FMS PTSA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
January
23, 2008
Attending the meeting were Thomas Dietrich, Katie
Stefanides, Angela Schuab,
John Waldren, Joan Mullene Jackie Ferguson, Angela Prater, Diane
Cooper,
Elizabeth Nordi and Silvana Dice
I. Angela Prater welcomed the general membership members,
and transitioned
to the president's overview. Amy Farris was excused from the meeting.
Angela
gave us an updated on our membership numbers for 2007-2008. We are
sitting
at 150 members thus far. We are six members short compared to last
year. John
shared that a lower enrollment of 35 students, compared to enrollment
numbers
in the past thirteen years might have contributed to the PTSA membership
data.
Coming up activity for volunteering opportunity are snacks in the classroom
for
the WASAL testing. Next year's PTSA board is being reviewed and will be up
for
voting soon. The board is hoping to include income 6I grade parents.
II. Jackie Ferguson gave her update on the Reflections
Program. There is a
showcase displayed in the commons. Two of the pieces
were sent to State.
Reflections enrollment has been about half compared to last year. On the
Art
side, the Art Club has been meeting once a month. They have been involved
in
activities from Jazz Workshop to fabric collage banners. The WVC dance
group
will perform during the lunch hour this coming Friday; They will showcase
Hip
Hop, Swing and whatever time will allow. The art activities offered by the
school
are free of charge for the students. Glena Valentine has expressed interest
in
chairing the Art program next year.
Ill. Tom Dietrich updated us on treasury. Expected
fundraising revenues for this
year are $ 10.000,00. We are at about $7-8.000, 00, therefore right on
track
compared to last years. Copies of the treasury report were available
for
distribution.
IV. Fundraising update was given by Jackie. Box tops rebate
is $ 500, 00,
Albertson's Community Partners $ 700, 00, 2 for 1 card $ estimated revenues
are
$7-8.000, 00. The implementation of the Valued Card Program stands in
need of
reevaluation. Perhaps a voucher approach could eliminate the hustle of
tracking
the cards. Another suggestion was offered that perhaps a two way approach
for
tracking could be used. A form to log on every sale, and a check out system
for
those that want the cards in big quantities. The use of the school's
website to
announce fundraiser dates might be helpful. Upcoming sale date is scheduled
for
March. Mrs. Hink's class won the Box Tops context. The money has
been
earmarked for books. The i period was used to encourage the kids to
offer gifts of
themselves, and then display them on a paper chain. Some of our teachers
have
expressed an interest to have a projector mounted from the ceiling. It was
shared
that the PTSA should be funding the Mark 0' Donnell refurbishing.
John is still
working on the bids; He has put the word out on an email newsletter.
V. Angela Shuab was present to offer subsequent insights
into the Eatable
Garden Project. A coordinator is needed at FMS; Angela shared that she will
help launch the project. The responsibilities of the coordinator will be to
oversee
the general garden care, which entails to 1-2 hours a week. The bulk of
the
activities take place in the spring. Different business can be involved in
donating
for the garden project. During the Fall and Spring, two prep days
are needed to
tend to various soil and harvesting activities. Clean up during the
Summer
months can be a challenge.
VI. Angela Prater wrapped up the meeting, adding that the
Culinary Club could
be started once the Eatable Garden project is in place.
The garden idea could be
absorbed into the school curriculum. Tracy Faulkner might be possible
placement
for the garden project. S. Lockhart will serve as the teacher rep. Silvana
Dice
brought in gift certificates at Amy Earns' request donated from the
Eastmont
Bowling Ally. A drawing was held, and disbursed. The Spelling Bee is in need
of
2-3 more volunteers.
Meeting was adjourned, with some refreshments brought in by the board.