This is taken from my sporadic notes and my memory (even more sporadic) so if you were there and see something I've missed please leave a comment.
Junior Engineering - I reported that the Individual Development Commission was happy to contribute $1,250 towards Junior Engineering. I believe that should cover most, if not all, of the cost of that program.
Orange fund-raiser - They were concerned, and understandable so, about storage and distribution. The fruit cannot stay in the school overnight because of a problem they're having with "critters". We also agree that kids (especially walking and bus students) can't carry the fruit home. I shared one possible solution that had been discussed in a previous meeting with the principal. We could make a schedule for evening pick-up divided alphabetically by last name. The fruit could be kept inside the school near the back doors so parents could drive up close for easy loading. The teachers felt that it would be important for parents to be aware of pick-up procedure before ordering.
Future fund-raisers - Some teachers wondered if we have ever considered asking for donations instead of a fund-raiser. Apparently Stansbury has had great success with this, although those attending acknowledged that Stansbury has a different socioeconomic make-up than Grantsville. Dominique also commented that she hadn't seen support for that idea in the past. The possibility of doing a fund-raiser and a separate donation drive was briefly mentioned but the district recommends a maximum of two fund-raisers (one school and one PTA.)
Grants - When asked I told them grants averaged $1,500 per principal, $800 per grade, and $400 per library. The teachers expressed their appreciation for those and for all that PTA does. I was told we have a better PTA than some other schools they know of - good work everyone! I also reiterated that it was important to PTA that the teachers were able to do the activities/programs they needed and if grants money wasn't sufficient PTA would do whatever we could to help.
Box-tops - Third grade had the idea, which I love, that money earned for box-tops should go directly to the class who collected those boxtops. I bet the inter-class competition and extra motivation for teachers and students would really increase the number of box-tops that came in. Plus, the reward would go to those who made the effort and that's only fair. The teachers also wondered if we're still collecting milk caps. Kacey, would you please get back to me about those two things?
PTA fliers – We have a new policy that all fliers need to be given to Principal Wyatt at least 24 hours before they're put in teachers boxes. You can send him a copy at jwyatt@tooelesd.org . He gets a lot of e-mail so be sure to put “PTA flier” in the subject line so he'll recognize that. If Principal Wyatt is gone we can also clear fliers with Assistant Principal Zaleski. His e-mail is jzaleski@tooelesd.org . In fact, it may be prudent to send it to both of them every time since we may not know if or how long Mr Wyatt might be away from the school. The same should hold true for Willow. Principal Brunsdale's address is mbrunsdale@tooelesd.org I will ask him if there is someone else at Willow who he would permit to clear fliers. Also (and I know I'm not perfect at this either) we need to remember to set a good example by using our best grammar and spelling when we send fliers home. Lastly, please put your name and phone number on fliers and newsletter entries so people can contact you instead of bothering the principal if they have questions or comments.
Patriotic art gallery – The GES librarian has also received an art grant so it was suggested that we work together with her on that. I mentioned a suggestion I had received from a board member that we also include art depicting more current events in U.S. History including 9/11. The general consensus was a preference to focus on the more positive aspects of our history. The comment was made that more recent events in history are throughly covered in the secondary schools.
Bullying-prevention – I was aware that there were reservations about an assembly so I explained that we have already budgeted for it and that Mr. Brunsdale would gladly take it if they didn't want it, but that the board and I felt there was a greater need at Grantsville. The teachers were interested to know more about our concerns about the bullying problem and concluded to solicit the children. Another question that arose was the definition of bullying. I deferred to the district policy. The teachers felt like an assembly was unlikely to have an impact and suggested that it would be more successful if handled in a classroom setting. A teacher showed us a couple of her books on bullying and suggested using something like that. I responded that, having seen the assembly, I was confident that it would have a measurable impact on those who attended. I also shared my observation that teachers who offered to be PTA teacher reps were likewise the kind of teacher who would be on top of any bullying problem in their classroom, but that is not always the case with all teachers. I shared some examples of this that I have seen. The teachers agreed to discuss the assembly with the staff and will let us know their decision.
A few misc items of business...
If we use high-schooler to assist with the bike rodeo they suggest we be selective, using groups like the Youth Council for example.
The teachers requested that we give them advanced warning about Reflections.
The district has banned war-ball and dodge-ball so we won't be able to do those at field day.
I'd like to thank Principal Wyatt and teachers for taking the time to meet with us, for their valuable input, and for all their hard work on behalf of our kids.
