MINUTES OF GENERAL PTA MEETING

January 12, 2004

Meeting called to order 7:15 p.m.; minutes of General PTA Meeting of November 3, 2003, reviewed; motion to accept made by Jeannette Nicotra; motion seconded by Judy Greco; minutes accepted.

Correspondence: Presented by Jeanne Knudsen in Margaret Kelly's absence; many thank you's for Love Bugs Hug show (second grade cultural arts); thank you from Mr. Masera for Xmas gift; staff thank you for Christmas gift; thank you's from Ellen Grimes and Mr. Tarantino for Board of Ed Recognition Night; get well card sent to Margaret Kelly; condolences and congratulations sent to Dr. Swenson.

Treasurer's Report: Judy Greco - opening balance $44,905.46; credits $4,716.59; debits $18,740.60; ending balance as of 1/12/04 $30,881.45.

Administrative Reports: Dr. Gerstenlauer - Mr. Masera has left for Sag Harbor School District; introduction of Dr. John Cassese as interim assistant principal; report cards to go out on 1/30; clubs Grades 2-4 start Tuesday 1/27; 327 signed up for clubs; last day for extended day program for English Arts 1/26; certificate and pennants will be awarded for 25 Book Club for students who read 25 books in class during quiet time; bar graph of pennants to go down hall of school.

Dr. Cassesse - thrilled to be here if even on interim basis; explained career history; first date at Ridge 1/12/04; looking forward to time with children here.

Mrs. Mato - 2004 Science Fair coming; project summary due 1/16; packet with guidelines will come home, includes project summary due 1/30; Longwood Library Science Fair Help Day registration 1/22, fair held on 2/7: 3/30 set up; 3/31 viewing; 4/1 pickup until 6 p.m.; BNL 5/8 for winners; boards will be provided free to children who sign up; parent must pick up board from school.

Teacher Representatives: Mrs. Heuer and Mrs. Longo (resource room teacher) - ELA coming up February 3, 4, and 5; parents should encourage children to do the best they can; the calmer they are, the better they do; encourage a good breakfast and a good night's sleep the night before; work together with teachers to keep children's stress level down.

President's Report: Jeanne Knudsen – Jeanne, Julie Engel (previous President) and Michelle Calcagni (previous Treasurer) explained PTA IRS problem; 12/8/03 IRS notifies our accountant we owe $6,615.85 for late filing of form 990 from June 1999; our accountant replied to IRS 12/22/03; 12/29/03 penalty owed, Jeanne negotiates 4-week extension; 1/5/04 situation discussed with Dr. G.; situation explained by Julie Engel; Jeanne to follow up with IRS to determine if penalty has been abated. Thank you's extended to various committee members and to Cathy Lilley for always helping out; various workshops offered to PTA members.

Committee Reports:

Longwood Wear: Donna Gilmore - bags, sweatshirts and jackets still available; spring line coming out.

Fall Fundraiser: Judy Greco - $10,489.85 profit made.

PARP: Sue Kennedy - winners announced; M. LaPrarier's only class for 100 percent including book reports; show was great (sound system not great); we will need someone to chair for next year; children loved assembly program; all 48 dozen bears were given out.

Holiday Fair: Jeanmarie Broomfield - we made over $500.00; Jeannette Nicotra has volunteered to chair for next year and was a tremendous help this year.

Box Tops: Lauren Asmus – very successful; parents encouraged to keep bringing in Box Tops; we have made several hundred dollars.

Fashion Show: Sue Kennedy – 4/1/04 at Majestic Gardens; same DJ; tables of 10 – tickets sold on first-come, first-served, basis; encouraged solicitation for donations - Allison Reggiani will have letters at front desk of IC; tickets will be on sale at March meeting; may be district-wide this year;

Fourth Grade Activities: Michelle Calcagni – first meeting 1/28 6:30 pm – planning BBQ with DJ (June 7 raindate June 8) need non-fourth-grade parent volunteers so fourth-grade parents can enjoy day with their child.

Memory Book: Jean Andrew - first meeting in March; baby pics and pictures throughout years needed; deadline extended to 1/30; Dr. G to speak to teachers about getting memorable-quote forms filled out; cover has been selected.

Membership: Terre Arena – number of members holding steady; chairperson(s) needed for next year; Alicia Smith volunteered.

Newsletter: Terre Arena – deadline Friday 1/16 for next issue; chairperson(s) needed for next year.

Help Wanted: Need Kindergarten Orientation, Nominating Committee, and Board of Ed representative (meetings held on Thursday nights).

Cultural Arts Programs: 1/29 First Grade "Golden Rule" at CEW; 2/25 Fourth Grade "Voices of Slavery" at West Middle Island; 4/20 Kindergarten "Ferdinand the Bull" at Coram; and 5/5 Third Grade "Festival of Brass" District.

Family Challenge: Although on calendar for end of January, we could not get Alan (MC); Holiday Laser Light show had been booked for next year; so we will have Laser Light Show for end of January; pre-registration will be required.

Meeting adjourned 9:00 p.m.

Minutes taken and prepared by Terre Arena, Recording Secretary

Minutes approved by Jeanne Knudsen, President