Pinebrook Elementary

General Meeting Minutes

November 17, 2014

I.  Meeting called to order by Andrea Carroll, President, at 6:35 pm

II.  Presentation by Loudoun County Transportation – Tammy Minkin, Team Leader

  1. County is currently short 200 drivers and actively seeking applicants
  2. It’s possible to hire and train about 20 new drivers at a time
  3. Position is 4.5 hrs/day and includes benefits, as well as paid training. Loudoun offers 110+ more hours of training than required by state.

III.  Report of Officers

  1. President’s Report
  2. Andrea thanked Laura Stapleton for coordinating the staff luncheon during conference days.
  3. The new by-laws will be completed by the committee of Andrea Carroll, Sophia Brunswick, and Rachel Chintala. New by-laws will be posted for a month for review
  4. A volunteer is needed to chair the Fine Arts and Cultural Night, by Friday, or the event will be cancelled.
  5. Pinebrook received $52 from Dr. Kravitz’s Halloween candy buyback program.
  6. Secretary Report
  7. Minutes from October were approved
  8. Treasurer Report
  9. An audit report and financials from last year are available if of interest to anyone. Ketki Parekh reported finances were good last year.
  10. This year we are on target for our budget goals, despite our decreased population.
  11. The fall fund raiser yielded $8080. The target for the event had been $8000.
  12. VP of Volunteers
  13. There are currently two events being solicited for volunteers
  14. Bingo and Holiday Gift Shop
  15. Christine Varanelli recognized Eric and Tawnya Ramey for “always” volunteering and being one of the first to sign up for each event.
  16. VP of Fundraising
  17. Everything from the fall fund raiser was picked up successfully
  18. School is perusing other options for fundraising next year. Brianna Davis will welcome any suggestions.
  19. VP of Events
  20. SEAC – special education committee meeting and the annual 2013-2014 report can be found on the SEAC website. The committee advises local schools about resources available for students with disabilities.
  21. December 1st – 15th there will be an event for inclusion. Each student in the school will decorate a handprint that will all displayed together to demonstrate inclusion within our school.
  22. Odyssey of the Mind registration packets will be distributed the week of November 17th.
  23. Students will receive a contract in order to be a member of a team
  24. Teams will be assigned prior to Thanksgiving Break

IV.  Principal’s Report

  1. Mrs. Rodgers spoke about upcoming events, Friday Night Bingo, Inclusive Schools Week, The Holiday Shop and Pancake Breakfast
  2. Question from a parent, asking why school plays and class activities are being scheduled during daytime hours, as opposed to in the evening, as previously done. The parent raised concern about those parents that work are unable to attend their child/children’s event.
  3. Mrs. Rodgers explained that the school is trying to better respect the contract hours of the teachers and not ask them to be in attendance after contract hours.
  4. The parent recommended that programs be earlier in the morning or later in the day, affording working parents the opportunity to work a half-day, and attend the child’s event.

V.  Committee Reports

  1. Bingo
  2. Eric Ramey reported there are 32 baskets complete to be raffled at Bingo
  3. Teacher experience baskets (ex., lunch with Mrs. Martinson) will also be available
  4. Snacks will be available for purchase in the back of the gym
  5. Hot food, (pizza from Little Cesar’s) will be available. Little Cesar is new to the community and very willing to work with schools and be flexible.
  6. Community wide save the dates were sent home, posters will be hung on November 18th, and information will be included in the morning announcements
  7. Spirit Wear
  8. Andrea Robinson reported we are half way to our goal for the year.
  9. Flannel pants are currently for sale and running big.
  10. November 21st ends spirit wear sales.
  11. Box Tops
  12. Rachel Chintala reported October box tops totaled $576.80. Total income thus far this school year is $1300.
  13. Goal for income this year is $5000
  14. Mrs. Wright class earned top earner status for October.
  15. Next collection will be due mid January
  16. Holiday Shop
  17. Many opportunities for volunteering still available.
  18. Teachers currently signing up for preview days with their classes. Thursday/Friday will be preview days. Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday will be shopping days. Saturday will be family shopping event at the Pancake Breakfast.
  19. Pancake Breakfast will be staffed by 5th grade parents and students, to fundraise for 5th grade celebration.
  20. The Administration will be flipping pancakes
  21. 17 vendors will participate in the vendor fair in the gym, during the Holiday Shop and the Pancake Breakfast.
  22. LEAP meeting
  23. Kim Bielecki reported that LEAP meeting was about full day kindergarten.
  24. During the meeting it was reported that full day kindergarten will not be added to Loudoun County.
  25. The budget is prioritized in terms of most influential needs in the county. Full day kindergarten is not considered a priority in terms of the budget.
  26. Transportation and building of more facilities is the budgetary priority.
  27. Largest reasons full day kindergarten is not a priority
  28. No place to put programs
  29. $15-$20 million recurring cost
  30. 4464 students currently attend full day kindergarten in Loudoun County.
  31. 20% are ELL students
  32. Other percentage is “at risk” students
  33. School Store
  34. Elaine Stripling and Melissa Urbina reported the school store will open December 12th, and will operate from 7:30 to7:50 AM. The store will be open the following week with parent volunteers. There will also be a website with order forms.
  35. Spirit Wear and car magnets will be available in the store.
  36. Motion made to add a budget line item asking for funds to order other things for the store. (ex., pencil pouch).
  37. $450 needed for start up, $150 of that amount needed for the cash box.
  38. Motion second by Julie, motion passes as read.
  39. Reflections
  40. Dr. Avery reported Reflections entries are due December 10th.

VI.  New Business

  1. STEAM Team – a committee is being formed to plan STEAM Expo and build database for resources, such as parent resources through employment.
  2. Motion made to accept local unit, second by Brianna Davis, motion passed.
  3. ASEP
  4. Nichole Whitfield reported teachers are beginning to think of class offerings. Classes will be offered January to Spring Break.
  5. Class Donation – trees and bench donated from previous 5th grade will be installed during the coming weekend.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:20 PM

Meeting notes submitted by Meg Brinker, Secretary