Marlow PTA
John D. Perkins, Sr. Elementary School
919 NH Rt. 10
Marlow, NH 03456

PTA Meeting Minutes - April 13, 2006

The meeting was called to order at 3:15 pm with 5 members present.

Read-a-Thon:

Since the last meeting it was decided to make the students’ book cover drawings into transfers for t-shirts rather than to make a quilt. The original drawings can still be used to make a paper “quilt” to hang at the school. Nancy will go into the classrooms on Tuesday, April 18 to talk to students about the read-a-thon and to distribute sign-up sheets. Students should return the sheets by Friday, April 21 with their book titles and t-shirt sizes. Students should plan to turn in their book cover drawings by the first week of May. Book covers should include the book title, author, and a colorful drawing of their favorite part on 8.5 x 11 paper.

Discussion then followed on a t-shirt decorating day where students could decorate the shirts and have the drawings ironed on. After school or lunch recess might be a good time to do this. Decorating ideas included spray bottle tie-dying or placing items on the shirts and using bleach to create shadows of the objects. It was suggested to buy blue shirts since blue would work well with the bleach idea and is also the school color. Stephanie mentioned that 100% cotton works best for this project. The PTA will plan to buy the shirts once we have a sense of student participation and sizes.

Loam for the Playground:

Sarah spoke to Fulton Construction in Lempster about amounts of soil needed and costs for this project. 16 cubic feet was recommended at a cost of $296. The amount of soil seemed small, but it was decided that since we have $800 in the playground budget, we would start with the 16 cubic feet and get more if necessary. Marcia will check with Mr. Brewer about a good time to do this. Marcia’s father has a tractor to spread loam. We can get bulk grass seed in Walpole. We will have to find a way to keep students off this area until the grass has a chance to grow.

After School Education Seminars:

The PTA newsletter went home with students on Friday, April 14 describing three Harris Center events presented by Brenna Valle. Monday, May 1 from 3-5 pm will be Vernal Pool and Amphibian Studies, sponsored by the Ashuelot River Conservatory. It is a 2-hour program offered to 3^rd -6^th graders. The program is for 15 students and sign-up is required. Then from 5:30-7:30 there will be a program on vernal pool documentation study for adults and teens to learn how to be accurate in documenting. Both programs cost $150. Stephanie will mention the evening event to the Conservation Commission.

Marcia suggested that the PTA provide a potluck dinner between the two programs for the trainers and teachers who stay for the evening program. She imagines there could be about 10 people. Marcia will make quiche and dessert, Shelli will bring pasta salad, Stephanie will bring a garden salad and dressing and Nancy will bring drinks. Marcia will check for paper goods and bring them if needed.

The other two programs are Map and Compass Studies from 3-5 pm on May 8 for 3^rd-6^th graders and Vernal Pools and Pond Studies on May 16 and May 23 from 3-4 pm for K-2^nd grade. These programs should be limited to 15 students, but they are flexible. The programs are difficult with more than 20 students. There is an additional $10 charge for every four extra students.

Teacher Appreciation:

Discussion took place on what to do for teacher appreciation this year. In the past the PTA has made lunches and breakfasts. We also bought a microwave and a refrigerator. One idea was a one cup coffee machine, which would cost about $100, but not all teachers drink coffee. It was decided to ask the teachers what would be most helpful.

3rd/4th Garden:

The PTA received a letter from Ms. Antel asking for funds to make a raised bed garden for vegetables. She provided a detailed list of supplies costing $125. After some discussion it was decided that the PTA would cover the costs of the supplies and seeds, which total about $35. We would add the soil amount to the supply we are purchasing for the schoolyard. The money for this project will come from the playground fund.

Health and Wellness:

Shelli continued the discussion that was started last month with additional ideas for next year’s focus on fitness. She suggested “Passports to Marlow” where students would do hikes and get stamps in a “passport” as they complete each one. There could be featured hikes each month. Nancy said she would check with Mrs. Cunningham about which grant she applied for to get the snowshoes so we can apply for the same grant to get pedometers.

Next Meeting:

Tuesday, May 12, 2006, 3:00 pm

Agenda:

Teacher Appreciation
Graduation
Meeting was adjourned at 4:05 pm.