January 2009 Meeting Minutes

Benjamin Banneker Elementary School PTA
Meeting Minutes
January 15, 2009

I. Call to order
Sheila Rhatigan called to order the regular meeting of the BBES PTA at 6:33PM on Thursday, January 15, 2009 in the BBES Media Center.

II. Roll call
The following persons were present: Debra Bowling, Clair Chatwin, Carmel Chick, Robin Girard, RhoLynda Hamm, Kim Howe, Mark Howe, Christy Johnson, Heather Klasmeyer, Mary Mayotte-Kemp, Mitzi McConville, Carrie Mudd, Sheila Rhatigan, James A. Smith III, Denise Stearns, Renae Tieman, Lisa Wilkinson

III. Approval of minutes from last meeting
November meeting minutes are available on the website at http://bbespta.blogspot.com or by request to MitziKai@md.metrocast.net.

IV. Open issues
a) Meeting Time, Sheila Rhatigan
Sheila noted positive feedback for the later meeting time. We will continue to host 6:30PM meetings on months when there is no SIT meeting.

b) Treasurer’s Report, Mark Howe
For period ended January 15, 2009 we began with a balance of $13,230.83 and ended with a balance of $9,588.61. This included over $8000 in income and approximately $6500 in expenses from Holiday House, and expenses for the fall conference, movie night, Art to Remember, Reflections, and general membership dues. A copy of the full treasurer’s report is available on the website at http://bbespta.blogspot.com or by request to MitziKai@md.metrocast.net.

c) CCPTA, Sue Simmerman
Sue Simmerman is our chapter’s representative to the CCPTA. She was not present and did not offer a report. Sheila solicited additional volunteers interested in attending the CCPTA meetings and providing monthly reports. No members volunteered. Sheila mentioned a recent email from CCPTA soliciting support during the upcoming school board budget meetings. Mrs. Bowling added that while budget cuts are expected there should not be a significant impact at the parent and student level. She noted that class sizes may grow minimally next year because of budget cuts.

d) Membership, Robin Girard
Robin reported that during our recent flyer drive we gained five new members. Robin noted that we have a total of 176 PTA members which is down from 232 this time last year. The floor was opened to discuss recruiting options. Mrs. Bowling suggested confirming flyers are being sent home in new student packets, and setting up a PTA booth at any or all gatherings such as the recent grade-level performances.

e) Box Tops, Christy Johnson
Christy reported that the snowball contest is underway and that students are excited. The contest will run until February 20 at which time a winning class will be chosen for each grade level. Each winning class will receive a bag of outdoor play equipment to use during recess. Additionally the top individual student overall will receive a portable DVD player. Ms. Hamm stated that she did not have a container for collecting the labels. Christy will provide one for Ms. Hamm and asked that Mrs. Bowling survey all teachers to determine additional needs. Christy noted that the Boxtops & Campbells programs have netted about $40,000 in the three years she has been running the program. Christy is looking for a volunteer to run the program with her next year and then take it over. Carrie Mudd volunteered to help with this program.

f) Movie Night, Mary Mayotte-Kemp & Tina Yakel
Carmel Chick presented a report. We are tentatively planning another movie night for Friday, March 20 and are looking for movie suggestions including one PG and one G movie. We will run the movie night similar to the last offering except we will have more pizza available. Carmel noted that we must have a check available when the pizza is delivered. We currently have sufficient popcorn for the upcoming movie night, approximately 18 packs. Carmel inquired if we have a portable screen to use in the gym to make the setting more comfortable. Mrs. Bowling will investigate options for a portable screen and also for turning off the safety lights in the cafeteria.

g) Fall Festival, Renae Tieman
Renae presented a close-out report from the Fall Festival which is available by request to MitziKai@md.metrocast.net. She suggested the vendors felt there was insufficient advertising for the event, and that we need to start planning earlier and have more volunteers for next year’s event. Sheila noted that the event may not be repeated next year based on the votes of PTA members. Other ideas brought forth included a winter event, or spring carnival with games for the children.

h) Holiday Shop, Renae Tieman
Renae reported that the Holiday Shop has gotten positive feedback. Though the event was not intended as a fundraiser we ended up making close to $500. We shared $235.91 in fun dollars for students in need. Renae noted a positive experience with the vendor Fun Services and that the stage worked well. Renae will not be able to chair this event next year if it is repeated.

i) Giant A+ Bonus Bucks, Food Lion & McKays Rewards Programs, Renae Tieman
Renae reported that we currently have 46 cards registered in the Giant A+ Bonus Bucks program. We have currently earned nearly $250 this fiscal year and will end the program in April, and re-enroll at the beginning of the new school year. Giant is hosting an art contest which could net the winning student and his/her class $100 each in prizes. Flyers are being sent home on Monday outlining the program and submissions are due by February 9. Information is also available on the website at http://bbespta.blogspot.com. Renae also noted that there are many extra credit items which earn additional points for the school. We will make a weekly list of items available on the website at http://bbespta.blogspot.com.

Sheila noted that we currently have no one managing the Food Lion rewards program. Renae Tieman volunteered to manage this program.

Mitzi noted that the she initially set up the McKays rewards program but has not heard back. Renae Tieman volunteered to take over this program.

j) Penny Drive, Cassie Nash
Cassie was not present. Sheila commented that Cassie will manage the program again this year but will be leaving the school before next year. Denise Stearns volunteered to help Cassie manage the program.

k) Winter Talent Show & Night of the Arts, Beth Hill
Beth was not present. Sheila noted that the talent show is scheduled for February 19.

For Night of the Arts, Renae Tieman suggested selling ad space to parents on the program. Sheila mentioned another option for raising funds would be to video and sell the DVDs. Mrs. Bowling noted that the program selected, Willy Wonka, unfortunately does not offer video licensing.

l) Chess Club, Beth Hill
Beth was not present but Sheila reported that the kids love this program and that there is good participation.

m) Bylaws Committee, Mitzi McConville
Mitzi noted that the local bylaws must be resubmitted in August 2009. We would like to form a committee to review and present the new bylaws. Mitzi will head the committee and there is already one volunteer Pamela Collins-Thomas. Clair Chatwin and James A. Smith III volunteered to participate in this committee.

n) Nominating Committee, Mitzi McConville
Mitzi noted that with May elections coming we need to seek members for a nominating committee. Our election timeline will run as follows: February – announce nominating committee, March – open floor for nominations, April – present the slate of nominees, accept additional nominations and close the floor for nominations, May – hold elections. This is a short-term commitment which can be an easy job. Carrie Mudd volunteered to serve on this committee. Additional volunteers are still needed.

o) Reflections, Kim Howe
Kim noted that we have a wonderful group of students from BBES who are represented at the county level Reflections program. The county viewing (6:00PM) and awards banquet (7:00PM) will be held Tuesday, January 20 at the Forrest Center. Kim encourages everyone to come out to support our students. On Wednesday Kim will report which students will proceed on to the state competition.

p) Green School, Patty Parsons
The green school committee has asked for PTA help in laying mulch at the school. We have tentatively scheduled a date for Saturday, March 21.

V. New business
a) Spring Yard Sale
Sheila opened the floor for discussion about hosting a spring yard sale. We will tentatively hold a yard sale on Saturday, April 25 with a rain date for the following Saturday. We can rent table space or accept donations. We are looking for a chairman for this event. There were no volunteers.

b) Marquee Sign
Sheila noted that our current school sign has the potential to be converted into a lighted marquee board. Kim Howe confirmed that electricity is run to the sign. Kim will check on pricing to convert the sign. At future meetings we will continue discussion of the sign and a possible fundraiser to offset the cost of the upgrade.

c) Door Prize Drawing
Sheila handed out door prize tickets to all participants. Christy Johnson won an electric pencil sharpener.

VI. Adjournment
Sheila Rhatigan adjourned the meeting and invited everyone to enjoy post-meeting snacks.

Minutes submitted by: Mitzi McConville, Secretary
Minutes approved by: Sheila Rhatigan, President; Debra Bowling, Principal