Easton PTA Meeting Minutes

August 20, 2008

Attendance: Christine Cremin, Dina Massey, Patti Romaniello, Margot Abrams, Kathleen Wasmer, Lynn Kocis, Claire-Anne Meskers, Kim Babcock, Susan Chabannes

The meeting was called to order at 9:37 by Christine Cremin.

A motion to approve the minutes from the June meeting was made by Patti and seconded by Margot.

Treasurers Report

Patti passed out a copy of the final approved budget for review. The deficit is now at zero after making the adjustments approved at the June special budget meeting. There are extra funds for big ticket items. Forms for reimbursement should be submitted to Kim.

Membership

Dina reported we have 55 new members. After discussion about membership registration procedures, it was decided to keep registration as it has been done in the past. The PTA membership cards will be stapled to the directories, which allows members the option to access the online PTA site if they choose. The big membership thermometers will be used again this year.

Corresponding Secretary

Lynn reported that a sympathy card was sent to Suzanne McCauley. Christine reported that a thank you was received from the third grade team regarding the enrichment funds, and Margot reported that a note of appreciation was received from Liam Baker’s mom.

Lynn is out of stationary, so will use the Easton PTA letterhead to have new correspondence cards made, and will order an address stamp.

New Business

1. Art Request

Christine reported that from the end of year principal’s wish list, a late

request from the Staples Art Department had been made for a wall

mounted remote for the older kiln at a price of $845. There was

discussion about having better guidelines for unbudgeted requests, and

how best to make teachers/staff aware of these guidelines via list serve,

teacher reps, plus announcements and handouts at teacher meetings.

Kathleen will investigate the kiln issue and it will be readdressed in Sept.

2. Reflections Contest

Christine reported that while the numbers are down (30 total), we are

committed to the program. Discussion centered on getting a participation

number ahead of time, teacher support, and more publicity. Christine will

email Kim, and Margot and Kathleen will check with Joan regarding ways the teachers can work this into their agendas.

3. Fundraisers

Gift Wrap

Kathleen reported the packets will go out the first day of school and will be due Sept 15.

Bulb

Christine reported that Sharon Stemme will distribute the brochures after labor day

Bookfair

The date for bookfair has been set for Oct 14-17. The new committee chairs are exploring new ways to make this fundraiser a success. Details to follow.

4. PTA Website

Lisa reported that the website has been updated, but she is missing some information, which she will fill in as she gets it. The approved minutes will be sent to Lisa for posting online, as well as board contact information, open positions, and links to related sites.

5. List Serve dates

Margot will post the list serve notices, with Christine as her back up. Anything submitted needs to be in “ready to go” format.

6. Membership tables for meet the teachers

Lisa, Dina, Kim, Margot, Claire-Anne and her daughter, and Christine will handle this.

7. Directory Update

Christine reported that Denise Sherwood is working on the directory and expects it to be ready on time. The sign up procedure for the directory will be the same as last year. The left over directories from last year will be put out at open house.

8. Kindergarten Tea

Christine reported that Jeanine Jones has this all set.

9. Teacher’s luncheon

Margot thanked the board for approving the additional funds. It is set for Friday, with 77 people expected. Margot will handle the set up.

10. Carol Glynn Contract

The contract is approved.

11. Open Positions

There are still a number of positions to fill for this year. They will be posted on the website and noted on the sign up sheets.

12. Third Grade Enrichment Thank you

Christine reported that the third grade team sent a thank you for the enrichment money they were given.

13. Enrichment Programs

Nico Pickerstein will explore schoolwide enrichment programs and possibly work with liaisons from each grade with some of her ideas, and will help get approval from the school administration and the PTA Board for the proposed programs. If additional funds are needed for a particular program, the PTA Board will consider the request on an individual basis.

14.Calendar draft

Christine reported that the calendar was supposed to go out the first day of school, but will be delayed because part of the school information was not available. Christine Calvert will follow up to get the needed information.

Christine also reminded the board that we will do the box tops and school pop programs as we have someone to do it and it makes money. But there will be no school spirit contest and party at the end due to problems last year.

15. Board Packets

Margot gave out officer packets. Kathleen passed out copies of the bylaws and asked that we all read them and make suggestions. She will submit the amended bylaws to the state.

Margot reminded the board that we need to complete an audit.

Margot passed out our Tax ID number for purchases, gave out contact information for the national PTA site, as well as a copy of the reimbursement form. Kim requested that everyone is to follow procedure and use the form with supporting documents, and have deposits organized before passing it on to her. Kim also reported that the bank account will be updated with new officer information, and changed from a personal to a business account.

16. Additional New Business

Christine reported the PTA office will be centralized at the school store.

Claire-Anne reported that the school has requested the PTA not make copies during the school year because of the wear and tear on the machine. Margot and Kathleen are checking with Keller on the use of their

machine.