MINUTES OF GENERAL PTA MEETING
November 3, 2003
Meeting called to order 7:07 p.m.
Adopted Board Member Tomaciewski introduced and thanked PTA for job well done
Motion made to accept minutes of 9/8 meeting; Flo Grumm motioned to accept; Allison Reggiani seconded motion; motion to accept minutes passed unanimously.
Correspondence: Margaret Kelly – correspondence received from Michelle Formicelli (thank you for 4th grade Field Day and BBQ); Mr. Tarantino sent thank you and acknowledgement for gifts bestowed upon Board; Mr. Miller gave all units in Longwood plaque for collecting eyeglasses; thank you from Mr. Tomaciewski for gifts
Treasurer's report: Open balance $23,403.18; credits $32,015.23; debits $10,512.95, balance as of 10/30 $44,905.46.
Administrative Report: Dr. G. overwhelmed by attendance tonight; next week parent/teacher conf Wednesday and Thursday – Dr. G. urged attendance at assigned time, report cards to be given at conferences; goal is 100 percent parent contact this year; transportation provided to those who cannot get here; phone conferences for those that are not well; teacher reps introduced. Leann Alt (alt learning), Alexia Karaftis (Leann's teaching assistant); Melia DeVincenzo (1st grade); Leah Fabricante (K); Pat Savona (3rd), Tracy Sutherland (3rd and Health), Rosalie O'Connor (3rd), Tracy Gerber (school counselor/Intermediate), Tara Coster (3rd spoke about reading grant applied for), Kathy Hanley (1st) , Melissa Massian (1st); Carol Leogrande (Speech Primary); Marianne Gardiner (ESL).
Teacher representatives introduced selves and spoke about their positions; Tracy Gerber displayed overhead explaining Ridge counseling program;
Mr. Masera: In next few weeks, Disabilities Awareness coming up.
President's Report: If calling, be persistent in case Jeanne doesn't get first message; websites have discounts for PTA members; volunteers thanked and given mug (Donna Gilmore for Book Fair); Alicia Smith for school pictures; Theresa DeMatteo (for lots of behind the scenes work); American Education week Nov 16 and National Parent Day Nov 20; National PTA handouts distributed; we have a rep going to Nat'l PTA Conf (Tina Reilly); raffle held and PTA Quiz taken.
SEPTA Report: ADD/ADHD; next meeting Tues before Thanksgiving; do not have to be SEPTA member to attend; very informative meetings.
Council Report: Definition of PTA Council is all units within Longwood (all four levels and SEPTA); meet last Monday of month to discuss what is going on in units; several units attending State PTA Council; blood drive very successful (limit exceeded).
Board of Ed Report: Theme is "United We Stand" at every meeting children from all levels share reflections about that theme; our unit still needs a Board of Ed rep.
Committee Reports:
Book Fair – Donna Gilmore - huge success; did well at beginning of year instead of later; helpers thanked; raffle to be held 11/4.
Class Parents: Class Parent tea 10/10 very well attended; class lists distributed;
Cultural Arts: Nat'l PTA recommends 3 cultural arts programs for every fundraising activity; PARP and Disabilities week; second graders "Love Bugs Hug"; every elementary grade sees a district-wide program; May 27 Hip Pickles respect show (3 shows);
Fall Fundraiser: Judy Greco - over $20,000 sold; we get $11,404.00. Orders available for pick-up during Parent Teacher Conferences in IC Cafeteria; notices will go home.
Holiday Fair: Jeanne Knudsen - Cheryl Fiore is expecting new baby and will be moving; Jeanmarie Broomfield will take over running Fair. Everything is on order and will be in. List of volunteers will be called. Kim Lombardi asked for parents to donate baked goods for Hospitality Table. December 12th 6-9 in gymnasium.
Membership: Sue Kennedy - up to about 400 members; requested more members, especially businesses and dads.
PARP: Sue Kennedy - 450 people attended kickoff, which went very well. Many people liked program earlier in year together with book fair. Sets tone for duration of year; began 10/20; good participation school-wide so far.
Reflections: Jeanne Knudsen - last date to turn in submissions 11/7.
School Pictures: Alicia Smith - December 3 retakes; notice will go home two weeks before
Spirit Wear: Donna Gilmore – Muff-pocket hooded pullover sweatshirt about $20.00.
Newsletter: Terre Arena - Deadline before Thanksgiving; Terre and Bonnie's last year so asked for anyone interested in taking on job to call or email.
Box Tops: Jeanne Knudsen – All encouraged to keep the box tops coming.
Mr. Masera: Target opened in Riverhead; if mention Ridge Elementary and charge on their credit card, one percent of purchase comes to the school; gives extra money to Shared Decision Making.
New Business: Family Fun Night (perhaps in March group Squeaky Clean); need new date because we lost April date in Middle School; we should also reactivate Founders Day; proposed that Longwood Jazz Band perform for students with a birthday theme (in February).
Meeting adjourned 8:14 pm
Minutes taken and prepared by Terre Arena, Recording Secretary
Approved by Jeanne Knudsen, President