http://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/diamondes/pta/
Diamond PTA Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 5, 7:00pm
at the Carol Lange Media Center
Attendees: Darwin Johnson (President), Jaime Howenstein (VP of Fundraising), Suzanne Jenkins (VP of Community), Chris Chimera (Treasurer), Rick Chimera (Secretary), Daniel Walder (Principal), Spencer Delisle (Principal Intern), Holly Reed, Tracey Parker, Rebecca Nigmann, Nazzi Kholdebarin, Mary Jo DiBernardo Emard, Kristina Sracic, Maricel Ellsworth, Billy Newson, John Vuong, Bonnie Cybulko
Call to Order:
Rick Chimera, PTA Secretary, called the meeting to order at 7:15pm.
Approval of February Minutes:
Chris Chimera made a motion to approve the minutes. Seconded by Jaime Howenstein. Minutes were approved by voice vote.
Nominating Committee:
Tracy Parker (), Kristina Sracic (), Billy Newson () have volunteered to be the Nominating Committee. If you want to be considered for any of the officer positions of Diamond PTA (President, Treasurer, VP Fundraising), contact them.
“Spend Down” Purchase Options:
We have carried a budget surplus from the end of one year to the beginning of the next for years now. While this is an excellent thing to do, we should not carry over too much money. If we can find a useful thing(s) to spend some surplus money on, then we could.
Suggested choices are:
1. Outside electronic marquee/sign. Discussion revolved around hassles of school construction.
2. Poster creation machine (ongoing supply of paper and ink might be an issue over time).
3. Guided reading books / schoolroom supplies.
Science and Engineering Extracurricular Activites:
Mary Jo DiBernardo found out about activities promoted by the Maryland Science Center. It takes quite a bit of lead time so this would be for next academic year. However, we also already have a STEM night here at Diamond for grades 3-5 on May 20. We may extend that to also involve K-2 if 3-5 is successful. We should let Diamond's effort bloom before doing a parallel thing.
President Report:
· Went over calendar. Noted that Blacktop Block Party is postponed due to anticipated cold weather.
· Talked about importance of finding new leaders for the PTA.
Vice-President of Fundraising Report:
· Waiting for money from ice skating folks, Nando's, and Zoe's.
Vice-President of Community Report:
· All is well.
Treasurer Report:
Went over budget printout.
Secretary Report:
· All is well.
Committee Chair Reports (those present):
Spirit Wear:
Looking into online “virtual store” whereby people can select a design and a clothing item just for them, and we get 15% kickback. In this way we don't need to – as often anyway – spend money up front to get clothing items in stock and then also to store them over time.
Special Needs:
There is now a link on the Diamond PTA website for special needs families.
Cultural Arts:
Navy Premier Jazz Ensemble, May 20
Chesapeake Bay Ecology workshop for 4th grade.
First grade workshop by Eric Energy.
Looking for workshops to do for 2nd and 3rd grade.
Big thank you to Christine Pettis and Stephanie Silverstien for their help.
Nazzi Kholdebarin:
Talked about the 5th grade picnic and that they are behind projections for funding because two of our events at which 5th graders sell small food items and the like were canceled. The PTA may be able to kick in extra funds, but the other option is for 5th parents to contribute some small amount ($10 per family would be about $1000!).
Staff Appreciation Chair, Carmel McGuire:
· Helped celebrate Read Across America week by providing Dr. Seuss-themed snack including goldfish and popcorn.
· Provided presents for March birthdays.
· May 2-6 is Staff Appreciation week! They need volunteers each day! Send email to .
·
Principal's Report:
Principal Walder talked about:
· The excellence of Mr. Delisle. Hopefully he will get his own school come June 30.
· PARCC tests coming in May for grades 3-5. Half day of testing over several days.
· Done putting new chilling unit on roof. Will be tested soon.
· School building addition seems to be on track. Notices will be sent out as appropriate.
·
Principal Intern's Report:
Mr. Delisle talked about:
· Warm words for being able to be part of Diamond community.
·
Adjournment:
Meeting adjourned at 8:40pm. In Service, Rick Chimera, PTA Secretary