Timberlane PTO Minutes- January Meeting February 22, 2006
Minutes taken by Allison Neary
Call To Order: Aida Valcarcel, co-President, called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm with 12 members in attendance.
Secretary’s Report: The motion to approve the minutes made by Meg Morocco was approved.
Treasurer’s Report : The motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report made by Sandi Walder was approved.
President’s Report: was given by Aida Valcarcel
Committee Reports:
· Programs – Kathy Howren –
o The Slammin’ Poetry presentation was a big success on Friday. Upcoming events include:
o The Parenting series begins this month:
§ March 6: Boys will be boys
§ March 13: Teen Body image
§ March 27: Is My Kid Thinking About Sex? An interactive workshop run by HiTops .
o Gang awareness and Drug awareness. Chief George Meyer and a representative from the NJ State Police will present at the high school. This presentation is developed for parents.
o Princeton Health Care System – Healthy Eating for Teens will be the presentation for next PTO meeting
· Nominating Committee - Current members include: Mike Foster, Randi Tenji, Margaret DeGennero, Aida Valcarcel, Ned Fletcher, Janice Hamnett , and Nancy Palker. Ideally the committee will include at least one parent from each elementary school. At this point each elementary school is represented except Hopewell Elementary.
· Staff Appreciation Luncheon – March 16. The staff appreciation luncheon is scheduled for a half day school so that the staff can eat together rather than split sessions. Parent volunteers are needed to help.
· Magazine Drive – magazine packets handed out. The first day sales yielded $2000.
· Science Fair – this was a very successful event. Many of these impressive projects can be seen in the school lobby.
· School Store – the school store has been so successful that the time it is open has been expanded to 2 days per month. Tuesday and Wednesday. Next year students will be involved in working at the store.
· 7th and 8th grade dance. Single grade level dances are under consideration as the norm, rather than both 7th and 8th grade together. The students seem to prefer single grade level dances.
· GEPA (Grade Eight) Testing will take place March 13 – 16. 6th and 7th grade testing will occur the week before Spring Break, April 3.
· Please consider nominating outstanding teachers for the Governor’s Award.
· Many TMS girls, their mothers and teachers attended the lecture by Rachel Simmons on female bullying. There are discussions to have Rachel Simmons come to Hopewell. This year’s presentation was in Princeton.
· Photos have arrived New Orleans Hurricane Katrina students. This is very exciting for the TMS students to see the students they are helping.
· HiTops coming in May for a 7th grade workshop on sex harassment to be given in homerooms. They will also conduct an 8th grade workshop on postponing sexual involvement.
· Supply Kits – this year the supply kits will be organized by grade level rather than by team. The order form will be online by end of this school year. Any special items for individual teachers will be available at school store.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm
Timberlane PTO Minutes- December Meeting December 14, 2005 9:00 a.m.
Minutes taken by Kathy Howren
Call To Order: Aida Valcarcel, co-President, called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. with 9 members in attendance plus 2 teachers and the principal.
President’s Report: was given by Aida Valcarcel
· Mini-Grants-
o Art Teacher Sally Huston presented a proposal for 2 special project murals. The murals would be completed by students and would be located in the media center area. The mural inside the media center would feature authors and quotes from their works. The project for outside of the media center would be a triptych. She asked for $700 for supplies. Mini-grant was approved.
o 6th grade teachers Mrs. MacGuigan and Mrs. Mamo requested $200 for a series of memoir books for their classroom to facilitate the students writing of their own memoirs. Mini-grant was approved.
Program: A program on “Bullying” was given by guidance counselor Terri Stimler with input from principal Pat Coats and vice principal Darren Lewan. Handouts of the presentation were given to attendees.
The program was very informative and well received by parents attending. The request was made to post the handout on the TPTO or TMS website for access by parents unable to attend.
Committee Reports:
· Corporate Rewards- Committee chair Joe Strode reported that TMS is now registered with “BoxTops for Education”. He will be getting a large display/collection box for the main lobby. He requests that we publicize the program in the WolfFlash, etc., especially the on-line shopping and credit card rebate programs.
· Magazine Sale- Randi Tengi reported that Karen West has volunteered to chair the program. The sale will begin on Feb. 15 and end Feb. 24. The PTO will be receiving $1000 in merchandise for the library and 40% of sales.
· Science Fair- Randi Tengi reported that meetings had occurred with committee chair Dan Stienberg and teachers. Application forms were available to interested students. The Science Fair will be Feb. 4 with a snow date of Feb 11.
· 7th Grade FNO/Dance- The December dance was cancelled due to weather but will be rescheduled for the first available date.
· Community Clean-up Day- Committee co-chair Heidi Kahme reported that there was a lot less participation this year (Nov. 5) and we only made around $300 versus $800 last year. She suggested that we participate in the spring clean-up day in April.
· School Store- It was reported that the school store has been very well received and much appreciated by students and teachers. Having the store open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays has been successful. Mrs. Coats would like to see the store open more than 1/month.
· CommunityWorks- It was reported that the on-going collection of new clothing for Hurricane victims at our “adopted” school in Houston is going well. One shipment has been made; students would be helping to pack the next shipment so clothing arrives by the holidays. The project would be on going. Mrs. Coats reported that she has talked to Toll Gate Grammar School about working with TMS on the next phase (household items like towels, sheets).
Due to the length of the meeting, (Bullying Program), Mrs. Coats decided to shorten her report.
· Construction Update- A bid was finally approved and the first meeting regarding the construction was held. The first item to be completed will be to build a construction access road from Pennington-Titusville Road into the school grounds. Mrs. Coats is reviewing how construction will affect classes and may move the classes out of the trailers if necessary for the comfort and safety of students. Interior renovations will start this coming summer.
Secretary’s Report- Given by Aida Valcarcel. The November meeting was cancelled due to inclement weather. October’s minutes were approved with the correction of Keith Dunn’s name.
Treasurer’s Report- Given by Aida Valcarcel. The Treasurer’s Report as of 12/14/05, prepared by Beth Young, was approved.
· Heidi Kahme brought up the School Supply Kits. She suggested that a preliminary committee be formed to discuss how we want to handle this program for next year. She suggested a planning meeting in January.
Meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
Call To Order: Aida Valcarel, co-President, called the October TPTO meeting to order at 7:30pm, with 15 members in attendance.
President’s Report: was led by Michael Foster, co-President.
· Magazine Sales – Bob Fass of Metro School Plan presented a Magazine Sale Fund Raising program.
o The program produces 42% profit for the selling organization. MSP reports that Warren MS earned about $25,000.
o Incentive for the school: 42% discount on all items for TMS staff, 10 free subscription for the Media Center, VCR/DVD for school.
o Incentives for students are at the discretion of the PTO committee. MSP recommends individual awards and a group award.
o TMS Principal, Pat Coats, emphasized that there can be no door-to-door sales.
o Lunchtime would be only available time in the school day to train students, to collect sales forms and give out incentives.
o TMS will not conflict with HVCHS Sr. Class magazine sales in Nov. Kathy Howren reported that the Girl Scouts sell in Feb/March.
o Randee Tengi will chair a committee to recommend whether to participate, and if so, to plan the details. The committee would need 4-5 parent volunteers per day over the 2-week sales time period to collect forms and hand out earned incentives.
· Finance Policy and Procedures 2005-2006 was reviewed.
o Joyce Babecki, last year’s Treasurer, emphasized the importance of getting a quote from vendors if funds are needed in advance of service delivery (such as for a dance DJ). This should be submitted with a Check Request Form.
o The Policies and Procedures document was approved unanimously.
· Committee Transition Forms.
o In order to facilitate year-to-year transitions of TPTO Officers and Committee Chairs, current Officers and Committee Chairs are requested to fill out brief forms outlining their objectives and procedures. These will be passed on to next year’s officers and chairs to help them transition into their new roles.
o The TPTO form is based on the form currently used by Stony Brook Elementary School.
· 8th Grade Dance. Maureen Angelastro reported that the committee is ready for the Oct. 21 dance. 20 parent chaperones have volunteered.
· Timberlane Logo Clothing. Committee chairwoman, Kris Khan sent in a report that clothing is still available for purchase at School Store.
· Directory Sales. Aida Valcarcel reported that there are approximately 80-90 directories left for purchase.
o Sales are at about the same rate as last year and the TPTO will earn approximately $11,000 from this fund-raiser.
· Friday Night Out chairwoman, Barbara Guzman reported that the event was very successful. About 240 students enjoyed karaoke with DJ Mike, playing basketball, computer games in the computer lab, drinking cider and having snacks. Plus, $200 was raised for Hurricane Relief.
· School Store. Chairwoman, Kris Kley sent in a report that the School Stores has so far raised $140.
o The hours will be expanded to include Wednesday in addition to Tuesday one day per month. Several students who forgot about the school store asked if it would be open the following day. The answer is now yes.
o The next school store open days are November 8 and 9.
· Senior Citizen Lunch. Pat Coats reported for the committee that about 65 senior citizens had a wonderful time at this TMS luncheon. Meatloaf was the main course. The 8th grade students do virtually all the work themselves under the guidance of Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher, Mrs. Olde.
· Community Works. Committee Chairwoman, Terry Foster sent in a written thank you and update on the Hurricane Relief project.
o The first phase of this project is complete. 39 boxes of necessities valued in the thousands of dollars have been donated.
o The second phase of the project will be the adoption of a Gulf Coast school.
§ Mrs. Coats reported that a K-8 school has been identified through HVCHS alumnus, Todd Purvis, a teacher with Teach for America. Teach for America trains new teachers to work with students in areas that are in desperate need of teachers – generally inner cities and extreme rural locations – and provides 2-year assignments. Todd was assigned to New Orleans. He was evacuated with 300 students to Houston where they were given an unused school for their use.
§ This school has necessary school supplies.
§ The students need clothing and home supplies, sheets, etc.
o Community Works needs a third chairperson from 7th grade. 6th grade parent: Jamie Sapoch, 8th grade parent: Terry Foster.
· Dare to Dine. Michael Foster reports that 320 people have signed up for this dinner -- 120 students and 200 parents. The breakdown by class is: 6th grade: 55 students, 7th grade 37, 8th grade 31.
o Something Special will cater the dinner.”
o The first part of the program will consist of Keith Dunne an expert on Internet Safety. In the second part Prosecutor Dempsey, Dr. Laurie Kruse, and Police Captain George Meyer will lead a session on drug/alcohol abuse awareness and potential consequences.
o 7th Grade Friday Night Out will be held on November 4. There will hold “American Idol Timberlane Style” student show.
· Community Clean Up Day is Nov 5 from 8:30 – 12:00. TPTO can earn $8.00 per adult hour $6.00 per child hour (12 under). Last year TPTO raised over $800. T-shirts and donuts are provided for volunteers at the Public Works Building.
· Corporate Funding Committee. Joe Strode will chair this committee. Projects they will consider are ones such as the General Mills Boxtops for Education program and the Target charge card program.
Principal’s Report, Pat Coats.
· At their recent meeting the Parents Council discussed:
o Camp Speers-Eljabar. This will be the last year for a 6th grade trip to Camp Speers-Eljabar because of its high cost. Pat Coats and 2 parent volunteers will look at more cost effective ways to achieve the same objectives.
o Parent Teacher Conferences. Parents and Teachers have said they have not been satisfied with the arena-style conferences.
§ Problems cited are a lack of privacy, long lines of parents create a very stressful environment for teachers, and teachers are unable to take breaks during these 3-hour sessions.
§ This year the conferences will provide privacy by being held in classrooms. Team teachers will double up so each parent will meet with 2 teachers at once. This will be more efficient because this will reduce the time needed for introductions. Also, two teachers will be better able than one to keep the conference to its required short length. Parents needing more time should set up appointments.
§ Teams of teachers will be available in the computer tech lab. Performing Arts, World Languages and Wellness teacher will be available.
· School Budget. Work on the 2006-2007 budget has already begun because of an anticipated $1,000,000 shortfall.
· Homework Online. Parents raised concerns about homework online. It was not consistency posted by all teachers. Some parents felt there was too much pressure to go online creating a hardship for those without access. Mrs. Coats reminded everyone that homework pads are the first place to look for homework. Online listing should be a backup. All teachers have been trained in online homework posting.
Call To Order: Aida Valcarel, co-President, called the September Timberlane PTO meeting to order at 7:30pm, with 23 members in attendance.
President’s Report: was given by Michael Foster, co-President.
· Back to School Night. – PTO will have 3-minute presentation to introduce PTO Board members and to encourage parents’ participation.
· Staff Appreciation Breakfast – Michael Foster and Aida Valcarcel prepared a teacher Appreciation Breakfast to meet and greet the teachers.
· DARE 2 Dine program - This new PTO program “dares” TMS students and their families to listen to a dinner speaker and discuss topics that are relevant to TMS students. First program: 6:00 – 6:45: Dinner provided by cafeteria, 7:00 – 8:00 Keith Dunn will speak on internet safety, 8:00 – 9:00 interactive session on substance/alcohol abuse situations. No entrance fee. Daycare provided. Sign up at back to school night.
· Hopewell Valley Board of Education Liaison to Timberlane is Carl Swanson. Carl replaces resigning Board member Mike Bruno in this role. Carl attended this evening’s meeting and will attend future meetings to facilitate communication between the Board and PTO.
Committee Reports:
Fund Raising, Randee Tengi, Vice President Fund Raising reported on several new fund raisers, in addition to successful programs from prior years:
· School Supply Kits chairperson, Heidi Kahme, reported this fund-raiser and service to TMS families earned at least $3,000. This is a year-round project: working with teachers to recommend supplies, soliciting bids, working with vendors, preparing the kits. The committee is looking for people to help develop next year’s kit.
· School Store. The School Supply Kit concept is being expanded throughout the school year by creating a school store. One day per month in the cafeteria students will be able to buy the same types of supplies that were available in the kit.
· Kids Stuff Coupon Books – this book will be sent home with each student in October. If parents would like to buy it, he or she sends in the cost. If not, the book needs to be returned.
· Timberlane Clothing – samples will be shown at Back to School Night. Items such as flannel pants, t-shirts, and sweatshirts with the TMS logo will be available for purchase.
· Magazine subscriptions - This will be a winter fund-raiser. The PTO needs someone to chair this committee.
· Corporate Rewards – many companies sponsor programs through which schools can earn money (e.g. General Foods box tops, Target credit card, Verizon incentives). A committee chair is needed to seek out and enroll TMS in these programs.
· School Directories will be on sale at both Back to School Nights for $25.00. Unfortunately not all forms were returned so not everyone who might want to be in the directory will be included despite e-mail requests. However, most TMS students will be listed in the directory.
Programs, Kathy Howren, Vice President Programs, reported that there will several speakers and presentations scheduled for this year.
· The Programs Committee is hiring Keith Dunn for Dare to Dine (above)
· Drug Awareness will be the topic of a Oct 28, 6 – 9:30, presentation. A doctor and a prosecutor will be speaking to the group.
· Events will be announced as they are finalized. Heidi Kahme, Publicity Chair, will inform the community of these events.
· Friday Night Out- The first Friday Night Out will be the first Friday in October. 90 parent volunteers have agreed to help out.
Senior Citizen Lunch – Brigitte Bendriss and Chris Canosa co-chairs, reported that the first Senior Citizen Luncheon will be Oct 12. Mrs. Olde has the students do most of the work so few parent volunteers are needed. Hopewell Valley Foundation gets corporate sponsor for each luncheon.
Timberlane Community Works will focus on Gulf Region Hurricane this year. Each school in the Hopewell Valley district will be matched with a Gulf Region school in need. At lunchtime, Wednesday Oct 5, students will sign up to help this effort and to provide ideas on specific projects of interest to them. Parent volunteers are needed to help at the sign up tables. Supplies will be sent to Gulf families in need.
Mini Grants – Aida Valcarcel presented the Mini Grant requests to the PTO for vote. Both passed unanimously.
· Patty Armstrong, Administrator, requested $250.00 for a new binding machine.
· Ron Schott, 8th grade Appalachian Team Teacher requested $112.85 for a Cancer Awareness team project. Each team member will plant a pink tulip and a cancer awareness banner will be hung.
Principal’s Report, Pat Coats.
· Bristol Meyers Squibb’s Secure the Futures program will connect Timberlane to South African Zulu students via video conferencing. The South Africans and 6th grade Timberlane students will trade and discuss “culture capsules”. Timberlane singers and Zulu dancers will perform for each other via the videoconferencing. Melissa Sisz, technology teacher, will oversee the project and create a documentary
· PTO Beautification Committee projects, the 6th grade courtyard and the multicultural flags in the cafeteria, are being enjoyed by the TMS community.
· School Dances will be smaller this year, at least to start the year. 7th and 8th grade will hold separate dances. Dances will run from 7:00- 9:00.
· Camp Speers-Eljabar Trip will again be held thanks to grants from the Pennington Quality Market, Hopewell Valley Foundation and the PTO. This outdoor camp learning experience helps 6th grade teams bond. Despite the grants, the trip will be significantly more expensive for students and scholarships are available. Mrs. Coats is looking for less costly alternatives for next year and is asking the Parents Council for assistance. On October 11, 7:00 a camp representative will meet with 6th grade parents.
· The National Middle School Conference, held this year in Philadelphia, will be attended by 10 TMS teachers, the Vice Principals and Mrs. Coats. They will be able to attend workshops and hear speakers. All will share their learnings with the full TMS faculty.
· Construction will begin soon on the TMS additions. Bids are opening today as the first round was higher than hoped. The project is on target for December 2006 opening.
· Enrollment this year is about 950 students: 8th grade: 340, 7th grade: 300, 6th grade: 315. This level is expected to be stable over next couple of years.
· Lack of Friday late buses has had little impact. Most after school activities are Monday – Thursday. The team practices tend to run later.
· Bullying Programs were well received by 8th graders. The girls attended a program sponsored and run by the West Brook Middle School (Paramus) students. The boys attended a multimedia presentation given by Fran White, member of NJ State Police.
· WRAP Tests were given to 6th and 7th graders. This is a diagnostic tool for Timberlane to see at what level the students are. Students were asked to write an essay. When test comes back it is not corrected, just scored and placed in writing folder.
· Assigned cafeteria tables continue this year. This gives each kid a comfortable place where they belong, a safeguard against potential bullying. This also solves a safety issue since teachers are responsible for the kids at their assigned tables for emergencies or drills.
Treasurers Report. Beth Young, Treasurer reports that the current PTO balance is $29,227.84. PTO members in attendance reviewed each line item in Income and Expense. The 2005-2006 Budget and the Treasurers Report were unanimously approved.