EFS PTA
General Membership Meeting
September 17, 2014
Essex Fells School, Media Center
In Attendance
Tricia Faloni, Carolyn Goldman, Nicole Skopak, Amy Woods, Julianne Palardy, ShaniDrogin,Kim Coughlin, Amy Isabel, Tara Thompson, Kerry Criqui,Mariam Whelan, LisaBreitweiser, Debby Tedesco, Amy Zinn, Lisa Housel, Christine DiGiovanni, Megan Farrell, Kamni Marsh, Brenda Cioci, Bethany Buccino, Wendy Qualy, Elaine Brier, Kathy Critchley, Ashley Moran, Michelle Gadaleta
Teacher Representatives: Catherine Codella, Debbie Emma
Called to order at 2:12pm by Tricia Faloni, PTA President
June Minutes Were Approved
Book Fair
The Book Fair was once again a success. Dawn Farese chaired the committee and once again, did a great job. She had many volunteers and they were thanked by name in the WAAG.
Class Parents
Tara Thompson is the chairperson for all class moms. She addressed all class moms present telling them:
- Sign in and out when entering and exiting the school
- PTA meeting attendance is encouraged
- Since there are co-class moms be sure to share the work load
- Class moms will be required to send class e-mails to communicate PTA information
- Each student was asked to pay $15 towards a classroom contribution. Once My Food Days is closed out the class moms will each receive a check with half of what was collected from their class. They can use this money to buy supplies for classroom parties or needs.
- Amy Woods reported that checks should be issued by the beginning of October.
- Class moms can also ask other parents for donations if they see fit.
- Tara will be the liaison if any class moms have any questions they can feel free to contact her.
Cocktail Party
The PTA Welcome Back Cocktail Party will be help on Friday, September 26, 2014 at the home of Laurie and Guy Sindle, 47 Hathaway Lane, from 7-10pm. A sign up sheet was circulated for class moms to bring an hors d’oeuvre or finger food, soda, mixers or water. The window to drop off items will be from 2-4pm at the Sindle’s home. Class moms were encouraged to label their platters for return and to include heating instructions for food that needs to be heated.
Directory
Ashley Moran reported that the directory is up and running. All previous users need to sign on and update their personal information. All new users need to sign on and verify their information and then they can download the app to their phones or desktops. There is a section of the directory where one can view class parents and PTA Committees. There is also the feature to e-mail the whole class. If users have not paid for the directory by 9/27/14 their access will be turned off.
Even if a parent declines use of the directory, $4.00 PTA dues must be paid if they would like to be a PTA volunteer. Teachers are paying for the directory by way of a collection envelope in the main office.
Lunch
The first lunch order is underway. Deb Tedesco reported that chicken lunch went well. Mrs. Gadaleta asked that the parents impress upon their children what drinks they should be getting. She said that all the students want chocolate milk even if that is not what was ordered for them.
There will be a mandatory 6th grade parent meeting on Wednesday 9/24 at 6:30pm in the media center to discuss 6th grade parent responsibilities. We are in need of a 6th grade parent to chair pizza lunch and more 6th grade parent volunteers to help during that time.
Drop Off
Kamni Marsh reported that the month of September has been filled up with volunteers to stand at drop off. She would like to maintain a rotating schedule with volunteers changing month to month. She reported that Andrea Mihalik would cover Thursdays for the entire school year. Wendy Qualy came forward as a newvolunteer.
School Supplies
Mrs. Gadaleta reported that the school supplies were very well received and Tara Thompson noted that ordering was very easy. The 5th grade teachers were not happy with the quality of the binders. ShaniDrogan reported that Mrs. Barshay sent home extra supplies and that many students in her daughter’s class had broken pencil cases already. Mrs. Gadaleta offered a supply closet for teachers to house extra supplies. Nicole Skopak will look into the company’s Grade Year Guarantee where broken products can be replaced and ordering higher quality items next year.
Art Fundraiser
The PTA will be holding a fundraiser where parents can order notecards, stationary, stickers and the like with their child’s artwork on it. The teachers will complete the drawings in class with the students. It will be ordered for holiday delivery and will come wrapped in cellophane with a bow for ease for gift giving.
TD Affinity Program
Tricia Faloni reported that the school is signed up for a program with TD Bank. If you have an account with them and tell them that you are an EFS PTA member they will give the PTA $10.00 per account. If you open a new account with them, they will give the PTA $15.00 per account. There will be a representative from TD Back at the October meeting to give more information about the program.
Teacher’s Room
Mrs. Codella reported that there are two new teacher’s rooms, one in each building. She mentioned that the teachers are in need of decorations for the rooms. Brenda Cioce volunteered that she has plenty of items to give to help decorate the rooms. The teachers showed her the rooms.
Green Thumb
Mariam Whelan reported that Garden Club members met with Mrs. Gadaleta regarding Earth Day 2015. Rather than the usual Glen Clean Up, the Green Thumb in conjunction with the Garden Club is exploring a Glen Festival. The idea is that the students would travel in groups to different activity stations where they would learn about the earth. Having a representative from the environmental center or a tree service was discussed. The Green Thumb Committee would also like to offer Garden Club as one of the after school enrichment programs. Finally, they will soon begin the fall decorating of the school grounds. Mrs. Codella is going tomake scarecrows with the 5th and 6th graders for decorations and the Junior Garden Club will be doing fall bulb planting.
Talent Show
Deb Tedesco reported that they are working on a talent show and more information will follow.
Sign
Mrs. Gadaleta would like a glass-enclosed sign to be hung outside by the kindergarten wing. This sign will display flyers with important information. It will have a lock and key and Mrs. Gadaltea will take responsibility for what is hung in there. The cost is $3600.00. There was also a discussion of selling Happy Birthday Banners to hang in the case. Tricia Faloni called for a motion to approve the sign, Mariam Whelan motioned, 2nd by Tara Thompson, a vote was taken,
9 members in favor, motion was approved
Meeting adjourned at 2:56pm by Tricia Faloni