberson to the membership. The 2011 – 2012 PTO Board members were also introduced: Linda LaBelle–President; Kim Bolton–1st Vice President-Communications; Kathie Kunish-2nd Vice President-Member Services; Carol Barlow-3rd Vice President-Fundraising; Kathy Barcal-Secretary; Audrey Korslund-Treasurer; and Kathy Dudek-Parliamentarian.

MINUTES: A motion was made by Kathy Dudek to approve the May 2011 PTO minutes, second by Kim Bolton. Motion passed.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT: Principal Leslie Berman informed everyone that the students and staff are off to a great start. Welcome back to returning and new parents! Ms. Berman informed us that the first trimester will end before Thanksgiving. Everyone should have received their ID for the parent portal. There was a problem using the parent portal if parents were using an old bookmark. Please use the new address and delete the old bookmark. Please let Vern Bettis know if you are still experiencing any problems. The children are also getting their IDs for access to the parent portal. The teachers will update every Tuesday. Please be sure to check the grades, attendance and school bulletin in parent portal. Principal Berman presented an idea and asked for feedback. The school is considering not issuing hard copy report cards throughout the year and parents would receive hard copy at the end of the year. With access to grades via parent portal, parents can see their children’s grades throughout the year. Comments: What about the signature that is required on the report card envelope that is returned to the school? It was mentioned that maybe the parents could check something off on the parent portal that they have seen their child(ren)’s grades. How often should parents check the portal? Principal Berman suggested once a week possibly when you check the e-backpack. Principal Berman introduced two new teachers to the Hauser staff: Liz Borchardt – Health and Gym teacher and Ross Carlins – Resource teacher. Please communicate with Principal Berman throughout the year.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT: President LaBelle thanked all the individuals who worked behind the scenes over the summer to prepare for the start of the school year. Thank you to Mary Lescher who worked on the calendar over the summer and who is also working on putting together our directory. Thank you to all of those who were on the Audit/Budget committee. Thank you to the PTO Board too! Our goal as a PTO is to support the school, students and community. Remember everyone is a member of the PTO.

1ST VICE PRESIDENT: Kim presented a Hauser PTO brochure that she put together to assist parents in getting to know what the PTO is all about and about all of the PTOs activities. Please visit our website at www.hauserpto.org as well as our Facebook page and Twitter account.

2ND VICE PRESIDENT: Kathie Kunish asked everyone to complete the volunteer sheet and return it to her. We are still in need of three chair people. We need a chair for: Arts & Enrichment (like Cultural Arts), Historian-needs to keep information current; and Family Dinner which is set for 2/23/12. The Family Dinner is also at the same time of our Book Fair. We will be kicking off our year with the Magazine Drive followed by Spiritwear.

3RD VICE PRESIDENT: Carol Barlow’s objective as the 3rd Vice President of fundraising is to raise funds. Our first fundraiser is a big one, the magazine drive. We have easy fundraisers like box tops and the Target Credit Card. Carol would also like to get the community involved in our fundraising efforts. At the Presidential Primary election, we will hold a raffle for nice gift baskets. We are also planning a garage sale in the Spring. Check the calendars for specific dates. Please let Carol know if you have any fundraising ideas.

SECRETARY: Kathy Barcal reported that she will be taking the minutes at every PTO meeting. The minutes (subject to approval) will be posted on the website.

TREASURER: Audrey Korslund reported that everything balanced for the audit and was approved. A donation has been received for the 100% fund already! The budget committee met over the summer and adjusted numbers compared to last year. A motion was made by Cathy Louthen to approve the 2011–2012 PTO Budget, second by Mary Ellen Meindl. Budget was approved.

TEACHER REPORT: There will be a report from the teachers every month at the PTO meetings. Principal Berman did have one announcement on behalf of Ms. Byland. The Springfield trip for the seventh graders will be on November 2. The date changed from the initial date because we could not get the sites we would like the children to see there.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: Carol Barlow reported that the Magazine Drive will kick off on 9/9 with a student assembly at the end of the day. Students will receive their magazine packets. Orders can be made on line. There will be cool prizes, mostly money and gift cards. Our goal is to raise $4,000. We are giving the magazine drive one more try. The children can complete the address book and return it by Monday and receive $1.00! Carol informed the incoming sixth grade parents to switch their Target card information for credit to Hauser if they are finished at the elementary schools. Pat Collins is the chairperson for the Hauser Spiritwear sale that will begin on 9/12. She reported that new items have been added: draw string bags and flannel pants. The sweatpants do run big. Check out the website for the order form. Mary Lescher is handling the calendar and directory purchases. The price for each is $5.00 There are approx. 40 calendars left and directories will be available next month. The deadline for ordering is 9/23. Maddalena Flight is our chairperson for Staff/Student support. Maddalena reported that the Faculty Music Recital is tomorrow night at 7. The teachers will get flowers. Maddalena will be handling the purchase of the flowers for our Christmas shows; the purchase of juice boxes for the kids for ISAT testing and the purchase of the Icees for the end of the year celebration. Nancy Hopkins is our webmaster. Be sure to check the website for updates.

The first Hauser PTO meeting of the school year will be held on Thursday, September 8, at 6:00 p.m. in the Hauser library. Fall Parent Night begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium.

The last PTO meeting of the 2010-2011 school year was opened by President Fran Sitkiewicz in the Hauser Auditorium at 1:04 p.m.

Hauser Counselor Kevin Wolf spoke briefly about this year’s Cougar A.D.V.A.N.C.E. 8th grade trip to Bradford Woods. He thanked Mr. Harvey, who helped in his capacity as an administrative intern, and introduced two 8th grade students, Connor and Katarina, who talked about their experiences on the trip. The 8th graders said that the Bradford Woods staff was very good, and that the programs were interesting and fun, teaching them to face their fears, keep going in the face of adversity, and helped them to recognize and rely on the support of others. PTO members enjoyed a slide show full of the smiling faces of 8th graders in the midst of their activities on the trip.

Principal Leslie Berman started her report with thanks to all who have served on the PTO in the past and who have agreed to serve in the future. Then she reminded us that May is very busy at Hauser, and that parents need to pay close attention to the school calendar. The last day of school is June 3.

Parents of 8th graders should have received a special mailing with end-of-year activity information. Parents of 6th and 7th graders need to sign encore preference sheets so that the students can enter their choices into the computers.

Changes are being made to the encore selections because of a lack of classroom space as Hauser’s enrollment continues to increase. Because of this, Mr. Collins has been offered to stay on part-time, but it is likely that he will seek full-time employment elsewhere. The growth in enrollment also prompted the change to all co-ed PE classes next year. Other changes likely to come to personnel include the addition of one special education teacher as well as some para-professionals.

As the weather gets warmer, students need to remember to dress appropriately. Failure to do so will result in a call to parents for a change of clothing, or the student will have to change into his or her gym uniform for the day. The most common offense is short shorts. Hems of shorts and skirts need to be at or below finger tips.

The awards assembly will be at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25.

The last edition of Highlights is available online in e-Backpack.

Ms. Berman ended her report by stating that it had been a great and happy year.

Fran presented Ms. Joy Brabec with a letter of appreciation for her years of service to the students of Hauser. Ms. Brabec is retiring at the end of this year. In honor of her career in education, the PTO has given the library the gift of a book entitled, Winning Track and Field For Girls. (Note: Ms. Brabec is the first teacher to retire since the PTO changed its policy of milestone recognition to celebrate an entire career instead of the first 10 years of service.) Ms. Brabec graciously thanked the PTO for its contributions to the Hauser community during her tenure.

Teresa Mrozik and Ron Malchiodi from the Riverside Recreation Department handed out a flyer and spoke about new programs. Teresa is new at the Recreation Department, and hopes to build partnerships between the Department and various community organizations. They encouraged us to drop by their open house on May 22 and to visit the Department’s page on Facebook.

Minutes from the April 12 meeting were approved.

In her Treasurer’s Report, Jane Wilhelm highlighted the savings to the PTO due to a change from the Honor Roll Breakfast to this year’s Movie Nights. She also stated that the PTO gave $590 toward the Bradford Woods trip to assist students who could not have otherwise afforded to attend.

It was noted that a Feedblitz announcing a collection was in error. Anyone who would like to contribute to a gift for staff should send cash or a check made out to Madalena Flight, NOT a check to the PTO. PTO is not allowed to give monetary gifts to individuals.

Rosita Griggs was absent, so there was no Secretary’s report, and the minutes from the March 9 meeting were not available to approve.

Melinda Brom reported that Teacher Appreciation Week went smoothly and thanked all who volunteered time and/or donated food or raffle items.

Carol Barlow reported that the Hospitality Committee would be providing lunch for the RB students coming to judge the science fair.

Fran Sitkiewicz gave her President’s Report. She thanked everyone for volunteering throughout the year. She reported that the incoming and outgoing boards had held a joint meeting to aid in the transition, and she asked that anyone interested in chairing a committee for the coming year contact Linda LaBelle or Kathie Kunish.

Lisa Aulerich-Marciniak confirmed that there would indeed be a repeat of last year’s “What I Wish I Had Known” panel discussion, where Hauser alums now attending RB would speak to the 8th graders about what to expect at the high school. The date is Wednesday, May 25, 7:00 p.m. in the Hauser library.

Michelle Hejna asked that all chairs, whether returning next year or not, please turn in the folder and feedback sheet they were given at the beginning of the year. This communication is important for the incoming board as they make decisions about programming and events for next year.

In unfinished business, Fran made an appeal for a volunteer to join with Mary Lescher and serve on the Audit Committee. This committee will meet for approximately one hour in July after Jane closes the books to look them over and approve them. Also in July, two members are needed to serve on the budget committee. This is a bigger commitment, as decisions need to be made about the entire budget for next year.

Fran then installed the new officers and thanked the outgoing officers for their service. Both received a beautiful flower along with Fran’s thanks. The new officers are as follows:

President: Linda LaBelle
1st VP, Communications: Kim Bolton
2nd VP, Membership and Committees: Kathie Kunish
3rd VP, Fundraising: Carol Barlow
Treasurer: Audrey Korslund
Secretary: Kathy Barcal
Parliamentarian: Kathy Dudek

The meeting was then adjourned.

The April meeting of the Hauser PTO was held at 6:00 p.m. in the Library to allow incoming sixth grade parents an opportunity to attend the meeting prior to the fifth to sixth grade parent orientation at 7:00 p.m. All parents were welcomed by PTO President, Fran Sitkiewicz, and we began our meeting with the pledge of allegiance.

Principal Leslie Berman talked about entering the time of transition within the school year, an important part, especially of the middle school as students make their fifth to sixth grade transition, and then a short three years later, transition into high school. Eighth graders have registered for their classes at RB, and Ms. Berman and Mr. Wolf have met with each fifth grade class to talk to them about Hauser. They visited with each class for about 45 minutes, giving a short presentation and allowing time for students to ask questions. The kids are excited about moving up to middle school.
The master schedule is close to being completed, and enrichment forms may be out earlier than usual this year for students to rank their preferences.

While looking forward to next year, there is still much to enjoy in regards to the current school year. The Hauser production of Annie was a success. The efforts of the large, talented cast and crew were enjoyed and appreciated by the audiences. Spring music department concerts are starting. Track and Field season is underway. Cougar A.D.V.A.N.C.E. will take place April 25-27. Open house will be on May 12.

For those of you marking your calendars early, important dates for next year were announced:

6th Grade Lorado Taft Trip, Wednesday, September 21 – Friday, September 23
7th Grade Springfield Trip, Thursday, October 13
8th Grade Cougar A.D.V.A.N.C.E. Trip, Wednesday, May 2 – Friday, May 4

Ms. Berman concluded by commenting that it has been a great year, and thanked the PTO for its support.

Fran drew attention to the Hauser A-Z section of the school website as a great way for both incoming and current parents to find information about the school.

Jane Wilhelm gave the Treasurer’s Report. Please turn receipts in as soon as possible when events are over so that we can keep an eye on expenses. As of right now, another $400 or so is expected to come in. With our expected expenses, this will leave us around $3,000 to pass on for the beginning of next year. It was announced that due to rising numbers of both participants and flower prices, the PTO would not be purchasing corsages for the eighth graders final music concerts. (NOTE: Subsequently, the district picked up the expense, and the students did have corsages for their performances.)

Rosita Griggs was not present, so the minutes of the last meeting were not available for approval and there was no secretary’s report.

Not many of the committee chairs were in attendance, but Fran made sure to explain the duties of the committees listed on the agenda for the benefit of the incoming parents.

Kim Bolton reported that the sixth and seventh grade honor roll recognition nights had gone well, and that they would be showing “Inception” to the eighth graders on Saturday. The committee tweaked the evenings, adding a Hauser Trivia game to the seventh grade evening after the sixth graders were restless waiting for the movie to start. They will have good records to pass on in case next year’s PTO would like to repeat this type of event. It seemed to be appreciated by the students, and it was far less expensive than the breakfast that previously recognized honor roll recipients.

The Eighth Grade Graduation Activities Committee met the week prior to the PTO meeting. If anyone is interested in joining this committee, they should contact Becky Malloy. Another meeting will take place, but had not yet been scheduled. Chaperones will be needed for the party at the township hall. Anyone who is interested in chaperoning should contact Linda LaBelle, who especially encouraged dads to volunteer for this.

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 2 – 5. Melinda Brom has coordinated this effort. On Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday there will be special treats for teachers, and the traditional luncheon will be served on Tuesday, and there will be a raffle daily.

Carol Barlow, chair of the Hospitality Committee, will coordinate lunch for the RB students who come over to judge the eighth grade science fair projects.

Fran presided over our election of new officers to be installed in May. A motion was made by Mary Stamm to take a voice vote and was seconded by Linda LaBelle. Fran presented the slate from the Nominating Committee and asked for nominations for each office from the floor. There were no nominations for any office from the floor, so the entire slate was voted on at once and unanimously elected.

The new officers are as follows:

President: Linda LaBelle
First V.P. of Communications: Kim Bolton
Second V.P. of Committees/Membership: Kathie Kunish
Third V.P. of Fundraising: Carol Barlow
Treasurer: Audrey Korslund
Secretary: Kathy Barcal
Parliamentarian: Kathy Dudek

Fran began her President’s Report by saying thank you to all of those involved in the Honor Roll Recognition Event. Many helped out by volunteering and through donating supplies. She then said that a meeting of the old and new officers would be scheduled to aid in the transition of duties. Fran also will survey the membership to get input on the value members place on our current activities and fundraisers. She ended by encouraging people to write a thank you note or e-mail to a teacher during teacher appreciation week.

The meeting was then adjourned.