GEPTA PTA
Meeting Minutes, January 8, 2008 @ Riverview
In attendance:
Introductions: Karen and Helen welcomed everyone to the meeting and the PTA. Everyone introduced themselves. Karen Moody welcomed our AFS exchange teacher from China, John.
December meeting minutes: motion to approve December minutes by Veronica, 2nd by Paula, approved. Minutes are posted on the MSAD #11 and also in the teacher’s room and we encourage all to check out the updated web site.
Treasurer’s Report: Available balance is $18,307.25. The basket raffle made over $900, which is being used to fund the family fun nights. The success of the raffle makes us interested in doing another in the spring. Motion to accept, Ellen, 2nd by Veronica, passed.
Principal’s report:
Mrs. Morin shared with us the following information:
• The holiday bazaar went very well, and all the donations and volunteers were much appreciated.
Mrs. Moody shared the following:
• Prior to the holidays, real reindeer visited the school, and the feedback from the teachers was that this was terrific. They would like to see more of these sort of enrichment programs. Other enrichment ideas were suggested. Expansion of the planetarium, Chewonki and Johnson Hall programs we have previously supported were discussed.
Family Fun, Food and Fitness Day – Sunday, January 27 from 1-3 p.m. Katherine Kollman is organizing this particular event. The Cooperative Extension, Family Healthreach, and several local nutritionists have been contacted. None have committed to attend, but all will sent materials. Rock-climbing, Pilates & dance are a few activities already planned. Several people had ideas for speakers.
Everyone is to email their healthy, kid-friendly recipes to Katherine to be shared. Limited volunteers are required for this event. (outofmyheadPortland@hotmail.com) We talked about offering healthy snacks as well, though simplicity was encouraged. Veronica motioned that we set a budget of up to $300 for the event, 2nd by Ellen, passed.
An organizational meeting will be held Wednesday, January 16 at LER at 6:30 p.m.
Read-a-Thon/Book Swap - Paula will help organize the read-a-thon. The idea was to keep kids reading over vacation, but that made it hard to keep focus. The idea was to have another week after vacation ends. Everyone who reads is eligible for prizes.
Regarding the book swap - The voucher system will continue, but one feedback from last year was to not open the doors early. We will contact the middle school to see if they have any books hat would appeal to the 4th and 5th graders. Drop boxes will be distributed to the classrooms soon, and boxes around town were also suggested.
Timeframe:
• Book Swap: Wednesday, February 13 (pending availability of the LER gym)
• Kick-off events: Thursday, February 14 (We love to read!)
• Turn in pledge sheets: February 27
• Prize distribution assemblies: March 6
Other New Business:
Custodian Deb Roy had an accident and broke her ankle. A card was passed for signatures to encourage her.
Concerns were raised about the head lice issues at LER. It has affected several classrooms. Mrs. Moody described some of the measures taken to keep articles of clothing separate. Information is available for anyone who needs to learn more from the school nurses.
Karen passed around several very nice thank you notes.
Motion to adjourn at 7:23 by Ellen, 2nd by Amie, passed. Those interested in helping to coordinate the Book Swap and Read-a-Thon stayed.
Next GEPTA meeting: Tuesday, February 6 at 6 p.m. at LER