Parents as Partners, 15 May 2008
In attendance: Julie Mueller, Lynn Braceras, Lisa Cray, Laurie Singer,
Laura Cunningham Firkey, Mary Lou Lord, Sharon Sturm, Dorothy Dickson,
Conny Thoma, Linda Fortin-Mitiguy.
Principal Laurie Singer's update:
- She is looking for ideas for parent information nights for next year.
Survey monkey turned in 47 responses, at least a couple of which were from
students. Suggestions: Internet safety; information about “tweens” – what
to expect; bullying; information about curriculum particulars; information
about how to use the web site and what’s on there. Information nights
happen after the start of the school year; upcoming-sixth-grade meetings
happen in late May/early June. Other ideas – book discussions, talking
about media influences, specifics about teaming and how that works for
students and parents, specifics about connected math, suicide/depression/anxiety.
- Parents had comments about the ineffectiveness of the web site and
mentioned that the high school site has detailed schedules related to
music and sporting events.
- The cafeteria project was a great success in parent participation.
They’re looking at doing a similar project for the locker rooms, which
need paint, floor clean-up, and other spruce-up work. Possibly dividing
existing changing stalls and closing off a large back area where lots
of stuff gets left. A project like this works well for mid-winter,
possibly before a break.
- The lockers are more than 50 years old and frequently jam. They are
very expensive to replace. Laurie would like to see a locker replacement
fund that includes school money and fundraising money, with fundraising
projects specified for that purpose. We’re talking about $40,000 to
replace all the lockers.
- Planting is in progress outside the main entrance.
- Laurie wants to know if Parents as Partners would want to sponsor
a jacket sale. We wouldn’t make a profit – the school would just send
the materials home and put any money sent in through our account.
Julie Mueller's update:
- Spring Book Sale: Total $1407.41, but we have to have over $1500 to
get financial profits beyond free books. Suggestion to hold more sales
the coincide with evening events that attract parents.
- A check for over $400 came from Hannaford through the Hannaford
Helps Schools program. Kudos to Linda and Sharon for a terrific staff
appreciation week that was very well-received by our staff.
Grade reports:
- Nancy Kelly is organizing a Relay for Life team called "Purple 'n' Proud"
in honor of Sarah Pidgeon. All are welcome to join the team and/or
contribute.
- A sixth grade book discussion is being held with Melanie Cote
coordinating it.
- The seventh grade Medieval night went well and seemed to be
well attended.
- Tuesday the eighth grade is having a spaghetti dinner sponsored
by the teachers with food from Boves served by the teachers with support
from parents. Before or just after April vacation, parents need a
contact person within the eighth grade team to inform the parent reps
about the details of the dinner. The parents have typically taken
responsibility for decorations, turning the cafeteria into an Italian
restaurant. After the dinner, the PE department runs a series of dances
that they’ve learned in PE during their three years here, with donated
prizes collected by parents.
- Promotion night is Wednesday, June 11 at 6:30pm. There are two
signs that need changing. Typically there’s an archway in the gym with
red and white balloons, and blue and gold decorations in the cafeteria.
Eighth grade parents donate food, seventh grade parents serve punch, cut
up cakes. Sharon Sturm will coordinate this event with seventh grade
parents. Last year a semi-formal dance happened in the cafeteria after
the event, and eighth grade parents helped with clean-up at 11pm after
that. The Eighth grade parent committee starts decorating right after
lunch on the day of the event, using decorations that are used every year.
Seventh grade parents should be there no later than 6pm. Dance
chaperones just hang around and supervise informally. Extra snack food
is needed for the dance. Last year’s event included four cakes from
Costco. White lights are needed to go around the hornet figure. A file
is available with information to help with planning and setting up this
event and other events. The eighth grade also does a boat trip, a hike
up Mt. Philo, and races with cars they build in science class.