Ridgewood Avenue Home and School Association

Approved Minutes October 6, 2011

Officers Present: Anne Moisan, President; Maria DeMeola, 1st Vice President; Nancy McMahon, 2nd Vice President; Sonya Twyman, Treasurer;Rennae Pelayo, Secretary

Anne Moisancalled the meeting to order at 6:35PM.

Principal’s Report –Mike Donovan reported:

Dr. Harris is expected to return to RAS on October 21st. Ms. Goldberg has been assisting during Dr. Harris’ absence.
Harassment Intimidation Bullying (HIB) Law: Out of 24 to 25 reported incidents, around 23 deemed to not fall under HIB. First Block the Bully session scheduled for October 7th. RAS Block the Bully to be featured on NJTV on October 9th. Shelby the bullied dog visited RAS. Respect Week this week.
5th graders have been traveling to Fort Lee
Spanish classes have been going on a walking field trip to the Glen Ridge Train Station to see the images of Guatemala
August/September pizza lunch was held. Birthdays are now being announced every day.
District is meeting regarding math curriculum.
Sixth graders were able to bring in their laptops for note taking beginning this week. About 2 students so far have brought in laptops. HSA to discuss a laptop scholarship program during a future meeting.
5K – RAS is speaking with Glen Ridge Public Safety Officer and has begun discussing with the students.
New Strings program has about 10 students so far.
Talent show coming up.
Student Council inductions have taken place.

Upcoming events include:

Halloween – October 31st.
Adoption Breakfast – November 3rd.
Next HSA meeting and end of first marking period – November 4th.

Teacher’s Report – Mrs. Ely reported:

The teachers expressed their “thanks” for continued support.
K Kids Costume Swap scheduled for October 14th – bring in gently used costumes by October 13th for a ticket to select a costume on October 14th after school. Suggestions for costumes not selected include allowing others to participate or donate to Human Needs Pantry.

Board of Education Report – Joe Moran reported:

BOE working on HIB requirements. Across the district, 99% of reports do not rise to HIB level.
BOE also working on new teacher evaluations.

Treasurer’s Report –Sonya Twyman reported:

Current balance is $52,000 with available cash tight after recognition of invoices for six SmartBoards and lockers.
Awaiting fundraising results from School Photos and Discovery.
Enrichment and Holiday Store Inventory are upcoming expenses.
Balance typical for this time of the school year.

Committee Reports:

Social – Carolyn Twitchell – Family Game Night scheduled for October 14th. Not a fundraising activity but Ways and Means will sell concessions. Each family makes a team and scores points through a variety of games – ping pong, Taboo, bean bag toss, Yahtzee. Karaoke will end the evening in the auditorium. Committee requested $400 for event expenses.
Ways and Means – will sell concessions at Family Game Night as a fundraiser.
SCRIP Update –Clare Delaney & Missy Centanni - $27,000 sold for August/September. Whole Foods now offered monthly.
Angelo’s – RAS Night on Columbus Day – 10% donation for dine-in or carry-out.
TREP$ - e-mail sent out looking for people to help. Offered for grades 4th to 6th – six week session beginning in January with marketplace right before Valentine’s Day.
Scholarship Fund – Bulb fundraiser earns 50% donation – profit to date of $469. Family photos next weekend.
RAS Day at Watchung Booksellers – will occur on November 18. Suggestion to include a Mr. Dino’s fundraiser on the same day.
Discovery –Vanessa Lucas– Discovery has started with 116 kids enrolled in 12 classes. Estimated profit of $4,600.

President’s Report – Anne Moisan reported:

Orders due October 14th for Sheets and Treats.
Global/district problem with Skyward for accessing e-mail addresses.
District Calendars available for $10.

Appreciation – Anne Moisan thanked the following:

Megan Giulianelli – School Photos.
Vanessa Lucas, Tricia Mansfield and Sonya Twyman – Discovery.
Jennifer Pine and Leah Zweig – Class Parents.

Votes:

Christine Campbell made a motion to provide the Social Committee with $400 for Family Game Night; Megan Giulianelli seconded the motion and all were in favor.
Jennifer Pine made a motion to approve the September minutes; Christine Campbell seconded and all were in favor.

Upcoming Events – Anne Moisan:

October 10th – Angelo’s RAS Night
October 14th – Sheets and Treats orders due
October 14th – Family Game Night 7-9pm
The next Home & School Association meeting is November 4th 8:45am in RAS cafeteria.
November 18th – RAS Day at Watchung Booksellers

Anne Moisanadjourned the meeting at 7:20PM.