Children’s Letters and Pictures–We’re asking that all children make a letter or picture for their teachers. It’s a simple but meaningful way to show their appreciation.

Book Collection on Wednesday–Is there a book in your home that you could donate to your child’s classroom? Please send it in on Wednesday. This is a great way to help our teachers expand their libraries.

Luncheon on Friday, May 10–We’re hosting a luncheon for teachers and staff. To bring a dish please sign up here.

Additionally, we are planning on a breakfast for Teachers and Staff on Monday morning and a few small surprises during the week.

If you’re interested in helping out with or have any questions, please contact Rebecca Gold or Sign up here for the Luncheon.

Let’s make this a special week for our Teachers and Staff!

Every year, the first graders at Muddy Brook School encounter a unit in math on geometry. With all learning, sparks fly, inspiration finds a place, ideas generate conversation, and something new develops. This year, it was something very special.

The four first grade classes began a quilt project to support our PTA in their annual MUD DAY celebration. This annual celebration encourages our relationship with a healthy Earth and environment.

Our quilt turned into a true ‘community’ quilt with the participation of students, families, staff, and businesses. This is what happened:

First: We looked at and read about quilts, and worked on quilt patterns in our math unit.

Next: We asked families to send in quiltable cottons, in an effort to use recycled materials and not make purchases.

Then: We worked in 12 teams to select geometric pieces that fit in templates of each team’s ‘house’ square.

After that: Parent and teacher volunteers sewed the patches together, and some added embroidered embellishments.

Finally: The quilt was assembled and quilted together! (lap sized @45 x 60 inches)

Our quilt will be on display at Mud Day at Muddy Brook School, on Saturday, May 18, until 3 pm. At that time, we’ll hold the drawing and select the winner of our Community Quilt. You needn’t be there to claim your prize, just support us by buying a ticket and we’ll contact you, if you’re the lucky one!

Besides our thanks to everyone who donated time to work with teams of students and work on the squares, we have a very special thanks to The Pumpkin Patch quilting shop in Lee, for guidance and for the final quilting of the lap quilt.

Raffle tickets cost $5.00 each, or three for $10.00.

To purchase tickets please see: Christine Kelly – MBE office

Susan Higa, Jen Knopf, Kim Bradway, Michaela Dohoney – PTA officers

Patty Melville – MBE first grade

Please direct any questions you may have to the teacher coordinator of the project, Patty Melville, at Muddy Brook.

April 10th – General PTA Meeting – Treasurer’s Report

Highlights:

The greyed areas on the report are already completed events for the year.

-Mud Day has had 2 payments of $50 towards the non-profit vendors that will attend.  Expenses of $80 for tarps.

-Spring Family Dance income of $1840 from ticket sales and expenses of $1307 for DJ/decorations.  The photographer income was $1246 and expenses of $845.  Total net from the dance was $934.  Ticket prices were $2 lower across the board this year.

-Still waiting for balance of $2700 of auction income.

-Teacher Stipends are currently being paid out to teachers and specialists.  Total payout so far is $2272 of the $5100 allotted.

-We have 106 paid members of the PTA.

-Total balance available in all accounts: $16,929.15.

2012-2013 Treasurer’s Report 4 3 2013

April 3rd -Special PTA Meeting – Treasurer’s Report

Highlights:

-Afterschool Program Project Connection has asked for $2500 to be put toward their funding of the program.  The technology budget will be put toward this.  The remaining ($2888 less $2500) will be reimbursed by the district.  This expense was for supplies for the teachers.

-Read-A-Thon had income of $3202 and expenses of $150 for gift certificates of $30 to Bookloft for the classroom in each grade level with the most pages read.

-Spring Family Dance has expenses of $903 so far for DJ deposit and some decorations.  $845 has been paid to the photographer. Dance is April 5th.

-Still waiting for balance of $2700 of auction income.

-Teacher Stipends are currently being paid out to teachers and specialists.  Total payout so far is $2272 of the $5100 allotted.

-We have 106 paid members of the PTA.

-Total balance available in all accounts: $14,237.69.

2012-2013 Treasurer’s Report 2 13 2013

February 13th -General PTA Meeting – Treasurer’s Report

Highlights:

-The Family Game Night expenses totaled $126 for bingo prizes and snacks.

-Spring Family Dance has expenses of $520 so far for DJ deposit and some decorations.

-Online Auction grossed approx. $12,000. Deposits of $10,278 and expenses of $2734 have been received so far.  Have had difficulty with the credit card processing.

-A Field Trip has been paid to the Mahaiwe Theater for grades K-3. Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd will see Dinosaur Petting Zoo on April 10th.  3rd grade will see Cirque Shanghai on April 26th.

-Teacher Stipends are currently being paid out to teachers and specialists.  Total payout so far is $969.

-We have 106 paid members of the PTA.

-Total balance available in all accounts: $16,839.87.

2012-2013 Treasurer’s Report 3 13 2013

March 13th -General PTA Meeting – Treasurer’s Report

Highlights:

-Spring Family Dance has expenses of $528 so far for DJ deposit and some decorations.  $423 deposit has been paid to the photographer. Dance is April 5th.

-Still waiting for balance of $2700 of auction income.

-Teacher Stipends are currently being paid out to teachers and specialists.  Total payout so far is $1181.

-Teacher Appreciation expenses are currently $57 for fruit baskets in the teachers’ lounge.  A budget of $500 will be spent this year.

-We have 106 paid members of the PTA.

-Total balance available in all accounts: $16,120.67.

The Crocus Fund connects youth with enriching, skill-building and transformative opportunities. We support the participation of youth on challenging out of school academic enrichment programs, camps, athletic skill-building, and service or cross-cultural trips. For more information please visit thecrocusfund.org.

Susan Higa called meeting to order at 7:03pm

Welcome and Introductions

In Attendance: Susan Higa (President), Michaela Dohoney (Vice President), Jennifer Knopf (Treasurer), Kim Bradway (Secretary), Abby Tovell  (Communications Coordinator), Jennifer Bailly, Krisztina Koval, Jennifer Simms, Ellyn Dupont, Suzie Fowle, Jenn Nacht, Susan Smith, Rich Bradway, Bill Rand, Rebecca Gold, Cathie Kavanaugh, Heather Boyko, Susan Jennings

February Minutes tabled for April meeting

Treasurer’s Report

Jennifer Knopf gave the treasurer’s report to date, will be posted on web site. Dance items are a change to budget. In addition, there is one new item: $150 donation for a raffle for incentive to fill out the school communications survey. Expenses similar to last year at this time, “on course.” There was extra last year, so the Technology fund was started.

President’s Report

Family Literacy Night was a very special night put on by the school and the PTA was asked to contribute 350 cupcakes. Once the guest count was in, our coordinators, Tara Watson and Liz Smith, were put to the test and supplied nearly 700 cupcakes with many volunteers that we thank. Cathie Kavanaugh did a tremendous effort and created wonderful finger foods for all to enjoy.

The School Council created a Communications Survey that went out this week to all families through Thad Dingman for response and feedback about communications between parents, teachers and school administration. Please fill these out and encourage friends to do so as well, to increase the response rate for this invaluable information. The glitch is being worked out for multiple children but please get a paper copy and submit for additional children. Surveys are due Friday, March 22.

The 21st Century Grant Project Connection came up with offerings for the next session. Cara Becker was previously the PTA coordinator for our after school programs which are now organized by Project Connection. The grant originally budgeted for 90 students to partake, but there are over 240 currently in the program, so they are looking for outside financial help. Thad Dingman is looking to the PTA for this support. Susan Higa stated that the current year’s PTA did not include funding for after school. Next session has bumped up 20-30% more programs offered. And 6-week summer programs will be offered on a sliding scale, not offered at 100% tuition-free. Transportation is the big dollar item. Thad Dingman is asking the PTA for $2500 to support the current session. Suzie Fowle, noted that this information does not coincide with what she experienced at the middle school who is having trouble with filling their programming. Jenn Nacht expressed concerns over creating a shortfall PTA to continue to support the programs every session. Jennifer Knopf suggested that the novelty may wear off, students will be getting outside, sports sign-ups are out and good weather is coming. Administration is trying not to charge families for this session or next, but there will be a change for summer programs and next year; they will be on a sliding scale. Heather Boyko questioned if they distinguish between 21st Century and PTA offerings? And suggested that there be a dollar amount put on it, bus, particular teacher, as we used to, accountability. Susan Higa responded that the PTA is not paying for administration, snacks, or transportation and we will vote on a dollar amount that the PTA offers next meeting. There is no line item in our budget for this extra need of after school programming. Additionally, $5000 came from towns in the school budget for after school programming will be going to short falls as well.

Abby Tovell inquired about the status of the iPad Survey to teachers previously discussed. Susan Higa reported that it is with Thad Dingman for approval, then back to us for review. The school administration and PTA are concerned with how the previously purchased iPads are used. It seems as though there are shortfalls, and we want to know if professional development is needed.

Read-a-Thon fund raiser has ended and readers will be recognized at Friday’s all school assembly. Ellyn Dupont, coordinator, reported that we need to decide on prizes and recommended by average pages read by classroom. Every child who participated will get a certificate. Lower grade levels had more in school reading in groups. It was suggested that there be a grade level win, then take top class of grades that didn’t win. Also was suggested that we do top class of each grade level. Local library donated 5 sets of Mary Pope Osborne’s Magic Tree House series books to MB. Melissa Farrell had previously suggested one participating student be picked randomly from a hat and that child gets a book. Discussion to level the playing field, could have competition between grade classrooms. Could do $20 gift card for a local bookstore. Expecting that about 25% of school will have individual tally sheets. May need to revisit formulation next year. Consensus of meeting decided there be one prize per grade.

Spring Family Dance, Friday, April 5, 6-8:30, “Enchantment Under the Sea” theme, $4/16/family cap in advance, $5/20 family cap at the door, photographer, carry out pictures with you. Planning and decorating meetings to start tomorrow, and continue weekly until the event. Need help putting decorations together, and lots of help that day for set up and clean up after.

Suzie Fowle reported on Mud Day. She is firming up the mission statement from a grant she had written last year. Mud Day is a fun, festive, day, encouraging outdoor learning through fun, and includes lots of mess and mud, and kids love it. Need as much help as we can get. Bringing in local conservation educational groups. Meetings will be Tuesday mornings, but don’t have to attend to help out. Heather Boyko is working with classroom teachers to encourage something from classroom curriculum to bring out that day to share. Mrs. Melville is creating a quilt with students and parents for a raffle. Will have more evening meetings, please get involved. Heather Boyko will do after school “Mudders” program, encouraging reducing trash, improving recycling at school and home, talk about composting, and tasks to do that day for getting kids involved. Kid’s favorite thing was the mud last year.

Rich Bradway, member of the school committee, as well as on the planning committee for this project, offered information on the High School Building Plan, and was here to clear up any miss information that may be out there and to help spread the word of the benefits to our community. Rich Bradway stated that we have a well-kept high school building, but are grandfathered in with many aspects. There is a potential for issues arising that will need to be brought up to code and can be costly. Funding from the state is in decline, and is harder to get reimbursement, but we are eligible for reimbursement now. Since the time that our new elementary and middle schools were built, we applied for funding for the high school as well, but have been at the bottom of the list for reimbursement for about 8 years. Smitty Pignitelli got us to the top of list through building awareness of our needs. The school district can do 1 of 3 things: bring building up to code, renovate, or build a new building. Bringing it up to code doesn’t address the evolving needs of education or safety and is a band-aid approach. This method will have an impact on the student’s education there at the time with construction. But, there would be no displacement if we renovate because they can be moved around. Rich Bradway sees that the education is progressive at the 2 new schools, but foresees us unable to continue that level of education at the high school. If we project out, students now will have gone through a level of curriculum and as they enter high school, if it is not improved upon, will not allow to support them. He would like to see integration of technologies within curriculum. The planning committee has been meeting for over 1 year, 2 times per month, with educators, community members, administration, and school committee. They are trying to make modest adjustments, particularly with science and math. In the plan, the greenhouse would move closer, science wing would be added, reduction in the number of doors, and the entrance moved to the front of the building. Timing, though hard on families right now, interests rates are low, we would receive 43% reimbursement from government, 21st Century learning. If we wait just 1 year, we lose the reimbursement, so will be paying far more out of pocket. This is a 3-4 year project, current MB students will be the first to appreciate a renovation. School budget is different in each town, that is why the assessment is different. Balance between population and median household w/in a town. the school budget is proposed to increase .26%, the lowest in years, but with school population and MLA, Great Barrington goes up 4% and West Stockbridge and Stockbridge go down. By refinancing the existing bonds (30 year), the towns will save $25-35,000 per year on current elementary and middle school buildings. Looking at plumbing, roof, biggest arguments, how can you ask for money when there is none? The school committee’s reasons support getting reimbursed by the state, acknowledge the education landscape has changed, and there are band-aid needs currently. Rich Bradway also stated that interest rates are too good right now, by the time there is money, rates will be high. Jenn Nacht commented that by increasing education levels, making the area/community more desirable, therefore, home values go up. Rich Bradway was here to take the pulse of this community, and was looking to spread the good word about the project. The proposal will be voted on in towns this year, moved from May to October, for better view of how things shape up. There will be a special town election and 2/3 approved or popular vote/simple majority will pass it. Majority, could lose in Great Barrington, but popular vote could pass it. Rich Bradway adds that it comes down to parent’s push, and that we need to get the positives out to the population, reinforce the yes vote. On line grass roots efforts will be starting soon. Every school committee meeting, the public is invited and it is televised. Ads will go in newspapers, with a modest communications budget for advertising. There is a plan to hold tours to let the public/community see all three school buildings. Rich Bradway finished with “It is evident that if we do not do it now, we will pay the piper some how, and we won’t get as much for our dollar. Monument’s graduation rate is at 93% for the last 3 years. In 8 years, we want to make sure there is something there for them to embrace.” Vocational upgrades, horticultural department, food services, early childhood education departments all held in focus with new project.

Movie Night. Cory Sprague, who previously worked on Mud Day, suggested “The Clean Bin Project,” a documentary for zero impact, for people to think about our impact on the earth and get ready for Mud Day.

Spirit Wear order coming out soon, last one for this year.

Rewards Report, Heather Boyko solicited help to enter codes for Coke caps, handed out bags with 1/2 hour worth of work, directions included. Previously, the PTA cashed in points for soccer balls, helmets for unicycle club, goals, and basketballs. Price Chopper rewards are closing at end of March, Thad Dingman will choose what we spend points on. 103 registered cards, started at 75 this year. If you know anyone who would de interested in being Rewards Coordinator, please let us know, Heather will not be doing it next year.

Susan Higa reported on the state of Officer Nominations. Elections are in May. At the April 10th monthly meeting, officers will be officially nominated and formalized for the May meeting vote. It was mentioned that the middle school did on-line voting, okay to get word out, but no way to ensure just one vote. This option is being considered.

Susan Higa reported on the School Collabo software to allow communication to go more smoothly between parents, volunteers, teachers, and classroom parents. Once up and running next year, people will have personal accounts. There will be a Webinar at end of April, Susan will put out date, and invitations for instructional. The sample school that is currently running this software has 50% of school community volunteering. Was brought up that what happens if teachers don’t want it? Pointed out that it can only help them. Teachers may not see parents as a resource now. MB is going back to implementing room parents who work with teachers. The PTA will support the teacher’s learning of this new venture through financially paying for the annual costs, volunteering personal time for set-up and implementation, training, and ongoing support.

$150 gift card approved for MB communications survey random drawing that went to families last week. Motion made by Susan Smith and seconded by Michaela Dohoney.

Officer and Committee position descriptions handed out. It was suggested that people take a look at officer and coordinator positions available both for this year and next and contact any of us through website if interested.

Additional afternoon meeting to be added Wednesday, April 3 at 3:45 to allow the opportunity for teachers and parents who cannot typically come to an evening meeting to attend. Followed by regular monthly meeting Wednesday, April 10 at 7pm.

Meeting adjourned 9:10.