PGG Minutes from May 5, 2005
Present: Felicia Mednick, Ian Boyd, Kerri Parker, Alyssa Melnick, Jackie Churchill, Nick Yaffe, Diane Travis, Debbie Timberlake, Dan Kramer
Treasurer’s Report: After expenses and income, the PGG balance stands at $8,607.78.
Funding Request: Diane Travis outlined a request to help fund a school-wide art project to install student-created tiles on the exterior columns at the school entrance. More than half of the students have created tiles already. Ms. Travis explained that the funds for the clay have come from the art budget, and that UMass has given approval to install the tiles. $200.00 was requested to fund a site visit for a mosaic artist to consult on the installation. The installation would be planned as a family/community event for the next school year. After discussion, PGG approved the request.
On another note, Ms. Travis provided announcements of an upcoming exhibition of works by Amherst area art teachers that will be shown at the Burnett Gallery at the Jones Library from June 2-29.
Principal’s Report
SGC Survey: About 80 surveys have been returned; Nick would like to receive 100 or more. Some volunteers offered to call and/or email families. Nick would like the surveys in before the next SGC meeting, which is scheduled for May 24.
School Committee/School Budget: Nick explained that the process to determine next year’s budget is underway, and that huge shortfalls are predicted. Possible effects on Mark’s Meadow might include having no second kindergarten class and no library paraprofessionals. Nick suggested that parents might step up to volunteer for routine library tasks so that Susan McQuaid
could spend more of her time helping children. Further ideas about this suggestion included possibly providing a PGG-funded stipend for a parent volunteer coordinator, and looking into getting student volunteers from Amherst College’s library information/studies program. Temporary outdoor modules for classroom space are still in the works for next year. The School Committee budget discussion date is scheduled for May 10.
After-School Clubs: Nick reported that current after-school clubs and the Empty Bowl project are going well. A memo on a student-initiated pilot run for an after-school kickball club will be coming home this week.
Other topics: Nick reported that the Diversity Committee has had difficulties scheduling meetings, and the committee will need to be reconfigured next year. We missed the deadline for having lines painted on the playground at the 4/29 Into Amherst date. (Dan Kramer later suggested that PGG might buy a paint spreader for the school to be used as needed.)
Staff/Faculty Notes: Nick reported that Paul Oh will not be returning to teach next year; a search committee will be forming to replace him. Erika Graham is expecting a baby in September and will be taking maternity leave!
Current Projects The Used Book Sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 14, from 9-12. Tricia Everett and Sarah Stookey are coordinating the event, and help is needed for set-up and during and after the sale. Books and other items are still needed!
The Science Night is scheduled for Wednesday, June 1 at 6:30. Alyssa Melnick is coordinating the event. It will be tied to current curriculum. Parents and teachers will be setting up activities/stations. Contact Alyssa if you would like to help or act as a docent for a table. (Pizza will be provided for helpers!)
The Staff Appreciation Luncheon will be on Wednesday, June 8 at 1:30. Kerri Parker is the coordinator. She needs people to provide and/or arrange flowers from family gardens, such as ferns, daisies, and peonies. Kerri will also make calls to ask people to make reminder calls to families about the event.
The Sixth Grade Graduation Brunch will be on Friday, June 17. Patty Roper sent a note that a number of people have volunteered to help with this event; please contact her if you would also like to help.
The End of Year Picnic will be on Friday, June 17, with a rain date of Monday, June 20. Nick will arrange for a stage and wiring for impromptu performances. Dan Kramer will create flyers. Kerri Parker will arrange for the dunking tank. Debbie Timberlake will get drinks and paper goods. Elections for SGC will also take place at this event.
The Yearbook, coordinated by Patty Roper and Bonnie Wolfman, is moving along. They will be receiving estimates from the UMass print shop (also a union shop) to compare to last year’s cost.
Fundraising Update/Notes --It was decided that Sharon Vardatira should go ahead and book the Ha Ha Sisterhood for a fundraising event on September 23. --A representative from Usborne will come to the June 7 PGG meeting to discuss their book fairs. --No one volunteered to contact Atkins about their 5% rebate cards; the idea will be revived on PGG’s fall agenda. --This year’s General Mills Box Tops totaled $130, which should be sent to Nick in late May or June. Jackie Churchill is stepping down as coordinator, so a replacement will be needed. --Alyssa Melnick reported that the Art Cards project has so far just covered its costs; it may or may not take place next year. --Dan Kramer reported that the North Hadley Sugar Shack runs a fundraising program in which schools receive a percentage of profits for selling maple syrup. Nick was not sure that we should have students selling products for PGG, and suggested that this might be an idea for the Student Council to pursue.
Discussion about policies regarding families requesting PGG emergency funds will take place at the June 7 PGG meeting.
The meeting ended with a discussion about the need to have more parents/families active in PGG activities both large and small. Nick suggested organizing a dinner around this topic. Other ideas touched on improving PGG’s visibility at scheduled school events, such as the fall curriculum night/open house.
The next and final PGG meeting for this school year will be on Tuesday, June 7. A facilitator is needed. (Note: Post-meeting, Sharon Vardatira has volunteered to facilitate the meeting.)
--Minutes submitted by Jackie Churchill, 5/12/05.