PTA Minutes - April 2014

President Kate Foye was out of town, so Wendy Jung conducted the meeting.  There were 8 members in attendance.  Both the Secretary and Treasurer's reports were shared and approved.

Old Business:

• The group reviewed the Spring Fling Dance and were pleased to have made a profit of over $600.  There were considerably less kids there, but it was noted that behaviors were not up to par, lots of aimless running around in a lot of gym space.  We're going to stress the need for careful parent supervision for future dances.

• Holly extended the Tupperware fund raiser's due date.  At this point Holly reported that $1800 has been raised, not counting online orders.  The PTA will receive 40% of the take minus expenses for fliers etc.

• Mary Sreden will be getting back to the PTA about a date for scoop night at Dot's.

• Wendy spoke with Melissa Finnemore re:  T-shirts for 5th graders.  We plan to order them as soon as possible.  The PTA has booked the BMS cafeteria for the annual 5th grade dance which will be held on May 30th this year.

New Business:

• Wendy conducted a discussion about providing T-shirts for all students next year.  This will be costly and people suggested asking parents to contribute a dollar toward the purchase price.

• Catherine Buotte had an idea for the PTA to sell flowers at the upcoming second grade concert on May 21st.  Jessica Irish will speak with Hawkes Greenhouse regarding price etc.

• Catherine also discussed the annual Screen Free Week events for the week of May 5-11th.  Plans include the following activities:  visit to Maine Maritime Museum, YMCA night, Bingo, PE with Ms. McCauley, and possibly a science evening with Ms. Dunham.  Finalizing the plans depends on when the Museum night can be scheduled.  Certificates and prizes will be issued to students.

• Candy mentioned Teacher Appreciation Day.  It was decided that breakfast will be provided on Friday, May 9th, at both schools.  Parents will be notified about sending in goodies.

 

No principals were in attendance.

The meeting ended at 7:30.  The May meeting will be on Tuesday, May 13th in the D/N School Library beginning at 6:30 PM.

2014 Summer Camp Scholarship Program

Summer Camp Scholarship Opportunities

 for Dike-Newell & Fisher Mitchell Students

The Bath Elementary PTA Board recognizes the joys of summer camp should be accessible to all children, and understands that for many families the cost can be a great financial burden. This was the motivation for their application to the Davenport Trust Fund, who has generously donated funds for 1-week summer camp scholarships for students who are experiencing a financial hardship. The PTA is extremely grateful to the Davenport Trust Fund and the following camp programs for their generous support of our elementary school children and their families for a sixth year.


The following is a description of the application process for a limited amount of 2014 Summer Camp Scholarships:

Which camps will be funded by this scholarship program?

 The 9 camp programs that will be funded by this program are:

* Bath Recreation Dept. Day Camp & Theater Camp - Grades K-5, in Bath;Weekly: June 23– August 8; full days. http://www.cityofbath.com/bath_recreation.html 

* Bath YMCA Day Camp & Gymnastic Camps - Grades K-5; in Bath; Weekly: June 23 – August 15; full days. View the YMCA Summer Guide for more info. http://www.bathymca.org/html/camp.html

* Bowdoin College Day Camp - Grades K-5, in Brunswick;Weekly: July 7 – August 8; full days. http://www.bowdoin.edu/summer-programs/programs/day-camp.shtml

* Kids Down Under Day Camp @ the Universe Gym - Grades K-5, in Bath; Weekly dates, 9am – noon daily, more details coming soon. http://theuniversegym.com/childrens-programs

* Maine Maritime Kennebec Explorer’s Camp – Grades K – 5, in Bath; June 23 – 27, July 21 - 25,
August 4 - 8, August 18 - 22 full days.  http://www.mainemaritimemuseum.org/events/camps/

* Riverview Foundation Day Camp - Grades K - 5, in Topsham; Weekly: June 23– August 22; full days. http://www.riverviewfoundation.org/blog/news/summer-camp-registration-begins/


Complete details on all of these camps can be found by clicking on the links above. If camp information is not yet available, or if you have further questions about the camps, please contact the camps directly by telephone. Scholarship applications went home in backpacks on Tuesday, April 8th with all K-5 DN and FM students - but if another one is needed, the main office at both schools will have extra copies.

Eligibility:

→ Currently enrolled students (2013-2014 school year) at Dike-Newell & Fisher Mitchell schools.
→ Financial need determined based on free & reduced lunch program guidelines.
→ If funds allow, applications from other families who are not eligible for free & reduced lunch, but who are experiencing significant financial hardship, will be considered.
→ $10 contribution required from families per awarded 1-week scholarship, due with camp registration forms by Friday, May 9th
→ Scholarship funds are limited. If the number of applicants surpasses funds, applicants will be selected randomly in a lottery system with an equal number of scholarships per grade level.


How do I apply?

* Applications are due by the end of school, Tuesday, April 15th.Please fill out the attached scholarship application and return to the main office at Fisher Mitchell or Dike-Newell school. Scholarship applications are due by the end of school on Tuesday, April 15th. No applications will be accepted after this deadline. If you have questions, please contact:
Dike-Newell – Gretchen Brinkler, Guidance Counselor at gbrinkler@rsu1.org or 443-8285, ext 104
Fisher Mitchell - Suzanne Paule, Social Worker at spaule@rsu1.org or 443-8265

Transportation:

Unfortunately, no transportation is available to or from camps. Please keep this in mind when selecting camp programs for your child as several are located outside of Bath. Additionally, the Bath Elementary PTA assumed no liability for the camps. Camp waivers will be signed by parents, as part of the registration process.

Scholarship Awards:

Parents will be notified by mail the last week in April.
Completed camp registration forms and a $10 deposit must then be returned to the schools no later than Friday, May 9th. 
If you do not receive a scholarship award letter from us, we encourage you to contact the participating camp programs to find out if financial aid is available.