Normandale Hills Elementary PTA Meeting Minutes
March 7, 2017
Meeting began with a presentation from SafiaAbdirahman, a current NH parent and former Somali liaison that specializes in Somali language and culture. The topic of the presentation was an Introduction to Somali Culture.This is an important discussion, as in 2016 486 Somali students attended Bloomington Schools and their community is a major part of the greater Normandale Hills community. Main take aways from the discussion included that the Somali culture is very verbal – blackboard messages and phone calls are the best way to communicate needs and information, email and brown envelopes are not very successful in engaging this group. Many Somali families do not feel comfortable engaging in school activities such as PTA meeting and volunteering, as they have language and physical differences, work multiple jobs, and do not feel openly welcome in the community. Suggestions to create change included engaging small networking groups, providing one on one opportunities, and continuing to offer childcare whenever possible.
Sarah Post, PTA President called the meeting to order.
Introductions were given by attendees.
Meeting minutes from January 3, 2017 meeting were not physically printed for review at the meeting, though they had been on the PTA website as previously requested. It was decided the vote to approve would be tabled until the next meeting when physical copies of the minutes are provided.
Carissa Meierdierks Wall provided a PTSA Report:
March 1 Meeting:
-At 11:30 on March 1st hadn’t heard if we received the 800,000 grant renewal for voluntary Pre K funding for next 2 years.
-100th Birthday Party All School Reunion May 19th 6pm Doubletree Hotel Bloomington
Early Bird Pricing $50/ person extended through March 10th,Pricing $75/person or $130/couple. Register at bloomingtonschools.org/centennial. Each school considering hosting a table.
-District wide VEAP food drive is April 24-28. We are approved to collect on 4/21 at the carnival.
-Next Speaker: Monday, April 3rd 7-9pm at Oak Grove Middle:Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders in Youth, Presenter Dustin Chapman, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor Fairview Health System
-Minnesota PTA Convention Sat. April 29, 2017 8am – 2:30pm in Roseville, MN
-March 11th – League of Women Voters is hosting “Public Funding for Pre- K: How much? For Whom? Richfield City Hall 9:15am – 11am.
February 1 Meeting:
-Governor has recommended at 2% increase per year for education, State Budget will come out first week of March, then the House and Senate have to vote on it. Our highest priority is to testify about what research has shown for education. We now have a Bloomington Advisory Committee lead by Heather Starks!
-Had meetings with both Somali Parent Network and Latino Parent Association
-2017-18 Calendar approved and posted on website
-There will soon be a link to watch the 2 hours video of the Brain Development Speaker Series from Jan. 19th
-If you have any ideas or suggestions for speakers for next year please let Heather Starks (VP) know.
Carissa M. also noted the deadline for yearbook pictures is March 28. Please send photos to her for inclusion.
It was noted that per the Bylaws, a nominating committee of up to three people is to be formed in advance of the executive board nominations and voting at the May meeting. It was discussed and JC, Ben V., and Keith G. will comprise the nominating committee. This group will work with Dr. V. to review the job descriptions for the board and recruit members to run for these positions at the May meeting.
Sarah Post, President, had no updates to report.
Amy Morrow, VP of Communications, provided an update on upcoming projects and the volunteer status. The Read-a-thon was a huge success with 184 ravenous readers, over 300,000 minutes read, and almost $17,000 raised!
Amy Morrow also reminded everyone the Carnival Committee is working on the carnival and several volunteers are still needed to make the carnival a success. Requests to Jefferson High School and both middle schools for volunteers went out today as well.
JC St. Onge, VP of Events and Fundraising, noted there has been no feedback from anyone on the sticker vending machine presented at the January meeting. There is no opposition, but little interest as it yields little in funds annually. Dr. V. requested additional information for review that JC will provide.
JC also presented that an organization called Boosterthon is soliciting business from NH. This group puts on a fun run in your school as a fundraiser and the focus is on school spirit and health. JC, Amy, and Missy from the board met with someone from Boosterthon to get more information and are reviewing as a possible fall fundraiser with little volunteer need. Amy M. and Dr. V. will meet Wednesday to discuss further and report back at the next meeting.
Missy Sherf, Treasurer, presented the current accounting and year to date budget vs. actual comparison. It was noted there is a budget surplus and the PTA needs to determine what we want to spend down and what do we want our theme to be? (example: technology) Also, there was a cost of approximately $2,000 discussed for Festival of Learning that has not come through for reimbursement yet, but this is for food the evening of the festival and a musical guest during school hours. This brought about discussion that there’s great enthusiasm throughout the school community for Festival of Learning and to keep up the great work teachers and staff!
Andy Vollmuth, principal, provided several school updates:
-This week is MN Reading Corps week – great time to highlight the program. The school pays nothing and it’s kind of like getting 8 free hours of staff time daily. Our Reading Corps volunteers are Taylor and Daniel and there are over 30 Reading Corps volunteers in the Bloomington Schools.
-Sue Bremer, a retired phys. Ed. Teacher, is the long term sub for Marlene Shriner.
-Morgan Slette is back from maternity leave.
-MN School of Excellence has been a two year process: an in depth study with community engagement citing worthy areas of improvement and developing a plan. The improvement plan is being written this year citing some of the following: Quality instruction & teacher development Market uniqueness: grade level twitter accounts and other social media. The plan will hopefully be accepted over the summer.
Jennifer Lehr provided the teacher report, stating the only news is that teachers are all preparing for conference and Marlene Shriner gave birth to baby girl Savannah on February 11.
Eva Carcionewas not able to be present for the meeting, but Jenna stated for her the Kid Safari Report:
-Peace Site Club created Thank You cards for our NH Teachers and School Volunteers. Also, they raised $243 from the Valentine Cards created.
-There are enrichment classes available starting the week after Spring Break. Sign up at br.thatscommunityed.com
-Girls on the Run Club is open for registration and starts March 20.
-Summer Camp Safari registration begins Tuesday, March 14 through the online system. Camp Safari will be held at Westwood, Olson Middle, and Indian Mounds. NH staff will be at Westwood again this summer.
Meeting Attendees:
Carissa Meierdierks Wall
Heather McKinzie
Jenna Lehr
Amy Morrow
JC St. Onge
Ben Van der Roer
Andy Vollmuth
Sarah Post
Missy Scherf
Keith G.
Rainey Hayden
Jodi De Toffel