Meeting Was Called to Order 7:06 PM

Griebling -Memorial Schools

PTA Minutes

September 16, 2015

Meeting was called to order 7:06 PM

Pledge

Prinicipal’s Message

Mrs. Rupp welcomed and thanked everyone for coming. She commented on how pleased she was with the transitions at Griebling School so far. She also expressed her thanks to the PTA for all of their support.

Ms. Keelan feels that Memorial School is off to a great start this year and appreciates all the support and patience from the PTA, parents and staff.

Officer’s Report

Nancy Harrivan presented the May 7, 2015 minutes. Minutes were reviewed by the attendees and formally approved by Jamie Rattien and Carrie Sarcone.

Kerri Finnegan presented the Treasurer’s Report, Closing Books. The report was reviewed by the attendees and approved by Jordene Kubasek and Robyn Neto. She also distributed the Proposed Budget for the coming year 2015-2016. She made note of new programs being included this year. Ms. Keelan elaborated on the STEM program that she will be implementing at Memorial. The attendees reviewed the Proposed Budget and it was formally approved by Cindy Tzanetakos and Tara O’Brien.

Roxanne Black Weisheit, an attendee, raised concern over the banquet expense of the gift auction. It was explained that the majority of people attending the gift auction, based on a survey, preferred a sit down dinner as opposed to a less formal reception.

Nancy Harrivan updated on correspondence for Jennifer Abt who was not in attendance. Various thank you notes were shared with those in attendance.

Karen Buckley commented on the membership drive. She announced that we have 116 members already signed up. She expects to get more at both Back to School nights.

Market Day was brought up, as there seemed to be interest in it again. It was discussed by all in attendance and decided that we would not be re-implementing it.

Board New Business

Jessica Valentino thanked everyone for coming to the meeting. She noted that this is our first PTA meeting as the Griebling Memorial PTA. She announced that we still have some Committee Chairs open and encourage everyone to take a look and sign up. Mrs. Rupp stated that she is waiting for the date from the Kindergarten teachers for the Kindergarten Social.

Chairperson New Business

Nancy Harrivan announced that the Summer Box Tops contest concluded today. The winners would be announced in the next few days. Mrs. Muhaw requested a few extra days to hand in her class’s collection. Nancy agreed to extend the contest until the end of the week. She also announced that the new Fall Box Tops Collection would be starting October 2, 2015.

Jessica Valentino spoke about the upcoming Cultural Arts, BMX Bike Assembly on September 18, 2015. She also mentioned that the Three Screen Assembly would be on October 16, 2015.

Robyn Neto and Sandy Iacono introduced themselves as the 5th Grade Committee Chairs. They gave a brief run down on the activities they will be planning for the 5th grade throughout the year. They also announced that their first fundraiser would be on September 20, 2015, from 8-10AM, at the Applebee’s in Howell, NJ. Ms. Keelan suggested that it be sent out via an email blast.

Jennifer Cea introduced herself and announced that she is one of the Co-Chairs for the Gift Auction. The date of the gift auction is March 18, 2015, at the Battleground Country Club. The theme is LIGHTS, CAMERA, AUCTION.

Caryn Badler and Liz Zarko introduced themselves and updated all attendees on the Kids Stuff fundraiser. They informed us that the Griebling books went home today and that the Memorial books would be going home on Monday. Only one book would be sent home to each family. The deadline to send in all orders is September 28, 2015.

Jessica Valentino announced that there would be a restaurant promotion at Romeos for both Back to School nights. Romeo’s will be donating 20% of the proceeds from each night. Please be sure to mention the school’s name. She noted that the last promo at Romeo’s was very successful earning about $700 last year.

Jessica Valentino spoke about the Spirit Wear store. The flyer went home and the store was now open. Every Friday is Spirit Day. If you place an order, you have the option to have it sent home with your child or we will have a designated night for pick-up. Limited supply will be available at both Back to School Nights.

Caryn Badler and Liz Zarko spoke about the first ever Griebling Memorial Dance, to be held on Friday, November 13, 2015 from 6-8pm. Mr. Fiore pointed out that the school calendar listed the dance as being 6:30-8pm. It was discussed and resolved that the correct time will be 6-8pm. The cost will be $10 a person and each child will be allowed to invite an adult guest. They were very excited to announce all the fun activities they have lined up, including the fact that Chic-Fil-a will be available to purchase, face painting and horseshoe painting, to name a few. There will be a committee meeting on September 21, 2015 at 7pm and they passed around a list to sign up for their committee. Ms. Keelan suggested that if the weather permits, they could possibly use the tables on the outside patio.

Kathy Sweeney announced the date of Trunk or Treat, which is Sunday, October 25, 2015, at Memorial School. The time is to be determined as either 12-3pm or 1-4pm. She then explained the concept and rules of Trunk or Treat.

Jamie Rattien spoke regarding all the online rewards programs available. She mentioned Target Red Card, Shoparoo, and Amazon Smile. It’s a great and easy way to earn money for our schools.

Sandy Iacono announced the dates for the book fair at Griebling School, September 28-29th. Set up will be on September 25, 2015 at 1 pm. The theme is Monsters. They will be sending out an email via Sign-up Genius. They definitely need volunteers this year, as they do not have the 5th graders to assist the little ones anymore.

Comments

Roxanne Black Weisheit volunteered to chair the Kindergarten Social.

Kathy Sweeny announced that Mrs. Lowman won a gift card for being the first staff member to sign up for the PTA from Griebling School and Mrs. Kopelovich for being the first member to sign up for the PTA from Memorial School.

Raffle winners were Mrs. Muhaw and Gina Kahwaty.

Motion to adjourn: Jamie Rattien and Robyn Neto.