February 5, 2008

GEPTA
Meeting Minutes, February 5, 2008 @ LER

Members met prior to the meeting to sort the packets for the Read-a-Thon

In attendance: Aimee Lanteigne, Tony Thebarge, Helen Wright, Veronica Babcock, Paula Bourque, Kristy Gould, Katherine Kollman, Michael Gerard, Ellen McGuire

Meadow farms: Terry Tatlock from Meadow Farms visited to do a short presentation with some ideas for fall. There are some early bonuses if we chose to sign up by 2/15. He reviewed our profit from 2006 and 2007, and we have done very well with this fundraiser each year. This year we had 51% participation.

Ellen moved that we book the Meadow Farms fundraiser for fall 2008. We will do the fall big book and a special cookie mix brochure. 2nd by Aimee, passed.

January meeting minutes: motion to approve January minutes by Paula, 2nd by Tony, 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 $17,652.26. Motion to accept by Paula, 2nd by Veronica, passed.

Principal’s report: Mrs. Moody discussed the following items:
• John, the teacher from China, will be here for a few more weeks
• Assemblies – Karen is looking for feedback about these from any parents who have attended.
• All of the classes at LER are doing literacy assessment and sharing information with each other.

She would also like to propose the following as enrichment programs:
• Chewonki – is already booked. It would be two days and the bill is $1475.00. Karen would like to see if we could expand the program in the future.
• Northern Stars Planetarium – has been tentatively booked for June. This would cost $685.00. The program is called Our Family in the Stars.
• Treasure reading – a theatrical Magic Show based on literacy, with a pirate theme. Less than $700 for two shows on the same day.
• A music program was proposed. Aimee suggested a percussion program that was held at her school and will get more information. Katherine also suggested that we look into the PSO program.

Aimee moved that we allocate $2750 for the following enrichment events at LER: Chewonki, Northern Stars Planetarium and the Treasure Reading. 2nd by Paula, passed.

Mrs. Morin was not present but asked us to discuss playground fundraising ideas:
• Subscriptions to Family Fun Magazine. Would cost a family $10 and we keep half.
• Walk-a-thon around the current playground “Tiger Walk.” Also have a hot dog stand or something.
• BIG Trucks - construction & emergency vehicles in the lot. Those who come pay $3.00 to sit in and have pictures.

Funding Requests:
• Foster Grandparents at RVCS – a request was made for $250 to support the program with 16 weeks of meals so they can eat at school. Ellen moved that we allocate these funds, 2nd by Veronica, passed.
• Mrs. Tarrio and Mrs. Laramme submitted a request for $298.50 plus shipping costs to pay for a set of 8 extra large books for use in the classrooms. Paula moved that we allocate the funds, 2nd by Ellen, passed.
• Paula noticed that neither school had a digital camera available and have many occasions to use it. It has not been requested, but would be a great enrichment idea and would add to the web site as well. Ellen suggested that we price the cameras and bring that back for the next meeting.

100th Day of School – The Maine Parent Foundation, a local organization that encourages parental involvement, would give a $100 stipend and banner to encourage parents to come into the schools and participate in the 100 day celebration. We determined that there really wasn’t enough time to plan anything this year. Katherine will also get information on their 1st day of school celebration program for next year. Helen will also support her.

Read-a-Thon/Book Swap – Paula has another quick memo going home about drop-offs for the book swap. Volunteers are needed for sorting books Friday night, and to help out Saturday night at the swap. We reviewed details of the swap and the voucher system. Paula will send those who volunteered an email.

Students who turn in reading logs will get entered into the drawing for the bike and other prizes. Time of parents reading to children will also count. Those who read more will get more chances this year.

Cookies and juice will be purchased.

Timeframe:
• Book Swap: Saturday, February 9, 6:00 p.m. @ LER
• Kick-off events: Thursday, February 7
• 8:45 @ RVCS
• 2:00 @ LER
• Turn in pledge sheets: February 25
• Prize distribution assemblies: tentatively March 6

Other New Business:

Motion to adjourn at 7:23 by Ellen, 2nd by Amie, passed.

Next GEPTA meeting: Tuesday, March 4 at 6 p.m. at RVCS