North Street PAC
September 2008 Meeting Minutes
Welcome/Introductions:
The Co-chair Ellen Roane kicked off the meeting. The PAC Officers were introduced, and all attendees introduced themselves to the group.
Dr. Rodriguez gave a “farewell” message to all, and a special thank you gift was presented to her by Ellen Roane. Dr. “R” also mentioned that there were two line items hitting the budget: (1) $123.20 for the new Kindergarten Phonics Program, and (2) An as yet unknown amount to for school psychologist use.
Mrs. Pauline King, new principal, was introduced and gave an introduction message to all.
Co-Chair Comments:
(1) There will be a PAC booth at the Open House on Sept 18th. New member registrations and parent commitments for “2 Hour Power Hours” will be taken.
(2) A brief overview of the PAC Bylaws was given. Items discussed included (a) that a minimum of 6 persons is needed to pass an item up for vote, and (b) board members are not supposed to run committees/events. More details of Bylaws can be found on the North Street PAC website.
(3) A brief overview of the PAC Calendar of Events was discussed. To be placed onto website shortly.
(4) PAC Goals:
a. To improve playground area: Landscaping desperately needed. We have set aside some money for this already, but need more.
b. To perform a Fall 2008/Spring 2009 Cleanup: a cleanup to improve the grounds in front/back of the North Street School will be scheduled. Volunteers needed!
c. To help improve the overall school environment: (i.e. last year we purchased a new sound system, and paid for new risers in the cafeteria for special events/functions.
d. To continue old and find new ways of Fundraising: The annual Fall Fundraiser (Meadow Farms) is underway. However, due to the results of our Spring Fundraising Survey, we will try to replace that vendor with new ideas. - Our “scripts” gift card program may run more frequently.
- We are trying to get North Street “spirit” wear as a new fundraising option. - Beach towels are still available for purchase. We may re-instate this type of fundraiser again this year. - Every other month we will try to host a “Family Dining Out Night” at local restaurants. The first of this type event is scheduled for Oct 6th at Chuck E Cheese. We will receive 15% of all profits, and families will receive 10 free tokens. (Papa Ginos and Fudruckers were tossed out as other possible candidates for this.) To continue our recycle program. To continue collecting and submitting “Labels for Education” and similar caps/labels for money that we can use for school enhancements.
e. To support teachers’ and student curriculum in any way needed. For example: In the past, we have raised money for teacher reference books and have purchased books for the school library.
f. To support and provide North Street students with Arts and Enrichment programs. Every year we strive to provide for at least two school wide programs, as well as one special program per grade. This year we will be funding “Tin Cup adventures” and “Mr.Magnet”.
Treasurers’ update/remarks:
Ann Flynn introduced herself again, and mentioned she’d be happy to help committee heads out with any financing issues they may have.
Fundraising:
Fundraising items were covered in Co-chair comments and in relaying PAC Goals to group.
Team/Committee Reports:
(1) 4th Grade Update: There was a brief discussion of last year’s beach towel fundraiser as a means to help finance the 4th grade student events. (i.e. Pumpkin carving, 4th grade party, etc).
(2) Arts and Enrichment: these items were covered in prior PAC Goals discussion.
Teachers’ Update:
Currently, Mrs. Enos is our teacher representative to the PAC. She was unable to make this meeting.
Principal’s Comments/Remarks:
(1) October 6th, North Street will be having it’s annual “picture day”.
(2) Mrs. King will be working to establish new rules and guidelines for students. (i.e. lunchroom behavior, etc).
(3) She thanked the PAC for the inviting “floral” décor at the school’s entrance.
(4) She re-stated that school administration needs to obtain consent from parent’s before placing any child’s picture on bulletin boards around school (i.e. summer reading program students, etc).
SPED PAC Updates:
(1) The Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SPED PAC) is a group of volunteer parents and guardians of children with various special needs in the Town of Tewksbury.
(2) Kelly Preble is SPED PAC’s Treasurer and is once more our SPED PAC representative.
(3) Handouts of some upcoming meetings and events for this group were distributed.
(4) The next meeting for SPED PAC will be held on October 20 at 7:30pm at the John F. Ryan school library.
(5) Upcoming event: On Saturday October 25th the 4th Annual “Families Striding to Help Families Fun Day” will take place. Event runs from 9am-2pm at Livingston Street recreational Center. This year’s new feature: “Bounce-a-thon”. There will train and hayrides, variety of vendors, field games for everyone, raffle, etc. To volunteer or just learn more about this event, please contact Kim Mance (978-640-1991) or Kelly Preble (978-640-8860).
Open Discussion:
(1) We are working to update our Committee/Fundraising binder with additional details to help new volunteers run events.
(2) We are working to create a parent directory by grade for distribution.
(3) Working to improve existing PAC website, and to publish material in a timely basis. We would like all parents to utilize our website as a means to go “paperless’.
Next Meeting:
October 2, 2008 in the North Street School Library.