SOUTHWEST SCHOOL PTA MINUTES

November 1, 2007

Present: Lisa Burgess, Christine Deanne, Diane Kelly, Margie Kuchan, Ruth McDonald, Tish Moore, Donna O’Brien, Judy Ottenfeld, Josephine Pogue, Kathy Rohan, Susan Romano, Dolores Smith, and Denise Thomas.

Tish Moore called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m. Donna O’Brien read the October minutes which were approved with minor corrections.

PRESIDENT’S, VICE PRESIDENT’S, TREASURER’S AND BUDGET & FINANCE REPORTS

Judy Ottenfeld reported for Sue Burns that the balance brought forward from October was $2,309.33. Total receipts were shown as $8,900.42. Total disbursements were $2,076.65 with a balance on hand of $9,133.10. It was reported that the balance on hand was high as payment had not been disbursed to Market Day for the fall fundraiser. The report will be filed for audit.

The annual Southwest PTA donation made to the American Field Association at the Founder’s Day event in February will be reviewed. The report will be filed for audit.

I. CHAIR REPORTS

Room Parents: Ruth McDonald and Donna O’Brien reported that the Halloween parties were a great success with over 80 parents in attendance to help with parties and to view the kindergarten through third grade parade. The fourth, fifth, and sixth grades students enjoyed snacks while watching a “Night at the Museum” in the gym. The holiday parties are set for Thursday, Dec. 20 and checks will be distributed after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Taffy Apple Sale: Lisa Burgess reported that the sale was a great success with a profit of approximately $400.

Pumpkin Contest: Tish Moore reported that the Pumpkin Contest, chaired by Mary Deering, had many unique and creative entries. Mary Deering will send a memo listing winners and pictures of their entries. The Pumpkin Contest was $50 under budget, with the unused funds to be used to replenish ribbons and associated items for the following years.

All School Field Trip: Lisa Burgess reported on options of live theater performances at the Beverly Art Center and Drury Lane, a presentation at the IMAX Theater and new movie releases. Determining factors include costs, location and ease of transportation. Crestwood Theaters has offered morning showings of holiday family movies at a reasonable price and convenient location. “Alvin and The Chipmunks,” “Fred Clause,” and “Mr. Magorium’s Magic Emporium” are possible options. Parents will be notified in advance if a movie is selected for the outing. Based on Book Fair profits it may be possible for the PTA to fund the entire cost of the field trip.

Grandparent’s/Special Someone’s Day: Susan Romano will chair this event scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 15. A variety of pies, coffee and punch will be provided by the PTA

and donated by parents. Coffee service will be purchased from an outside source to alleviate the past electrical problems encountered while making coffee at the school.

Book Fair: Melanie Senerchia and Diane Kelly will chair this event scheduled for November 14, 15 and 16 with a “blizzard” theme. An evening “Build-a-Book” family event will be held on Wed., Nov. 14, for the first time with a 4 x4 book kit costing $5 and a 5x 7 book kit costing $7. 100 kits were ordered and any unused kits can be returned to Scholastic at no cost to the school. Also, the classroom donating the most change to the Scholastic book charity will receive a free pizza party. The fair will be open the morning of the American Education Week breakfast on Nov. 16. Volunteers are sought for all these events.

School Board Meeting: Kathy Rohan reported that the facilities committee formed by the Board is investigating three possible solutions to the facilities issue. They committee will hold town hall meetings for resident input before any action is taken when they have selected one or two viable options. Detailed information can be found in the school board meeting minutes.

II. PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Ms. Thomas reported that the PBIS assembly on Friday, Oct. 26 was a great success. The next assembly is set for Friday, Dec. 14 and will have a board game theme.

BJ Quigley is chairing the Reflections Program and provided a power point presentation to increase student interest and participation.

Ms. Thomas stated that the ISAT test will be administered in the first two weeks of March and the Terra Nova test will be administered in the last two weeks of April. The tests are given one per day.

The school has partnered with Loyola University nursing students who will meet with students during gym time to provide health-related topics. A health fair for students will be planned in the spring and for the parents in the evening some time in 2008. District administration attended a conference on school security and new measures are being implemented to achieve greater security. All visitors must sign in and out at the office and anyone going beyond the office will be required to have a badge. Other changes are being reviewed.

Ms. Thomas is planning a presentation on the Southwest School Improvement Plan at an evening meeting in January.

III. OTHER BUSINESS

The EPCHS Craft Fair is set for Saturday, Nov. 10.

The School Board Meeting is set for Tuesday, Nov. 13.

The SERVE Meeting will be held Thursday, Nov. 15.

A family fundraiser for Joy Young will be held on Friday, Nov. 30 at Bourbon Street, from 6 to 11 pm. Anyone interested in donating items for a sweets table, can drop them off at Judy Ottenfeld’s house.

Information on options for the Spring Fundraiser is being researched and will be provided in December.

The annual Talent Show has been changed to Tuesday, February 26.

There will be a chorus presentation on Thursday, January 17 at 6:30 p.m.

An Evergreen Park Child Health Fair is tentatively set for May 20.

There being no other business the meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Donna O’Brien

Recording Secretary