Thank you to all who could make it to our PTA meeting tonight.  Due to the Veteran's Day holiday, next month's meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 18th in the Dike Newell Library, at 6:30pm.

Minutes from tonight's meeting will be posted soon.

In the meantime...

Our Charleston Wraps fundraiser ends this week!  Get those forms in by Friday, October 17th and don't forget about the link on the homepage.  You can shop online easily, too!  This is our biggest, most profitable fundraiser of the year!

Friday, October 24th is the Hallowe'en Dance!  We are looking for volunteers to bring some snacks we can sell during the dance. Items that can be sold as small individual snacks are best.  All items are sold for 25 cents!  Volunteers are also needed to help chaperone, decorate, sell snacks and photo'booth tickets, and clean up!  The dance runs from 6:30pm - 8pm at Fisher Mitchell School.  Check the flier that went home or contact us for more info!

Are you looking for ways to help out with the PTA, but cannot always attend meetings?!  We know, it's hard to extract ourselves from dinner, after-school activities, younger siblings, and life, to always make meetings.  That's fine! We are looking for volunteers to help with any and all of the events and fundraisers put on throughout the whole school year.  If you're interested in helping with just one thing, that would be great!  Our goal is to have as many families involved as possible throughout the year.
Please contact us at any time with ideas, questions, or if you'd like to help.  bathelementarypta@gmail.com or you can call Wendy Jung at 207-653-5500.

Every year the Bath Elementary PTA works very hard to provide fun events and educational opportunities to our students, while raising money to help support further educational endeavors both in and out of the classroom all year.  This year we are adding several new ways to help support our students and teachers and most require very little effort from you!  In addition to our regularly scheduled events and fundraisers we are adding several options for you to donate while you shop for things you already buy.  Many retailers offer to donate a portion of your purchase back to our schools, all you have to do is sign up, or shop through a specific link provided on the right side of this blog, and the Bath Elementary PTA will receive a donation.  Easy peasy!   Check the links on the side and please LIKE and FOLLOW our Facebook page to stay up to date on what's what.  ====>

Coming home soon.... School Directory forms,  T-shirt and school spirit item sales, and info on how you can recycle ink cartridges and electronic devices and raise money for our schools!

THANK YOU to all who came to our first meeting of the 2014-15 school year!

In case you missed it... Here are the minutes:

Bath PTA

Meeting Minutes

9/16/2014

Wendy Jung called meeting to order at 6:30PM.

Welcome!

2014/2015 Board Introductions

Wendy Jung- President

Eileen Beasley- Vice President, Dike-Newell School (DNS)

Holly Spence- Vice President, Fisher-Mitchell (FMS)

Cheryl Steenstra- Treasurer

Jess Irish-Secretary

Secretary’s Report

The minutes of the June 2014 meeting were reviewed on the PTA blog. One amendment is required, a new position of Chief Information Officer was noted in the minutes. By-laws do not allow new positions to be instituted without Board Approval.

Motion to approve minutes with above stated amendment, Geniene Marco.

Vote to approve amended minutes.

Treasurer’s Report

Reviewed items from 2013/2014 budget

The current budget was developed based on prior year revenue and expected spending per grade level and standard events.

Motion to approve 2014/2015 budget, Geniene Marco.

Vote to Approve 2014/2015 budget.

Old Business

Charleston Wraps

The Charleston Wraps sale is often the largest fundraiser of the year will run October 13^th through the 17th. In past years revenue from the sale has been between three and five thousand. Eileen will be chairing the committee, please see her if you would like to assist.

Halloween Dance

Proposed Date for K-5 Halloween dance is October 24^th to be held at FMS.

Jess will be chairing the committee. Further planning will occur at the next meeting. Volunteers are appreciated and can contact Jess.

Box Tops

The PTA has funded incentives for the Box Tops fundraiser in the past. Money raised from the Box Tops go directly to the school. The PTA is considering changing the challenge from a classroom competition to a school wide incentive with all classes working toward a common goal, possibly a full school trip when the goal is reached. There may be incremental incentives throughout the year.

Over $500.00 was spent by the PTA last year on prizes.

Kathy Henrikson and Sue Harrison will work to expand the Box Tops effort into the greater community by placing collections bins at various local businesses.

New Business

Yankee Candle

A fall and spring sale of Yankee Candle will occur as a new fundraiser. The first sale will run October 30^th through November 14^th.

School Directory

A voluntary school directory will be created for easier communication between parents.

Wendy will start the directory, but is looking for volunteers.

Planet Green

Planet Green is a fundraising and recycling initiative. The PTA will receive reimbursement for any items returned to Planet Green. Boxes will be held in the school for recycling of used ink cartridges, cell phones, etc.

Holly Spence will be chairing. If anyone knows of a place boxes can be placed in the greater community, please contact Holly.

Other Fundraising

A direct PTA donation link will be set up through PayPal.

PTA supporters who use shutter fly and tiny print can sign up to have Bath PTA receive a portion of the proceeds each time they order.

T-Shirts

The PTA will be selling school T-shirts and other items through an online school store. Discussion regarding the possibility of a physical school store occurred, this item will be explored further.

School T-shirts will be available at the Halloween dance.

Requests

Planetarium

Sue Harrison requests $900.00 for a traveling planetarium in-school field trip (North-Star Planetarium). The experience is for all children at FMS and can be tailored to the curriculum of each grade. The event is tentatively planned for November.

Motion to approve request for funding of North-Star Planetarium at FMS, Candy Hernandez.

Second, Geniene Marco.

Vote to approve request for funding.

One Book One School

Joan Newkirk spoke regarding 2014/2015 one book one school program at FMS.

A $3000.00 grant was received from the King foundation All students will receive a copy of the book..

This year’s book is, Mystery of Pine Lake by Tamara Wight.

The presented program to run from January 26 to February 13, 2015.

PTA funding will not be required, but Joan requested assistance with the surrounding events.

Book Fair

Candy Hernandez reported that a book fair will be held at each school the weeks before Thanksgiving. PTA and literacy fund combine efforts and funds to ensure every child receives one free book. All books are ordered through the Bath Book Shop. Wendy Ulmer has published a new book that is being considered for the Lupine Award. She will be present for the parent night. Candy is requesting someone chair the FMS book fair. The chair will need to solicit volunteers for the Friday, Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving break. The FMS librarian will assist the parent volunteer. Eileen will chair the FMS book fair.

Kindergarten

Ms. Wetzel requests PTA funding for the Kindergarten trip to Wolfe’s Neck Farm. The cost of the trip is $3 per child, approximately $300. The trip will occur the week of October 20^th. Each child will be requested to pay a fee to share the cost, but all children will be covered regardless.

Motion to fund $300.00 for the Kindergarten trip to Wolfe’s Neck Farm, Candy Hernandez.

Second, Cheryl

Vote to approve.

First Grade

Kathy Henrikson requests PTA funding for a first grade trip to Maine Wilderness Park. The trip meets Next Gen curriculum standards.

Maine Wilderness Park is $3.50 per person for a total of $308.00.

The first grade class also requests PTA funding for a pond unit trip to Lisbon in the spring. The cost will be approximately $264.00.

Both trips will total $572.00, Kim Burgess reported to the first grade teachers that the bussing will be covered for both trips by the school. An attempt will be made to encourage the kids to raise funds.

A question was raised regarding whether students can be asked for field trip funds. Requesting funds from students does not appear to be against policy based on recent events within the district.

Candy motioned to approve $572.00 for the two first grade trips.

Second, Geniene Marco.

Vote to approve.

Principals’ Comments

Ross Berkowitz, Fisher-Mitchell School

Potential plans/goals for the 2014/2015 school year at FMS are;

Bring back potlucks to the school as community events.

Considering Safety Patrols, they are common in other regions but not the Northeast, researching how FMS may participate.

Considering a K-5 book drive that would require PTA promotion. Morse High interact club could potentially lead the drive. The books could be used for the book bank, school store, teacher’s libraries, etc.

Public Comment

Wendy reviewed a list of other potential fundraisers throughout the year.

The PTA is always looking for input on fundraisers and community building events, please let us know your ideas!

Meeting adjourned 7:35

More information to come soon!

Next Meeting:  TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14th, 6:30pm, @ FISHER MITCHELL SCHOOL LIBRARY.

The first Bath Elementary PTA meeting of the 2014-15 school year will be held Tuesday evening, September 16th, 2014, at the Dike Newell School Library.  Meeting begins at 6:30pm!  Babysitting will be available.

Can't make it?  We understand.  Stay tuned and please subscribe by email to this blog to learn how you can help with our PTA and school events throughout the year!

Mrs. Brown's Blog: Open House

Mrs. Brown's Blog: Open House: What a huge turnout we had at Open House last evening. It was wonderful to see all the moms, dads, grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, uncles...

PTA Minutes - June 2014

President Kate Foye called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.  There were 10 members in attendance.  Both the Secretary and Treasurer’s reports were approved.

Old Business:

Geniene Marco discussed the purchase of gift certificates from Main Street Bath for retiring teachers.  Both school secretaries were also given gift certificates of appreciation for all they do to assist the PTA.

Davenport Fund has donated 80 tickets for elementary students to attend the August 18^th performance of the Little Mermaid at the Maine State Music Theatre.  There is currently a waiting list because of so much community interest in attending the production.

The PTA sponsors box top collections at both elementary schools.  There is some question regarding how the box top funds are used at each school.  The PTA will inquire about how these funds are being used.

Geniene Marco will investigate a grade 4 request for funding of a bus trip.

The RSU 1 PTA’s have sponsored a fifth grade dance each spring.  It appeared that this year’s dance was a success although communication among the sending schools could be improved in the future.

New Business:

The following slate of officers were unanimously elected for the 2014-2015 school year:

President:  Wendy Jung

Vice Presidents:  Holly Spence and Eileen Beasley

Secretary:  Jess Irish

Treasurer:  Cheryl Steenstra

Chief Information Officer/Blog:  Sarah Matzke

The next meeting will be held on the second Tuesday in September. Have a wonderful summer.

Respectfully submitted,

Candy Hernandez, Secretary

PTA Minutes- May 2014

Wendy Jung conducted the meeting in Kate Foye's absence.  There were six members in attendance. Both the Secretary and Treasurer's reports were presented and accepted.
 

Old Business:

• The Screen-Free week was deemed successful although attendance on some nights appeared scarce.  Suggestions for next year's science night included more hands-on activities like past ones such as volcanoes and goo making!

• The Teacher Appreciation breakfasts were held at both buildings and good food was had by all.

• The Tupperware fund-raiser is complete and orders should be here next week.

• Mary Sreden will be contacting Wendy re:  Scoop Night at Dot's by the end of May.

• The status of the fifth grade T-shirts is in flux.  Mark is in charge.

• Jess Irish contacted Hawkes Flower Shop re:  selling carnations after the second grade concert.  Hawkes will sell carnations for 90 cents each to the PTA who will then re-sell them for $2.00 each.  There will be a notice in the next school newsletter for parents.

• There was discussion of the upcoming grade 5 trip to Boston re:  funding and the PTA's obligation.  The fifth grade team will be contacted for further information.

New Business:

• The slate of officer nominations for next year is as follows:

Wendy Jung, President

Eileen Beasley, Vice-President

Holly Spence, Vice-President

Cheryl Steenstra, Treasurer

Jess Irish, Secretary

• Wendy will inquire about the step-up day BBQ/ picnic at F/M for incoming second graders.

• The PTA approved a request from Monica Blatt, Title I teacher at F/M, for funding.  A donation of $100 will be made.

• It looks like next year's fall fund-raiser group will be Meadow Farm as it features local vendors.

The meeting adjourned at 8 PM.  Next month's meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 10th at F/M beginning at 6:30 PM.

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.

PTA Minutes- February 2014

Wendy Jung conducted the meeting as Kate Foye was unable to attend.  There were 6 members in attendance.  Both the Secretary and Treasurer's reports were accepted. 

The secretary amended the January minutes to include the purchase of the new popcorn machine which will have its trial run at the March sock-hop.

Old business: 

• A "to do" list was established for the Spring Fling Sock-Hop which included purchase of glow-sticks, baskets from each grade level for raffle, popcorn, decorations, and a flier.  Kate requested parent volunteers for each grade level to organize the baskets.  So far grades 2 and 3 have a volunteer.

• The Tupperware fund-raiser will take place from March 17- 28th.  A display will be available at the Sock-Hop and at both schools.  The PTA agreed to order booklets and envelopes (Holly will investigate the least expensive price for these).

• It was decided that the month of April will be dedicated to the Bath Sweet Shoppe fund-raiser as Easter comes at the end of the month.  Wendy will contact Mary Sreden at Dot's Ice Cream to discuss the best time for the "scoop" night.

• Candy will be sending a thank you note to Bath Savings c/o Barbara Gaul for the $500 donation to purchase Dr. Seuss books from Amazon for Pre-K and grade K kids.  The PTA has also purchased Dr. Seuss Award winning books from Bath Book Shop for grade one and two students.  These will be distributed to kids in library classes during the first week in March, Read Across America week.  Kevin O'Leary will be here that week to read to grades one and hopefully two students.  Community readers will also be reading to classrooms.

New Business:

• There was a discussion about electing officers for next year.  We are going to actively recruit parents to consider serving.  There were no principals in attendance so the meeting concluded at 7:30 PM. 

The March meeting will take place at Dike-Newell School in the library on Tuesday, March 11th, beginning at 6:30 PM.