Frost PTA Meeting Minutes
November 26, 2007
In Attendance: Karen Mandleur, Diana Munoz, Debbie Ielmini, Ellen Lavanco-Proia, Jeannie Smith, Vickie Albert, Deborah Cornavaca, Aime Zimel, Stephen Clark, Robin Adkins, Margaret Dalla Torre, Lynne Meara, Carolyn Frey, Rebecca Gallanter.
The meeting was called to order at 7:36 pm.
Thanksgiving Donation
Frost’s Thanksgiving baskets provided meals for seven families. It was suggested that we donate more than once per year, as there was at least one family which had no food in the home. It was suggested that we do a food drive right before Passover, for example, when people are cleaning out their kitchens prior to the holiday. Perhaps we can purchase roasted chickens from Sam’s Club or elsewhere so that we can also provide fresh food.
Invited speaker: Ed Weiner, Co-President of SEPTA
Ed discussed the function and background of SEPTA (Special Education PTA). He explained that after a period of dormancy, SEPTA was re-started three years ago. Meetings normally take place at the East Brunswick Public Library the last Monday of each month, 7:30 pm. Ed has a 12 year-old daughter with Cerebral Palsy, she attends Hammarskjold. The group features speakers on various topics, works with the Recreation Dept.’s buddy ball sports leagues and other recreation activities. For the first time, a special needs group is competing at the National Cheerleading Competition in Florida; this was organized through SEPTA via the St. Bart’s Buffalos. At the last meeting, there was a presentation on team teaching, which is a method in which both the mainstream and special education teacher work together as a team within the same classroom. SEPTA has also worked toward providing a yoga program for children with special needs within the township. SEPTA represents families of children with Cerebral Palsy, Rett Syndrome, Down’s Syndrome, Autism and many other disabilities. A survey has been sent out to assess the needs / interests of SEPTA members. SEPTA maintains a positive working relationship with the schools, including Child Study Teams and staff members often attend SEPTA meetings. Upcoming topics include presentations by: Dr. Cavan Brunsden, a special needs dentist; Brain Injury Association of New Jersey, Children’s Specialized Hospital and more. Carolyn Frey is the SEPTA representative for Frost school; there is also a website link for SEPTA through ebnet.org or the Frost PTA site
Get out the Vote Committee: Deborah Cornavaca, Co-Chair
Deborah provided an early reminder to vote for the school budget, to be in touch with assembly members, write to the Sentinel , etc. regarding this issue. A letter will be distributed in December reminding our families about voting. Deborah suggested contacting school families by phone to remind them as well. Perhaps we can also do a “global connect”.
Fundraising: Karen Mandleur
Entertainment Books brought in $2,900, last year was $3,500. Cookies raised $975 vs. $440 last year. Sally Foster raised $1,500 vs. $2400 last year. Art by Me brought in approximately $1,200-1,400 (final tallies TBA). Pies raised $975 (166 pies were ordered). Technically there had needed to be 200 pies ordered so that we could qualify for free shipping and 5% higher profit on the sales; however, despite the lower number of sales, the company did give us those benefits. Mrs. Meara praised Mrs. Rosenberg and thanked her for her efforts in organizing the artwork for Art by Me in a mere three weeks. Barnes and Noble raised $470, which was lower than last year but there was also a lower percentage of the profits (B & N changed its policy). The students love B & N day, many great poems and essays. We noted, however, the need for a better sound system. Ellen Lavanco-Proia distributed a list of donations that have been received, including some new items. She reported that we hope to secure all the items we have gotten previously. One company donated $1000, which we used toward the purchase of a flat-screen TV. Some suggestions that were given for raffle items included: a day for a student to visit all his/her former classes/ teachers; preferred seating for the Theatre Week show. One grand prize item that is still needed is the four one-day hopper passes to Disney Beaches.
Teachers’ Holiday Luncheon
Bakers/ chefs are needed to prepare items for the Teachers’ Holiday Luncheon, to be held on December 17th. A sign-up sheet was available at the meeting. Please contact Robin Adkins if you can participate; both entrees and desserts are needed and we ask that it is prepared in a half-tray container (if the item needs heating in wire racks/sternos).
Holiday Store
Some volunteers are still needed for the holiday store (11/27-11/29); even helping for a half hour would be appreciated.
Frost Beautification
An Eagle Scout is working on this outdoor project. We are in need of persons to supply shrubs, etc. to beautify the front of Frost school.
Meeting Minutes
Stephen Clark asked that PTA minutes be e-mailed to him, so that he can post them on the Frost PTA website.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:30.
Labels: minutes, ptameetings