Hunt PTO Update 12/19/13

Hunt PTO Update December 19th, 2013 Happy Holidays to all Hunt families! Wishing you a safe and restful winter break. See you in 2014! New post on BSD Superintendent's Blog

Budget Process and Hearing Dates We are in the midst of the budget process this year and you may have noticed it is a bit different from year’s past. This year, we are attempting to build a budget that meets an overall financial goal of 6.9% increase over per equalized pupil spending, as well as meet program goals identified by the Board. Early on, in September, there was input by the community (you were all invited to give input in the survey), the administration and the Board that led to the decisions being made now. This budget is designed on the priorities that were set by the Board following that input. Budgets in the past have been presented as line item budgets, where certain positions are cut or added and the administration had to live within those parameters. In designing a budget set on goals, the administration has room to make adjustments as revenue changes are known along the way. For example, a budget discussion o kindergarten para-educators meant that those paras could not move to 1st grade with a large class, even though kindergarten might have been smaller the next year. This type of decision making limits the ability to flex with changing conditions and meet changing needs. The Board has made commitments in the following areas: ·       An aligned system leading to high achievement for all students ·       21st century, student centered learning in technology rich environments ·       Restructuring for equity and diversity ·       Maintain and upgrade facilities for safety, efficiency and accessibility Priorities that guide this budget process, as determined by the Board are: ·       Technology for the 21st century ·       Developing a multi-tiered system of support ·       BHS/Edmunds facilities planning for 21st century learning and accessibility ·       Diversity & equity needs in professional development, recruitment and response to harassment ·       Facilities & maintenance needs ·       Professional Development for differentiation, ELL, high achievers and common core ·       Teacher evaluation system for greater student outcomes As always, there are choices to be made within a set of goals to provide the best outcomes for our students within our means. We cannot afford to add to this budget and have to reanalyze how we use current resources as well as determine what programs or functions we can no longer afford. This budget process gives some time for us to do that in an ever changing financial environment. In absorbing the current programs with compensation and health increases, we add over $3M to the current budget. We need to make up a $1.2M deficit that stems first from underbudgeting a couple of years ago combined with cost shifts that occurred at the local and federal level. These expenditures combined put our budget above our financial goal and thus we need to determine what to do differently and what to stop doing.  Budget hearings this week will focus on the priorities- are they the right program priorities? Is the financial goal one this community can accept? If the answers are yes, they will guide our spending decisions going forward and set us on the path to have a budget that is aligned with our goals, rather than a budget that is volatile and unstable.    Don't forget to save those Box Tops for Education! You will find them on many specially marked packages of foods and products you buy everyday. All proceeds from Box Tops go directly to the Hunt School Student Council.  Just take these 3 Easy Steps: 1. Cut Box Tops for Education from specially marked packages of products you purchase already. 2. Save these Box Tops in a bag or envelope. 3. Send these Box Tops to school. You or your student can place the Box Tops in the specially marked can in the Hunt main office.  Can't find the can? Ask Ms. Virun, who can show you.  Happy Holiday everyone and thanks for saving Box Tops for Education!!  Making room for new shoes and boots for the holidays? Do you have shoes and boots that you won't wear anymore, but don't want to throw them into the landfills? Well, have no fear! The Hunt Student Council collects pre-loved shoes and boots and sends them to "Shoe Box Recycling". Want to know what "Shoe Box Recycling" does with your shoes? ContactSusanrutherford@hotmail.com or a Student Council member. See the specially marked "Shoe Box" collection receptacle in Hunt's Main lobby and thanks for supporting the Hunt Student Council-who support your kids!!   An invite from the Hunt administration to YOU... Parent Coffee YOU ARE INVITED!  Principal/Parent Coffee Friday, January 31st, 2014, 8:10am to 8:55am Have coffee or tea with our Principals. Tell us what's on your mind. Let us know what's working or what's not working. Ask questions or just chat and relax with us in our library. Friday. January 31st, morning at 8:10am. Happy Winter Solstice! Enjoy the first day of winter...and the increasing daylight as we make our way into the new year and early spring! Save the Date! December 23rd - January 1st - No School; Winter Break January 2nd, 2014 - School resumes January 31st - Coffee with the Principal

Hunt PTO Update 12/12/13

Hunt PTO Update,

December 12th, 2013

Check out the 

December Hunt Middle School Newsletter 

HERE:

http://hunt.bsd.schoolfusion.us/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=244755&sessionid=a4aa1fd2d5cfef129d942f2991f449c2

Lots of great team and school-wide updates -- not to be missed!

Please support the 2013 HMS Food Drive!

Hunt Winter Concerts, 2013

Please come out to support our talented HUNT musicians at the last winter concert coming up next Wednesday  

 

Band concert, 7 pm, December 18th

Please don't forget to bring your food donations for the Food Drive (above)  and a few dollars to spend at the bake sale in support of the Hunt Drama Program!

 

Meeting Minutes from 12/5/13 December (12/5/13) PTO Meeting Minutes 1. (Treasurer’s Report) Brian Pine reviewed the budget and highlighted some of the budgeted items/events that brought in more funds than anticipated. The profit from the Wreaths Sales, $4023., was similar to last year’s profit, however, twice the amount anticipated (budgeted) for this year. The donations for the Digital Sign, $4000, are double the budgeted amount. Only (1) team has requested funding for the Iron Chef Competition. 2. (Principal’s Corner) Rich Amato reported. 3. (Locker Update) The Gear Up Group (part of a group of 8th graders who attended a week-long Castleton College program last summer) presented their video (using the newly purchased video equipment) on how to improve the lockers. Afterwards they asked the PTO for ways to achieve their renovation goals of using a piece of linoleum to cover the rusted bottom of the locker and adding a wooden shelf. It was suggested that they write an article for the North Avenue News, advertise in Front Porch Forum, and ask local flooring companies for donations of linoleum. 4. (Fundraising Update) Gabi Baumann expressed her concern for the future of the Wreath Fundraiser, which she has spearheaded for three years and accounts for nearly half of the PTO income. Everyone agreed that it would be a big loss to the PTO if a new parent volunteer does not take it over. 5. (HMS/Community Connection) Jennifer Sutton, the Hunt Community Outreach Coordinator, gave a presentation on the Hunt Middle School Community Outreach Program, which is currently a half-time position but is in jeopardy of being cut from the FY15 BSD budget. Discussion followed on how this program dovetails with the Partnership for Change initiative at the high schools, it is currently implemented at the two magnet schools, SA and IAA, and to eliminate this community-based learning program at Hunt would create a gap in the curriculum and, in effect, remove the foundation of the Partnership for Change program. Ms. Hevey suggested that students make a video on the positive impact of the Hunt community garden to present to the School Board. It was agreed that such a video could be used to illustrate a learning experience by the students but that it should not be construed as a means to solicit the Board. 6. (Blog) Susan Rutherford prompted a discussion on what kind of events should be “advertised” on the Hunt blog, and how. Or is a bulletin board better? Due to time restraints, this discussion will continue next meeting. 7. (Parent/Teacher Conferences) Gabi Baumann expressed the frustration felt by many parents that P/T Conferences are not encouraged or made readily available for all students. The need to change this perception was acknowledged and different models for Parent/Teacher Conferences were discussed. Kate will talk with Rich Amato in February to check on the ideas, and progress that has been made, to improve the Parent/Teacher Conference experience at Hunt. 8. (Spanish at BHS) Due to time restraints, the topic of (lack of) language preparedness was tabled for the next meeting. 9. Jennifer Sutton passed out a hand-out entitled One-Year Action Plan for Partnerships and asked to be put on the agenda for the next meeting. Part of this Action Plan is a Family dinner and book discussion event to take place on March 11, 2014. Meeting Adjourned. Burlington Schools Update Jeanne Collins –  Superintendent of Schools, Burlington School District *2014-2015 Budget Process The Board created a budget proposal earlier this month and is seeking public input on the proposed budget on December 16th and 19th, both at 7 p.m. at Burlington High School. Per law, the budget will be finalized in early January for a March vote on Town Meeting Day. Additional budget information can be found at: www.bsdvt.org.   Don't forget to save those Box Tops for Education! You will find them on many specially marked packages of foods and products you buy everyday. All proceeds from Box Tops go directly to the Hunt School Student Council.  Just take these 3 Easy Steps: 1. Cut Box Tops for Education from specially marked packages of products you purchase already. 2. Save these Box Tops in a bag or envelope. 3. Send these Box Tops to school. You or your student can place the Box Tops in the specially marked can in the Hunt main office.  Can't find the can? Ask Ms. Virun, who can show you.  Happy Holiday everyone and thanks for saving Box Tops for Education!!  Making room for new shoes and boots for the holidays? Do you have shoes and boots that you won't wear anymore, but don't want to throw them into the landfills? Well, have no fear! The Hunt Student Council collects pre-loved shoes and boots and sends them to "Shoe Box Recycling". Want to know what "Shoe Box Recycling" does with your shoes? ContactSusanrutherford@hotmail.com or a Student Council member. See the specially marked "Shoe Box" collection receptacle in Hunt's Main lobby and thanks for supporting the Hunt Student Council-who support your kids!!   An invite from the Hunt administration to YOU... Parent Coffee YOU ARE INVITED!  Principal/Parent Coffee Friday, January 31st, 2014, 8:10am to 8:55am Have coffee or tea with our Principals. Tell us what's on your mind. Let us know what's working or what's not working. Ask questions or just chat and relax with us in our library. Friday. January 31st, morning at 8:10am. is coming!   Save the Date! December 13th - School Dance, 7-9 pm December 16 - School Budget Hearing - 7pm - BHS cafeteria December 18th - Band concert, 7 pm (performers there by 6:30) December 19 - School Budget Hearing - 7pm - BHS cafeteria December 23rd - January 1st - No School; Winter Break January 31st - Coffee with the Principal

Hunt PTO Update 12/5/13

Hunt PTO Update,

December 5th, 2013

Check out the 

December Hunt Middle School Newsletter 

HERE:

http://hunt.bsd.schoolfusion.us/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=244755&sessionid=a4aa1fd2d5cfef129d942f2991f449c2

Lots of great team and school-wide updates -- not to be missed!

The next meeting is THURSDAY,

Thursday, December 5th, in the Hunt Library.

Mark your calendar for the next meeting, THIS Thursday,  12/5/13, at 6:30 pm in the library.  Come to inform yourself, come to share your ideas and/or concerns - Just Come!  The draft agenda is included at the end of this blog post.

Hunt PTO Wreath Sale a Huge Success!!

We wanted to say THANKS to all the great volunteers who participated in the PTO Wreath Sale. Thank you for all your help and support during this very successful fundraiser. We appreciate the time and energy you put into selling the wreaths by making phone calls, sending out emails, and going door-to-door. Huge thanks as well to the volunteers who delivered all those wreaths to our customers!

The beautiful Vermont made wreaths arrive!

We sold 322 wreaths, kissing balls and center pieces and made $4150.- in profit. This is already half of our PTO General Fund budget for this year!

Gabi's garage was a spectacular site but there was LOTS of work to do!

Thanks go to Rebecca Kaplan, Kathy Olwell, Jane Earley and Brian Pine for their outstanding efforts in sales. Huge thanks as well to Chris Horton, Tammy Kuypers, George Rutherford, Susan Rutherford, Megan Peek, Kathleen Lynch, Kate Belluche, Liz Curry, Siobhan Donegan, Vince Brennan, Brook Martenis and Dasha Zentrichova. For everyone else I missed on this list...Thank you!

Thank you Gabi for all of YOUR dedication to our Hunt  students!
Wreath Fundraiser 2013 a HUGE success!

We would like to send out a warm and grateful THANK YOU to Gabrielle Baumann for her leadership on this fundraising event and all her hard work and energy in this and all Hunt Fundraising Events in her position as chair of the Fundraising Team.

Please support the 2013 HMS Food Drive!

Hunt Winter Concerts, 2013

Please come out to support our talented HUNT musicians at the three winter concerts coming up in December.  

 

Orchestra concert, 7 pm, December 11th

Band concert, 7 pm, December 18th

Please don't forget to bring your food donations for the Food Drive (above)  and a few dollars to spend at the bake sale in support of the Hunt Drama Program!

Don't forget to save those Box Tops for Education! You will find them on many specially marked packages of foods and products you buy everyday. All proceeds from Box Tops go directly to the Hunt School Student Council. 

Just take these 3 Easy Steps:

1. Cut Box Tops for Education from specially marked packages of products you purchase already.

2. Save these Box Tops in a bag or envelope.

3. Send these Box Tops to school. You or your student can place the Box Tops in the specially marked can in the Hunt main office. 

Can't find the can? Ask Ms. Virun, who can show you. 

Happy Holiday everyone and thanks for saving Box Tops for Education!! 

Making room for new shoes and boots for the holidays? Do you have shoes and boots that you won't wear anymore, but don't want to throw them into the landfills?

Well, have no fear! The Hunt Student Council collects pre-loved shoes and boots and sends them to "Shoe Box Recycling". Want to know what "Shoe Box Recycling" does with your shoes? ContactSusanrutherford@hotmail.com or a Student Council member.

See the specially marked "Shoe Box" collection receptacle in Hunt's Main lobby and thanks for supporting the Hunt Student Council-who support your kids!!

Do you shop at Hannaford? You can earn money for Hunt without even trying. From September 1 to December 1, 2013, when you purchase participating products, you earn "school dollars" that Hunt can use. Our local Hannaford will give an additional $1,000 to the school in their area that earns the most money. CP Smith and Flynn have won extra $1,000 in recent years. How do you raise money for your school shopping at Hannaford? 1. LOOK FOR THE TAGS on more than 700 participating products. 1. LOOK FOR THE TAGS on more than 700 participating products.

2. BUY 4 PARTICIPATING PRODUCTS and receive 3 school dollars at the register. 2. BUY 4 PARTICIPATING PRODUCTS and receive 3 school dollars at the register.

3. DEPOSIT SCHOOL DOLLARS in the collection tower in-store. Located on the right-hand side of the exit nearest the registers 3. DEPOSIT SCHOOL DOLLARS in the collection tower in-store. Located on the right-hand side of the exit nearest the registers

Please contact Shireen Hart, shart@primmer.com, 999-9170, with any questions about this Hannaford fundraiser or to get involved!

  An invite from the Hunt administration to YOU...

Parent Coffee

YOU ARE INVITED! 

Principal/Parent Coffee

Friday, January 31st, 2014, 8:10am to 8:55am

Have coffee or tea with our Principals. Tell us what's on your mind.  Let us know what's working or what's not working. Ask questions or just chat and relax with us in our library. Friday. January 31st, morning at 8:10am.

LED Sign Coming to a School Near You! 

Two years ago members of the Hunt PTO took on a project that they believed would be beneficial to the students of Hunt as well as to the community at large. The location of Hunt Middle School is not readily known, indeed, many parents comment that they did not know exactly where Hunt was until their children started school there. To bring more community awareness to both the presence of Hunt and the range of activities taking place at our school, members of the Hunt PTO plan to have a school sign installed on North Avenue. Similar to the LED sign that graces North Avenue in front of Burlington High School (BHS), the Hunt sign will announce events at the school and other important dates connected with the school. The Hunt sign will be the same type of sign as the BHS sign, but it will be smaller and placed near the corner of North Avenue and the one-way street exiting from Hunt, across from Woodbury Road. 

Since September of 2012, the PTO's fundraising committee has raised an extra $11,000 above and beyond the funds needed for regular PTO programs and projects that directly served HMS students. No funds raised for regular PTO activities are being used for the sign. We managed to secure a $2,500 donation from Scott Hammond and Lisa Steele and another $1,500 from Eric Farrell. We increased our fundraising specifically to cover all the costs associated with the sign project, which includes purchasing the sign along with the electrical and site work. Since the key parents involved in this project have students graduating from Hunt in 2014, we need to complete the project this year. 

Many of us at Hunt believe that a commanding and informative sign will help bridge the gap between Hunt Middle School and the community and will contribute to pride in the school, which in turn will benefit the community. If you have any questions regarding our Parent Teacher Organization or the Hunt Sign Project, please feel free to contact Gabi Baumann or Brian Pine.

is coming!  

Save the Date!

• December 5th - PTO Meeting at 6:30 in the library
• December 11th - Orchestra concert, 7 pm
• December 18th - Band concert, 7 pm
• December 23rd - January 1st - No School; Winter Break
• January 31st - Coffee with the Principal

 PTO Meeting

12/5/13, 6:30 pm

AGENDA

• Welcome and Introductions– Kate Belluche
• Volunteer secretary for Nov. meeting

OPEN FORUM:

What’s on your mind?  Questions?  Comments?  Concerns?

UPDATES

• Treasurer’s report - 10 min –Brian Pine
• Principal’s Corner – 10 min - Rich Amato
• HMS/Community Connection- overview–10 min- Jen Sutton
• Fundraising Update - 10 min – Gabi Baumann
• What goes on blog – 5 min – Susan Rutherford
• Spanish at BHS – 5 min -  Gabi
• Parent/teacher Conferences – 5 min - Gabi
• Team/UA Grant Update – 5 min- Kate
• Misc Issues - Mindfulness Program – Cruz/Montgomery – connected Ms. Cruz with Center for Mindfulness,  Student Achievement Ceremonies- when are teams celebrating?, Sports communication (Hunt committees – parent and/or student input?)  Is PAWS still happening?  Has it been evaluated?