February 12, 2007 – Media Center

Opening
The meeting began at 6:10pm.

Announcements/Year End Update – Mr. Rose
Mr. Rose introduced Ms. Griffin, the Interim Assistant Principal.

Mr. Rose mentioned that the office is still waiting on Track Requests.  On February 16^th, all requests will be delivered to Growth Management.  He discussed some of the nuances of ensuring a healthy classroom environment.  Due to the difficulty of processing all of the Track requests, changes will only be made for families that have crucial needs.

The next challenge is to organize the classrooms to meet the needs of a year round calendar.   

Older Grade Playground – Ms. Wicker
Ms. Wicker discussed the plan in place to apply for grant money to purchase a playground geared for the older grades.  The grant is based on both nutrition and physical activity.  Grant money will be dispersed annually for three years.  The PTA may have an opportunity that would allow it to supplement a portion of the funds.

Some of the initiatives that Ms. Wicker and Ms. Healy are proposing in the grant application involve the following:

• Utilizing the Learn to Be Healthy website with classroom incentives
• Organize a Fruit of the Month for kids to be exposed to different types of fruit
• Have heart monitors available in gym – strapless watches
• Computer software to allow children to enter their heart rate and receive a fitness report that can be sent home
• K-2 Recess Cart
• Dance Dance Revolution (computer program with dance pad)
• Fitness videos for the classroom

We will know if we have been awarded the grant sometime in July. 

Mr. Rose thanked Ms. Wicker and Ms. Healy for all their hard work on this arduous task. 

New signage for front of school
The PTA and Vance will be splitting the cost of a new sign for the front of the school to be used for both school and PTA events.  The cost is $150.  A vote was held and the purchase was approved.

By-law Change
The By-Laws will be modified to support the year round schedule.

Nominating Committee
The teachers will be asked to supply names of parents who have helped out in the classroom through out the year and may be good candidates for next year’s PTA board.  An article will be in the Newsletter to encourage interested parents to come forth.

Book Fair Update
Bedford Falls will be the book fair vendor this year.  They offer a great selection of titles and also have many choices for $1.99.

New Logo/T-shirts
Students will vote on the new school logo.  T-shirts will be available for sale at a future PTA event. 

International Fair Update
The fair will be held during the school day on March 2nd.  Karen mentioned that she would like to have three more performers.

Track Out Information
Vance will be hosting a Track Out Fair on March 3^rd.  Over 25 vendors will be present to inform parents of their Track Out Programs.  Rose distributed the flyer that will be sent out in Tuesday folders.  Area schools will also be invited.

Student Awards Ceremonies
The ceremonies will be held February 16th.  K-2 will be 9:45 am and 3-5 will be at 10:30am.

Family Nights

·        January’s family night was held at Chick-Fil-A.  The proceeds were approximately $340.

·        February’s family night is at McDonalds.  Children can color pictures to hang in the restaurant beforehand.

Read-A-Thon
The Read-A-Thon is going well.  To date, the students have read 50,000 minutes.  The book mark winners are posted in the cafeteria. 

Teacher Reimbursements
The deadline for teachers to submit receipts for reimbursement is March 2.  This information will be posted on the staff blackboard. 

Computers
Mr. Rose mentioned that we will have 11 computers upgraded very soon. 

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
The minutes from our January meeting were approved.  A motion was made and seconded; the group was all in favor.

Closing
Meeting adjourned at 7:15pm. 

Minutes submitted by PTA Secretary on February 28, 2007.