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Timberlane Regional Middle School PTSA |
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Timberlane Middle School PTSA Agendas and Minutes | ||
AGENDA FOR OCTOBER 6TH 2008 Reports and Updates: Welcome (Laura Lipfert) Senior Tea (Saturday 12/6) Our next meeting will be Monday November 10th in the Library beginning at 6:30 pm ******************************************************************************************** TRMS PTSA Attendees: Laura Lipfert, Mary Beth Donovan-Olson, Diane Coryea, Karen Marena, Michael Hogan, Derek Lavallee, Gail Dacey, Robin Knight, Sue Kappler, Catherine Coen Zerba, Terri Rousseau, Michelle Fisher, Anne Mezquita, Karen Medeiros, Karen McLain Welcome (Laura Lipfert): The PTSA President welcomed all those in attendance. Attendees introduced themselves. Secretary’s Report: May’s minutes were approved. Copies of July’s board meeting will be distributed at the next meeting, at which point they will be voted on for approval.
Treasurer’s Report: There is currently $9609.39 in the account. $2000.00 has been reserved to go towards a purchase the PTSA will make for the school in the future. Laura Lipfert signed the necessary documents to close out Robin Knight’s term as treasurer, and to begin Diane Coryea’s term as the new treasurer. Principal’s Report (Michael Hogan): Michael Hogan reported a smooth opening to the 2008-2009 school year. Changes that took place over the summer include a new ASD room for the school’s autistic population, as well as a new reading suite. There are over 1100 students at the school this year. Teacher Liaison Report (Gail Dacey and Karen Medeiros): Gail Dacey thanked Laura Lipfert for the welcome back breakfast prepared for and served to the TRMS staff. She conveyed the staff’s appreciation for the food and its beautiful presentation. Magazine Drive (Laura Lipfert): At the first collection of this year’s magazine drive, orders have decreased from last year at this time. Michael Hogan talked about the need to rely less on the magazine drive to fund the various school activities and projects, but to budget for them. He relayed the need to focus more on academics, and understood that this year’s drive may generate less revenue. Membership (Karen McLain): It was reported that PTSA membership is down from last year. Gail Dacey was asked to email faculty to invite them to become members. Amending the By-Laws: Changes to the current PTSA by-laws were voted on. Change Article VI: Section 5. (Purpose: to delete specific monetary amounts which have and could still change.) Change from : The amount of state portion of each member’s dues shall be determined by the New Hampshire PTA. The national portion of each member’s dues shall be one dollar seventy-five cents ($1.75) per annum. (Provisio: one dollar twenty-five cents ($1.25) per annum.) Change to: The amount of the state portion of each member’s dues shall be determined by the New Hampshire PTA; and the national portion of each member’s dues shall be determined by the National PTA. Results: Passed Delete Article VI: Section 6. (Purpose: to delete specific monetary amounts which have and could still change.) Change from : The New Hampshire PTA portion of each member’s dues shall be seventy five cents ($.75)per annum. Results: Passed Change Article VI: Section 7: (Purpose: to increase dues amount from $4.00 to $5.00 to cover increases in National and State PTA dues while keeping thedues amount as a dollar figure.) Change from: Each member of the local PTSA shall pay annual dues of $4.00 to the organization. The amount of such annual dues shall include the portion payable to the New Hampshire PTA and the portion payable to the National PTA. Change to: Each member of the local PTSA shall pay annual dues of $5.00 to the organization. The amount of such annual dues shall include the portion payable to the New Hampshire PTA and the portion payable to the National PTA. Results: Passed Change on sentence in Article VI: Section 9. (Purpose: to allow for different dates, as determined by the state) Change from: The first remittance shall be by December 10, and the final remittance by March 10. Change to: The first remittance and final remittance shall be submitted by dates set each year by the New Hampshire PTA. In the past, these dates have been December 10 and March 10. Results: Passed Add one sentence and change one sentence in Article VI: Section 10: a: (Purpose: to allow for different dates, as determined by the state; and to require officer liability insurance which is no longer provided by the state PTA, but which the state recommends that we get) Change from: Each unit shall remit an insurance surcharge as determined by the Board of Managers to cover the cost of the policy premium. The surcharge will be remitted to the state treasurer by December 10 and March 10. Change to: Each unit shall remit an insurance surcharge as determined by the Board of Managers to cover the cost of the policy premium. The unit shall also remit money to purchase office liability insurance when it is not covered by the state PTA. The surcharge and officer liability payment will be remitted to the state PTA treasurer by dates stipulated by the state PTA. In the past these dates have been December 10 and March 10. Results: Passed Change Article VII: Section 2: (Purpose: to create an assistant treasurer position, to change officers terms to coincide with the school and fiscal year, and to allow for a person to serve more than one term when no one else steps forward). Change from: a. The officers of this organization shall consist of a president, 1st vice president, 2nd vice president (optional), and secretary and treasurer. b. Officers shall be elected by ballot in the month of May. However, if there is but one nominee for any office, election for that office may be by voice vote. c. Officers shall assume their official duties following the close of the meeting in May and shall serve for a term of 1 years or until their successors are elected. d. A person shall not be eligible to serve more that two consecutive terms in the same office. Change to: a. The officers of this organization shall consist of a president, 1st vice president, 2nd vice president (optional), a secretary, a treasurer and an assistant treasurer (optional) b. Officers shall be elected by ballot in the month of May. However, if there is but one nominee for any office, election for that office may be by voice vote. c. Officers shall assume their official duties following the close of the fiscal year on June 30 and shall serve for a term of 1 year or until their successors are elected. d. A person shall not be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office unless no one else steps forward for the position despite reasonable recruitment efforts. Results: Passed Change Article VIII: Section 3: c and d: (Purpose: to allow for the membership coordinator to maintain the membership list; and to have the secretary be responsible for providing information to members) Change from: c. Maintain a membership list d. Perform other duties as assigned Change to: c. maintain a membership list when there is no separate Membership Coordinator. When there is a separate Membership Coordinator, the Membership Coordinator shall maintain the membership list and share that list with the secretary. d. Distribute agendas, minutes and other PTA information to member; update the PTA website; and perform other duties as assigned. Results: Passed Change Article VIII: Section 4: f: (Purpose: new officers will now begin on July 1) Delete: (usually the annual meeting) Change to: (on or about July 1) Results: Passed Change Article VIII: Section 4: d: (Purpose: to incorporate the assistant treasurer as a primary signer) Change from: have checks or vouchers signed by two persons, the treasurer and one other person Change to: have checks or vouchers signed by two persons, the treasurer or assistant treasurer and one other person Results: Passes Add Article VIII: Section 5: (Purpose: to provide purpose for the assistant treasurer) Add: Section 5: The assistant treasurer shall a. sign checks or vouchers as needed, along with one other person b. present financial statements at the TRMS PTSA meetings and at other times when requested by the executive board, when the treasurer is unable to do so. c. Become familiar with job responsibilities of the treasurer. Results: Passed Change Article XIII: Fiscal Year (Purpose: to make our fiscal year consistent with the school districts’s and also with when we turn our final financial reports into the state PTA) Change from: The fiscal year for this local PTSA shall begin on August 1 and end of the following July 31. Change to: The fiscal year for this local PTSA shall begin on July 1 and end on the following June 30. Expenses incurred and income received between when final reports are turned in to the state and June 30 shall be recorded in the next fiscal year. Results: Passed. Vote on the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer: (Laura Lipfert) A vote was taken for Diane Coryea to become TRMS PTSA Treasurer and Sue Kappler to become the Assistant Treasurer. The vote was in favor of their appointments. Senior Tea (Laura Lipfert): The PTSA will assemble “Snowman Soup” mugs at the November meeting, which will be distributed to the senior guests at the Senior Tea. Reflections: (Karen McLain) There is currently a contest to come up with the theme for the 2010-2011 Reflections Program. The deadline is
Chairpersons Needed: (Laura Lipfert) Volunteers are needed to chair the following committees: Sixth Grade Halloween Party Baking Coordinator Volunteer Coordinator Volunteers are asked to contact Laura Liptert via email at lipfertl@hotmail.com Tiger Award: (Laura Lipfert) The PTSA would like to reinforce the school’s focus on Respect, Responsibility and Good Choices by regularly celebrating an advisory group that has been exemplary. The suggestion was made that one advisory in each grade will be awarded a stuffed tiger (to be passed on at the next quarter), a certificate and coupons for an ice cream at the cafeteria. This will be done once each quarter, and the advisors and/or an administrator will nominate the winners. Mr. Hogan will present the idea to the building committee to work on the logistics. It was agreed to decide on a date to award the first advisory at the next PTSA meeting. Clothing Drive: (Sue Kappler) Order forms were sent home with students for TRMS logo clothing. Sue will also be at the open houses on Sept. 23rd and Sept. 25th to allow families to place orders. Other: (Michael Hogan) 7th and 8th Grade Dance: The dance has been reschedule for Kyle Maynard will be coming to speak to students on Friday, September 12th at the Ideas for Future Meetings: Mr. Hogan suggested targeting a date for the “Night with the Principal”. A tentative date of October 16th was set, which could be promoted on the TRMS website, in the newsletter, and at the open houses scheduled for 9/23 and 9/25. Promoting Unified Arts: Mr. Hogan presented a book created in the Next Meeting: The next meeting will be held on Monday, October 6th at TRMS PTSA
Attendees: Laura Lipfert, Michael Hogan, Karen McLain, Gail Dacey, Roseanne Estep, Kate Estep, Sharon Burke, Karen Medeiros, Elaine Binette, Mary Beth Donovan-Olson, Robin Knight Welcome (Laura Lipfert): Staff Appreciation Week is going well. There are volunteers to help out that week and at Career Day. Volunteers for the June 10 parent info night should arrive at Secretary’s Report: March 2008 Minutes approved Treasurer’s Report (Robin Knight): The PTSA made $1,699 from the spring apparel sale. The current bank balance for the PTSA is $4,563.34. The PTSA bylaws require that a minimum of $2,000 be kept in the account. Principal’s Report (Michael Hogan): Michael Hogan was very pleased to see all the work that went into Staff Appreciation Week. The 8th grade is beginning another round of NECAP testing this week. The middle school may start 15-20 minutes later next year, if all the final approvals go through, in order to allow kids more time to sleep. Bus routes will be published on the school website as soon as they become available. Mr. Hogan’s 8th grade advisory put together a wonderful video about advisories and the good that they do. Laura suggested that entering 6th graders get to see it. Teacher Liaison Report (Gail Dacey and Karen Medeiros): Today was wonderful thanks to the PTSA efforts for Staff Appreciation Week. A special thanks to Laura Lipfert and everyone who helped her. Teacher Request (Elaine Binette): Asked for money to help pay for t-shirts and fabric markers for a team 8D project: each student would decorate a t-shirt with his or her favorite poem. Principal Mike Hogan said he would cover the costs with Board elections: the following people were elected to fill 2008-2009 PTSA board positions: Laura Lipfert, president Sharon Burke and Karen McLain, co-vice presidents Robin Knight, treasurer Mary Beth Donovan-Olson, secretary In addition the following people have volunteered to chair committees: Jill Patsfield – on-going staff appreciation Jennifer Wilmot – publicity Pam Walsh – book fairs Sue Kappler – apparel sales Sharon Burke – 6th Grade Halloween Party Laura Lipfert – welcome back breakfast for staff; staff appreciation week; volunteer coordinating; senior tea and fundraisers other than apparel sales Karen McLain – membership and Reflections Silent Auction (Sharon Burke): Gail will provide clipboards to display signs for the items. Members approved allowing Future fundraisers: Laura suggested a possible family photo day, ice cream social, or holiday gift shopping. Mary Beth Donovan-Olson suggested having the kids make original works of art which would then get printed onto various items to sell. Gail suggested a school cookbook. Mike Hogan said he thinks only one additional fundraiser is needed and that it should be tangible and cultural. Some different ideas might be combined. The next full PTSA meeting will be in September. Attendees: Laura Lipfert, Michael Hogan, Gail Dacey, Rosanne Estep, Karen McLain, Sharon Crossman Assaf Welcome Secretary’s Report: February 2008 Minutes approved Treasurer’s Report: February 2008 Report approved Teacher Liaison (Gail Dacey): TRMS is hoping to bring in Kyle Maynard as a motivational speaker for the students in 2008-2009. Maynard was born without arms and legs, but went on to become a national wrestling champion and is a very inspirational speaker. His courage and can-do attitude teach about character building, respecting our bodies, the importance of tolerance of people who are different, and that there are no limits to what we can do. $7,000 is needed to bring him here. Sharon Bridson is working with students to raise money, and T-shirt sales and popcorn sales have already brought in $600. To help more, go to www.myhometownhelper.com/ViewProject.aspx?id=38447, fill out the comment section and submit. Mike Hogan said that the school will NOT be doing Rachael’s Challenge next year; but will put the money toward Maynard’s visit. Talent Show and Silent Auction: The 8th grade-sponsored talent show will be open to ALL middle school students (all grades) who want to perform and who audition. It is tentatively scheduled for May. The PTSA will have a silent auction/raffle table and a concession table with food and drinks in the hallway. Some items donated so far for the silent auction are: 3 sports camps admissions, 1 photo sitting with a free 8X10 photo, three gift cards, a ceramic piece, and a TRMS PTSA basket with apparel and more. Raffle items, so far, are a TRMS t-shirt and a school yearbook. The PTSA would welcome more donations. 8th grade week: Mike will provide yearbooks to 8th grade students who can’t afford to buy one; they should see him. Here his how the last week of school is scheduled currently for 8th graders: Laura Lipfert is helping sell $1 wristbands to raise money for Cpl. John Lapham, the Atkinson former DARE police officer who is suffering from leukemia. Mike said he would see if a 7th grade advisory was interested in taking this on. The middle and high schools are having staff jeans day to raise money for accident victim Kayleigh Sullivan. Spanish classes are collecting lice shampoo, wipes, and 2T and 3T pants for Other: Staff Appreciation Week: Week of May 12. Laura will get the schedule from Dianna Elwell. The staff barbecue will be on May 15 in the afternoon, and Laura needs volunteers to help. Reflections: Next year’s theme is “Wow.” Career Day, May 15: Six to seven volunteers are needed to meet and escort participants for this morning event. Sharon Skinner is coordinating the food; Laura will work with her to set up bakers and other volunteers. Move-Up Day, June 17: Volunteers are needed to hand out clothing to visiting 5th graders. Open house night for 5th grade parents: Laura will speak, and the PTSA will have a table to sell apparel, give out flyers, etc. Mike will set a date. (Date set as June 10, 7th grade popsicle day: The PTSA could provide popsicles or ice cream to 7th grade teachers who want to provide that to their students on a day of their choice. Last year, some teams gave these out on field days. Principal’s Day: Won’t be done as an event separate from Staff Appreciation Week. Video-conferencing family night: Gail Dacey wondered if the PTSA was interested in sponsoring one. Unified Arts Night: still a possibility for a future event. Tiger awards: Laura Lipfert suggested having a tiger that can be awarded to an outstanding team each month…or a team that exhibits especially good character. This is very successful at Tent: Mike is looking into getting a school tent that could also be used or sports and the 8th grade celebration day. Principal’s Newsletters: These are taking 5-10 minutes to download onto home computers. Mike is checking into how to cut the time needed. He will also look into problems some people are having opening the Daily Bulletin. NEXT MEETING: APRIL 14 at *************************************************************************************************** TRMS PTSA Attendees: Principal Michael Hogan, Laura Lipfert, Sharon Crossman Assaf, Sharon Burke, Robyn Knight, Karen McLain, Gail Dacey, Karen Medeiros Welcome (Laura Lipfert): Secretary’s Report (Karen McLain): Accepted Treasurer’s Report (Robyn Knight): Accepted. The PTSA account balance to date is $4,324.09. Those present voted to donate the budgeted $500 for a TRHS scholarship and $200 for the TRHS Post Prom Party. Karen said that the Reflections program spent the budgeted $200. Line items in the PTSA budget which are not expected to be spent this year are: popsicles for the 7th grade (Mike will get them ice cream); the 8th grade BBQ (the school will cover the cost); Red Ribbon Week (not held this year); Students of Service; SLIP; and PTA Founder’s Day for $1,650….making up most of the $2,000 difference between anticipated and realized Magazine Drive revenue. Fundraisers: The PTSA agreed to run a concession stand and silent auction at the 8th grade talent show in early May. No decision was made on additional fundraisers. Options mentioned were:
There was a lot of support for turning the 6th grade Halloween Party into a money-maker instead of a PTSA expense for 2008-2009. A 6th grade Valentine’s party with games, music and food brought in $1200 this year for the three classes that held it, said Gail Dacey. Mike said that the 7th grade teachers will get money from a 6th/7th grade dance and the 8th grade will get money from the talent show. Final decisions on this year’s fundraising will be made at the March meeting. Changing the PTSA Website Design (Laura Lipfert): Lisa Ambrosio, of Atkinson, who works in web design, has volunteered to revamp the TRMS PTSA webpage. There would be a small annual domain fee of perhaps $50. Currently the PTSA pays $27 per year. Laura said the new design would be much more polished and could have a student showcase, photos, a calendar, announcements, log for volunteer hours, link to Boxtops for Education, list of board and committee chairs and email contact info, FAQs, school brochure, link to bylaws, link to HS website, archives for minutes, and shared meeting space. More discussion at March meeting. Other school news: · Students raised $2,100 for fire victims in · Career Day will likely be in April. Contact the Guidance office for more info or to volunteer. · Move-up day is June 17. · A $144,000 warrant article on the school district ballot would allow for renovation of the middle school rooms currently used for autistic students and for occupation and physical therapy. Currently the rooms are very noisy because dividing walls do not go all the way to the ceiling; cluttered; and with an uninsulated door and florescent lighting. The renovation would improve the area while also creating a room where student could learn life skills such as cooking, dining and washing, among others. The number of autistic children in the school has been rising in the Timberlane district as well as nationally, and if the school district can not provide them with a good education, it could be asked to pay to send them to another school that would do better. The revamped rooms could also be used for the summer program. For more information, watch for the re-run of the school deliberative session on the cable channel. Our next meeting will be Monday, March 10, in the TRMS Library at TRMS PTSA Attendees: Principal Mike Hogan, Laura Lipfert, Gail Dacey, Karen McLain, Sharon Crossman Assaf, Roseanne Estep, Kate Estep, Kate Harb, Katherine Landry, Anne Mezquita, and Roger Aubrey. November minutes were accepted Treasurer’s report was accepted. State of the School (Principal Mike Hogan):
Fundraising (Principal Mike Hogan): Next year’s magazine drive will last only a few weeks and will not distract from teaching as much as it has in other years. Each team got $700 from the drive this year, which was down from last year. No figure was available for how much the PTSA will get. To make up for declining profits:
Teacher Liaison (Gail Dacey): Thank you to everyone who helped with the senior tea; it went very well. Reflections (Karen McLain): The School communications were wonderful for Reflections…Gail, Dianna, Trudy and Mike were wonderful getting info out in announcements, through advisories, the school website, HomeworkNow, the board in front of the school and newsletters. There were also posters, and flyers given out at lunch. There were 13 entries, which was down from about 30 last year. TRMS will still be able to send 3 visual arts entries, 3 photography entries, 3 literature entries and 1 music compostition entry on to the state competition on March 5 in Communications (Laura Lipfert): Laura suggested improving communications. Some parents haven’t known about events or drives. Mike Hogan said that more is going on the school website, and that the school tries to send info home with kids who need that. He was amenable to including some sort of short notice with important dates and info with each report card (in addition to posting dates on the report card); and allowing the PTSA to send a third-of-a-page notice on the apparel sale home with the appropriate report card. Some suggestions were made to issue parent e-mails. There was also discussion of improving the school calendar and getting PowerPoint for the Middle School. (The high school currently uses PowerPoint to post on-line all grades for students there. Parents need a user name and password to view their child’s grades.) Laura said that the cafeteria has e-mail addresses for most parents. Anne Mezquita said that parents who have access to computers SHOULD be on the school website every day to see what is going on. Strategic Planning (Mike Hogan): The school is in the midst of strategic planning; and is looking into what Timberlane wants to be known for or recognized as, and at any school needs. PTSA Co-President Laura Lipfert is on the committee. Staff Appreciation Week (Laura Lipfert): Will likely be the week of May 5. Last year’s activities were a cookout, dessert buffet, breakfast a la carte, breakfast by PTSA, raffles and massage. We hope to see you at our next PTSA meeting Monday, Feb. 11, at Note: All meetings for the rest of the year have been changed to ************************************************************************************************* TRMS PTSA Minutes Attendees: Michael Hogan, Laura Lipfert, Karen McLain, Sharon Burke, Janet Paronich, Patti Daley, Beth Hendershot, Donna Rooney, Rusanne Estep, Karen Medeiros, Karen Brown, Michelle Seaged, Sharon Crossman-Assaf, Gail Dacey, Anne Mezquita, Abby Constantineau, Christine Steele, Robin Knight. Welcome (Laura Lipfert) Parents Awareness Initiative Network (Beth Hendershot and Donna Rooney, guest speakers): You wouldn’t have picked Ken, not his real name, as a drug addict. He was a soccer star, with okay grades and great parents. There were no signs that anything was wrong: no falling grades, no changed behavior, no loss of friends or activities, no missed curfews; only a little depression that he was reluctantly seeing a counselor about. Then came a minor violation, a court appearance, and a court-mandated program that tested him for drugs. When Ken tested positive for marijuana, his shocked parents learned that he’d been using drugs with his friends since 7th grade, even stealing from family members to support his addictions. But during the subsequent months of rehab, successes and failures, a suicide attempt, psychiatric hospital, and recovery at home, Ken’s family found little, if any, support. Today parents in the Timberlane school district DO have support, TRMS teacher Beth Hendershot told a gathering of parents and teachers at the PTSA meeting. The Parent Awareness Initiative Network was created 14 months ago to help families dealing with the challenge of youth and substance abuse. The group meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from Making Change is another support group just for teens. Both groups are confidential (nothing said at a meeting should leave the meeting) and attendees at both groups are encouraged to treat each other with respect and empathy. “Recognize that your feelings of anger, guilt, and a sense of failure as a parent, are common reactions,” said a brochure for the programs. “Understand it’s not a sign of weakness to seek help; in fact knowledge is power. Realize most families cannot solve this problem on their own, and a credible support system is essential.” Even those who don’t need it now, should take note. These problems can hit anyone, said Rooney. “Nobody has a vaccine against substance abuse as a chronic illness,” she said. For more information, visit Family Mediation and Juvenile Services at www.fmjs.org ,and Sanborn/Timberlane Regional Safe and Drug Free Communities Coalition at www.stcoalition org. You can also attend the presidential town hall meeting on solving our drug and alcohol problems at Secretary’s Report (Karen McLain): Minutes from the October meeting were accepted. PTSA website (Karen McLain): The PTSA page on the TRMS website is frequently updated. Check it out for the newest PTSA news. If you want anything included there, e-mail Karen at karen@homecoach.org. Treasurer’s Report (Robin Knight): Once the membership check is written, the PTSA will have $4,541.49 in its account. A $2,000 minimum balance is required. Sharon Crossman-Assaf said she would get a copy of the bylaws to see if the bylaws require the minimum balance. Principal’s Report (Michael Hogan): Thank you to all involved in the Halloween party, especially Sharon Burke who was amazing. In other business, he is forming a committee to decide fundraising goals for next year and possible ways to reach them. The magazine drive will be scaled back next year. Also, he commended Gail Dacey and others working on the Senior Tea and said that the school has new round tables in the cafeteria. Magazine Drive (Sharon Crossman-Assaf): Magazines that were ordered are starting to arrive at homes. Halloween Party (Sharon Burke): The party was “really great” with an estimated 350 6th graders attending. Fred Kulik and other volunteers were wonderful. Next year, the party will be organized in such a way that NO children will be allowed in early. This year, quite a few children were dropped off 30-70 minutes before the party started. Mike Hogan said the party will need to use more space next year since the fire code only allows for 200 people at a time in the cafeteria. Other possible changes discussed but not yet implemented: charging money ($2-$5) to attend with scholarships offered to those who can’t pay it; charging for food and drinks at the party; changing the time to Senior Tea (Gail Dacey): Scheduled for Dec. 1. Students can attend with their grandparents. Other seniors will also be there. Donated coffee cakes will be used. Bakers are being asked to bring in cookies. They shouldn’t be nicely arranged on a platter, since they will be served out. Membership Drive: At about 345, the TPSA surpassed its goal of 300 memberships, though it was almost 100 short of last year’s numbers. TMRS staff accounted for 30 memberships, which was fantastic. Karen wondered whether we should incorporate envelopes into the drive in the future in order to make sure that the money stays with the forms. About 12 forms had no money attached this year. When notified, a couple of people did say they might have forgotten to include the money, and they sent money in to cover their membership. The rest were covered by a donation given for that purpose. Reflections (Karen McLain): Karen volunteered to chair the Reflections art contest. She would still welcome any and all help. This year’s theme is “I Can Make a Difference By…” Original art work can be submitted in any of six categories: musical composition, dance choreography, film/video production, literature, visual arts, or photography. Karen has a flyer; but was encouraged to get the info out through advisories, posters and a table at lunch; rather than sending flyers home with ALL the students. This will happen after Thanksgiving vacation. Info will also be on the PTSA page on the school website. The deadline for submitting entries will be January 11. Entry rules are available on-line at www.nhpta1.org/indexstuff/2007_2008_Arts_Area_Rules.doc. Box Tops for Education: Karen Medeiros encouraged parents to try to send in 10 boxtops a month. That would contribute $1 a month to the school. Michael Hogan decides how to spend the money. Meagan Vondall’s advisory clips the boxtops and send them in. There will be no December meeting. The next meeting will be We hope to see you there!
***************************************************************** TRMS PTSA Minutes Subject to approval at the Attendees: Laura Lipfert, Jill Patsfield, Karen Medeiros, Michael Hogan, Gail Dacey, Fred Kulik, Robin Knight, Sharon Burke, Sue Kappler, Karen McLain Presidents Report : Laura Lipfert said she was thrilled that 237 familes have volunteered to help this year, and that the following people have volunteered to chair events: Welcome Back Breakfast, Laura Lipfert; Volunteer Coordinator, Laura Lipfert; School Magazine Drive, Sharon Crossman-Assaf; Membership Drive, Karen McLain; Staff Appreciation Ongoing, Sharon Crossman-Assaf; 6th Grade Halloween Party, Sharon Burke, Fred Kulik, Barri Garceau; Apparel Fundraiser, Susan Kappler; Dads Group, Fred Kulik; Senior Tea, Sharon Burke and ?????; Staff Appreciation Week, Laura Lipfert; Web Site Administrator, Karen McLain; Job Shadow/ Career Day: Michelle Tingley; Publicity, Jennifer Wilmot; Book Fairs, Pam Walsh; Bakers, Diane Coryea; Student Wellness, Amy Byrne, Dr. Jamie Holland, Sue Olson. STILL NEEDED: a Reflections Chairperson, a chairperson for the 8th grade farewell celebration, and someone to run the Senior Tea with Sharon Burke. Sharon Burke said that she was willing to help with the Senior Tea, but does not want to run it. Secretarys Report: Karen McLain presented the minutes from the September meeting. They were approved. Treasurers Report: Robin Knight presented the Treasurers Report. We have a bank balance of $3,416.40, of which $2,000 is a frozen minimum balance required in our checking account. Expenditures so far are: $145.20 for the Welcome Back breakfast. Principals Report: Principal Michael Hogan said that NECAPs are almost done, and the teachers are happily getting back to their normal schedules. He has money for basketball hoops, but now needs space for them. The Taking some of the hoopla out of the magazine drive may have been a factor in lower orders this year, he said, but it also kept more of a focus on learning. Michael Hogan would like to streamline the magazine drive even further in future years by limiting in-school sales to one week, getting rid of a lot of the little gifts, and encouraging on-line sales throughout the rest of the year. Karen McLain said that when the magazine drive was done with MORE hoopla it raised as much as $100,000. (It is now making substantially less than that.) Sharon Burke and Laura Lipfert said that the beginning of the year may be tough for some people, because families are having to put out so much money toward school at that time. Gail Dacey said another factor may be that many people are trying to cut back on expenses. Karen Medeiros said some people are also renewing subscriptions outside of the fundraiser. Michael Hogan said he would talk to faculty about how much additional money they really need to get a clearer picture of how much really needs to be raised. Other fundraising ideas: Michael Hogan wants the PTSA to add more culturally-based fundraisers that contribute more to the school climate. He had several ideas for fundraisers. Sharon Burke said that silent auctions can be a good money maker. Mike said summer camps may be willing to donate a week of camp time. Laura Lipfert said silent auctions could be combined with something like an ice cream social. Sue Kappler suggested having the PTSA chaperone a Holy Angels dance. Laura said you would need to provide 21 chaperones, and the PTSA could get the profits from the concessions, and half the price of the dance. The 7th and 8th grade dance is done through the school and the 8th grade leadership group. Laura said she would give Mike a list of people who have been calling her to volunteer to chaperone the dance. Cost is $5, and it is limited to 250 students. If it is overwhelmingly successful, the school will have another one. Insurance: The PTSA approved spending $50 for individual liability insurance for officers. It voted NOT to spend any money on bond insurance. Karen McLain said that the state PTSA covers general liability with the dues money it receives from the local PTSAs (50 cents per member for insurance). It used to provide individual insurance, but isnt this year. The state PTSA recommended that the local PTSAs pick it up, and the high school PTSA is doing the same. Memberships: There are 272 memberships, which Robin Knight said is down from 300+ last year. Karen McLain said that she would let Gail Dacey know how many teachers are members. The PTSA voted to increase memberships in 2008-2009 to $5 per person. It is expected that the state dues will increase from $3 to $3.25 next year, which would have cut the amount that TRMS PTSA retains from $1 to $.75. With the increase, TRMS PTSA will keep $1.75. Karen said she is hoping to get membership cards out before Thanksgiving. She is waiting for the Common Man coupons from the state PTSA. Halloween Party: Sharon Burke presented the Halloween flyer, which she will be changing slightly and then getting out to students later this week. She said that she has five fortune tellers, which Gail and Karen thought was enough. She also will offer costume and door prizes, and has gotten donations from several businesses including Hampstead Health and Fitness, WalMart, Chocolate Mousse, and Chunkys. All entering 6th graders will need to check in when they enter. Bari Garceau will coordinate chaperones, and Clothing sales: Sue Kappler presented a new logo design with a tiger to help boost sales, but said she would get another version, and would run it by Mike before putting it on t- shirts. She hopes to get order forms out soon. Atkinson Graphics is charging $50 to develop the design. The board said that was fine. Sue wants to add long-sleeve t-shirts gym bags, beanie hats and smaller sizes to the current offerings. Sharon Burke suggested a white strip on the gym bags for kids to write their name. Another option is writing it with a white or silver Sharpie. Sue said that people who ordered the old shirt, which will no longer be available, will be able to get their money back if they dont want a shirt with the new design. Senior Tea: Laura Lipfert said she has a list of volunteers, plus a list of 140 bakers that will be coordinated by Diane Coryea. She said she would look for the 125 $1.25 gifts needed for the seniors. Gail Dacey said these could be non-Christmasy wooden ornaments that someone could write the seniors name on and the year. She discouraged candy, since some are diabetic. Gail said someone needs to see what paper goods are left over from last year: tablecloths, plates, napkins and cups are needed. Also needed are two additional pots for coffee and hot water. Laura said she would bring these. Juice should also be supplied. Karen McLain said that last year bakers were given the option of bringing in poinsettias. Laura suggested seeing if Boston Coffee Cake would donate cakes. We could have one for each table, and then bakers could be asked to bring in just cookies. Possible topics for future meetings; Eating disorders; de-stressing the holidays (Fred Kulik suggested Kevin Linehan as a speaker), and breathalyzers. Michael Hogan also urged publicity for guidance parent nights on things like the 8th grade parents college night, and drug and alcohol prevention. SEE YOU AT THE NEXT MEETING, NOV. 19, TRMS PTSA Minutes Attendees: Laura Lipfert, Sharon Crossman-Assaf, Sharon Burke, Robin Knight, Karen McLain Swanson, Maegan Vondal, Karen Medeiros, Nancy Lynch, Debbie Witty, Anna Witty, Denise Luna, JT Luna, Sue Kappler, Brenda Merrill, Kerry Bredbenner, Kelly DArcangelo, Rusanne Estep, Gail Dacey, Principal Michael Hogan Presidents Report: Laura Lipfert welcomed all those attending and introduced the board (herself and Sharon Crossman-Assaf, as co-presidents, Sharon Burke, as vice president, Robin Knight, as treasurer, and Karen McLain Swanson, as secretary.) There is still a Reflections Committee chairperson position open on the board. Kate Delfino would be willing to mentor whoever takes this on. Volunteers from last year are willing to help out again. Nancy Lynch also said she would help. Reflections is a PTA art contest. Treasurers Report: Robin Knight presented the treasurers report. The PTSA approved $104 to cover two Secretarys Report: Karen McLain Swanson said there were no minutes from the very brief May meeting. Welcome Back Breakfast and Staff Appreciation: Laura said the welcome back breakfast for staff went very well. Gail Dacey said it was wonderful. Sharon Crossman-Assaf said that the staff appreciation team replaced the toasters in the staff room and is working to replace the microwaves. Bulletin boards in the staff room were decorated and napkins and cutlery were put out for staff. Gail said that she was okay with Lauras idea to have the PTSA sponsor a staff-only outing. Laura would set up a trip, and staff members could sign up and pay to go. There would be no cost to the PTSA; nor would this be a fundraiser. 6th Grade Halloween Party: Sharon Burke, Kerry Bredbenner and Kelly DArcangelo agreed to co-chair the 6th Grade Halloween Party. Robin Knight, who chaired it last year, said she has written notes on what to do. They should hire a DJ right away. Marilyn Hutnick and Gail Dacey are two good resource people at the school. Generally students bring in the supplies. One team will bring water and or juice boxes, another food, and another will bring decorations. Some supplies are also located in the PTSA cabinet in the staff room. The dads group puts together the Haunted Walk each year. Membership Drive: Magazine Drive, Sharon Crossman-Assaf: More volunteers are desperately needed. The magazine drive took in a tremendous number of magnet books already. Traditionally, those books have resulted in a large number of orders. |
