|
Meeting Date: December 2nd, 2008 Meeting Location: Resource Room
Attendance: Dawn Albert, Twyla Insalaco, Ryan Hemingway, Dawn Espinoza, Beth Poss, Judy McKenney, Rick Boe, Ms. Duranko
Reports: Principal’s Report (Ms. Duranko) Ms Duranko spoke first about school safety. As a school we are very safe and do not have the bullying issues other larger schools are faced with. She noted that her newsletter has a link: School Safety at a Glance for parents to reference Ruth Rales reading intervention program - Students in the 5th grade are trained by adults to be tutors to younger students. They meet during lunchtime and do lessons with the younger participants. The results have been positive and all the students have enjoyed the experience. There are about 15 students total currently participating. Differentiated Math program – Ms. Duranko noted that the accelerated math program plan has not changed and that the County wants Algebra to be taught by the 8th grade in all schools. Math 6 (Math A & B) and IM (Investigations in Mathematics) are pre-algebra courses. At MES, the students are encouraged to accelerate after 3rd grade, i.e. Math 5 available to 4th graders and Math 6 available to 5th graders. Grade level math will still be available and our programs are limited by small school size and staff so each year poses a different potential configuration. It was agreed that Ms. Duranko be the guest speaker at the February PTA meeting to present the program and that written material be distributed prior so parents can come better prepared to ask questions. School’s Improvement Plan (SIP) - adopted and is doing well. The team of teachers, administrators and parents is monitoring the plan for progress. Mr. Clark’s information on cyber safety is attached to Ms. Duranko’s weekly letter. The County School Board will vote in mid-December on making Inauguration Day a school holiday. President’s Report (Dawn) - Doughnuts with Dads was a huge success in October. Muffins with Moms is scheduled for the spring Treasurer’s Report (Ryan) - the slowing economy was discussed and how it is affecting the PTA. Our membership numbers are down (61 members, down from 100) and our budget is being affected by a general belt-tightening. We noted that currently there is no faculty sponsor for Napping with Numbers so if the event does not go forward the money currently earmarked for that will help with any shortfall we may have elsewhere. It was also suggested by Ms. Duranko that we hold $250 of the $500 budgeted in our account for the Principal’s Fund and see if it is needed second semester. It was also discussed and decided to promote Cookie Dough sales in the spring.
Committee Reports: Kathryn Beich -Twyla– Suggestion for next year that we return to Sally Foster for wrapping paper sales and sell cookie dough and gifts through Kathryn Beich Book Fair – (Katrin) - Total sold: $6,121.98; Cash profit Value: $1702.63; Mr. Clark will receive a voucher for $80. The book fair did well and everyone liked the Resource Room location Spirit Wear – (Raissa/Ryan) – sell at all PTA events! Ms Duranko mentioned teachers are looking for warm spirit wear options in the future. Also, promote blue tote bags as presents. Family Fun Night – (Lori Main) – Went well and is excited to continue as chair for next few years
Festival of Nations 2/27 – (Dawn E.) – first planning meeting after this meeting. This event replaces Bucket Bingo on February 27th Ms. Duranko asks that we do not burden the teachers and/or classrooms with this activity. The hope is that MES families will share the culture of their ancestors. Cultural Arts – (Beth/Dawn E.) - Storyteller performed at Ice Cream Social. Not a huge turn out, but student feedback was positive. Need to schedule remaining performances
Yearbook – (Dorrie/Barbara) – We have signed the contract and will be sending an e-mail out soon with the URL where pictures parents have taken can be sent for possible inclusion in the yearbook. Everyone’s participation with this is appreciated. We are hoping to involve 5th grade students in building the yearbook; stay tuned about those plans.
Staff Appreciation-OPEN POSITION - Staff Appreciation Holiday Luncheon at school on Monday December 22nd. Dawn A. will send out an email soliciting donations. Unfinished Business: Directory – to be delivered in Thursday folders Focus on Enrollment Task Force - PTA needs to promote MES to any and all prospective families, realtors and any other connections you have. The school will make a presentation to area preschools in the spring. We would still like someone to focus the boundary issues. website – Ryan & Bonnie are working with Mr. Clark
Dining for dollars – Judy McKenney will schedule this event for the spring with Cugini’s. It was suggested that we use Connect ED to promote the event with families. Fundraising – Need to get additional quotes for sound system-- Also suggested that we use raffle ticket promotions at other events (not an auction as that is SGA’s major fundraiser) New Business: Art fair – Ms. Duffy wants to plan an event in coordination with our March meeting date Community outreach – explore ways to promote the school locally, need volunteer
Announcements: Grandparents Day – December 23 - Plus a chorus performance and all-school sing along -All are welcome. Promote membership for grandparents as a great, tax-deductible way to help the school. Also suggested that we include info that PTA contributions are tax-deductible.
Next Meeting – February 3rd at 7:00pm |