P.A. MINUTES

---

Parents’ Association of P.S. 101Q

2 Russell Place, Forest Hills, NY  11375

www.pa101.org          PAMail@pa101.org

 

Minutes from October 3, 2007 Meeting:

Parents went to Art and Technology Room (formerly the Library) for presentation of the Smart Board by Adam Hyman, the Technology cluster teacher. He demonstrated the ease with which teachers can put the smart board to multiple uses; such as student assessment and evaluations, monitoring of student work as well as an invaluable teaching tool.  Principal Feder and Interim Acting Assistant Principal Capitulo present.  Ms. Gaimo spoke about the new basketball program.  Overwhelming interest among 5^th and 6^th grade students in this program, unfortunately not able to accommodate all.

Parents returned to Auditorium for P.A. meeting. 

President, Deb Dillingham encouraged parents to volunteer for the many upcoming events.

Mary O’Connell was elected to the School Leadership Team (SLT) in the recent election to fill a vacated parent position.  Our thanks to parents Jodi Freed and Shelley_Schlosser who also ran for the position. 

Principal Feder had sent out a notice on homework policy.  Parents are asked to write comments on homework indicating how much help was needed to complete it.  Parents can email teacher and get response within 48 hours. 

October 19 is the First Annual Pumpkin Patch.  Jen Mannion is coordinating.  Deadline to send in Money for pumpkins was today.  A lot of interest in all grades; pre-k to 6^th. 

Fall Fundraising envelope went out in backpacks.  We have already received $1000. 

Candy Sale orders and money is due October 22.  Maureen Crowley is heading this event, and she will need a lot of help to distribute the orders when they arrive at the school. 

2^nd Annual Election Day Bake Sale to be held November 6.  We netted $1500 last year.

Class Parent info went out.  Most classes have a class parent.  Biggest question for class parents was concerning class funds.  It’s preferable that parents send in monetary donations to the P.A. so that they can be shared equitably.  Most events can be supplied with food donations, etc, from parents.  Gathering email info from parents so that class parent can be link to PA info. 

Book Fair, chaired by Fiona Serpa.   Thanks to her and all volunteers.  Doubled what was brought in last year.  Only 3 days this year versus 5 days last year.  Teachers benefited from books purchased and donated by parents. 

After school Program – Headed by Nancy Northrop, still taking registration forms until October 4^th. 

Recess Volunteers.  Notice to go out shortly.  Want parents to take advantage of opportunity to help in school. 

November – first awards for Act of Kindness available at PA meeting. 

Melinda Katz has helped P.S. 101 greatly through grants in the past few years.  Requesting $200,000.  Please send letters to encourage her to give money. Since P.S. 101 is not a Title I school, it is a low priority for funding.  We need to explore more alternatives for raising funds. 

Jennifer Mannion, Cecile Renna and Manya Slater are the chairs for the upcoming Halloween Party.  Jen Mannion reported that info to be sent out shortly.  Please encourage parents to volunteer. 

Cecile Renna is in charge of the Haunted House.  Need a lot of labor to bring down the pieces of the house before the party, to build the house and to decorate it on Saturday.  Sunday October 28 is when the decor will be added to the house.  Need lots of parents to build, set up and act in the haunted house, and to take the house down and put it away.  Hing Lei has offered to manage the food vending, specifically hotdogs. 

September minutes are approved 

Parents commented that last year’s Halloween Character Parade was too chaotic, and the auditorium too hot.  Perhaps school/parents should propose other Halloween activities – such as telling stories, etc. 

Anne Sexton, Treasurer, distributed recap of last year’s budget.  She commented that by parents donating money to the PA, we can be part of the decision-making process in spending money on our children.  The example is last year’s debate over laptops vs. desktop.  After much discussion, and review of anecdotal evidence, the P.A. and Principal determined that desktops were more appropriate due to their durability.

Current statement data does not include all the income for the Afterschool Program yet.  The PA still needs to pay approximately $5000 to Scholastic Books.  Book fair was very successful because of all the volunteers, and the support of the school administration.

35 computer tables were purchased over the summer.  As a result of a walkthrough of the classrooms, could see the need for tables designated for computers that were either sitting in corners or on desks displacing other items.

A microphone and amplifier was purchased to use at the reading held during the Book Fair.  The music teacher will now use them.

Theatrical upgrade purchases include lighting and light board.  We will be researching further enhancements of the auditorium and gym.  We’re lucky to have talented parents working to improve our theatrical productions. 

Parent suggests raising entry fee for International Dinner as a means to raise more money. 

Holiday Fair is a gift buying opportunity for children.  Looking for more volunteers to work on it.  Perhaps volunteers who can donate handmade crafts. 

Holiday Concerts are scheduled for December 6 for grades 3 – 6,  and December 13 for grades k-2. 

Mother/Son and Father/Daughter Dances very successful last year.  Want to encourage more parents to participate and volunteer.  Parent suggested a Father/Son event could be held on a playing field. 

Meeting adjourned.