Hopkinton PTA

Minutes for the meeting of April 19, 2007

(Subject to approval at the May 3, 2007 meeting)

Present: Kathy Donohoe, Julie Morris, Nancy Skarmeas,  Michael Bessette, Chris Kelley, Jean Tewksbury, Ken Barnes

Motion made by Mike Bessette to approve March 2007 minutes; seconded by Kathy Donohoe. Approved.

Funding Requests

1. A request was submitted by Julie Morris for $73.11 to add to the $226.89 credit earned at the PTA night at Gibson’s book store. The additional funds will allow the PTA to give each of the three schools $100 towards new books.  Money will be given to the school principals to distribute. Motion to approve made by Kathy Donohoe; seconded by Nancy Skarmeas. Approved.

2. A request was submitted by Steve Chamberlin for $450 to pay for the 7th and 8th grade classes to attend a Fisher Cats game. Motion to approve made by Kathy Donohoe; seconded by Julie Morris. Approved.

Field Trips

A discussion was had about the practice of providing PTA funding for field trips. The board would like to see the PTA focus less on fundraising and more on service to the school community and wonders whether, rather than using PTA funds for field trips, the schools could pass the cost of trips directly on to parents.  Kathy Donohoe has asked the principals for their thoughts on this issue; discussion will continue at a future meeting.

Upcoming Events

Tickets have been sold for the Fisher Cats game on May 18th

More volunteers are needed for Fun Fair.  Mike Bessette suggested contacting Mary Chris Duncan about recruiting volunteers from the Peer Leaders group at Maple Street.

Future Meetings

Mike Bessette informed the meeting that Superintendent Brian Blake needs to schedule a public presentation on the new Student Information System. He’d like to do this at an upcoming PTA meeting. Kathy Donohoe will speak to Cindy Dobe about scheduling.

Following the business meeting, the board met with two potential candidates for board positions for 2007-2008.

Submitted by Nancy Skarmeas, PTA Secretary