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Marlow
PTA PTA Meeting Minutes – March 21, 2006 The meeting was called to order at 7:10 pm with 7 members present. Treasurer’s Report: There is $577 left for classroom enrichment, $125 for operating costs (this will be used for field day and graduation), and $185.45 for field trips (this translates to $3.25 per student). Field Trips: Marcia said she will write a letter to teachers letting them know how much money the PTA has for field trips, and asking them to let us know when they need the money. She will also let them know that the PTA will pay for scholarships for students with financial need. The 3/4 class room asked to use their classroom enrichment money to cover admission costs for the Boston Museum of Science. After some discussion it was decided that since we clearly outlined in the mission statement how funds will be divided and spent, the PTA will offer the $3.25 per student from the field trip fund and cover specific students with financial needs, as stated above. Classroom Enrichment: Tom Wessels - Marcia spoke with Tom Wessels, but unfortunately he does not work with young children, since it is hard to keep their attention in his area of expertise. David Moon - Marcia mentioned that David Moon does training for salamander crossings and teaches about frogs and vernal pools. He is great with kids. He works at Keene State College and has connections to Stonewall Farm and the Ashuelot River Conservation group. Discussion followed on how manageable it would be having children attend an amphibian crossing since it would take place on a rainy, damp night along roadways. It might be a better idea to invite David Moon to an after school program. It was also decided not to spend more than $200 for a program. Marcia will contact him and book a program if it is $200 or less. Moving Company - The teachers did not want to go to this performance. Harris Center - We did not get a teacher response about this. Shelli has asked the Harris Center if they would be interested in doing and after school program. She is waiting to hear back. Marlow Conservation Commission - Stephanie is now on the Conservation Commission. She asked what questions the PTA wanted her to bring to the next Conservation Commission meeting. One idea was to ask about a way to get maps of the many hiking trails in Marlow. It would also be helpful to get a proposal from the Conservation Commission on any ideas they might have for working with the children in an after school program. Cans for Kids: So far this is not working as well as hoped at the recycling center due to competition for the cans. Discussion followed that the PTA should support this endeavor since the money would go to school improvements. Ideas were suggested for alternative locations for the can drive. No decisions were made. Letters for the School Sign: Stephanie asked if additional letters are still needed for the sign since at times there are not enough. Mrs. Scharf said she would start keeping track of what we keep running out of and buy the letters singly if necessary. Loam for the Playground: Sarah will ask for costs at Fulton Construction. Marcia mentioned that her father has a tractor to spread loam. We have $800 for this purpose. We will also have to buy grass seed. We should set a date for late May to take care of this. Read-a-Thon: The discussion picked up from where it left off at the January meeting with the theme of “Cozy up with a Good Book”. The end goal is to create a book quilt rather than offering prizes for reading. It was confirmed that we have a “kick off” the Friday before April vacation. Students should pick a favorite book, then after reading it, make 8.5 x 11 posters including a drawing, the book title and author, why they like it and why they would recommend it. Another idea was to design a new book cover. Marcia will write up something for the teachers. There was also some discussion about what to do with the quilt after it has been displayed. Ideas included a raffle or donating it to the library. Health and Wellness: Shelli mentioned that she read in this year’s superintendent report that a focus for next year will be health and wellness. She thought the PTA should connect with this. Discussion followed on ideas for activities including a “Walk across New Hampshire” or “Walk across Marlow” activity like took place last year, getting a map of Marlow trails that students can mark as they walk the trails, and measuring activities with pedometers. The PTA should also try to connect with the nurse and PE instructor on ways to promote this. Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 14, 2006, 3:00 pm Meeting was adjourned at 8:20 pm. |