October 7, 2002

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

The minutes from September 9, 2002 were accepted.

Correspondence: JeanMarie Broomfield – Received thank yous from Mrs. Mensher and Mrs. Melton for the welcome back luncheon.

Treasurer’s Report: Michelle Calcagni - Opening balance of $11,047.67; Debits of <$304.36>; Credits of $2,378.00 with an ending balance of $13,121.31.

Administrative Report: Dr. Gerstenlauer – Welcomed everyone. Informed the parents that there had been a minor bus accident on Route 25 and Smith Road on 10/7 involving Bus #13. Dr. Gerstenlauer explained the procedure and stressed the fact that everyone was fine and there were no serious injuries. It is very important that all parents keep all emergency numbers up to date in the main office for situations such as this. Introduced two teacher representatives Mr. Shapiro and Ms. Sipala. The teachers shared their experiences with the new reading series, as well as describing class projects that integrated math, reading and writing. Dr. Gerstenlauer did a presentation on the ELA test scores/results from the 2001/2002 school year. Results were extremely positive.

Mr. Masera - Thanked everyone who assisted with the 9/11 daffodil memorial project. School picture day will be on 10/28 in the Intermediate center and on 10/29 in the Primary center.

President’s Report: Julie Engel – The BOE recognition is scheduled for 10/24/02. A donation will be made to the NY State PTA Founder's Day contribution in the names of seven elected BOE members. October 10, 2002 is the BOE Community Forum. All are welcome. SEPTA will be hosting a workshop on 10/30 at 7:30 PM at the Middle School on ADHD. A representative from the Suffolk County Health Department will do a brief presentation on Lyme disease and West Nile at the November 4^th, 2002 PTA meeting. Volunteers and donors are needed for the Longwood PTA Council Blood drive scheduled for 10/18. The Ridge PTA Family Challenge will be on 10/25 at 7:30 PM in the IC Gym. The cost is $5.00 per family and it will be on a first come first serve basis. Flyers will be going home. Asked chairpeople in charge of an event who need to use the PTA room in the IC, to be please inform Julie that the room will be use. Also mentioned that no young siblings will be allowed in the PTA room during daytime meetings. Thanked everyone who helped with the 9/11 Daffodil project. Anyone interested in chairing any committee or event for next year can see Julie or send in a letter of interest. Thanked Sue McKeon for volunteering to be the new webmaster. Spirit wear is available at a discounted rate. 4^th grade activity volunteers will be informed soon about a scheduled meeting. Leadership training is available on 10/17 at the Ward Melville High School in E. Setauket. Presented Dr. Gerstenlauer with a Honorary Lifetime Membership. Mrs. Mato will be presented with hers at the next PTA meeting.

Council Report: Julie Engel - Council received a thank you from Carmen Ianotti for Honorary Membership. Received a thank you card from a 9/11 donation recipient. The Blood Drive is scheduled for 10/18. Volunteers and donors, especially O-, are needed. Dr. Swenson reported that it was the best opening in 15 years. Thanked everyone who participated in the 9/11 Daffodil project. Received $100,000 grant from Patricia Eddington. The BOE's theme for 2002/2003 is "You’re Right to Vote". Legislators went into HS senior social studies classes to discuss the importance of voting. Each PTA unit should send a representative to be on the BOE Legislative and Safety committees. Thursday, October 3 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM will be a "Building Successful Partnerships" workshop. There is absolutely no smoking on school property or grounds.

Committee Reports:

Fall Fundraiser – Michelle Calcagni – Everything going well. Deadline extended to 10/11. The new Innisbrook Cookie & Pretzel fundraiser will be going out in November.

Vision Screening - Cathy D'Onfrio - Flyers will be going home.

School Pictures - Cathy D'Onofrio - The IC is scheduled for 10/28 and the PC for 10/29.

Class Parent - Michelle Calcagni - Class Parent Brunch to be held on 10/11. Need to be a PTA member to be a class parent. Memberships will be available for purchase at the brunch.

Newsletter - Terre Arena - 10/9 is the deadline for the October issue.

Membership – Terre Arena – As of 10/7/02 we have 368 members with 21.25% being fathers.

Kash for Kids - Bridget Cariello - Will be collecting printer cartridges. Cartridges may not be brought to school with students on the bus. Drop off boxes are in the PC and IC.

A+ America and Box Tops - Please continue sending them in.

Fashion Show - Sue Kennedy - Scheduled for 4/10/03 at Majestic Gardens from 6 to10:00 PM. Will be a sit down dinner.

Holiday Fair - Cheryl Fiore - This year's fair is scheduled for 12/13/02 in the IC Gym. Vendors will be charged $25.00 to have a table at the fair.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM

Minutes taken by Judy Greco, PTA Recording Secretary.PM

Minutes typed by Julie Engel, PTA President