Island Creek PTA Meeting

March 2, 2004

 

Attendees: Cindy Smoot, Lori, Cardillo, Liz Townsend, Howard Wahlberg, Joy McManus, Mike Macrina,  Susan Owner, Betty Harris, Cindy Harlow, Brooke Brautigan, Amanda O’Hara, Theresa Painter, Janice Lowe, Kevin Brugman, Margaret Von Kolnitz, Carol Fay, Fran O’Donnell, Pam Butler, Kevin Gaynor, Sandy England, Cassie Jurasits, Liz Dunn, Simone McDonald, Jennifer Bishop, Lori Cardillo, Shane and Debbie Robinson, Aundra Rhone-Jones, Sharon Shrader, Tawnie Jewett, Gina Hughes, Mary Sullivan, and Lona Taber.

 

I. President’s Report

Margaret Von Kolnitz shared with the group that the PTA gave checks of appreciation to all teachers to purchase supplies for their classrooms.  She had been receiving many thank you cards and shared them with the group.  On March 8, 9, and 10th, there were three meetings to gather input about the qualities desired in a new Superintendent  for our school system.  The closest one for us was at Lee.  Picture Day is Thursday, March 11th and volunteers are needed.  This need was met at the meeting.  The volunteers will receive a voucher of $15.00 off picture costs.

 

II. Administrative Report:

 

Dr. Owner made the announcement that there would be a 6th grade parents meeting on March 4, 2004.  She also announced there would be a curriculum information night regarding Physical Education, Art, and Music to be held later this month.  The date is now set for March 30, 2004 at 7 pm.  At that meeting, grading and curriculum issues will be discussed.  All are invited.  Island Creek has been awarded a $2000.00 grant from Ch. 4 to become a 4 Winds school.  With some matching funds, there will be a weather station at Island Creek.  Kindergarten Round Up will be held May 1, 2004. If anyone would like to visit the school that has children coming next year that aren’t kindergarten, they can make an appointment in the office.  Please encourage parents to register new students early.  Also encourage them to fill out the parent input sheet to give input about their child’s particular needs.   6th grade transition activities will be underway soon.  6th grade parents should set aside time on the last day of school (currently set at June 18th) for a ceremony to honor their transition to middle school.  It will be held that morning since it is a short day.

 Congratulations were given on a successful event at the Silver Dinner. Dr. Owner thanked the community for its support.  Dr. Suess day happened on March 2, 2004.  Thanks to all the parents who came in and participated in the day’s events.  Everyone stopped and read twice during the day.  First grade had their 100 day of school ceremony.  Many counting exercises that involved 100 occurred.  Doug Hill from Ch. 7 came to talk to the 4th grade to culminate their weather unit.  Third and Fifth grade students are utilizing a program called Test Pak to help prepare for SOL’s.  The 5th grade SOL writing test will occur on March 10th.  6th grade is going to the Nature Center.  They also are displaying their Technoart in the display case by the cafeteria. Lastly, the administration is hard at work planning the dedication ceremony set for April 23rd.   

 

II.  Treasurer’s Report:

To obtain a current copy of the budget, please email Betty Harris. Current balance is $18,581.97. A bid was obtained for the pond at $5000.00.  It will have a stone waterfall and live fish.  A few parents will lobby the company for a lower price.  A transfer of money occurred to fund some field trips and professional development activities.

 

III. Vice President Reports

Community Outreach:

Cindy reported on the following:

$670.24 was made on the Silver Diner Night.  The fundraising committee is looking into multiple nights and/or restaurants to shorten the wait.    

Liz Townsend is working on the March newsletter.  It will be out on March 18th.

                       

Ways and Means:           

Andrew Press was not present at the meeting.

            Sandy England spoke about beautification. She is in the process of getting bids.  She hopes to have the middle Island and plot in front of the library planted before Dedication.   Sandy also helps Christy Brusick with Box Tops and Campbell soup labels.  Please continue to send them in with your child to their teacher.  Classes are being rewarded.

           

Education:

Howard Wahlberg reported on the following:

Mary Sullivan spoke about The Flex program (Foreign Language Experiences).  It  is up and running. Classes include three Spanish, one French, one Italian and one German.

Aundra Rhone-Jones spoke about a free soccer program being offered for youth with physical and/or mental disabilities.  Children 4 and ½ years old –19 years old are eligible.  The practices will be held near Potomac Mills and begin near the end of April.  Information packets are available through the Main Office.  Questions can be emailed to Aundra.

 

 New Business:

Mr. Flint, the science lead teacher, is hosting a science night on March 24th.  It will be for students and families of all ages.  The time is 6:00 pm until 7:30pm.  It will involve a tour of the planets!

The reception/dinner for after the Dedication was discussed. Committee members will make the final determination, but it appears that it will be a punch and cookies type of reception rather than a sit down dinner. 

The student directory is in process.  A cheaper bid was found.  Advertisers have been obtained.  Thanks to Stephanie Gianetti.

If anyone is interested in serving on the Nominating Committee for PTA elections, please let Margaret know.

The PE department is spotlighted in p. 5 of the Fairfax Journal regarding the new PE curriculum designed to create healthy citizens.           

 

A motion carried and the Feb. minutes were approved.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm.

 

Next meeting March 30, 2004 at 6:30 pm with the PE, Arts, and Music Curriculum Night to follow.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Joy McManus

Secretary, Island Creek PTA