Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Ms. Lepley at 7:02 pm in the Cardinal Forest ES library. There were 13 attendees (See Sign-In Sheet, Exhibit I).
Opening: Ms. Lepley introduced two new parents at the meeting; Anissa Kajala and Corey Koneczny and reported that it was a very busy month for the PTA and Cardinal Forest. She thanked the following committee chairs for their dedication, hard work and success: Jill Chastain for Pizza Night, Angie Montoya, Carolyn Kitrinos and Beth Shomber for Book Fair, Laura Lamoureau for Spirit Wear and Lisa Rabe for the Fall fundraiser.
Minutes: Ms. Lepley made a motion to approve the September 19, 2006 minutes as written. Ms. Montoya seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Treasurer's Report: Ms. Skobel presented the activity report for the period October 1 to October 31, 2006 (Exhibit II). Ms. Skobel reported an income of $11,000.00 for Book Fair which was more than last year, an income of $215.00 for donations, an income of $455.00 for dues translating into a total of $1,743 for the year, a gross income of $20,764.00 for the Fall fundraiser (which is just about the same as last year but noted that the net amount will be determined @ 50% for each item sold in the big catalog and 30% for each item sold from the supplemental catalogs), and an income of $3,500 for Spirit t-shirts far surpassing the budgeted amount of $1000.00 and, finally, an income of $352.00 for pizza night which was more than last year and surpassed the budgeted amount by $102.00. Ms. Skobel explained that there were not many expenses this month and that the assembly cost of $595.00 came in under budget. Finally, Ms. Skobel stated that the new system for managing and tracking funds is far superior to the previous format.
An attendee asked whether Box Tops are collected at Cardinal Forest. It was explained that they are collected and it was decided after discussion that this revenue vehicle should be advertised in the Newsletter and that perhaps class contests could generate a greater amount of Box Tops.
Principal's Report: Ms. Kenna reported that the Pyramid Challenge was a fabulous success and that 133 of the 150 registered students from Cardinal Forest crossed the finish line. She added that Rolling Valley had the most students finish and that a letter was received from Food for Others thanking all participants for their non-perishable food donations. Ms. Kenna continued to report that the Marine Corps Fun Run will take place this Saturday, October 28, and that a bus has been reserved to transport students and their parents to the Washington, D.C. location. She explained that participation in this event is down from last year but attributed it to the Pyramid Challenge last weekend. Ms. Kenna noted, however, that she prefers to see students participating in events occurring within our community.
Ms. Kenna reminded everyone that Parent/Teacher conferences will take place on November 6 and 7, 2006 but encouraged parents to communicate with teachers throughout the year to facilitate communication, understanding and student success. Ms. Kenna also stated that the Thanksgiving luncheon and Bingo Night are coming up on November 16 and 17 and that first graders will sing a Patriotic Salute for parents and guests on November 21.
Ms. Kenna expressed thanks and appreciation for the goodies provided for, as well as attendance at, the Principal's coffee. She added that the courtyard was a lovely venue and that its maintenance by Mrs. Bassler is excellent. Ms. Kenna also commented on the success of the Book Fair and thanked Ms. Montoya and all the volunteers for their efforts commenting on the fact that the school is such a benefactor from the funds raised.
Ms. Kenna proceeded to discuss the School Improvement Planning Process of setting measurable goals by analyzing data such as changing demographics, school division targets as well as state (SOLs) and federal (No Child Left Behind) mandates. She indicated that there will be a meeting in November and January and that parents are invited to participate in this process.
Ms. Kenna reported that the PTA lunch money payback process is working. She thanked the PTA for ensuring that every child has a lunch of at least a cheese sandwich and milk every day by floating the cash until parents reimburse the expense their child incurs. She explained that the County's policy no longer allows for this and the cafeteria manager's books must balance every week. Ms. Wilhelm added that the dedicated envelopes for reimbursement are very helpful. Parents were reminded that they can visit mylunchmoney.com to monitor the balance of their child's lunch card.
Finally, Ms. Kenna thanked everyone who has made technological contributions of ink cartridges. She explained that the Technology Parameters are posted on the website and discussion ensued regarding the technological resources at Cardinal Forest and the various avenues and qualifications for maintaining, and/or adding to, these resources. New equipment can be purchased or donated and previously owned equipment can be donated as long as it meets County regulations. Ms. Kenna commented that she would like to see high-end PCs, smartboards and projectors in every class since all students need to be technologically proficient to function as adults.
Teacher's Report: Ms. Wilhelm reported that Partners in Print nights are November 9 for FECEP and Kindergarten and November 14 for 1st and 2nd graders. She encouraged families to attend and noted that each child goes home with a new book. Ms. Wilhelm also announced that teachers are excited about Volunteer Day on November 2 but stated that Instructional Assistants would like to remind volunteers to put workroom supplies away when finished working. She continued to report that a Garden Club is under consideration for students in the upper grades. Ms. Wilhelm explained that the hope is to excite students about gardening and enhance the curriculum at all grade levels with hands on examples of science (i.e., butterfly bush for 3rd grade butterfly unit and release of worms after 1st grade worm unit) and environmental awareness.
Committee Reports
Holiday Market: Ms. Barnard announced that the Holiday Market will be held on Friday, November 3 from 3:30 - 7:00 and stated that she has 19 vendors and has already raised $500.00 in table fees for the PTA. She added that there was a flat table fee this year instead of soliciting a percentage of sales like last year. Ms. Barnard explained there will be a raffle at the door to raise revenue for the PTA and that tickets will be priced at four for a dollar. Various modes of advertising were discussed: PTA Newsletter, Tuesday folders, road signs like Spartan Fest, flyers in the lobby and on SACC doors the day of the event, Connection and Journal ads and flyers for folder distribution at Keene Mill ES.
Discount Cards: Ms. Lepley reported for Ms. Lauder that the cards have been selling well but have not been distributed yet.
Reflections: Ms. Skobel reported that there have been 95 entries with a few more expected. She explained that this approximates the goal of 100 and compared it to 77 entries last year and only 50 two years ago. Ms. Skobel explained that 'judging night' will now be called a Museum Night to liken the event less as a contest. Students have been told that adults will come to enjoy their entries on Museum Night and that one from each category will proceed to a Regional Museum Night. Additionally, Ms. Skobel explained, students will not receive 'awards' for their efforts but instead a treasure box full of candy to signify the degree to which their creativity is 'treasured.' Finally, Ms. Skobel announced that two classes, Ms. Hollinger's and Ms. Magi's, tied for the most entries and both will enjoy a pizza celebration.
Volunteers: Ms. Lepley reported for Ms. McMahon and Ms. Van Buren that volunteers are needed for the Thanksgiving luncheon on November 16 and 17 to sell tickets, serve drinks, distribute napkins, etc. and to clean up. Ms. Lepley also reported that Volunteer Work Day will take place on November 2 from 9:30 - 1:00 in the main workroom. She added that snacks will be provided and that volunteers can come and go at any time during the 3.5 hour window. Ms. Lepley also stated that a volunteer cafeteria helper is needed. After discussion, it was decided to send Help Wanted flyers home in the Tuesday folders and to post Help Wanted signs in the lobby on conference days for parents to sign-up for this and other volunteer opportunities.
W. Irving PTA News: Ms. Montoya reported that Parent/Teacher conferences at Irving MS were switched from November 13 to the 14th . She also reported the following educational opportunities for parents: Computer Surfing Safety on Nov 14, Drug Paraphanalia on Dec 12, Bully Prevention on Jan 9, and Psychology of Kids on Feb 13 (snow date, Feb 20). Ms. Montoya also stated that the Irving PTA will receive portion of all revenue earned at the Silver Diner on February 9, 2007 from 6:00 to 9:00pm.
New Business: Mr. Smith suggested an improvement project for the walkway to the trailer on Cardinal Forest property where strings students practice. He explained that the walkway is currently crushed stone and that there is much puddling after rainy weather. Mr. Smith stated that he has some donated timber and panels (Ms. Kenna added that she has some timber to donate as well) and would need to purchase some items. With the PTA's go ahead, he explained that he would determine what materials we already have and, next month, could give the PTA an estimated expenditure for additional supplies to complete the project. If approved, these funds would come from the 'Garden Club' line item.
Announcements
| November 3 | Holiday Market |
| November 15 | Lavender Delivers Fundraiser Order to Cardinal Forest |
| November 16 and 17 | Thanksgiving Luncheon + Fall Fundraiser Pick-up |
| November 17 | Turkey Bingo |
| November 17 | Newsletter Deadline |
| November 21 | PTA Meeting, 12:00 Noon |
This page was updated on Friday, November 03, 2006