Hopkinton PTA

Minutes for the meeting of October 5, 2006

(Subject to approval at the November 2, 2006 meeting)

 

Present: Kathy Donohoe, Julie Morris, Nancy Skarmeas, Michelle Benson, Bill Carozza, Mike Bessette, Chris Kelley, Tammy Ehrmanntraut, Julie Guarente, Sally Turcotte, Trish Underwood, Eileen Moore, Kelly Heitz, Sarah Murdough, Eileen Reinacher, Kathi Echelberger, Karen Mayo, Susan Lawless, Kelly Lewis, Travis Campbell, Steve Crawford, Nichole Thomas, Natalie Duval, Suzanne Mele, Tundra Slosek, Brenda Conalty

 

The meeting began with a demonstration and discussion by HMS principal Bill Carozza of the new digital portfolio program being implemented this year at HMS. After showing some examples of student portfolios begun at HMS last year, Bill answered parent questions about the program.

 

Motion made by Trish Underwood to approve September 2006 minutes; seconded by Eileen Reinacher. Minutes approved.

 

Budget

Kathy Donohoe explained that the Cherrydale fundraiser was budgeted to earn a profit of $4,000 this year, but the actual profit will be only $3,000.  Cherrydale income has decreased by approximately $1,000 in each of the last five years. She suggested that Cherrydale be dropped next year and replaced by alternative fundraising and that an additional source of funds be found to make up the Cherrydale shortfall this year.

         Motion to approve the budget made by Trish Underwood; seconded by Michelle Benson. Budget approved.

 

Fundraising

Ideas were solicited for new fundraisers. Julie Morris reported that the childrenÕs art fundraiser would be run next fall, coordinated by HMS/MSS art teacher Kim Najem. Kathi Echelberger volunteered to look into an entertainment book fundraiser, either for this fall or for the future. A recipe book was suggested; Arlene McGrath will speak to Kelli Cyr about the recipe book she put together at HMS last year.

 

Funding Requests

1. Kathy Donohoe presented a request for $200, submitted by Jim Kociuba at HHS, to fund a trip for art students to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.  Motion to approve made by Eileen Moore; seconded by Trish Underwood. Request approved. 

2. A request was submitted by Patty Connolly for $300 to help pay for a 9th grade health class field trip to the Museum of Science in Boston to view the human body exhibit.  Motion to approve made by Eileen Moore; seconded by Kathi Echelberger. Request approved.

3. A request for $170 to fund the second grade Wild About Turtles program was submitted by HMS teacher Becky Perkins. Motion to approve made by Trish Underwood; seconded by Eileen Moore. Request approved.

4. Vickie Baronas, volunteer at HMS, submitted a request for $200 to buy supplies for the schoolÕs Publishing Center. Motion to approve made by Michelle Benson; seconded by Kathy Donohoe. Request approved.

5. Trish Roberts, 4th grade teacher at MSS,  requested for $1,250 to fund the artist-in-residence program. Motion to approve made by Arlene McGrath; seconded by Michelle Benson. Request approved. 

 

Upcoming Events

1. The HMS Halloween party and parade is set for Saturday, October 28, at 1:00. 

2. Family Day at the Manchester Monarchs is set for Saturday, November 18. Nancy Skarmeas will coordinate this event. 

3. Trish Underwood  is planning the first movie night, tentatively set for Friday, November 17, at MSS.  Volunteers will be found through the Volunteer Coordinators to sell popcorn and water.

4. Kathy Donohoe suggested a family night at the planetarium in January. Trish Underwood and Eileen Moore agreed to begin planning this event. 

5. Natalie Duval volunteered to handle PTA ski helmet sales again this year.

6. We are still looking into a possible tubing outing at PatÕs Peak.

 

Upcoming PTA meetings

The November meeting will feature a discussion of homework policies and practices at HMS and MSS. Kathy Donohoe will talk to Steve Chamberlin about a presentation on homework at HHS for the January meeting. Steve will also be at FebruaryÕs meeting to discuss the new graduation requirements at the high school. Kathy Donohoe is speaking with Cindy Dobe about doing a presentation on internet safety at a future meeting.

 

Chris Kelley informed the meeting that the Committee on Drugs and Alcohol at HHS is sponsoring a series of forums meant to educate parents on drug  and alcohol issues in our community. Sgt. Steve Pecora will speak at the first forum, scheduled for Oct. 26 at the Hopkinton Town Library at 7:00 pm. 

 

Submitted by Nancy Skarmeas, PTA Secretary