The Lane School 

PTO General Meeting 

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 

9:00 a.m. 

 

 

Meeting was called to order at 9:05 a.m. 

 

Stephanie presented a request from the 3rd grade teachers for additional funding for a fieldtrip to 
Lake Catherine. The costs are: $325 for admission/lunch room and $250/bus for a total of $825-
850. The Executive Board approved the expense. 

 

PrincipalÕs Report, Doug Eccarius 

¥ 
Thank you for all the fieldtrips including the Outdoor Ed buses. Thanks to all the 
students and parents for their participation in the Rotary Run. We had a total of 135 
students registered. 
¥ 
Beth Bellinger has received her new electronic keyboard. Beth is looking at pricing to 
update our current sound system in the Gym/MPR. She will provide numbers when she 
has them. 
¥ 
Stephanie Stieglitz has put together a proposal for updates to the materials in the MRC. 
Doug is currently reviewing it and will get back to the PTO at a later date. 
¥ 
Doug has approached the district regarding blinds for the MPR. He is still waiting to 
hear back. We are moving forward with the shades for the gym. 
¥ 
1 to 1 Initiative: This is a new program proposed by the district and the D181 
Foundation. Eric Danley, Director of Technology for the district was present to talk to 
everyone about the program. The idea is that all 5th grade students at The Lane will 
receive a MacBook Air as part of a study that will be used to determine how technology 
can be used to deliver curriculum and how to deliver it in the most effective way. Elm 
school is currently piloting the iPad. The study will contrast both kinds of devices 
against a control 5th grade and also MacAir vs. iPad. Once the study is complete, the 
committee will make a presentation to the Board of Education on how to proceed in the 
future. D181 is asking for support from The Lane PTO. The dollar amount is $22,500 
or $7,500 per classroom. Both the district and the foundation are making equal monetary 
contributions to the pilot program. Doug and the Exec Board have requested further 
information. The PTO will put this proposal to a vote at a future date. Parents wanting 
further information can check the following website: 181i.d181.org or attend an 
informational meeting Wednesday, Nov 2nd at 9:00am. 


 

Committee Reports 

Bulldog Bundle 

Cathy Bjeldanes reported that the bundle sale has gone well. So far, wrapping paper has 
exceeded expectations. We reached our free shipping quantities and have over 25% 
participation. There have also been a lot of Manna card and spirit wear purchases. 

The committee would like to do a comparison to last year to gauge how well each of the 
programs was received and then make changes. 


Notecards/spririt wear will go home in the backpacks. Wrapping paper will be distributed during 
the book fair and Manna cards will be sent home in the backpacks or be available for pick-up in 
the school office. 

Folders can be turned in up until Sunday, Oct 23 at CathyÕs home, 522 N. Countyline Road. 

 

Adult Benefit 

Fundraising letters are going home today in the backpacks. Jill met with Ana to update the web 
page with the donation letter. Ticket price is going to be $70. No charge for staff members and 
their spouses. The design/decoration committee is meeting this afternoon. 

The Greater Giving investment for the benefit will be $375. This will come out of the benefit 
budget and allow the committee to produce all of the letters and information that is needed. 

The date for the benefit is March 3, 2012 at Ruth Lake Country Club. More information to 
follow. 

 

TreasurerÕs Report, Stephanie Geier 

Stephanie provided the YTD banking summary and up to date account balances. The dance-a-
thon has $1,500-$2,000 in credit card charges still to come. To date, they made a net number of 
$15,509. 

 

Upcoming Dates: 

 

10/12-10/21 Sister School Winter Outerwear Drive 

10/18-10/20 Kramer Days 

10/21 Principal Appreciation Day 

10/25 School Store Opens 

10/31 Jesse White Tumblers Assembly/Classroom parties and parade 

 

11/1-11/3 Candy collection for Claremont Academy 

11/4 Kids n Canines Under the Stars 

11/9 Picture Retakes 

 

Respectfully submitted by, 

 

 

Betsy Elman 

The Lane School PTO Recording Secretary