VALLEY VIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
“Where all children can learn”
VALLEY VIEW PTA Minutes
September 17, 2014
Call Meeting to Order: 7:01pm
Reading and Approval of Minutes
Motion to approve: 1st Lisa Vicari
2nd Joanne Faherty
REPORTS OF OFFICERS:
President - Kim McPhail – Introduced the Board members and welcomed attendees. Thank you to Amy Romary for Ice Cream Social for Kindergarteners, Melissa Susnosky for organizing Red Shirts on 1st day of school, Lisa Vicari and Melissa Susknosky for Teacher’s Breakfast and Joanne for the 1st cultural arts assembly of the year.
Principal’s Report - Dr. Kennedy – Had a wonderful 1st day of school. Have new lighting throughout the school thanks to BOE. They have made the place brighter and happier. This year we are conducting benchmark testing. It will measure/assess content in each area and will be held twice throughout the year. The PARK testing will be held in March and May this year. We are increasing our technology since we now have 3 chrome book carts to be used by all classrooms. The book room has been moved since we have expanded our collection and now is in the old child study room. A number of new materials have come in recently in science and social studies and have increased to a wide range of reading in classes. At back to school night a flyer on common core standards will be dispersed to all parents so everyone is aware of where their child should be at end of each school year. Lindsey Danilack, West Point grad was featured in NY Times Magazine and is a tremendous role model for women.
Corresponding Secretary Donna Hahn - Received a number of thank you cards and notes from teachers and staff thanking us for the wonderful breakfast provided for teachers, flowers and treats on the 1st day of school. The cards/notes will be posted on the bulletin board. Will be seeing more safety and anti-bullying initiatives in the Monday Memo soon. It is important to get the message out. We are pursuing the National Award for PTA
Treasurer’s Report – Mary – Reviewed last year’s budget. Informed us that the PTA fiscal year is September 1 – August 31. Therefore, there are significant variances due to timing of expenses since we do go through the summer. Important details from last year’s budget are: Book Fair variance due to accepting Scholastic bucks rather than cash, Fun Fair made more than expected, School supplies for K always discrepancy because we receive income in June when orders are taken and expenses come in late August/early September after the purchases are made, Family night made money usually we break even, Tricky Tray cost has netted due to presale of tickets.
New Business:
· When the President resigned last year that left an open spot for 2nd VP which is a 1 year term. The board voted Joanne Faherty as the 2nd VP. Kim installed Joanne and presented her with flowers and was welcomed to the board.
· Current school year budget was reviewed by Mary. The following issues were brought up: 1. Look into the Web budget. Not sure what the money is used for. Never been used just sitting there last couple of years. 2. 5th grade trip money. Donna concerned with the amount of money being given to the 5th grade. Suggested it should be per child and not a set amount. All the other grades’ field trips are subsidized by the parents and feels that 5th grade should not be an exception to be fair to each class. Mary suggested breaking up the $10K into two buckets, ticket purchase and transportation. Since the tickets for the show have not been purchased yet and will be very shortly it was agreed to leave the budget for 5th grade trip as is for this year but will revisit issue for next year. A motion to approve the current budget made by Amy. 1st by Vick Georges and 2nd by Melissa Susnosky. All in favor – Unanimous.
· 5th grade breakfast – Mr. Danilack said last year having at school worked logistically but the menu needs to be changed. The kids don’t eat again until after the show on the bus ride home so need to incorporate more protein and healthier options.
· Wicked show tickets have not been purchased because group sales have not opened for the date we are looking at. May need to look into another show. Dr. K said that the PARK testing has been moved up a week and could possible change the date of the 5th grade trip so the tickets for new date may be available for purchase now. Kim to call the sales dept. and see if we can purchase for new date.
· Online directory – 204 families have joined 87 have not confirmed yet. 29 faculty have joined. Cannot open until we get confirmation back from the outstanding families. Kim will provide a go- live date for directory.
· VV Extravaganza – Lisa confirmed we have 65 attendees so far. Early bird pricing coming to end soon.
· Bingo – Melissa said we have 60 families signed up so far. Will be a fun night. Looking for more volunteers. Will have REACH kids helping out as well.
· Monster Ball – Eileen Alexander met with Lauren who used to run this event and planning will be underway soon. DJ has been booked already.
· School Store – Lisa is looking into a new vendor. Donna also spoke to Class Act and they want to do school store merchandise for us and will give us a better price on Field Day shirts. Donna to get more info. Both Lisa and Donna will provide further details and will be reviewed at next meeting.
· Trep$ - Donna will be attending a brunch on this program in Oct.
· Bylaws- Kim updated us that the state has granted us an extension to get our bylaws in compliance because we are a new board. Bylaws are to be updated every 2 years.
· Mr. O’Brien – note to parents to take the opportunity to be an engaged parent and work together with the teachers. Make the best use of the school and what the town has to offer to set the proper foundation for your kids.
CLOSE MEETING 8:33pm
Motion 1st Kim McPhail
2nd Lisa Vicari