November 13, 2006 - Media Center

Attendees: Mr. Rose, Laura Lavan, Brian Hartigan, Sue Boyette, Alison Civils, Bonnie Byrd, Kay Hoover, Billie Chesson, Janet Peterson, Karen Blue, Donna Johnson, Laura Harrington, Michael Hartley, Vicki Nizen, Beth Montanaro, Randy Wilkins, Sherri Jones, Joanne Ward, Connie Chamblee and Rose Raulynaitis

Opening
The meeting was called to order at 6pm.

Book Fair Vendor, Usborne Books – Jennifer Davis
Ms. Davis introduced to group to Usborne Books and what they can offer as a vendor for our Book Fair. Although they had quite a bit to offer, the group had some concerns which included that they felt Scholastic had more options the children were familiar with as well as more of a selection of low cost items.

Tech Run
Beth informed the group that over $11,000 has been raised with this year’s Tech Run!! She was very happy that the event went so well. Awards will be given to the children on the 21st at 10:15. Awards will be given to the top three children who raised the most money. The boy and girl who ran the most laps will also be awarded. Every child who obtained sponsor(s) will be given a coupon. These coupons will be given to the teachers to distribute to their classes back in the classroom. This year’s Tech Run did not cost as much as previous years due to the many generous donations received.

Year Round Information Update
Mr. Rose mentioned that Vance has established a Steering Committee to help prepare for the Year round conversion. It is currently comprised of teachers and staff; he would like parent representation on this committee as well. The Committee met for the first time last Wednesday and will meet every other Wednesday after school at 4:15pm for about an hour and a half.

In January, parents will be given the opportunity to request their track of choice. Approximately 75 students who currently attend year round schools will be coming back to Vance as their base school. They will be given priority so that they may not have a disruption if they choose to remain in the same Track.

Mr. Rose has hardly heard any opposition to the change to Year Round. Adams Elementary school is our ‘buddy school’ and will assist Vance it transitioning to the Year Round schedule. Staff from Vance has gone to visit with Adams Elementary staff.

Wake County State ABC results
Mr. Rose gave an overview of how Vance Elementary scores changed. The change in student enrollment played a key role in the results. The School Improvement Team is focusing efforts on addressing areas of concern.

PTA Membership
We currently have 170 members.

Wake County Parent Leadership Conference
Rose recently attended this conference and shared with the group some information obtained from a workshop focusing on setting up for year round success. The workshop was facilitated by Morrisville Principal, Robin Swaim; President Sarah Marinn and former West Lake PTA President, Mandi Loftis. Rose distributed her notes from this workshop. The main take away from the discussions was the importance of realizing that the biggest challenge a year round school PTA faces is to not leave any tracks out. It is necessary to stay on top of the calendar and communicate information in a timely manner. The facilitators offered their websites and welcomed any questions (www.wlepta.org and morrisvillees.wcpss.net).

Family Night at Cold Stones
We earned approximately $75.00 from the event.

Family Picnic
Only the first grade teachers have requested the money earned from their booth at the Picnic. Teachers from the other grades were encouraged to utilize the funds available to them.

Budget
The budget was distributed for discussion. Ms. Jones mentioned that the second grade teachers would like to be reimbursed for purchasing dictionaries. This budgeted item was projected to cost $200.

International Festival
Karen mentioned this will be a daytime event in February. She wants to ensure that the festival represents different groups. There will be five or six short performances to make the entire event approximately 45 minutes.

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
The minutes from our October 3rd meeting were approved. Laura Harrington made a motion to approve the minutes, the motion was seconded by Beth and the group was all in favor.

Closing
The meeting adjourned at 7:30pm.
Minutes submitted: PTA Secretary, Rose Raulynaitis
Date: November 29, 2006