Notes from the PGG Meeting on Thursday 6-08-06

Treasurer’s Report: Income this year to date is $6,246. Expenses $7,804. (Expecting Field Trip Reimbursements)

Nick: Interviewing for Teacher Positions, will need a parent to be a part of the process. Class Configuration still not definite for next year. School Improvement Plan to be presented to the School Committee, changes in the works on how Reading and Writing are taught. Teachers are looking at communication and problem solving, will have Jerry Koch-Gonzalez present on Non Violent Communication. Spoke of hope that PGG will be able to fund more classroom supplies and projects next year as more cuts are being made to school funds. Funding Requests will go through Nick and be passed on to PGG as needed.

SGC: Has 3 nominations for 3 open positions (one for one year, 2 for two years) for next year, can also write in candidates on ballot. Can send in ballots to office or vote at the picnic.

501C3 Status: Layla Taylor is willing to draft documents over the summer if PGG wishes to continue with this. All in support of this. AAEA and ARPS are looking at overall funding, starting a planning committee.

Picnic Plans in progress.

Building Harmonies: A performance to benefit New Orleans Schools is being planned by kids for September 17th from 2-5 pm at the Middle School. For more information contact Joshua and Tess at buildingharmonies@yahoo.com.

Library Update: Susan McQuaid? spoke of the grim status of Library funding. This year the book budget was $1,074, in 2002 it was $4,600. Next year she will have $400 for the educational DVD’s, $135 for Periodicals, and $94 for supplies. Last year the Wolfman’s started a Library Fund. PGG will fund $1000 a year to the Library. If any donations are made to the Library it will be in addition to this. Dan Kramer will look into the possibility of a Summer Read a thon as a Library Fund Raiser, as is done at Wildwood.

Alisa Brewer will arrange for books that had been sent to Mark’s Meadow for the used book sale to be given to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Sale.

Simple Gifts Farm: Several Mark’s Meadows families have been working on the effort to save the Farm on Pine Street/ North Pleasant Street. The Farm is running, and Farm Shares are still available. Download a Brochure at http://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/kastor/sgf-brochure.pdf, or pick one up at the Family Office at School (As you go in the main doors.)

Next Year: Dan is willing to continue as Treasurer. Ian Boyd and Debbie will Co-Coordinate PGG. Wednesday September 13th at 6pm will be a PGG Open House Meeting with Pizza, come check it out and see what’s in the works! The Back to School Potluck Dinner will be on September 8th at 5:30.