Notes from PGG Meeting on 2-6-06

Attending: Nick Yaffe, Sharon Vardatira (facilitating), Alyssa Melnick, Tom Flittie, Dan Kramer, Deborah Timberlake (Notes)

(emailed to all MM families on 2/15 with note:Science Night is Tonight, February 15th at 6:30 pm)

Parent Volunteer Program: Plan was reviewed with the SGC, looking at implementation. Sharon and Alyssa will work on developing a list of Volunteer opportunities for families.

Alyssa has applied for a grant to fund a person to coordinate and further develop family involvement at Mark’s Meadow, as well as a grant to have a Science Club that will meet over a longer period and explore Science in more depth.

Principle Update: There is a $942,000 budget shortfall, looking at cuts and increased class size. Nick may meet with parents at North Village to invite them to Volunteer and participate in the School Community. Looking at obtaining official nonprofit status for PGG. Diane Travis and Nick are coordinating the Multicultural Fair, Families are invited to participate in sharing their Cultures.

Amherst Schools need your help to prevent major budget cuts, call or write Senator Stanley Rosenberg ( State House, Room #320, Boston, MA 02133 584-1649) and Representative Ellen Story (State House, Room 167, Boston, MA 02133 256-6300) Ask them to increase Chapter 70 funding , to support changes in the Chapter 70 funding formula to provide more aid to Regional School Districts because they are currently under funded. As well as supporting changes in the formula for distributing Chapter 70 aid so that all towns receive a fair share of the funding. Ask that Regional transportation be fully funded. (And thank them for helping all of the children.) See http://www.mass.gov/legis/citytown.htm for more addresses.

Box Tops: Coordinated by Ken Porter, $85 has been raised this year!

Treasurers Update: There is $7,700 in the PGG account. Income and expenditures were approximately equal this month.

Field Trips: Funding was approved for the 4th and 5th grade trip to the Science Museum. Funds were approved for the 6th grade trip to the UN. For both trips families will be asked to contribute what they are able towards the costs of the trip, and PGG will cover the remainder. . PGG will also provide $350 for the school to attend the Shanghi Circus at the Fine Arts Center at UMASS.

Date Night: Plans are in progress to have a Date Night at school to raise funds for PGG.

Atkins: If you are shopping at Atkins they will contribute a portion of the sale to PGG. Cards are available in the PGG office (on the file cabinet to the right of the door.), or mention Mark’s Meadow when you check out.

Next Meeting: March 8th at 6:30