Meeting Minutes

Pleasant Ridge Elementary School PTA Board Meeting Minutes
December 15, 2011

The meeting began at 4:00 p.m.

Present: Brad Bezeau, Jeanette Brenner, Debra Burton, Michelle Doran, Dawn Ducca, Janet Hart, Heidi McClelland, Ginny Nobis

I. President’s Report
A. President Dawn Ducca announced that the Market Day food order for December was $52.50, bringing the total amount raised to date to $220.50. She reminded the board that the catalog fundraiser orders will be delivered tomorrow.

B. Ducca updated the board on the District Parent Council meeting (DPC). The DPC discussed moving next year’s School of Rock to a new venue and making it an event of its own. They also discussed the possibility of showing the movie, Race to Nowhere, at the elementary schools. The Race Project, a traveling exhibit with the University of Michigan’s Museum of Natural History will be ready to come to schools in 2013. Lastly, the DPC discussed communication in the school system.

C. Ducca reported that the Holiday Shoppe was well attended and well-received by participants. We are still waiting on final numbers.

D. She brought up the need for more volunteers and better communication. She reminded the board that the Just Between Friends updates are sent only to paid PTA members. Julia Fletcher will do another membership drive in January.

E. Discussion followed about better informing parents about the newsletter and shortening it to two pages to increase readership. The January newsletter will go home on paper in addition to a notice about Box Tops.

F. Ducca announced that Darby Kolano has resigned from the board as VP Fundraising. This position is responsible for Box Tops, Pancake Supper and the Auction. Ginny Nobis volunteered to accept this position. Hart motioned for Nobis to fill the VP Fundraising Position. Doran seconded the motion. All ayes followed and the motion carried.

II. Principal’s Report

A. Principal Bezeau updated the board on the gym renovations and thanked everyone who donated time and materials, including Mr. LaFleur and Secretary Karen Gretch’s daughter.

B. Bezeau announced that students voted for Cars 2 for movie night. He will announce the movie to students in the morning and it will be promoted on Saline Patch.

C. Bezeau announced to the board that kindergarten will be full-day next year. ESP will most likely be changed to a community education program.

D. He also stated that 500 students signed the “No Place for Hate” resolution after last week’s Grinch assembly.

III. Vice President Enrichment
A. Jeanette Brenner updated the board on plans for Art Night. It will be held Feb. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. A photographer and an architect are still needed.

B. Brenner is working with Mrs. Schwartzenerger to plan Math Night. It will include math games and demonstrations and may involve the Middle School Math Counts team.

C. The March is Reading Month committee has been meeting.

IV. Vice President Communications
A. Debra Burton suggested ideas to promote upcoming PTA meetings, including a sign in the car loop and drop off/pick up zones and notices on SalinePatch.com.

B. Links about the Common Core Standards have been added to the PTA website.

C. A volunteer chair is still needed for Teacher Appreciation Week.

V. Vice President Volunteer Placement
A. Heidi McClelland reminded the board that Teacher Appreciation Week is May 7-11. Other open chair positions include Ground Beautification, Math Night (one other person), Junior Achievement and Field Day.

B. Some chairpersons did not receive volunteer lists, so McClelland will resend them.

C. McClelland announced that the first proof of the yearbook is back. Please e-mail her with any candid photographs that could be included in the book.

D. Michelle Doran will contact room parents about the Pancake Supper basket themes after the New Year.

VI. Treasurer
A. Doran updated the board on the most recent Book Fair. Cash profit totaled $1,000 plus $900 in books. The current Scholastic Dollars total is $761.52. The next Book Fair will be held March 12-15 in conjunction with March Reading Month, Pancake Supper and Silent Auction.

B. The Pancake Supper and Silent Auction will be held March 14. Books for basket themes were purchased from the book fair.

C. Doran stated that she is handling food for Movie Night on March 16.

The meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.

Pleasant Ridge Elementary School PTA Board Meeting Minutes
November 17, 2011

The meeting began at 4:00 p.m.

Present: Dawn Ducca, Heidi McClelland, Jeannette Brenner, Darby Kolano, Debra Burton, Michelle Doran, Janet Hart

Ducca motioned to approve the October minutes. Burton seconded the motion. All ayes followed and the motion was approved.

I. Principal’s Report
A. Ducca announced that to date, the Market Day catalog fundraiser has sold $1,542.54. If we sell $2,000, we earn 51% profit. If not, we earn 26% profit. She reminded attendees that orders are due by Nov. 18. She also updated the board that Market Day food orders have raised a total of $188.85 for the first two months.

B. Ducca updated the board on the District Parent Council meeting (DPC). The DPC discussed the District Strategic Framework and the state mandate for full-day kindergarten beginning with the 2012-13 school year. Project Lead the Way may be expanded to grades 9 and 10. Schools of Rock will be held Dec. 2. The Holiday Gift Shoppe still needs volunteers.

C. Ducca emphasized the importance of promoting the upcoming Common Core Standards presentation to be held Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Middle School Media Center.

V. Vice President Volunteer Placement Report
A.
VI. Vice President Enrichment
A.

VII. Vice President Communications
VIII. Treasurer

Pleasant Ridge Elementary School PTA Board Meeting Minutes
October 20, 2011

The meeting began at 4:15 p.m.

Present: Dawn Ducca, Heidi McClelland, Jeannette Brenner, Darby Kolano, Debra Burton, Michelle Doran, Janet Hart

Doran motioned to approve the September minutes. McClelland seconded the motion. All ayes followed and the motion was approved.

I. Principal’s Report
A. Ducca announced that the walk-a-thon raised $9,152 to date. All but two of the smaller classes reached the goal of $500. She is working on getting quotes for the prize T-shirts. Cost for the bags is $236, $136.25 for bottles, and $315.08 for booster bracelets. Principal Bezeau and Mr. Tracy will be slimed Oct. 27 during the morning and afternoon.

B. Ducca updated the board on fundraising. The first Market Day food order totaled $964.71, which gave PTA a profit of $96.47. Scrip has provided $1,025 since April. The Market Day fundraiser will begin November 4, with forms due by November 18. There will not be a kickoff assembly. Teachers will send home packets with students.

C. She discussed items from the DPC meeting, including the new NutriLink program and upcoming district events including the craft show, Christmas book tree contest, Gingerbread house contest and School of Rock.

D. She suggested establishing a Sting rental policy. Discussion followed and it was agreed that the PTA will charge $75 to rent Sting only to school groups or non-profit organizations.

E. Ducca explained the Clorox grants and discussed communication to encourage everyone to vote daily for these grants.

V. Vice President Volunteer Placement Report
A. McClelland reported that a letter went home to all room parents explaining their duties and telling them to contact her with any questions. She is not planning on having a meeting.

B. She reported that the t-shirt sale earned $1,500+ for Ele’s Place.

C. She reported that we still need a chair for teacher appreciation

D. Picture retakes will be October 27.

VI. Vice President Enrichment
A. Brenner reported that she still needs Zero the Hero volunteers for afternoon Kindergarten.

B. She reported that Grandparent’s Day went well with the exception of the crowded hallway.

C. She reported that she is working with Mrs. Marsh to develop an Art Night where students and their families will come to the school to view art projects, discuss art careers, and do crafts. She will continue to update the board on this event.

VII. Vice President Communications
A. Burton reminded the board about the parent information night to be held that evening.

B. Ducca will represent the board at the meeting and stress the importance of supporting the PTA and its projects.

C. Hart will take over responsibility of the newsletter going forward.

VIII. Treasurer
A. Doran presented the budget to date which was approved and filed without motion.

B. Doran reported that the first grade teachers had submitted reimbursement for 2 additional listening stations. This purchase was previously approved in 2010.

D. Movie Night will be held December 16th. She will have the classes vote on which movie to show.

E. Approval of several teacher wish list items was postponed until the November meeting. The board is hoping funds will become available through the Clorax grant program.

The meeting was adjourned without motion at 5:15 p.m.

Pleasant Ridge Elementary School PTA Board Meeting Minutes
September 13, 2011

The meeting began at 9:00 a.m.

Present: Brad Bezeau, Dawn Ducca, Heidi McClelland, Debra Burton, Michelle Doran, Janet Hart, Julie Friedrichsen, Julia Fletcher, Kim Gilson, Enid Jones, Ginny Nobis, Monique Castria, Isabel English, Jackie Campbell, Trina Boulter, Christy McGregor, Lori Welzbacker

I. President’s Welcome and Board Introductions
A. President Dawn Ducca introduced the 2011-2012 PTA Board and Principal Brad Bezeau.

II. Principal’s Report
A. Principal Bezeau introduced himself to the PTA board and parents and expressed excitement about being at Pleasant Ridge. Previously, he worked four years as Saline High School assistant principal and served as counselor for seven years.

B. He announced Thursday, Sept.15 is Picture Day. Kim Gilson and Trina Boulter agreed to volunteer.

C. He announced Pleasant Ridge Blue and Gold Day on Friday, September 23, to be followed by Pleasant Ridge Night at Hornet Stadium at 6:15 p.m. Pleasant Ridge families will meet on “The Porch.” Light refreshments will be served. He wants students to be proud of Pleasant Ridge and hopes to encourage school community and spirit. Heidi McClelland will look into creating Pleasant Ridge T-shirts to be sold that also would support Ele’s Place, since the 23rd is also Ele’s Place “white out.” The T-shirt would commemorate Luke Brenner, who attended Pleasant Ridge.

D. He described the High Five program, which is designed to set the tone for respect among students and for teachers. The students had an assembly with skits by their peers to introduce High Five. Students doing an exceptional job demonstrating High Five principles will be recognized with stickers.

III. Approval of Pleasant Ridge PTA Bylaws
A. Ducca announced that the national and Michigan PTA have increased dues to a total of $5.50 per membership and recommended setting Pleasant Ridge PTA dues at $10.00.

B. McClelland motioned to change Sections 5 and 7 of the PTA Bylaws to reflect the new dues. Michelle Doran seconded the motion. All ayes followed and the motion carried.

IV. President’s Report
A. Ducca reminded attendees that the PTA membership form went home with students in their First Day Folders. Another form may be sent home at a future date.

Monique Castria suggested that Princpal Bezeau might send an e-mail with the form as an attachment. Castria and Julia Fletcher suggested adding the benefits of PTA membership to the form. Ducca reminded attendees that many merchants provide discounts to PTA members. Principal Bezeau suggested having a membership sign-up during the upcoming Pleasant Ridge Night at Hornet Stadium.

B. Discussion ensued regarding better communication between PTA leadership and membership. Debra Burton suggested that e-mail alerts could be sent to the membership when updates are made to the website.

C. Ducca announced the 2011 Walk-A-Thon, to be held September 30.
Informational handouts and volunteer request sheets will be going home with students this week. Trina Boulter volunteered to provide DJ music for the walk. Ducca asked for volunteers as Sting for the walk and for Pleasant Ridge Night at Hornet Stadium.

Ducca described the Walk-A-Thon prize structure. For a $10 donation, the student receives a Booster Bracelet, for $20, a choice of water bottle or drawstring bag, and for $30, a T-shirt. If a classroom reaches its goal of $500, the teacher will get to slime Principal Bezeau.

D. Ducca announced the new Market Day fundraiser. Market Day is a food and catalog vendor. Food sales will be monthly, with the first order due by October 11 and the first food delivery to the school October 17. The fall catalog fundraiser kickoff will be November 4 and orders will be due November 18.

Boulter will chair food pick-up, and volunteers will be needed.

E. Ducca reminded attendees of upcoming dates of interest.
- September 21, 7 p.m. – Tour of the Heart at Steve Latsch’s house
- September 22 – First District Parent Council Meeting
- September 22, 6:30 p.m. – No Place for Hate Meeting at Pleasant Ridge

V. Vice President Volunteer Placement Report
A. McClelland reported that fewer volunteer forms have been returned than last year. She is working on compiling a spreadsheet of volunteers to be sent to committee chairs and will send letters to volunteers.

B. Open volunteer chair positions include: Junior Achievement, Grounds Beautification, Math Night, Teacher Appreciation Week (May 7-11), Grandparents’ Day and Field Day. New chairpersons include: Lunchroom Help – Michelle Houston, March Reading Month – local author Carrie Harris and Monique Castria, Zero the Hero – Jeanette Brenner.

C. McClelland announced a room parent meeting soon will be scheduled.

D. McClelland requested volunteer picture-takers for the yearbook.

E. McClelland thanked the First Day Folder volunteers.

VI. Vice President Enrichment
A. Ducca reported for Jeanette Brenner that Assemblies and Field Trips Chair Anju Caldwell received the budget of $4,000 and is working to plan this year’s events.

B. Ducca updated attendees on this year’s new Art Night. Brenner is working with art teacher, Mrs. Marsh, to set a date. Art night would include docent tours of student artwork, possible art workshops, and the possibility of having student art printed on T-shirts. Castria made a suggestion of combining art and math night.

C. Kim Gilson suggested holding a pumpkin decorating contest and allowing students to vote with pennies for their favorite. A discussion of possibly combining this with the Halloween parade was held. Gilson volunteered to explore the logistics of this.

VII. Vice President Communications
A. Burton announced the new version of the PTA website, which she and her husband created. It is accessible via a link on the Pleasant Ridge School website or directly at www.pleasantridgepta.com. She briefed the attendees on the content, including a video showing proper school drop-off and pick-up procedures. She asked for suggestions or ideas of items to be placed on the website.

B. Burton discussed her ideas for the Pleasant Ridge newsletter. The newsletter will update families on what is happening each month at Pleasant Ridge and will “spotlight” two classes in each issue.

VIII. Treasurer
A. Doran reported that the Open House Book Fair sold $2,293.13, which totaled $1,328.35 in Scholastic Dollars profit. In comparison, last year’s Open House Book Fair sales totaled $3,300. A discussion was held as to why attendance was down. Ideas included that the open house was held too early and was too close to families having to provide school supplies, and that the walk-through and open house were too close together so that many families did not attend both. Fair proceeds will possibly go to replenish Birthday Book supplies. Upcoming book fair dates are November 17-21 and March 12-15.

B. Doran noted that last year’s movie nights were highly successful and said Pleasant Ridge will have two more this school year. The first is scheduled for December 16 and the second will be held in April. There is no entrance fee for movie night; proceeds come solely from concessions.

C. The Pancake Supper is scheduled for March 14, 2012, in conjunction with March Reading Month. Doran described her idea to theme the silent-auction baskets on a book purchased from the November book fair with Scholastic Dollars. Lori Welzbacker expressed concern that the Pancake Supper date is too close to parent-teacher conferences and will be difficult for teachers to participate. She suggested moving it one week earlier.

D. Doran reviewed the budget with attendees. It was noted that Mrs. Lambros needs to purchase a new listening center for the resource room and Mrs. Schrieber also needs one.

E. Ducca motioned to approve the 2011/2012 Budget. McClelland seconded the motion. All ayes followed and the motion was approved.

IX. New Business
A. Ducca thanked Brewed Awakenings for donating coffee and refreshments for this morning’s Bagels with Brad.

B. The next PTA meeting will be held October 20 at 7 p.m.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 a.m.