February 2005 PFA Minutes

500 Cumberland Road, Pittsburgh PA 15237 Phone: (412)-635-4101 Fax: (412)-635-4115

MCKNIGHT ELEMENTARY

PFA MEETING
FEBRUARY 5, 2005

Members Present: Gail Mariana, Sandy Jagus, Mary Ellen Austin, Carolyn Briggs, Karen Weidinger, Carole Gingras, Wendy Hickey, Terry Manko, Ami Wessel, Lisa Caswell, Carla Tonzo, Carolyn Bergeron, Anna Howard, Sharon Adzema, Kelly Lynskey, Paula McIlvried, Jennifer Fine-Schmidt, Melanie Rutan, Lori Presto, Anne King, Julia McCandlish, Theresa Smith, Carolyn Falk

Faculty Present: Mrs. JoAnn Vandergrift, Mr. Steve Parks

The meeting was called to order at 9:15 a.m.

President’s Report -- Gail Mariana

There will be a joint PFA meeting for executive board members on February 16, 2005, at 9:15 a.m. at Hosack Elementary
There will be a meeting to discuss Act 72 on Monday, March 7, 2005 at the Baierl Center. Information may be found in the SPLC minutes.
Re-districting has been postponed until next year. The statistics needed from Allegheny County are incomplete.
The proposed cell tower at Northland Library, for the time being, has been rejected.

Vice President’s Report -- Kim Baird

The Juggle Seeds Assembly went very well.
Proposed Assemblies for March: River City Brass Band or The River Hounds
The Holiday Brunch may be moved next year to January to ensure a higher turnout.

Secretary’s Report -- Sandy Jagus.

· A motion to approve the November minutes was made by Cathy Lehman, seconded by Ami Wessel, with all in favor.

Treasurer’s Report -- Gail Mariana for Debbie Marsico

· Wish list item purchased: Cordless PA System $234.00

· Major Income for period: $7,364.00 (Yearbook), Major Expenses for period: $16,439.00 (Fundraiser)

· The January Bank Statement was not available in time for the meeting. Adjustments will be reflected in March report.

A motion to approve the November Treasurer’s Report was made by Ami Wessel, seconded by Jennifer Fine-Schmidt, with all in favor.

Teacher’s Liaison Report -- Mrs. Jo Ann Vandergrift

· Valentine Party – Monday, February 14, 2005, please do not report to the office before 2:00. Parties will begin at 2:15.

· Thanks to all parent volunteers from The Caring Team for the change challenge.

· The Caring Team Spell-A-Thon will take place the week of February 7, 2005.

· Grade level field trips are being confirmed and a list will be available in March.

Principal’s Report -- Mr. Steve Parks

· Student Achievement: the Focus Groups that are being held during block time on Fridays are going well.

· Tutoring is being held after school on Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30 by High School juniors and seniors for Third and Fifth Grade students. Anyone interested should contact Dr. Crenshaw.

· Move-up day for fifth grade will be Wednesday, May 25, 2005

· Results from OLSAT testing will be mailed to first grade students very soon

· Replacements are being screened for both Mrs. Biro and Mrs. Libert during their child rearing leave

· Achievement Testing Schedule:

· Fifth Grade field test in writing will be on Wednesday, February 16, 2005

· Test of Cognitive Skills (TCS) will be held the week of February21 for grades 2 & 4

· CAT Testing will be held the week of February 28 for grades 2-5

· PSSA Testing will be held the week of April 11 for grades 3 & 5

· Homework will be reduced during testing period

· The current CAT tests are being reviewed by the district to determine if they will be continued in the future

Committee Reports:Caring Team -- Kim Baird

McKnight Students raised $1,541.00 from the change challenge
$275.00 was raised by the McKnight Staff, first grade sing-a-thon and fifth grade choral concert
Highmark/Blue Shield will match the amounts raised
Volunteers can help count the spell-a-thon money on Monday, February 21 – the top class in each grade level will get a special treat and the top speller in each grade level will get a gift

Fund Raiser -- Lori Preso

Spring fundraiser forms are due back on Tuesday, February 15
There will be a Chinese Auction on Art /Curriculum Night, Thursday, March 31- any donations, gifts baskets or gift certificates are welcome
Green Eggs & Ham Lunch will be held on Monday, March 7

Make-A-Wish Basketball Game -- Wendy Hickey

The game will be held on Friday, March 18 at NAI
Practice time has been scheduled at the YMCA
A volunteer sign-up for the game will be made available at the March meeting – all help will be greatly appreciated

Hospitality -- Karen Weidinger

Two volunteers are needed for the April PFA Meeting, please contact Karen

Ink Jet Recycling -- Theresa Smith

· A new company is being used for the recycling which gives more money for the cartridges

· Looking into redeeming Tyson A+ Labels which will provide .24 a label

Nature Quest -- Lisa Caswell

· Meetings are held on the second Friday of each month at 8:15 a.m. Sharon Adzema will provide minutes via e-mail from these meetings.

· Spring activities are coming up and parent volunteers will be needed for this effort.

· Teacher coordinators are Mrs. Ferguson and Mrs. Berendowski

· Teacher contacts are available at each grade level

SPLC Monthly Meeting -- Mary Ellen Austin

· Student Achievement was the topic for this month with a focus on math and writing

· The district has researched test scores and determined that boys have scored 50 points higher than girls.

· A focus on writing skills will be implemented in classes such as: gym, art and music to prepare students for the SAT test.

TAG -- Carolyn Bergeron

· Volunteers are still needed for March, April and May.

Old Business/New Business:

· It was suggested that if the teachers could promote to the children to remember to pickup their lunch boxes from the lower playground.

· The lost and found in the main hallway is also overflowing. Ami Wessel volunteered to hang coats and display other articles during Art/Curriculum Night.

Motion to adjourn was made by Wendy West Hickey, seconded by Ami Wessel, with all in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 a.m.

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