Island Creek Elementary School
Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Meeting Minutes
March 6, 2007
Attendees: Dr. Owner, Mike Macrina, Liz Dunn, Lorie Kappeler, Kevin Brugman, Joanne Silbermann, Denise Bolton, Sara Drake, Elaine Coburn, Janette Pai Kim, Marsha Porter-Houghton, Catherine Johnson, Meheret Fesseha, Jerry Franck, Emanuel Smith and Deneen Snow
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m., by Liz Dunn, PTA President.
Liz welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced Dr. Owner.
Dr. Owner introduced and welcomed 6th grade teacher, Ms. Sara Drake. She mentioned that teachers from all grades are scheduled to attend a PTA meeting throughout the year, but schedules change and prevent some teachers from attending during their appointed month. Ms. Drake is representing the 6th grade team tonight. Dr. Owner spoke about the Black Board website and what a great tool it is for our teachers, students and families. Teachers have even created their own “chat rooms” with their students. Ms. Drake mentioned that all 6th grade classes are very active with Black Board, which will help the transition to middle school next year.
The Read-A-Thon has been going very well. The kick-off was a great success and pledges are coming in daily. A “thank you” was extended to all the Rhythm Showcase participants; CNN coverage is posted on the ICES PTA website. Everyone agreed that Mr. Taguding and Mr. Scott led the students in a phenomenal production.
Dr. Owner added that full-day kindergarten is being considered for ICES for the upcoming school year (2007-2008). She said this will greatly increase the quality of learning for the students, and is encouraged by the potential outcome for our school.
Liz Dunn recapped the Dr. Seuss “Cat in the Hat” Birthday Party event. The
turnout was excellent (approximately 250-300 people), as were the cakes and costumes. Many thanks to the parents who volunteered their time for setting up, serving cake and cleaning up.
As for future PTA events, children must be accompanied by at least one parent/adult throughout the event. The PTA is ultimately responsible if something were to happen to any of the attendees during a PTA-sponsored event. Liz mentioned that during recent PTA events, some parents have dropped off children and then picked them up when the event was over. This not only creates a safety risk, it also defeats the purpose of sponsoring “family-centered” events. The next PTA event will be a movie night in April or May; publicity will make it clear that children must be supervised.
Liz briefly updated the results of the South County/Hayfield/Lake Braddock boundary study. The end-result was the best Hayfield could have hoped for with staggered increases in the student population over the next several years; Hayfield Middle School administration is encouraged by the outcome. On the other hand, South County remains overcrowded and Lake Braddock has yet to be affected by the study.
Kevin Brugman presented the school with a framed picture of the Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden in Springfield, MA. Dr. Owner was very thankful and will find a special place to display the art.
The February minutes were approved, after Marsha Porter-Houghton made the motion and Kevin Brugman seconded the motion.
Vice President’s Reports
Education
Steve Wallen, VP-Education, was not present, but Liz reported that Reflections has come to a close. A big “thank you” to Denise Bolton for all of her hard work and dedication on both a school and district level.
Liz also reported that Mad Science will not be held this spring. Hopefully, the program will resume in the fall.
Flex International Night will be held on March 26. Yin Mei will be coordinating this event as part of the Flex program.
The recent CAPS presentation with Joe Romano was as usual a big hit with students, teachers and administration.
Ways & Means
Janette Pai Kim, VP-Ways & Means, reported that both Red Hot & Blue Restaurant Nights were a huge success. Together, we collected $600.00, and the restaurant was very pleased with the outcome.
Domino’s Pizza coupon book sale is still underway. So far, 65 books have been sold with $9 from each book profiting the PTA.
Pizza & Pasta is interested in working with us on a fundraiser. Denise Bolton graciously agreed to chair this event and will contact the restaurant owner.
Community Outreach
Angela Turnbull, VP-Community Outreach, was not present. Liz Dunn reported for Liz Townsend that the newsletter deadline is Friday, March 9. The March issue of Island Breeze will be published before Spring Break.
Kevin Brugman mentioned that the pictures from the Dr. Seuss Birthday Party are posted on the website.
Treasurer
Marsha distributed the budget to date. She reported that the Crocs’ Creed-Crocs Read program had already collected approximately $5,500.00. This total represents a small percentage of returned envelopes with donations.
Cherie Rogers-Macyzk has agreed to chair the school supplies program for the 2007-2008 school year. Information will be distributed before the end of the current year.
Marsha also shared that the United Way Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) application has been completed and sent in for ICES PTA. If approved, ICES PTA will be on the list of organizations eligible to received funds through the CFC. Marsha is also looking into enabling the PTA to accept credit cards in the future, which will provide parents with another payment option for membership, fundraisers, events, etc.
Old Business
Bylaws Review Committee has been selected: Jerry Franck, chair; Joanne Silbermann and Cherie Rogers-Macyzk, members. The committee will review the bylaws for any recommended changes to present at the April PTA meeting.
New Business
We are accepting nominations for the 2007-2008 PTA Board. More information will be in the upcoming newsletter.
The next PTA meeting will be on Tuesday, April 10.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lorie Kappeler
Secretary