My friends, the work that we have accomplished this year in our schools, in our communities, on our military bases and on Capitol Hill; will position our Association to help every child, no matter who they are or where they live, for years to come.
We are working with families and community members in eight states to adopt Common Core standards that will improve student learning. Already, six of these states have adopted the new reading, math and science recommendations. PTA is also providing parents a guide so they can understand how common standards will help their kids in school.
Through our Military Alliance for Parents and Partners, we are working with the Department of Defense and organizations such as the Military Child Education Coalition to shelter the children of military families from traumatic transitions and keep them on the path to high school and college graduation.
We have built partnerships with caring institutions and adults to help our students stay healthy, avoid obesity and remain ready for successful futures. Our work also led to the passage of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which will provide $4.5 billion in new funding for improving school nutrition for the next decade.
As we embark on a new year, and take on new challenges for all children, let's celebrate our successes and take steps towards becoming a stronger, more-powerful voice for all families. Your National PTA is already moving forward with the new Strategic Plan and building up new capacity in all operations.
Your State Presidents and Congresses are also working to overcome the challenges that our students will face in the coming year. In order for their work to be successful, they will need your help in reaching out to men, families in our urban communities, parents who have just arrived to our shores and new parents looking to be engaged in their school communities.
Your homework assignment in 2011 is simple, ask three of your relatives, friends and colleagues, especially men, to join PTA. Tell them that we find new resources for improving the lives of children when there were once none. Remind them that what they do today helps their sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, even grandchildren, become powerful, happy, successful men and women.
As our voice of millions enters its 115th year, let us never forget that important goal: brighter futures for every child. On behalf of Betsy, Teresa, Mishaela and our entire staff thank you for being part of our voice, and for everything you do on behalf of all students.
PTA Meeting Minutes Tuesday, December 14, 2010 @ 6:30 PM in Fisher Mitchell Library
Board Members in attendance: Geniene Marco, Claire Berkowitz, Kate Foye, Laurie Burhoe, & Lisha Wentworth
Other attendees: Perin, Anne, Nancy Rogers, Joan Newkirk, Candy Hernandez, Heidi Tucker, Barbara Reinersten, Terri Normand
Welcome: Geniene welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for coming.
Secretary’s Report Claire posted November minutes on the PTA blog for review. There were no comments or changes. Candy made motion to accept November 14th meeting minute; Heidi 2nd. Passed with unanimous vote.
Treasurer’s Report Lisha presented the December 14 Treasurer’s Report. Current balance of $8,068.31.
With the Book Fair, every child walked away with a free book. Connie at Bath Book Shop gave us 10% of sales, so we did really well in terms of cost/expense.
Innisbrook Fundraiser brought in $2,000-$3,000 less this year than last year.
5th grade did a penny war for field trips and raised $542.54, which we are holding for them.
Harvest Dance made about $600, expenses were @ $30. Very profitable.
For teacher financial requests, it will be based on a first come, first serve process. There was some discussion about getting teachers to come to a meeting to make formal request for $. No decision was made about that process.
Perin made a motion to accept Treasurer’s Report and Candy 2nd. Vote to accept passed unanimously.
Other Business Charlotte’s Web
Joan Newkirk presented a project at FM called “Reading and Writing Together.” Bath Savings Bank is providing a copy of Charlotte’s Web for every child in FM.
Jan 25/Snow Date Jan. 26: Fisher Mitchell will host a “kick off evening” for families when the books and journals are to be distributed.
Feb. 8, 9, 10, Snow Date Feb. 11: Maine author Lynn Plourde will conduct workshops on writing, emphasizing character development. Spend 45 minutes in each classroom and a meeting with each grade level. Working on character writing.
Feb. 16/Snow Date Feb. 17: Students celebrate their accomplishments with families at an evening event at FM.
Stressing the process rather than the product.
We are tying this into Title I Program; Monica Blatt’s group will perform Reader’s Theater and then parents can look at child’s work.
Needs from PTA:
Snacks for kickoff event, February 16/17 event.
Helping to put together packets of journals, bookmarks, and kits for kickoff event on Jan. 25. Wednesday s might be best. Geniene, Laurie, Kate and Lisha will help with this.
SAG Committee will provide folks after school to read to the kids who don’t have that opportunity at home.
Claire will send out email to get snacks donated.
Heidi made motion to spend $100 to augment materials, snacks. 2nd by Candy, passed unanimously.
Movie night – could we get the Winter St. Church?
Biggest Job Workshop
Kate Foye updated the group regarding the plans to sponsor a parenting workshop provided through the Hyde School community.
Laura Gauld will do the workshop for no cost to the school department; they are giving back to the community. Settled on a date of Wednesday, March 16th. It will be from 6-7:30 PM, hopefully at BMS.
Open it up to all of RSU#1 schools and work in conjunction with other PTAs. Offer free childcare. We will use PR materials from Hyde to publicize the workshop. K
Kate will try to meet with Mr. Shuttleworth to explain it to him, get his support, not permission.
New Business Request for more dances: February 11 tentative date for Valentine’s Dance. Music on iPods, wouldn’t charge as much. Will have raffles.
Coin Drive-good way to raise money.
Spring Fling for 5th graders – get the kids together before leap to BMS. All 5th graders in RSU#1.
Any other ideas? Please email bathelementarypta@gmail.com with ideas.
Heidi Tucker updated us on the skateboard fundraiser. All money raised will go to the skateboard program. Money raised beyond the cost of the board will stay in a fund to support the skateboard program. Ideas to sell tickets at Shaw’s/Bracketts, area dances, etc. Sell them at parent conferences, other events. Raffle tickets are $5/piece, only selling 200 tickets with goal of making $1,000.
Summer camps – someone else has offered to step forward (Michelle Tibedault). Wait until after Christmas and have a meeting. Deadline for grants are March 4th for Davenport, Feb. 4th for Common Good. Leaning towards Davenport. The group will meet on Jan. 4th @ Genoese’s at 6:30 PM.
Principal’s Comment No principals were in attendance.
Public Comment None
Meeting adjourned at 7:40.
Next meeting on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 6:30 PM in Dike Newell’s Library.
On Tuesday, December 7, a live digital town hall discussion took place on how we can create the next generation of innovators. This event explored how we can cultivate tomorrow's thinkers and entrepreneurs to sustain economic and educational success. Below is a link to the webcast where you can see:
An announcement from Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Angel Gurría, Secretary General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), on the standing of U.S. students in reading, math and science literacy compared to other countries around the world;
A two-way conversation with Secretary Duncan and students, teachers and administrators from Olin College of Engineering (Needham, Mass.) and the School of Science and Engineering Magnet (Dallas, TX);
Robert D. Atkinson, President of The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation discuss the results from a new report on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education released that morning; and
An interview with Thomas L. Friedman on U.S. competitiveness, innovation and economic growth.
The video is well worth the 2 plus hours of your time.
According to the National PTA, when families, schools and communities work together, student achievement improves; teacher morale rises; communication among parents, teachers, and administrators increases; and family, school, and community connections multiply.
Below are the National PTA's Standards for how families, schools and communities should work together to support student success. This framework is based in the value of mutual respect, trust, and courtesy.
Standard 1: Welcoming all families into the school community— Families are active participants in the life of the school, and feel welcomed, valued, and connected to each other, to school staff, and to what students are learning and doing in class.
Standard 2: Communicating effectively—Families and school staff engage in regular, two-way, meaningful communication about student learning.
Standard 3: Supporting student success—Families and school staff continuously collaborate to support students’ learning and healthy development both at home and at school, and have regular opportunities to strengthen their knowledge and skills to do so effectively.
Standard 4: Speaking up for every child—Families are empowered to be advocates for their own and other children, to ensure that students are treated fairly and have access to learning opportunities that will support their success.
Standard 5: Sharing power—Families and school staff are equal partners in decisions that affect children and families and together inform, influence, and create policies, practices, and programs.
Standard 6: Collaborating with community—Families and school staff collaborate with community members to connect students, families, and staff to expanded learning opportunities, community services, and civic participation.
For more information about the work of the National PTA, visit http://www.pta.org/
The next Bath Elementary PTA meeting is Tuesday, Dec. 14th @ 6:30 PM in the Fisher Mitchell Library. Free child care is available. Below are the meeting dates for the remainder of the year. If you can’t attend a meeting, but have ideas to share with the group, please email us at bathelementarypta@yahoo.com.
December 14 – FM January 11 – DN February 8 – FM March 8 – DN April 12 – FM May 10 – DN June 14 - FM
Tuesday, November 9, 2010 @ 6:30 PM in Dike Newell Library
Board Members in attendance: Geniene Marco, Claire Berkowitz, Kate Foye, Laurie Burhoe & Lisha Wentworth
Other attendees: Heidi Tucker, Candy Hernandez, Jean Edmondson, Perin, Anne, & Michelle
Meeting began with a discussion of FM and DN book fair set up and schedule. Books will vary in price, from $6 and higher. All kids go home with a free book. PTA gets 10% of the sales, which doesn’t completely offset the cost of purchasing the books for students. Parent night 6-7:30 on November 18 at DN Library. Wendy Ulmer will read her new book “Zero, Zilch, Nada” at 6:45.
Secretary’s Report
Claire submitted copies of October minutes for review. Heidi made motion to accept report, Candy 2nd. Passed with unanimous vote.
Treasurer’s Report
Lisha presented the November 8 Treasurer’s Report. Current balance of $13,217.59 as of 10/10/10.
Harvest Dance raised approximately $570 after expenses.Heidi Tucker made a motion to accept and Candy 2nd. Vote to accept passed unanimously.
Other Business
Discussion took place about how to better communicate to parents and get more engagement from the school community. Some parents say they don’t know when meetings are happening. PTA minutes will go out via newsletter, posted on a website/blog, sent to the PTA membership email list.
Old Business
Innisbrook Update – items are being packaged up and shipped. Unsure how much we will be profiting – $9,072 in sales…we will get about 45-50% of that back for PTA funds.While we didn’t raise as much money as last year, given the economy we see it as a success.
Harvest Dance – great attendance. Some families weren’t able to attend because of the price. We talked that no family would be turned away. Somehow we need to balance the fundraising with the financial needs of the community.
New Business
Skateboard Fundraiser – Kate got skateboard from Chris Martin, pro skater. It will be raffled off to raise money to help purchase skateboardsfor the FM PE class. Skatepark will donate a 3 month membership and 10 month punch card for the raffle. Jason Carter is looking to raise approximately $500. Tickets will be $5/chance. Sell 200 tickets, open to all RSU1. The board will be on display at the skatepark. Money beyond what Jason needs will go to PTA.
Summer Camp Scholarships, 2011-Heidi talked about the program – how worthwhile it is and important, but it is too much work for her to do on top of her job . Between the 2 school guidance counselors, Gretchen andSuzanne, and Heidi, it has become too much to manage. There were 33 camp slots filled in summer 2009, 76 for summer 2010. Looks like more than 100 could be filled given the trend/success. One area that Heidi felt needed improvement was on family feedback, which was a requirement of the Davenport funding. Only 5/76 families responded to the feedback form. Lisha assured Heidi that was a good response rate, not to be discouraged but rather encouraged. We need someone who has a lot of time to come forward between the 2 schools to manage the process. It would be a great volunteer experience for someone looking to gain program management skills. We either find someone to replace Heidi, or it won’t happen.A discussion took place on how to simplify the process and make some family accountability be built into the process. One idea is to have the family pay a portion of the camp fees. A small amount, like $10, that is not refundable if they don’t follow through and attend the camp.Heidi called Common Good Center at Bowdoin today to see if a student would like to take this on as a project. Candy suggested all of us brainstorming some ideas on who might be a good candidate for this project. We will be thinking through this moving forward.
Christmas Fair-Looking at the 13th & 14th of December. No place to store the items. Could it be held at another location? Hyde School might be a possibility…but probably on the 20th and 21st would be better because kids are gone. Kate will explore this option and report back asap.
Kate updated us on the Biggest Job Workshop, a program that comes from the Hyde School . Laura Gauld do a free workshop in March for the entire RSU#1 community, preferably around the 15th of the month. Need to work out details of where it should be held and at what time. 6:30-8 PM seemed like an ideal time, not too early for parents coming home from work, but not too late. We will offer childcare. Open up to all schools in the RSU#1…parents and teachers. Registration would be a good thing so we can get a sense of #s. BMS might be a good location. Kate will meet with William Shuttleworth to let him know of our plans. Bath Elementary PTA could reach out to the other school PTAs to make this a success.
Principal’s Comment
No principals were in attendance.
Public Comment
Heidi mentioned the medicine collection/prescription drug collection happening this Thursday night and Friday at Mid Coast Hospital and other area locations.
Meeting adjourned at 7:45.
Next meeting on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at 6:30 PM in Fisher Mitchell Library.
At the May 11th PTA, the following individuals were nominated as officers for the Bath Elementary PTA Board for the 2010-2011 academic school year:
President: Geniene Marco Vice President (Dike Newell): Kate Foye Vice President (Fisher Mitchell): Laurie Burhoe Treasurer: Lisha Wentworth Secretary: Claire Berkowitz
Additional nominations will be accepted until the next PTA meeting on June 8th at 6:30 p.m. at the Fisher Mitchell school. At that time, there will be a vote to determine officers for the 2010-2011 school year. Please join us for this final Bath Elementary PTA meeting of the year!
A Fond Farewell to Mikaela Rios, Bath Elementary PTA Board Member! It is with a heavy heart this week that we bid a fond farewell to Mikaela Rios and her family, daughter Kateri, son Nate and husband Ron as they move from Bath, bound for their military transfer first to Virginia and then to the country of Estonia. Mikaela's dedication to the Bath Elementary PTA knew no bounds as she dedicated so much time and talent to our PTA initiatives this year, and in her role as Secretary on our Board. Mikaela assures us she will come back to visit regularly, and even while she's overseas we will continue to share our accomplishments with her and wait for her tales from abroad. Mikaela, you will be missed!
An enormous thank you to the Davenport Foundation for funding summer camp scholarships for 77 Dike Newell & Fisher Mitchell students, and to the camp organizations involved for donating matching weeks!
We are truly blessed to live in a city with philanthropic foundations like the Davenport Trust, who recognizes that children should be given the chance to experience the joys of summer camp. Thanks to their generous gift, the Bath Elementary PTA worked closely with guidance/social workers Gretchen Brinkler and Suzanne Paule to award 77 weeks (1 week awards per child) of summer camp to families with a financial need. The generosity of the Davenport Trust was matched by the camp organizations themselves who all donated matching weeks to the scholarship program. A heartfelt thank you to the Bath Area Family YMCA, Mid Coast Gymnastics, Wolfe's Neck Farm, Kids Down Under, Sea Spray Kayak Camp, the Bath Recreation Department, Camp CREA, Morris Farm, the Maine Maritime Museum, the Theatre Project and Bowdoin Day Camp. Our children will never forget your generosity!
A Call for Volunteers for the City of Bath's Bike & Pedestrian Committee: The Bath Bike & Pedestrian meetings meet the third Thursday of the month at 3:00pm at the Rec Department. The group is currently working on getting survey out to Bath residents to identify areas for improvement to make Bath that much more walkable & bike-able. The survey will also help to prioritize improvement projects as they arrive. Anyone interested in this effort can just show up at the meetings or contact Jim Upham at the City Planning Office, 443-8363, jupham@cityofbath.com.
Want to stay in touch with the PTA? Here's how!
Email: bathelementarypta@gmail.com Blog: www.bathelementaryptablog.blogspot.com (read the minutes from our May 11th meeting if you missed it). Facebook: Become a fan of "Bath Elementary PTA in Bath, Maine"
Bath Elementary PTA 5/11/10 Meeting Meeting held at the Dike Newell Library
PTA OFFICERS IN ATTENDANCE: Heidi Tucker, President; Heidi Franklin, Vice President (D/N); Geniene Marco, Vice President (F/M); Lori Harper, Treasurer; Mikaela Rios, Secretary.
WELCOME: Heidi Tucker began the meeting at 6:30pm.
NOMINATIONS: Heidi Tucker introduced Kate Foye and listed the Nominees for next year’s Bath Elementary PTA Board:
President: Geniene Marco Vice President for FM: Laurie Burhoe Vice President for DN: Kate Foye Secretary: Claire Berkowitz Treasurer: Lisha Wentworth
Nominees will be announced in the school newsletters this week. At the June 8th meeting, other nominees can be announced and voting will take place.
It was suggested that the responsibility of running the meeting be rotated among the board so the President doesn’t have all the pressure of running every meeting. Heidi T. also suggested virtual meetings instead of Board Meetings (these meetings typically happen a week before each PTA meeting).
SECRETARY’S REPORT: The minutes of the April 14, 2010 meeting were approved as-is. The minutes are always posted on the blog.
TREASURER’S REPORT: The coin drive raised $782! We had about $1964 in payments. The current balance is $9,216.80. $3000 of that is for camp scholarships (money already given to us by Davenport Trust). VOTE: Treasurer’s Report Approved.
It was decided that if we have enough money left in the PTA account by the June meeting, we will give Visa gift cards of up to $50 per teacher (27 teachers) to use for classroom supplies for the new school year. These would be given to the teachers in June. Details can be decided at the June meeting. VOTE: Approved up to $1360 ($50 per 27 teachers).
OLD BUSINESS:
Summer Camp Scholarships: Heidi Tucker updated us that we’ve had 80 kids apply for 40 funded camp scholarships. Many camps matched weeks this year, so with matching contributions, 62 kids can go to camp. Heidi is still trying to place the other 18 kids. The Davenport Trust will know by this Thursday if they can fund more or not.
World Language Update: Marie James gave an update that the School Board unanimously passed a decision to pursue elementary world language for grades 4 and 5 (possible grade 3, too), and the middle school to use Rosetta Stone with a World Language teacher session once a week, and the High School to use Rosetta Stone exclusively.
NEW BUSINESS:
Theater Opportunities during school year: Heidi T. will check with Larry about a 6/14 field trip to Maine State Music Theater for 3rd and 4th graders to see “Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing” sponsored by the Davenport Trust.
Theater Opportunities during summer: The Davenport Trust has 250 “Alice in Wonderland” tickets they’d like to offer to our students. The production is on 8/25. Heidi T. will find out if Kim and Delyse can hand out tickets on a first come, first served basis in August. PTA will mail a letter to all families in August, reminding families of this theater opportunity and telling them where to get their tickets. Also included in the mailing will be a letter encouraging membership in the PTA. VOTE: Approved $150 - $200 for postage.
FUND REQUESTS:
Susan Cyr: Mrs. Cyr followed up on a previous request for 2 microphones and one stand, totaling $470. VOTE: Approved $470
Candy Hernandez: Mrs. Hernandez requested an extra $50 to purchase extra sets of the Chickadee Award Books, as the students are very excited about reading them. VOTE: Approved $50 VOTE: Approved the $100 from budget allotted to D/N library, as well as $100 for the F/M library. All monies will be sent to Bath Book Shop so the librarians will have a credit there.
Retirement Gifts: VOTE: Approved $50 Visa Gift Card for retiring teachers/staff and secretary appreciation.
PRINCIPAL’S & PUBLIC’S COMMENTS:
None
NEXT MEETING: Next Meeting is June 8, 2010 at the Fisher Mitchell Library.
The Bath Elementary PTA board recognizes that 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 in 2009 to the Common Good Center at Bowdoin College for a grant they were awarded that allowed 35 kids from Dike Newell and Fisher Mitchell the opportunity to attend summer camp. And now in 2010 we are so very fortunate to have received a new award from the Davenport Fund that will fund approximately 40 weeks of camp for students in Dike Newell and Fisher Mitchell (approximately 20 awards per school, depending on the age of the applicants). This year students will be selected using the free and reduced lunch criteria, but those who are not eligible for free & reduced lunch but who are experiencing an extreme financial hardship are encouraged to apply. Applications will go home with students on Tuesday, April 27th and are due back to the schools by Wednesday, May 5th. You can download an application by clicking here.
Read about this year's camp opportunities by clicking the links below:
Kids Down Under at the Universe Gym: Art & Movement Camp for grades K-5. Weeks available: June 28th - July 2nd, July 5th - 9th, July 12th - 16th. Hours 9 am - Noon, Monday-Friday. Call 442-0180 for more info
Bath Elementary PTA 4/14/10 Meeting Meeting held at the Fisher Mitchell Library
PTA OFFICERS IN ATTENDANCE: Heidi Tucker, President; Heidi Franklin, Dike-Newell (D/N); Lori Harper, Treasurer; Mikaela Rios, Secretary.
WELCOME: Heidi Tucker began the meeting at 6:30pm.
SECRETARY’S REPORT: The minutes of the March 9, 2010 meeting were approved as-is. The minutes are always posted on the blog.
TREASURER’S REPORT: We currently have $10,396.66 in the account. $3000 of that is earmarked for the summer camp scholarships (Davenport gift). This month, we took in $3738.42. The Star Raffle profit was $623.
Literacy Fund: The Read-A-Thon raised over $4200. The current balance of the fund is $6323.84.
OLD BUSINESS:
Summer Camp Scholarships: Heidi Tucker updated us that the Davenport Fund has given us $3,000 for camp scholarships. Gretchen Brinkley and Suzanne Paule will work with Heidi in the selection process, which will include help from teachers in selecting candidates. Heidi will be sending an email to teachers explaining the process and what is needed from them. May 5th will likely be the deadline for student names from teachers, which will allow parents two weeks to fill out the scholarship forms. If there are still scholarships available after this first round of students, we will then go to a second tier or open it up to all students. Suzanne Paule mentioned that transportation might be an issue for some families, so we should keep this in mind and try to figure out a solution. Suzanne wondered if “Help a Kid” funds would be available, but it doesn’t seem to be the case. A suggestion was made that ride sharing would be an option, as long as the PTA had no liability. It was suggested we could address transportation on an individual camper basis.
TV Awareness Week: Catherine Buotte emailed an update, which Heidi T. read. TV Awareness Week is April 26-30. The following people volunteered to help: Monday: Claire Berkowitz, Bingo Tuesday: PTA, felting soap Wednesday: Anne Dunham, science Thursday: Jason Carter, Physical Education
Art Raffle and Chowder Dinner: Mikaela Rios briefly updated the group that it was a success and the PTA profited $623.
Coin Drive: Mikaela Rios updated everyone that the money would be collected on Friday. An email will be sent on Thursday to remind parents that Friday is the last day. The class that raised the most money at each school would get their picture taken for the bulletin board, receive mention in the newsletter, and earn an extra recess.
NEW BUSINESS:
Book Shelf for D/N: Sally Brown updated everyone that a book shelf has been needed since September for a resource room. Right now, books that teachers need for students in various reading levels are in boxes in the room and they’re very hard to access. Ruth’s warehouse and Huse are not able to provide any bookshelves, so Dave Richardson and Russ have volunteered to do the labor of building the bookshelves. Sally will call Chuck Frohmiller, who is willing to help with supplies, if possible. In case Mr. Frohmiller can’t provide the supplies, the PTA was asked to fund the project. VOTE: Up to $300 approved for shelves and supplies, if needed.
Social Workers update / Bullying: Suzanne Paule informed us of the protocol that was developed several years ago to deal with academic or behavioral issues, including bullying. The State of Maine is offering a free RTI (Response to Intervention) for Behaviors continuing training for teams from elementary schools. Every elementary school in RSU1, except Fisher Mitchell, is participating. The consensus at the meeting was that Fisher Mitchell should definitely send a team, given the bullying and behavior issues at the school. The PTA will email the appropriate people to restate our concerns on these issues and to encourage Fisher Mitchell to send a team.
PTA Officer Nominations: Heidi Tucker explained the dire situation the PTA is in due to a lack of interest in people serving on the PTA board next year. As it stands, there are two or three open board positions that must be filled or the PTA will cease to exist. We must have a full board in order to be legitimate as a 501(c)(3) entity. A question was asked regarding if teachers were allowed to serve on the board and Candy Hernandez said they were, but that a parent should be president. Heidi T. will be emailing teachers to request names of parents who might be interested. Sally Brown will contact the Times Record to see if an article can be written about all of the things the PTA funds and asking parents to be involved.
FUND REQUESTS:
5Th Grade Field Trip: Suzanna Lynch and Brent Luchies updated us on the 5th grade field trip, which will be educational and fun. On May 20th, 80 students and 20 adults will take 2 busses to Osher Map Library, which fits with the colonial history curriculum. While half of the group is touring the library, the other half will be team building and discussing preparing for 6th grade. They’ll then go to Deering Oaks for a picnic lunch, followed by a noon Sea Dogs baseball game. They’d like to use their $500 earmarked money and request $732 more to pay for the entire field trip. VOTE: $500 plus and additional $732 approved for the 5th grade field trip.
4th Grade Field Trip: Proceeding as planned.
1st Grade Field Trip: Catherine Buotte emailed and Heidi T. reported that the 1st grade requires $932 total for their field trips to Chewonki, Beaver Pond, and Thorne’s Head, including busses. They haven’t used their $500 earmark funds yet. VOTE: $500 plus additional $432 approved for the 1st grade field trip.
PRINCIPAL’S & PUBLIC’S COMMENTS:
Principal: Sally Brown commended Candy Hernandez on a great job with the Read-A-Thon. She reported that Dike Newell is happy to send a leadership team to the RTI training. She also thanked all who attended and spoke at the budget meeting last night. She mentioned the article in the Times Record about Sue Michaud and Wendy Ulmer’s project of getting community members to come talk to kids about how they use reading in their work and daily lives.
Susan Cyr thanked the PTA for buying the fabric and supplies for the Kindergarten Concert costumes. She showed the costumes and mentioned they’ll be used for years to come.
Candy Hernandez thanked the people who spoke at the budget meeting last night.
Madame James gave a report on the language program cuts and possible solutions. PTA board members mentioned wanting to get behind this quest for solutions other than cutting language for the elementary children.
NEXT MEETING: Next Meeting is May 11, 2010 at the Dike Newell Library.
Thursday,April 1st: The annual RSU#1 ART SHOW will be held at Fisher Mitchell this year on April 1, 5:00-7:00p.m. There will be a piece of artwork on display from every child grade K-5. There will be special art exhibits by the middle school and high school. The PTA will be providing complimentary refreshments, and selling star raffle tickets and Under the Sea Chowder Tickets (see below). There will be a trolley shuttle going from the high school parking lot to Fisher Mitchell all during the show. We could still use some volunteers to help at the PTA snack tables, please email bathelementarypta@gmail.com if you have time you can volunteer. Thank you, in advance!
Thursday, April 8th: Under the Sea Family Night with Student Star Raffle and Seafood Chowder Supper: Come join us from 6:00 – 7:30pm on April 8th in the Fisher Mitchell Cafeteria! Odyssey of the Mind and the PTA are joining forces to host a fun-filled family night to include a yummy meal of Seafood Chowder (provided by Gilmore's Seafood) or Mac-n-Cheese, Salad, Roll, and Lemonade for just $5/person! After dinner, we'll auction off the beautiful barn stars that the students have worked so hard to create! Come try your chance to win one of these works of art for only $1/chance! We’ll also have a raffle to win items donated by local businesses and parents! If you have a hand made item or service you’d like to donate, please email us at bathelementarypta@gmail.com or call 443-8668. Meal tickets and raffle tickets will be sold in advance at the April 1st RSU1 Art Show, so stop by the PTA table to buy your tickets!
We still need volunteers for the April 1st RSU1 Art Show at Fisher Mitchell to help set up, sell raffle tickets for our Barn Star Raffle, sell Under the Sea "Chowdah" supper tickets, serves snacks. We could use help from 4-6 p.m. Email bathelementarypta@gmail.com if you can help, and thank you!!
Next PTA meeting is April 13th at Fisher Mitchell School, 6:15 social, meeting starts at 6:30, free babysitting. Hope to see you there!
Bath Elementary PTA 3/9/10 Meeting Meeting Held at the Dike Newell Library
WELCOME: Heidi Tucker began the meeting at 6:35pm.
SECRETARY’S REPORT: The minutes of the February 9, 2010 meeting were approved with a correction made by Lori Harper to the Treasurer’s Report. The balance as of February 9, 2010 should read $8,972.55. The minutes are always posted on the blog.
TREASURER’S REPORT: We currently have $8,432.69 in the account.
OLD BUSINESS: Summer Camp Scholarships: Heidi Tucker updated us on the status of our application to the Davenport Fund. She has requested a larger amount of money this year and is hoping to be able to fund 110 students for a week of camp this summer. Heidi said 61 families responded to the questionnaire she sent out. The responses were very heart wrenching. She should know the results of our application by March 20th. Heidi is also looking to form a committee to determine the best way to distribute the funds.
Art Show and Chowder Dinner: Geniene Marco briefly updated the group, mentioning we will need volunteers for various things during both nights. VOTE Approved: To provide up to $60 for snacks for the April 1st RSU1 Art Show.
Bullying: Heidi briefly updated the group on the bullying discussion she had with Suzanne Paule, social worker from Fisher Mitchell. She shared a wonderful workbook with the group that can be purchased as needed. Several teachers would like to have the book for their class. The PTA may be able to purchase these workbooks once it is determined how many are needed. Sally Brown informed the group that Gretchen Brinkler would like to come to a PTA meeting and talk to the group about how she deals with instances of bullying if/when they are occur at Dike Newell.
The group also discussed the lack of activities to keep the kids entertained on the playground at F/M. Larry Dyer is going to look into purchasing flag football sets for the kids to use at recess. Heidi Tucker mentioned that this would be the kind of request that would seem appropriate to bring to the PTA, if help were needed.
TV Awareness Week: Catherine Buotte updated everyone on TV Awareness Week (April 26-30). The following people volunteered to help:
• Claire and Ross Berkowitz, Bingo Night, Monday • Heidi Tucker and Heidi Franklin, Art and Crafts Night, Tuesday
Jason Carter has offered to facilitate a PE night at Fisher Mitchell. Catherine will check with Anne Dunham to see if she is willing to help as she did in the past with a Science night.
The events will take place at D/N (PE night might possibly be at F/M) with both schools invited.
VOTE Approved: To support the event with $50 for each night, totaling $250.
5Th Grade Field Trip: Heidi Franklin shared information on the Gulf of Maine Research Center field trip opportunity for the 5th grade class. Unfortunately they only have a few slots open in June, and the openings are for the afternoon. Geniene Marco will talk with 5th grade teachers about this opportunity, or other options for a field trip.
Coin Drive: Geniene Marco reminded everyone that the coin drive would be happening in April. She asked for ideas for prizes for the class that raises the most money or something for the whole school if a lot of money is raised. It was decided that the class that raised the most money would get their picture taken for the bulletin board, an extra recess and possibly a banner or ribbons.
Food Processor: Heidi Franklin informed the group of the wonderful donation Now You’re Cooking made to D/N. The PTA contributed $100 and Now You’re Cooking donated the remainder. Thank you notes were written by students in Mrs. VanOrden’s, Mrs. Kennedy’s and Mrs. Michaud’s classes and will be delivered to Now You’re Cooking.
Wireless Network: The wireless network is up and running in the kindergarten, first grade wing of D/N.
4th Grade Field Trip: VOTE: $330 in funds for the 4th grade field trip to the State House.
1st Grade Field Trip: The 1st grade teachers may be approaching the PTA for two requests that were funded in the past by the PTA. The Beaver Pond field trip ($660 last year) and Chewonki Vernal Pool ($500 last year).
NEW BUSINESS:
New PTA Board Members: There will be two openings next year on the PTA Board; Vice-President representing Dike Newell, and President. Possible candidates were discussed and will be asked if there is any interest for next year.
Innisbrook Fundraiser: Geniene Marco will contact Innisbrook for the PTA’s fundraiser next Fall. This has been a very successful fundraiser in the past.
NEXT MEETING: Next Meeting is April 13, 2010 at the Fisher Mitchell Library.
The minutes of the January 12, 2010 meeting were approved as-is.The minutes are always posted on the blog.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
We currently have $9,053.05 in the account.
NEW BUSINESS:
Bullying:
Larry Dyer gave a report on the bullying incidences at F/M.He pointed out that it is cyclical and we seem to be having a year with more incidents.For anti-bullying programs to be successful, they need to be ongoing.Larry will see if Suzanne Paule, the school social worker, can go into classes to educate on bullying.Larry will also ask the teachers to have ongoing class meetings to discuss feelings and strategies.It was also mentioned that Suzanne Paul could write a newsletter section about strategies to deal with bullying.Another suggestion was to have a “Tell Box” where kids could anonymously report bullying.
Community Read:
Joan Newkirk is organizing the Community Read with special guest Jim Nelson of the Maine Maritime Museum.April 2nd may be the date for the Community Read, in conjunction with Fish Chowder Night and the Star Raffle.
Star Raffle:
Heidi Tucker updated us on this project.We’d like to do this in conjunction with Community Read and a proposed Fish Chowder Night.Odyssey of the Mind could team up with PTA to host this event.We could decorate with a nautical theme.Events will be held at Fisher Mitchell, most likely on April 2nd.The PTA has purchased 30 stars, being painted by each of the elementary school classes.Raffle tickets will be sold for $1 each.We’ll also be asking local businesses for any item they’d like to donate, which we could set up as a White Elephant sale (silent auction?).We’d also ask parents for any unused item they’d like to donate.The proceeds from the food sales could go to Odyssey and the proceeds of the Star Raffle and White Elephant Sale would go to the PTA.
NEW BUSINESS, continued:
Bath Book Shop Sale:
Candy Hernandez informed us of an easy fundraiser for the PTA that will take place on March 13th.For shoppers sent to the book store from our schools, 20% of the profits from sales will go to the PTA.
Summer Camp Scholarships:
Heidi Tucker informed us of her efforts to procure more summer camp scholarships for this summer.Last summer’s was a rousing success, with 39 kids afforded the opportunity to attend summer camp for free.Larry will make announcements over the intercom regarding this opportunity and flyers will be sent home with the kids.Clare Berkowitz suggested that when applying for the grant money, we ask for money for every child to attend summer camp.If we don’t receive that much in grant money, we can choose the number of applicants we can support.
TV Turn Off Week:
Candy Hernandez will find out when in April this will occur and we’ll discuss at the March meeting.
Teacher Appreciation Week:
This could be May 3 – 7 or the last week of school, as we did last year.We will discuss this at the March or April meeting.
Teacher Requests:
Tammy Baxter requested $260 for Officer Salty program (Save Animal Life for Tomorrow’s Youth), which will be expanded to all of 4th grade next year.This will be the pilot program for F/M.Live sea creatures will be brought in to study, then dissect and cook.Also, there will likely be a live video feed with a school in Georgetown who has a salt water tank.
VOTE:$260 Approved for the Officer Salty Program
Susan Cyr requested $75 for material for costumes for the Kindergarten music concert.Heidi Tucker suggested $100 would be more appropriate.
VOTE:$100 Approved for material purchase
Susan Cyr requested money for one or, ideally, two, group microphones for the school.This is important for concerts so that the audience can hear the little voices in a non-acoustical setting.The microphones will be between $120 - $200 each, including microphone stands.Susan will get the final cost to Heidi Tucker.The Rotary Club is being approached as a possible donor for this need.The concert will be 3/25, so time is of the essence.
SusanHarrison requested $880 for the Planetarium Dome.It is for every class in Fisher Mitchell.The Dome would be scheduled for April 1st and 8th.
VOTE:$880 Approved for the Planetarium Dome
NEW BUSINESS, continued:
BIW Gate Collection:
Great fundraiser!Ann Dunham brought up the idea of this as a fundraising idea and we will ask her if she is interested in pursuing this initiative.We will discuss at the March meeting.
RIF Funding:
RIF funding is cut for next year so children will not be receiving a free book from RIF.Please pass on this link to encourage parents to get involved in the fight against this funding cut that will affect children http://www.capwiz.com/rif/issues/alert/?alertid=14654616.
Family School Partnership Awards:
March 1st is the deadline to apply for this $500 prize.Heidi Tucker will write about the good things the PTA does, in hopes of winning $500.Topics will be about the summer camp scholarships, literacy fund, and the CEP money being the majority of the budget.
Principals’ Report:
Sally Brown reported that with regard to Technology, it looks like next year, each K-6 staff member will receive an Apple Mac laptop.Also, Seth (Technology guy) is looking into a wireless network for the school.Meanwhile, Heidi Franklin is looking into pricing for another wireless network (Apple Extreme Network) for a wing of the school that doesn’t have internet access.Heidi F. is working with Seth.
Sally suggested that Gretchen Brinkler, the D/N counselor, be invited to a PTA meeting to discuss bullying solutions.
More Treasurer Reporting / CEP requests:
Lori Harper reviewed and we approved the following CEP requests:
-Rueben Hernandez (Spanish), $200 for ink
-Candy Hernandez (D/N Library), $100 for new library books
-Mary Read (art), $40 for sewing machine cleaning
-Jo Ann Powers (Title One), $200 for books
-D/N Food Service, up to $100 for food processor
For the newsletter:Betsy’s Hair Salon is donating $1 for every $12 haircut to the PTA!
The meeting ended sometime around 8:30pm.
NEXT MEETING:
Next Meeting is March 9, 2010 at the Dike Newell Library.
