Roseway Heights PTA Minutes
September 15, 2009 (NOT YET APPROVED)
Roseway Heights officers in attendance
Heidi Marmen Co-President
Carl Prehn Co-President
Sharlyn Longoria Vice President
Laura Kay Secretary
Bill Gallagher Treasurer
Robin Peterson Scrip Treasurer
Katie Surbrook Membership
Virginia Mattfeld Volunteer Coordinator
Anne Wilson Legislative Liaison
Presidents’ Reports
Carl called the meeting to order. He noted a change in the agenda: Allison Johnson will review last year’s budget and audit report, and Annie Turtura will speak about SUN school. He also noted that we will review the minutes from the last general meeting, and review the treasurer’s report, near the end of the meeting tonight.
Heidi gave a brief presentation on the history of the PTA, and read the “National PTA Objects”. She expressed the board’s interest in a more service-oriented PTA.
Treasurer’s Report
Outgoing Treasurer, Allison Johnson, reviewed the 2008-2009 budget, and presented the Audit Report Form dated 9/14/09. Megan Peters motioned to approve, Virginia Mattfeld seconded, motion carried.
Robin reviewed the 2008-2009 Scrip budget. Kitty Boryer motioned to approve, Marjorie Anderson seconded. Motion approved.
SUN School
Annie Turtura noted that new SUN School registration forms will be going home in backpacks 0n 9/17.
SUN School is partnering with Saturday Academy to offer new classes. There will be enrichment activities offered for students on the mornings of late-opening teacher in-service days, and registration will always begin 1-2 weeks prior to each late-opening day; this will ensure that everyone has a fair chance to sign up each time.
Volunteers Report
Virginia announced her newly-condensed volunteer form, with the background check included on the back. She noted that this was done in the interest of streamlining the process, as well as saving paper.
She also called attention to the new computer which is at the front desk of the school office, on which all volunteers entering the school must sign in and out. She noted that this will enable volunteer hours to be more accurately tracked. Virginia also mentioned that she would eventually like to have ID cards on lanyards, with background check expirations on the back, for all volunteers.
Virginia mentioned that Ms. Burk needs parent volunteers to help in the K-3 library.
Scrip Update
Anne Wilson noted that Scrip order forms will be going home in backpacks this week, with a waiver for backpack Scrip delivery. Any questions about Scrip can be directed to the address: rosewayheightsscrip@gmail.com
Anne reported that 47 families participated in the Scrip program last school year, raising approximately $2,000 in profit. The program retains about $5,000 in seed money, to help cover inventory and any check fees. The Scrip program remains separate from the PTA budget, in order to protect the PTA’s not-for-profit status.
Megan Peters has introduced a detailed tracking system to ensure an accurate inventory.
Scrip will be sold at both main school entrances before and after school.
Anne introduces motion to make Scrip funds equally available to all classroom teachers for “cost of education enhancement”–i.e., out-of-building field trips, or in-building events. Teachers can apply through May 15th. There would be a short (2 weeks or less) approval period, requiring the approval of the Mary Dingle and the Scrip board.
Cheryl Robert motions to approve, Kitty seconds. Motion carries.
Membership Report
Katie announced that PTA membership forms will go home in backpacks this week. Her goal for membership is 150 (up from 138).
Vice President’s Report
Sharlyn would like to institute a parent leadership program; she called for parent volunteers from each grade level to become key communicators between the PTA and classroom teachers, as well as other parents. Katie and Virginia will help with this process.
Principal’s Report
Mary reported that enrollment is up from last year, at 573 students.
The main focus of teacher in-service days will be on the improvement of student writing skills.
She noted that Back to School Night will be on Thursday, Oct. 1st, 6-8 p.m. Mary will present her “State of the School” speech that evening.
Mary mentioned that the $25,000, raised by the Auction and Run for the Arts, enabled our school to have a music and theater program, as well as an Educational Assistant in the library. She stressed the great importance of these fundraisers to arts and literacy enhancement.
The SITE Council, which focuses on school improvements, is looking for parent volunteers. Meetings will be on Wednesdays at 3:15-5:00. Contact Mary by email if interested.
Mary noted that our solar roof panels will provide up to 8% of the energy needed to run the school. A kiosk will be installed in the library that will enable students to monitor solar energy generation.
Vice Principal’s Report
Willa noted that Panther Pride will be headed by herself, Mrs. Shenker, Ms. Davidson, and Ms. Hyde. The group’s two main functions are service and leadership, open to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. They are accepting applications for new members; packets can be found on Willa’s office door.
Ongoing and Unfinished Business
Cheryl Robert called for volunteers for a Carnival committee. The Carnival will take place on Fri., November 13th.
She asked for donations (“clean out your closet!”) for Bingo and Penny Toss prizes. Cakes will be needed for the Cakewalk as well. Volunteers are also needed to help man the booths, set up during the afternoon, and help with cleanup.
Heidi Marmen announced that the Back To School Community Picnic will be on Sat., September 26th, from 12:30 to 3:30. Steve’s Creature Features will be there from 12:30-1:30. There will be many activities, and hot dogs will be for sale to benefit the school. Foundation and Scrip volunteer information tables will be there, as well as a table for Communication and Hospitality committees.
A new cedarwood sign will be installed in front of the school.
Kitty Boryer is stepping down as Auction Chair, after 6 years in the position. Megan Peters will be the new Chair. They called for new volunteers to take over planning; they will train everyone in all aspects of running the Auction.
Committees are needed in the following areas: Technology, Catalog, Procurement, Decorating, and Venue. A Co-leader is needed as well. All interested may contact Kitty or Megan via email, or at the Back To School Picnic. More information will be posted on the website, rosewayheights.org
Anne Laufe thanked all the tree-watering volunteers; we lost only 8 of the 105 donated trees.
She announced that the Walk/Bike To School event will take place on Wed., October 7th. Coffee and snacks will be available for participants.
Reviewed minutes from May 12th. Anne Wilson motions to approve, Megan Peters seconded. Motion approved.
Carl reviewed new Standing Rules. Cheryl Robert motions to approve, Megan seconds. Motion approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Bill Gallagher presented the 2009-2010 budget. He noted that 93% is allotted to students and staff.
Kitty motions to approve, Megan seconds, motion carries.
Meeting is adjourned at 8:30.
