RIDGE PTA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING MINUTES

February 3, 2003

Meeting called to order at 7.45 PM by Julie Engel, PTA President

The minutes from the January 6, 2003 PTA meeting were accepted.

Correspondence: JeanMarie Broomfield – Mrs. Mensher's 2^nd grade class wrote thank yous to the PTA for the 2^nd & 3^rd grade cultural arts program.

Treasurer’s Report: Julie Engel - Opening balance of $28,192.26.; Debits of <$2,031.71>; Credits of $1,418.52 with an ending balance of $27,579.07.

Administrative Report: Dr. Gerstenlauer – Welcomed everyone. Spoke about the grade one parent/student program. The second session of this 1^st grade parent program is scheduled for 2/27/03. The topic will be "Interactive Writing". Tracy Gerber, IC Guidance Counselor, along with Mr. Ron Masera presented a Powerpoint presentation on the new 2^nd, 3^rd, & 4^th grade student report cards. They welcomed and answered questions from parents.

President’s Report: Julie Engel - Science fair boards will be given out at no charge to any student who participates in the science fair. Parents will be responsible for picking up the science boards. Approximately $50.00 has been donated to this date for the Community Park brick. If anyone would like to make a donation, send to Julie Engel. Read a statement written by the PTA Council President, Genine Schwinge, regarding the importance of voting with regard to the school district's upcoming budget. Marine Rescue # 369-9829. The National PTA's 107^th Annual Convention is from 6/20 - 6/22 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ridge School was notified by the DEC that parking is not permitted along the fence line adjacent to the NY State property. Please use the area behind the PC for additional parking. The Eastern Suffolk BOCES dinner is on March 13. See Julie if would like to attend. The Tupperware fundraising paperwork will be going out in March. The Ridge PTA bylaws are due to expire in October 2003. Volunteers are needed to be on the Bylaws committee. Judy Greco, Recording Secretary, will chair the committee. A sign up sheet was passed around asking for volunteers.

Board of Ed Report - Jeanne Knudsen - Dr. McIntyre, the JHS Principal was honored at the 1/9/03 BOE meeting. The early retirement incentive for teachers was discussed.

SEPTA Report - Jeanne Knudsen - Last meeting was on 1/29/03. Guest speaker, Diane Chen, spoke about Dyslexia.

Council Report - Meredith Stark - The last council meeting was on 1/27/03. Volunteers are needed for the district's Legislative committee. Dr. Swenson was not in attendance due to illness. The council nominating committee was elected.

Committee Reports:

Reflections - Julie Engel - Thirteen Longwood students went to the NY State level. One of the thirteen was Ridge student, Amanda Miccoli in the visual arts category. Our Reflections ceremony will be held on 3/3 at 7:00 PM. Invitations will be going out shortly.

Nominating Committee - Gloria Barnett - The nominating committee met at 6:30 PM on 1/27/03 to put together the slate for the 2003/2004 school year. The election will be held at our April PTA meeting. The slate is as follows: President - Jeanne Knudsen, 1^st Vice President - JeanMarie Broomfield, 2^nd Vice President - Kim Lombardi, Treasurer - Judy Greco, Recording Secretary - Terre Arena, Corresponding Secretary - Margaret Kelly, Council Delegates - Gloria Barnett and Meredith Stark.

PARP - Sue Kennedy - Kickoff went well. Today is the official start date for PARP.

Book Fair - Donna Gilmore - The book fair will be on 2/4 in the PC and on 2/6 & 2/7 in the IC. The evening book fair will be held in the IC All Purpose room on 2/7 from 4-7 PM.

Fashion Show - Sue Kennedy - Scheduled for 4/10/03 from 6-10 PM at Majestic Gardens in Rocky Point. Tickets are $35.00.

4^th Grade Tee Shirts - Cathy D'Onofrio - Shirts will be sold to 4^th graders at $10.00 per shirt.

4^th Grade Memory Book - Julie Engel - Memory Book is almost complete. Every 4^th grade student will receive a memory book and pen as a gift from the PTA. Memory books will be distributed to students during the last week of school.

Spirit Wear - Donna Gilmore - Items are still available for purchase. Shorts are available this year.

FFN - Alicia Smith - Family Fun Night is scheduled for March 14 at 7:30 PM in the Middle School Activity Court. 4^th Grade student volunteers will be selling refreshments.

Cookbook - Jean Andrew - The deadline for cookbook recipe entries has been extended until 2/14.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM

Minutes taken by Judy Greco, PTA Recording Secretary.PM

Minutes typed by Julie Engel, PTA President