Ridgewood Avenue Home and School Association

 

 

Approved September Minutes                                                                            September 11, 2009

 

Officers Present: Sharon Harms, President; Debbie Looney, 1st Vice President; Kathy Weissenberger, 2nd Vice President; Marge Kallies, Treasurer; Leah Zweig, Secretary

 

Sharon Harms called the meeting to order at 9:25 AM.

 

Principal’s Report - Mr. Phillips reported on the following:

-          The district approved a new science curriculum and a new health curriculum for the school.  Standards have also been updated.

-          The school is reviewing the world language curriculum and the art curriculum this school year. 

-          8 to 10 interactive whiteboards are being purchased this school year, from a variety of funding.

-          The district has made going green a focus and teachers will discuss different approaches during Professional Development Day on Columbus Day, when schools are closed.

-          The school is receiving money from a federal stimulus application for special education equipment and material.

-          Schools grounds have been improved over the summer, including the front garden.

-          Murals are being framed and will be hung in the next few weeks.

-          Thank You to Tania Liddy and welcome to Sharon Harms, H&SA officers, and parents.

-          Upcoming events include:

-          Board of Education meeting on September 14th.

-          3rd grade starting Library visits on September 14th.

-          Class parent orientation on September 24th.

-          Mr. Phillips and Mr. Donovan are sleeping on the roof September 25th.

-           

Mr. Phillips was asked later during the meeting about NJASK test scores.  Mr. Phillips

said that NJASK test scores are expected later in September.

 

Board of Education – Mr. Phillips read Betsy Ginsburg’s report:

-          The BOE held their annual retreat over the summer.  The focus was on strategic planning for this school year and for the next 5 years.

-          The BOE approved a contract to install new windows in the high school building.

-          A state school monitoring process is being implented this fall, with a November completion date.

-          The BOE finalized new contracts with district staff, except for the superintendent and the district manager positions. 

-          The BOE adopted a new science curriculum and health curriculum.

-          Mr. Phillips distributed a letter from Betsy Ginsburg acknowledging and thanking the Glen Ridge Educational Foundation for upgrading the school’s Synergistics Lab.

 

Teacher’s Report – Ms. Torella reported:

-          Thank you to Home & School Association.  Teacher supplies were ready in each classroom and the building was cleaned over the summer.  

                 

President’s Report – Sharon Harms reported:

-          The H&SA Officers met over the summer to develop a mission statement and initial plan for the school year, and also create a newsletter.

-          Two new committees have been created: 

o        Communications Committee, chaired by Debbie Looney and Linda Frattura, will streamline communication (emails, newsletters, flyers, etc.).  It is a consolidation of the Communications and Newsletters committees, which had existed.  A new H&SA webpage is being created.  Leah Zweig will gather information from committee chairs and events for the committee.

o        Ways & Means Committee, chaired by Tania Liddy, will create more effective ways of fundraising.  The committee is developing their budget and finalizing their priorities.

-          Some of the H&SA Officers met with Mr. Phillips and Mr. Donovan for input and their wish list.  Top wish list items are purchasing books for classroom leveled libraries and purchasing kidney shaped reading tables for Guided Readers in each classroom.

-          Sharon Harms met with Stavroula Kousteni to discuss expanding the Speaker Series, a group that sponsors speakers to address parents on topical issues.  Stavroula is making a presentation to all the Glen Ridge presidents at the next Executive Council meeting.

-          Enrichment Committee is having a transition meeting on October 3rd.  Jessica Sporn is the focal point Chair coordinating communication with the artists and school administration.  The Enrichment schedule will be on the new H&SA webpage and the assemblies are open to all parents. 

-          Committee Chairs have been asked to create a mission statement and process memo to ensure a smooth transition as experienced volunteers leave committees and new volunteers join. 

-          District calendars, by decision of the Board of Education, are no longer free.  A downloadable, printable copy is available on the school’s website and a pre-printed copy is available in the school’s office for $5.00 (of which $4.00 is donated to a scholarship fund).

-          Lunchboxes were offered as a fundraiser over the summer and may be offered again in the fall.

-          National Education Week Committee is looking for volunteers for the week of November 16th.  Information will be sent home.

-          Mrs. Mooney sent a thank you note for the proceeds from the Book Fair.  The library has a $300 surplus and is interested in buying SCRIP for future purchases.  Kathy Weissenberger will follow-up.

 

Treasurer’s Report – Marge Kallies reported:

-          Current available balance is $2,598.77.  We anticipate the need to encumber approximately $1,600 in the coming weeks, so that for discussion purposes our available balance is approximately $1,000.

-          This school year’s first fundraiser is School Supplies, with a current net of $452.72.  A matching bonus check of approx. $400 is expected shortly.

-          Holiday Store is currently purchasing their stock.

-          Proceeds from last year’s Barnes & Noble fundraiser are being re-directed to this school year.

-          School magnets are still available for purchase.

 

Committee Reports:

-          Class Parents:  Kathy Marhan reported that the volunteer form went home the first day of school.  Class Parent orientation is on September 24th.

-          Social Committee:  Debbie Looney reported that the committee needs an additional volunteer.  Popsicle Fridays are starting and upcoming events include 3rd grade social on October 1st and Pizza & A Movie Night on October 23rd

-          Alternative Funding Committee: Kathy Weissenberger reported that proceeds help purchase capitol technology for the entire district and distributed the AFC Newsletter. 

o        AFC/SCRIP:  The committee is having an enrollment drive and now accepts credit cards, bank account deductions, checks and cash.  Ways of getting more residents enrolled and the creation of an H&SA SCRIP account for general fundraising use were discussed.  Sharon Harms tabled the topic for future discussion.   

o        AFC/Kitchen Tour:  Kathy Weissenberger and Liz Mukherjee reported that the Kitchen Tour is on Sunday, October 4th.  Raffle tickets and admission tickets are available.

o        AFC/Give Back:  collection boxes are at the Train Station, end schools, and Ridgewood for juice pouches, Box Tops, ink cartridges, cell phones and Campbell soup labels.

 

Synergistics Lab – Fran Wong reported:

-          Glen Ridge Educational Foundation completed a $70,000 update to the school’s Synergistics Lab.  GREF is requesting $2,500 from the H&SA to help cover these costs.  Sharon Harms made a motion to delay voting on the request until further review is possible.  Marge Kallies seconded and all were in favor. 

 

Appreciation – Sharon Harms thanked the following:

-          Karen McGinn for organizing schools supplies; Lunch Box team; Discovery Committee Chairs; Class Parent Chairs; Enrichment Chairs; and the Mural Team

 

Tania Liddy made a motion to approve the May minutes, Kathy Weissenberger seconded and all were in favor.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 10:25 AM.