March 2006 PTA Minutes

PEEBLES ELEMENTARY PTA

MEETING MINUTES

Monday, March 6, 2006

 

The meeting was called to order @ 7:05 PM with the following members present:

 

Bjalobok, Susie   

 

Pieton, Diane

Brady, Diane

 

Sanguini, Karen

Chang, Lesa

 

Sapet, Kerry

Dougherty, Susan

 

Sullivan, Sue

Driscoll, Joumana

 

Weismann, Lisa

Golden, Barb

 

Zweig, Theresa

 

 

 

 

Secretary’s report

The minutes from the February 6, 2006 meeting were reviewed.  Motion to approve minutes was made by Sue Sullivan and seconded by Lisa  Weismann.

 

Administrative Report

 

Mrs. Bjalobok reminded us that March is a very busy month for assessments.  Homework should be significantly lighter during IOWA testing.  Mrs. Bjalobok also noted that the IOWA test is a timed test.

 

Except for Kindergarten, there will be no homework assigned during PSSA testing weeks. 

 

Mrs. Bjalobok has requested that all parents keep the “Tamagachi” games at home!!

 

There are still issues with the parking lot.  Mrs. Bjalobok is trying to come up with new solutions and will be sending out another letter in the Thursday envelope.

 

Treasurer’s Report

 

Susan Dougherty reviewed current checking, saving, and fundraising accounts.

 

A motion was made by SSullivan to grant Mrs. Cornelius reimbursement of funds for a classroom reward if the PTA budget has money available at the end of the year.  This was seconded by Barb Golden and approved by members present.

 

Presentation by Kevin Sanguigni

 

At this point in the meeting, Kevin Sanguigni presented his Eagle Scout project of improvements to the Peebles Elementary courtyard.  Kevin’s presentation included a detailed written report and a very impressive visual layout of the design.  Kevin’s plan is low maintenance

 

The School Board has approved the project, but it still needs to be approved by Kevin’s troop.  The project will be started during the weekend of April 22, 2006.

 

Kevin’s budget for the improvements is $2,000, which includes wood for the picnic tables.  This amount does not reflect any discounts we may receive.  Mr. Sanguigni is working on procuring donations from local retailers, but NASD will provide the mulch.  Peebles students will also be able to take part in raising money for the improvements.  A “Coins for the Courtyard” drive will be held.  This will include a competition among grade levels.  Teachers will also be able to pitch in by paying to wear jeans for a day.

 

The Fourth Grade Cub Scout troop cleaned up the courtyard in the fall.  There is a possibility that this could continue annually.  All Cub Scout and Boy Scout troops will be volunteering to assist Kevin with this project.

 

The vote on the amount of money the Peebles PTA will donate for this project will be decided at April’s PTA meeting.

 

Old Business

 

Author Visit:  Books by Dr. John Becker will be on display during the Art Show/Book Fair.  Order forms for Dr. Becker’s books will go home in a Thursday envelope before the Art Show.  Dr. Becker, who writes mostly non-fiction books, will be at Peebles on Thursday, May 11 and Friday, May 12, 2006. 

 

At Family Night on May 11, 2006, Dr Becker will discuss animals native to Pennsylvania.

 

During the school day on May 11th, Dr. Becker will speak with students in Kindergarten through second grade.  On May 12th, Dr. Becker will visit with the third through fifth grades.  Time will be allotted each day for Dr. Becker to sign the books families purchased. 

 

Please keep in mind that books must be purchased PRIOR to Dr. Becker’s visit.

 

.

New Business

 

Two more members need to be added to the Nominating Committee.  SDougherty volunteered to assist BGolden.  The remaining committee member needs to be outside the executive board.

 

 

Committee Reports:

 

Art Show:        The show will  be held on Thursday, March 30th fro 6:00 – 8:00.  Volunteers will be needed in the evenings as the art show draws nearer.  Banners will be hung next week.  Mrs. Cech is very happy with all of the help.  Preparations for the show are ahead of schedule.

 

Cookie donations need to be delivered during the school day and lemonade will be provided.

 

International Festival:           There will be eight food booths at this year’s festival.  A Peebles family will provide entertainment.  Middle School students will be contacted to run the crafts booths.  An adult is needed to coordinate the crafts at the festival.

 

Looking forward to next year, more committee members need to be incorporated into the festival to more evenly distribute all of the work that needs to be done.

 

 Fund Raising:            The Sarris Candy sale grossed over $5,000.  The final order will be placed on Wednesday, March 8, 2006.

 

Market Day:  The promotion for March will be pies.  Profits are accumulated from the beginning of the school year.  A poster for Market Day will be displayed on the PTA board.  We will work on a link to Market Day from our website.

 

Box Tops:       Joumana Driscoll told us the deadline for turning in Box Tops to the company was moved to February 28, 2006.  Therefore, profits for this year were only $580.00.  We will be able to make up the difference next school year.  Jdriscoll is still keeping track of individual student donations for some type of prize to be given away at the end of the school year.

 

Giant Eagle:   We have 900 points so far toward Giant Eagles Apples for Students program.

 

Target:            Twice each year, Target sends a check to Peebles of donations from credit cards amounts.  These funds go directly to purchasing needs for the students.

 

Peebles can also receive funds twice a year from Verizon long distance.  Families can sign up for this via Verizon.

 

The next PTA meeting will be held on Monday, April 3, 2006 at 9:15 AM.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Dougherty and Diane Cebulski