Minutes from the March 9th PTA Meeting

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


PTA OFFICERS IN ATTENDANCE:
Heidi Tucker, President; Heidi Franklin, Dike-Newell (D/N) Vice President; Geniene Marco, Fisher Mitchell (F/M) Vice President; Lori Harper, Treasurer.

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.

NUMBER IN ATTENDANCE AT MEETING: 13