MUDDY BROOK REGIONAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PTA MEETING
April 11, 2012
K. Houston called the meeting to order at 7:00pm.
1) Dom Sacco (MVRMS adjustment counselor) described the District Parent Mentor Program. The mentor program is loosely modeled after the peer program at the middle school. The parent program uses the Courageous Parenting curriculum to help parents support each other. Thus far, 54 parents have indicated that they are interested in participating. There will be a meeting on May 9th at 6pm at Monument Valley Middle School for interested parents.
2) Treasurer’s report: S. Higa reported that the balance is $16,358.58. Should we purchase the extra iPads and kingergarten literacy materials, we will be left with approximately 5K going into the fall.
3) President’s report: K. Houston reviewed the standing nominations to be voted on in our next meeting:
a) President: Susan Higa,
b) Vice President: Michaela Dohoney
c) Secretary: Kim Bradway,
d) Treasurer: Jen Knopf,
Michelle Sirois has agreed to coordinate Scrip program and Heather Boyko will take over as rewards coordinator. S. Higa moved and M. Dohoney seconded the appointment of Jen Germain and Maria L. Spratt as Fundraising Cochairs. M. Dohoney moved and K. Bradway seconded the appointment of Jenny Halleck as membership chair.
K. Houston reported that Cara Becker has been afterschool coordinator and spiritwear coordinator and would like to step down from this position. Spiritwear: C. Ziobro volunteered to take over Spiritwear. To be discussed further at the next meeting. As for the afterschool coordinator position, Cara has a list of people who have led classes over the years and will be available to be approached.
4) Committee Reports
a) After School Program: Deadline is Friday. Project Sprout and Tae Kwon Do are full.
b) Spiritwear orders are due on Friday, April 13th.
c) Health and Wellness week is coming up. On Thursday May 3rd 6-7:30, there will be a health and wellness fair. Childcare will be provided by Berkshire South.
d) Rewards/Scrip Report: Price Chopper points expire in May.
e) Spring Dance: 130 people paid for Spring Dance so far. More people are expected to attend.
f) Mud Day: C. Sprague reported that Mud Day will be Saturday, May 19th. H. Boyko is working with teachers to coordinate their planned activities for the day. Requests for volunteers have been made and will be made continually.
5) New business:
a) M. Farrell reported that she was contacted by Staples. Staples has offered to assemble boxes with school supplies for individual purchase to be made as a donation to classrooms. Each box is estimated to cost $25-30, and Muddy Brook will get a portion of sales. P. Dillon asked whether we would prefer to use PTA money for afterschool programming rather than school supplies. M. Sirois pointed out that she has been pleased to not have to buy a long list of supplies. H. Boyko asked whether Boxtops is earmarked for anything, and K. Houston responded that no fundraiser is specifically earmarked for anything. K. Houston suggested we talk more about how to fund the school supplies without asking parents to do so and not make a decision about the Staples program at this time.
b) Logo: K. Bradway is working on developing a logo for the PTA and presented two examples. All present indicated that this was a worthwhile project.
c) K. Houston reported that Teacher Appreciation Week will be May 7 – 11th . Last year we prepared a breakfast and a lunch for the teachers. May 11th is a half day and will likely be the day for the lunch. K. Houston requested that someone volunteer to organize the week. Several suggestions were offered as to ways the students can express appreciation for teachers. Anyone interested in helping out should contact K. Houson.
d) Ann Kinne request for book bag support for each early kindergarten student to a total of $100. M. Farrell suggested that we think of supplying each student in the school with a bookbag next year, as the bag can help ritualize the process of borrowing books. H. Boyko wondered whether she had enough bags at home to support Mrs. Kinne’s request. K. Houston suggested we see if we can pull together enough bags for Mrs. Kinne and then pursue M. Farrell’s idea of supplying each student with a book bag for next year.
Next meeting is May 9th and elections will occur.
K. Houston adjourned the meeting at 8:01pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Heather Veague
Secretary
