This information was originally posted on September 30, 2007. If this information is time sensitive, please do a reality check and put things in their proper context. Some of the old information is still useful, which is why we've left it here in the archives. Thanks.
Central School PTA Minutes
Tuesday September 4, 2007
Introduction: The meeting began at 9:08 am in the Cafeteria. The PTA officers in attendance: Linda LaBelle, Mary Ellen Meindl, Jeannine Glavas, Kathy Dudek, Allyn Pilewski, Rick LaBelle, Patrick O’Laughlin, Sue Miller and Nancy Hopkins. Also in attendance: Central School Principal, Dr. Limperis.
Minutes: The June 5, 2007 minutes were approved by Allyn Pilewski and seconded by Cathy Louthen.
President’s Report: Linda LaBelle welcomed everyone especially the new parents and introduced the officers. Nancy Hopkins showed the Central School Logo on Land’s End shirts that can be ordered.
Membership: Mary Ellen Meindl reported that 201 families out of 227 in Central School have signed up for the PTA. Mary Ellen thanked committee volunteers. Jeannine Glavas stated that more volunteers are needed for Ms. Keller’s PM Kindergarten.
Treasurer: Rick LaBelle informed that a tax-exempt letter is available in the office for anyone who makes purchases for the PTA. For expenses, please fill out the form in the PTA folder in the office. The new budget was introduced, which proposes to raise $23,700. Items of note in the budget: the increased cost of the Roadrunner is due to the type of binding, color cover and higher quality paper; for Cultural Arts fieldtrips the PTA pays half the cost for the Kindergarten and 2nd grade trip to the Riverside Art Center and the parents the other half; there is an item to replace batteries in cameras that all the teachers have. A motion to adopt the budget was approved by Mary Jo Robling and seconded by Mary Ellen Meindl. The budget was approved.
Fundraising: Kathy Dudek thanked the committee for their work on the 100% Fund and stated that the Fund is replacing the old fundraisers that were eliminated. Donations can be made online, so far $500.00 has been donated online and $5800.00 has been made in mail-in contributions. The budget calls for $7000.00 for the 100% Fund. Innisbrook (wrapping paper) fundraiser (which can be ordered online) will be sent home in the backpacks next week. Target Red card gives 1% of sales which amounted to $792.00 last year.
Philanthropy: Allyn Pilewski reported on philanthropy items: tables for the teachers are being put together, the new Central School mats with the logo were delivered this week, the new gym is moving forward ($2,000.00 has been put aside for it), a welcome banner has been purchased, music equipment ($800.00) has been purchased and Cultural Arts books will be purchased. $7,000.00 has been spent from last year.
Correspondence: Sue Miller reported that there was no correspondence and passed around a sign-up sheet for refreshments.
Principal’s Report: Dr. Limperis delivered Dr. Lamberson’s report on the Traffic Study, since he was unable to attend. The actions to be taken from the Traffic Study are that the crosswalks will be restriped, lime green vests will be supplied for adult helpers and Central staff will be on duty in the crosswalk behind the school on Akenside.
There has been a decrease in enrollment for Kindergarten. In May, the enrollment was projected to be ~376 children, but now there are ~363 students at Central. At Central, there were 60 Kindergarten children last year, but only 47 this year (only 10 children in afternoon Kindergarten class). MAP testing will begin next week and the following week. Dr. Limperis stated that she is exited about Jr. Great Books. One goal for the current school year is increasing after school opportunities with Chess Masters, Language Stars (Spanish), Irish Dance, Math club, Fitness club and Chorus for 4th and 5th Grade. Dr. Limperis informed that due to safety concerns, the parking lot is not to be used as a cut-through. Parking space is at a premium and cars are being double-stacked and only cars with a tag can park there. The tentative dates for the District Math meeting are September 27 and October 4.
Committee Reports:
Roadrunner Yearbook/Student Directory/PR: Kim Bolton reported that the Roadrunner will be used to teach writing and editing skills to 5th grade. They will meet September 21st to plan the next issue. The Student Directory should be complete in 10 days. Volunteers are needed to help with PR writing which usually involves writing one page, usually including a quote from Dr. Limperis, for the Landmark and Life newspapers. Last year items included the playground and the Artist in Residence program.
Fall Family Fun Night: Mary Ellen Meindl stated that the Fall Family Fun Night will be held Friday September 28th. If the weather is ok it will be held in the back of the school, if not it will be held in the school. Heather Overbeck of Principle Dance Studio will provide a hip hop lesson; there will also be games, cotton candy and popcorn. A sign-up sheet was passed around for volunteers.
Cultural Arts: Dorie Skiest announced that there will be a Cultural Arts meeting September 14th at 9:00 am, if you are unable to attend please email Dorie or Ingrid Lulich with the month you are interested in. More volunteers are needed for 4th and 5th grades. As an added bonus, if you volunteer for a presentation, you would get first pick at the field trip, which include the Riverside Arts Center, Frank Lloyd Wright House and art history tour downtown.
Library Volunteers: Jeannine Glavas stated that there will be a meeting for library volunteers on September 6th at 9:00am in the Library. Opportunities in the Library include reading to the children, helping them find books and shelving the books.
Innisbrook Sale: Paula Fudacz asked that anyone wishing to volunteer for the Innisbrook sale should contact her. The sale will run from September 14th to 28th. If you sign up on the internet, orders can be made even after the sale and you will receive free shipping on orders over $75.00.
Hike and Bike to School Week: Kim Jacobs stated that reusable water bottles will be distributed on Hike and Bike to School Week and the week will end with a roller skating party.
Other Business:
Central School as a Polling Place: Allyn Pilewski reported that the multipurpose room will be used for the Polling place, which will be entered from the back of the school. Indoor recess will occur that day and the 5th Grade can have a bake sale.
Jr. Great Books: Aberdeen Ozga spoke about the Jr. Great Books program which will be called the Flying Carpet Club. The program offers age appropriate anthologies about cultures around the world to allow children to master and analyze the text in an entertaining way. The club will meet one time a week for ten weeks over lunch (indoors) with 6 to 8 students to talk about the stories. It will begin after winter break and conclude before spring break. A survey will be sent out to gauge student and volunteer interest. The volunteers would need to be trained.
The meeting adjourned at 10:26 am.
The minutes are respectfully submitted by Patrick O’Laughlin, Recording Secretary.
