PARMENTER TIMES

PARENT COMMUNICATION COUNCIL MEETING

September 23 & 24, 2010

The PCC Meeting was called to order by Co-Chair Sue Pauplis at 7:10PM on Thursday, September 23^rd with 6 people in attendance and at 9:15AM on Friday, September 24^th with 29 people in attendance. Sue introduced the new board: Co-Chair Lee Healey, Treasurer Mandy Costa & Secretary Sharon Miller.

Purpose of the PCC -  Sue spoke about the main purpose of the PCC, which is to provide fundraising to cover items not in the school's budget, family events, teacher support, field trips and cultural events.

Principal's Report –  Our school welcomed 429 children into its doors on the first day of school. Insulation of the new water gardens, which is a natural way to clean water, is almost complete. Due to a grant, solar panels will soon be installed to the school's roof. From last minute funds received through a federal grant, 2 classrooms (one for 3^rd and one for 5^th grade) with new teachers were added. This brought the classroom sizes down from 26 & 27 to 17 & 18 with the average classroom size in the school being 21. The work on Wachusett Street is beginning and at the present time it is expected that the work in front of the school will occur around late October. They are trying to work around our school schedule when possible. The residents of Susan's Way are asking parents to enter on Lawrence Drive and go around to park on the right side of the road to avoid doing U-turns in the street or driveway. Please be sure to use the crossing guard when crossing King Street. The children enjoyed watching the Gerwick Puppets on September 22nd. Thanks to Tracey Trombert for setting this up. Our next assembly, "Power of One", will be on November 3^rd and it's about deterring bulling behaviors and becoming an ally. We will have our listserv up and running soon and are hoping to have a principal/PCC newsletter go out weekly.

Treasurer's Report –  Mandy Costa reviewed and audited the books for the past two years and wants to congratulate Karen Todd for keeping "immaculate records". Our savings account was closed and most of the money was transferred to a money market account, where it will earn interest. As money is needed, it will be transferred into the checking account. Taxes are due November 15^th. The CPA who was doing them in prior years will no longer be doing it. If anyone knows a CPA who is willing to do our taxes for free, please let the board know. Otherwise Mandy feels comfortable doing them herself. Mandy handed out guidelines to all the committee chairs that were present at the meetings. These guidelines describe how we are a business and there needs to be a paper trail for all expenses in case we get audited. Failure to follow these guidelines could result in the loss of our 501c3 status. With the addition of our 2 new teachers, Mandy proposed an increase of $499 for the Per Teacher expenses. This was approved unanimously by a combined vote of 31 from both meetings.

General Business:

Teacher Appreciation –  A special thanks to this committee who organized a Welcome Back Breakfast for the teachers.

Target Rewards –  A big Thank You to the 12 cards designated to our school last year that earned us $551.03. Let's get more cards signed up this year. Go to target.com/tcoe and enter school code 59238.

Banking Program –  Jodie Marchese said that this began on Wednesday, Sept 22^nd. It will take place every Wednesday. It does not matter what amount is deposited each week. Every time your child participates in banking, he/she will be entered into a $10.00 monthly raffle. If interested, you can request a packet from Jodie or go directly to Dean Bank to fill one out.

Bottle/Can Drive –  With 23 yes votes, this was added back onto the budget. Rebecca Cameron said she would be willing to do a drive the 1^st week in November, but she would need volunteers. If interested, please let her know.

BoxTops –  Liz Bonacci is setting a goal to collect at least $1,800 worth of Box Tops this year. She requested that only 10 box tops be put down on each collection sheet. You can copy these sheets, download another off the website or simply put the others in a baggie and attach it to your sheet. Please be sure to visit the website www.boxtops4education.com to see the list of participating products. You can also register on the website (be sure to choose Parmenter from the drop down list) where there are daily bonus box top offers, shuffle game or spin the wheel for a chance to win 1 million box tops for the school, as well as great coupons each month for many of their products. There will be a pizza party at the end of the year for the class who donates the most tops. Since there is a wide range in class sizes, Liz welcomes any ideas on how to fairly calculate the classroom winners.

Butter Braids/Genevieve's –  This ends Oct 1^st. Fran Saunders & Jane Gray request that you write out 2 separate checks: Please send one check with your Butter Braids order and a separate check with your Genevieve's order because these are different companies and the money needs to be kept separate.

Bulletin Boards –  Kathy White is still looking for volunteers for this committee.

Campbell Soup Labels –  Michelle Foley requests you save the proof of purchase from participating Cambell's Products, put in a bag and return to school. Last year they were able to buy playground equipment from what was collected.

Destination Imagination –  Sue Pauplis explained that this is an after school program where children would work in teams to problem solve what is given to them. Generally 6 children would be on a team and meet weekly. Each child would get a T-Shirt, which will be designed by the children themselves, and a competition would be held on March 19^th in Medfield. They are divided into 2 sections; K-2 & 3 – high school. Only the 3 rd – high school levels would be allowed to compete. For more information visit www.idodi.com.

Fall Social –  Was originally scheduled for Sept 28^th with rain date Sept 30^th, but due to the weather it has now been rescheduled to Tuesday Oct 5^th with rain date Oct 7^th from 4:30 – 6:30PM. There will be hot dogs, chips and water for a small fee as well as a DJ and raffles.

Marquee Sign –  Volunteers are still needed for March & June

Popcorn –  Will begin October 1^st and will be on the last Friday of the month for the rest of the year. All popcorn is peanut-free and dairy-free. The cost is $0.25 so please send your child in with quarters. The committee can not allow children to borrow from friends in case of allergy concerns.

Pumpkin Stroll –  Mary Jo Peterson spoke of this event where families would sign up, carve their own pumpkin and bring it to school for the evening. The halls would be lined with the pumpkins, not-so-scary music would be played, stories would be told, the lights would be darkened and the children would receive glow sticks and refreshments. She proposed that it would cost $500 to run this event. A vote was taken at both meetings and $499 was approved with 29 in favor and 2 against. It is scheduled to take place on October 28^th from 6:30PM – 8PM. Please see Mary Jo if you're interested in volunteering for this committee.

Recycling Program -  Mandy Costa is working to incorporate this program throughout the school. She piloted the program in Ms. Nally's & Mrs. Bessette's class. Until it gets fully up and running, you can do your part by saving any brand juice pouches (like Capri Sun), any brand zipper bags, glue sticks or glue bottles. You can also educate your kids about this program so they know not to throw these items away. If you do not want to keep them in your house, please contact Mandy for drop off information.

Stop & Shop –  Register your card for our school and every time you shop a % will be donated back. You need to re-register your card every year. Last year 35 cards were registered and earned us $268. The earning period runs from Oct. 8^th – March 25^th so get your card registered today at www.stopandshop.com under "Our Stores" tab click "A+" to register.

Square One Art –  Tracey Trombert said that the kids have completed their art work in school. It should be picked up on Tuesday, September 28^th. We should receive it back from them around October 21^st and order forms will be sent out. Final products should be returned in time for the holidays.

Yearbook –  Mary Jo Peterson & Shawna Ray said that their first meeting will be held on Sept 29^th at 10AM in the conference room. This year they will have the teachers proof their class pictures to assure that all students are included.

Supplies –  The PCC closet has a bunch of supplies available for all committees to use. Please check this closet prior to purchasing new supplies.

Thank You –  Mrs. Bassignani sent a note thanking all who helped in her retirement. She was sincerely grateful for all the letters from the children and having the Book Nook named in her honor.

Coffee Urn –  The PCC purchased a coffee urn and is now available to committees to use for their various functions.

Vacancies for Committee Chairs –  The following committees are still in need of chairs: BJ's, Community Service, and Destination Imagination. Anyone interested, please contact a board member.

Miscellaneous:

Book Swap –  Aloris Query mentioned having a book swap each month where each child would bring in a book he/she no longer wanted, and thus be able to exchange it for a new one. She said that she would be interested in running this committee and looking for volunteers to help.

 

Next PCC Meeting:  Our next PCC Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 14^th at 7PM.

 

Minutes Submitted By

Sharon Miller, Secretary