Meeting Minutes October 8, 2015

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Here are Minutes from our October Meeting:  For a hard-copy of minutes with account balances, contact the PTA at woolwichptc@yahoo.com

Meeting Minutes-Woolwich PTA October 8, 2015

 

                                                                              Meeting called to order-6:05PM

In attendance-Mona, Leslie, Dena, Romy, Leanne, Melissa, Kristen, Alane, Deb, Stacey, Erica, Sarah, Amy, Lorna.

Close Buy Sales- As of Oct. 4, our online sales were around $4200.  This is down 40% from last year’s numbers.  The online ordering has been extended through the holidays with 20% of sales coming back to us.  Lorna will give feedback to Close Buy about the catalogue having less variety this year with the omission of the Winter Kid Pass and the Maine Magazines.  The online portal is no longer a feature, making it more difficult to track orders and running to Falmouth for catalogs and samples another step requiring volunteer time and gas etc.

We will all be brainstorming about other ideas for next year. KIVA.COM, Gift Card Fundraiser or return of Genevieve.  Amy will be looking into details on another Paint Night opportunity at a local restaurant – Melissa will look into Scripts.

Treasurers Report-

Our checking account balance is at XXXXXX.  We will be paying out money to Math Team, Maine PTA, Bug mobile and 7-8th grade Math team.

Funding Requests- The Civil Rights Team would like $285.00 to cover transportation costs for students to attend the Maine Civil Rights Training Program.  Mr. Beaton talked about what the Civil Rights team is and what they accomplished last year.  VOTE-ALL IN FAVOR-UNANIMOUS

Logo Wear- We will be doing the traditional logo wear order forms and Stacey has designed a long sleeve T-Shirt on Boosters.com.  This is online only and will run for two weeks.  The shirt is $15.

Book Fair Update, Dena

A special thank you to all volunteers!

Fall 2015 Book Fair results

Total Gross Sales fall 2015 = 3,618.41

Total Gross Sales fall 2014 = 3,755.00

Very similar in total sales year over year.

34% of total sales were made the first day

24% of total scholastic dollars were redeemed the first day

Sales dipped drastically after day 4. Is our fair too long? Typical fair according to scholastic is 5 days, ours is 7.

Total scholastic dollars spent = $1,506.98 (total amount of new books in the hands of Wildcats)

Profit from sale was taken in the form of $1,809.21 scholastic dollars.

Next fair (December) we will take the profit in cash.

Lessons learned:

 - During open house set up two registers

 - Move book fair into Gym to avoid congestion? (Mrs. Harrington's suggestion)

Top selling books:

1. A Night Divided
2. Woof
3. The House of the Scorpion
4. Body in the Woods
5. The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend

Shop Til U Drop Craft Fair- Romy

The Craft Fair will be held December 5 from 9-1.

  We currently have 23 requests and 7 confirmed and paid. 

The Fee is $20 per table $25 for table with electricity.

5 tables will be available for the 8th graders.

Kristen will get signage from Karen Madden

The fair will be advertised through Maine Street Bath

Spooktacular Dance-

The dance will be held Friday, October 30 from 6-8.

Deb will have 8 games set up to keep the kids occupied.

Prizes will be given for costumes, pumpkin carvings.

50/50 raffle

E-mail will be sent out looking for volunteers with a link to the volunteer site and a reminder and link to fill out volunteer paperwork for RSU 1.

Families attending will be asked to bring a food item for the Woolwich Backpack program.

Setup will begin on Friday at 2:15

Meeting adjourned- 7:15

Show your Spirit!

Just in time for cooler weather and the Holiday season,  the Woolwich PTA is selling T-shirts, Sweatshirts and Sweatpants.

There are TWO ways to order:

As we have done in the past, we are taking PAPER ORDERS for Hooded sweatshirts and sweatpants: Paper order forms are at this link:  PAPER ORDER FOR HOODIES AND SWEATSOrders for paper orders are due Nov. 13

Hooded Sweatshirt Sample

Close Up of logo on front of Hoodie

Back of Hooded Sweatshirt

We are also trying something new and taking ONLINE ORDERS for LONG SLEEVED T's. If online ordering proves a success, we will expand offerings.  You can choose to have the online product shipped direct to you for $5, or the school for free (just give us a head's up if product is a surprise, otherwise we will deliver to the student).  Long-sleeved T on-line ordering link is here: link for LONG SLEEVED T's.

Online orders are due Nov. 1


Write us if you have any questions with the ordering and as always, we welcome feedback!

woolwichptc@yahoo.com

WCS PTA Spooktacular Dance to benefit Backpack Program

Mark your calendars;  the PTA's Spooktacular Dance is baaaaackk!  On Friday, October 30, 6:00-8:00pm.  This is a family-themed dance for PreK-5 students and at least one parent or adult chaperone!

Cost is $5.00 per family.

Our PTA Veep, Deb O, is going all-out for a fun-packed few hours of music, dancing and games!  Come dressed in costume to enter the Costume Contest (kids and parents too) - Bring your fabulous carved pumpkin as a contest entry in our "pumpkin patch".

Enjoy some snacks - enter the 50/50 raffle, have your fortune read and bring your camera to take advantage of the Photo Op booth!

But here's the best part, all of the proceeds will go toward support of the Woolwich Central Backpack Program!  

In it's 3rd year, the Backpack Program is lovingly looked after by our very own Nurse Sherwood.  Every Friday, students who may be food insecure are presented with a backpack filled with at least 5 non-perishable food items that will create at least one meal for the family.  Response has been overwhelmingly appreciative from those families in need and the program is discreet and confidential.

Each family attending the dance that donates a non-perishable food item will be entered into a drawing for a family movie night package!

Donation suggestions are: canned meats (tuna, chicken), pasta and sauces, dry cereal, oatmeal, canned fruits and vegetables, and peanut butter (always popular and always needed)

Many members have asked how they can help with the dance.  Here is the link to sign up for an activity or task.  Can't come to the dance? Donate a healthy baked good or snack for the snack table (all snacks will be complimentary) CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER

Being involved with the PTA need-not require lots of time.  It's often the little details (run an errand, donate a snack, website advice, maybe even just some muscle for event setup) that make the world of difference in the success of something we do!

If anyone has further questions or suggestions, email any time at woolwichptc@yahoo.com.  It's going to be a fantastic night!

PTA Minutes of September 10

Meeting Minutes-Woolwich PTA

September 10,2015                                                                                              Meeting called to order-6:04P

In attendance-Melissa, Lorna, Lacey, Debbie, Danielle,Beth J, Beth H, Sarah, Mona, Amy, Leslie, Stacey, Kristen.

Meet & Greet-Attendees introduced themselves.  Lorna gave a brief overview of what the PTA does. 

Large % of funding for school field trips.

Offer support to for school- school picture helpers, eat the rainbow veggie prep and delivery for Wellness, Grandparents day greeters and lunch prep,  coffee for awards and school functions, presentations at parent info nights. Close buy, Box Tops, Labels for Education, spirit wear and Cyber Awareness.

Upcoming events-

 Book fair will begin September 17th to coincide with open house. 

 Close Buy - Our first fundraiser begins September 11.  Gina picked up catalogs for us in Falmouth (huge help and great example of a way to volunteer if meetings are too hard to attend) Lorna to get product samples week of 9/21. Orders due October 1; online through October 4.

 Deb has put in a request with Mr. Libby to use the gymnasium on October 30th for our Pre K-5 Halloween Dance. Upon his approval, Deb will let us know what she needs for volunteers and any funding.

Box Tops- Stacey has $956.80 to redeem from last year and is planning a fall racecar visit because of its popularity with students.  Local drivers are eager to help in the community and show off their cars to students.

Spirit Wear-We will plan to do 3 drives this school year.  Discussed possibility of having some inventory to display for Shop Till You Drop Craft Fair and (depending on Mr. Finnimore's turn around time) have order forms for holiday logo wear ordering.

Cyber Awareness Night- The PTA plans to host another cyber awareness night for parents this fall.  The feedback was that the State Police power point was well done, but was a bit too scary and intense for parents; the rest was well received.  This will be timed with the MLTI parent info night.

Funding Requests

Mrs. Luchies-Funding for author visit (Poet-Paul Janeczko) $700.  Mrs. Luchies would also like $300 for books for her 8th grade boy’s book club.

Bay Day-The 4th grade teachers would like $210.00 to cover the transportation cost to Bowdoinham for the Friends of Merrymeeting Bay program.

Rocky Ridge Orchards- $150.00 for transportation for Kindergarten students.

Chewonki Bug Mobile-Grade 2 requesting $305 for this visit.

5th & 6th Grade Math Team-Judy Mansfield would like $350 for registration for 4 math meets in Portland.

7th & 8th Grade Math Team-Mr. Huston is requesting $250 for registration for the math team meet for those grades.

Motion to approve ALL funding requests heard.   Motion seconded. VOTE-APPROVED

Child Care for PTA Meetings- Mrs. Fisher arranged for two 7th grade students to provide childcare for children of attendees of the PTA meeting.  They will receive points towards their WCS letters. Motion to approve giving up to two sitters per meeting $25 scholastic dollars each.  VOTE-APPROVED

*When Dena returns from vacation we will confirm our Scholastic dollar balance and vote by proxy on giving each teacher either $25 or $50 to be used at the book fair.

Treasurers Report

Stacey reported an account balance of;XXXXXXXX

Insurance cost is $35 for the upcoming year

Member dues will be $4.75 each.

Labels for Education-Stacey reported that we have points to redeem.  Mrs. Harrington is not in need of anything at this time.  Stacey will redeem our points for a pre-paid visa card that the PTA can use towards school needs.

Amazon Smile- The PTA is now signed up.   If you sign up for Amazon Smile you earn 1/2 cent for WCS for every dollar you spend.

Target Red Card-Families using Target Red Cards can sign up to support WCS.  1% of purchases go to the school.

Clynk- We are now signed up for Clynk.  Upon Signing up we received 10 bags and tags at no charge. When the bags are full of returnable bottles, the bag can be returned to the bottle area at Hannaford supermarkets. The bar code needs to be scanned when you drop off your bag.  Stacey pointed out that it could be a conflict with the DC bottle shed donations.  This was discussed and Lorna hopes that this fundraiser will not put much if any dent in that; as it is for those that go to Hannaford and those who do not are unlikely to make the trip specially for bottles when the ease of dropping them at school is there.  All agreed PTA should stay away from a specific bottle-drive type fundraiser in order to respect the collection at school. Danielle suggested that we get 100 bags ($15) for open house.  The bags can be pre-tagged before hand to ensure we get credit for the bottles.  Kristen will purchase the bags ($50 previously approved for this program via e-mail) and make a sign for the PTA table at open house.

Meeting Adjourned-7:15PM

Here, Kitty, Kitty

 

A little school shopping confession: I paid $15 for a water bottle.  Dead serious.  It’s a sip and mist contraption and I hope the woman at Olympia got a commission because she had me at “the water bottle will be 20% off with your coupon”. Well timed on the heels of my son saying “pleeeeeeese? It’s so cooooool…”

Once home, I began to regret the decision when I watched him misting the cat. (which he does more to taunt his sister, than the cat) Not to mention it’s certain calamity for the cafeteria.  Right up there with those squeezie fruits with helicopter-prop covers.

But with school shopping comes the trends and perhaps I can seek some solace knowing it will likely end up in Lost and Found with the Ugg boots and lunchboxes.

No need to make this first blog a lengthy one knowing you are all busy with your own last minute school prep: but here are some things to feature that may be helpful:

-Picture day is September 10

-September 10 is also our first PTA meeting – right at WCS – 6:00pm.  THIS MEETING WILL FOCUS ON A MEET AND GREET, AND WHO WE ARE.  ALL ARE WELCOME!

-WCS Open House is scheduled for September 17, 5:30 to 7:00.

-The PTA will be sponsoring the 2^nd Close Buy Fundraiser with orders due by October 1.  Online and catalog shopping are both available. Look for catalogs in the next week or so.  Meanwhile, for some armchair shopping, here is a sneak-peek for 2015! 2015 Close Buy Peek

-We are also working on another Cyber Safety info night for parents which will coordinate with assignment of the I pads through the MLTI program.

Also an exciting new way to fundraise!: AND IT'S EASY

Do you shop Amazon?  Now you can easily have .5% of your purchases donated to Woolwich Central!  Follow this link – Amazon Smile

In closing, for those who may not know, three of our members took on The Big Mountain Challenge last month!  BRAVO! to Deb, Lanie and Sarah!

On behalf of all of us in the PTA, we wish you a seamless transition to school, and AS ALWAYS reach out to us at Woolwichptc@yahoo.com!

Summer -'s Here!

The breeze is blowing the chimes in my office, as I listen to the kids outside on their bikes.  I'm feeling I can officially claim it's summer!  What is your most telling summer experience of late?

Celebrity sighting! Mrs. Lane and Mrs. Pols at Patten Free Libary last week

It's been a joy looking at every one's Facebook posts - beaches and hiking and baseball games.  And here we are, approaching August! Proof time flies when having fun.

Though school is not in session,  the PTA is still idling away.  Fundraising companies began courting us the minute the year ended and are looking for contracts.   So,  I've been looking over sales history to provide to our Board.  Deanna has set dates for the first Book fair and is working on a questionnaire seeking feedback and ideas. Our secretary, Kristen, has been looking into ways for more "passive" fundraising (through partnerships with retailers and other businesses) and we are all brainstorming on a membership campaign.  We have closed the books (our fiscal year ended June 30) and are transitioning the records to our new Treasurer, Stacy C!   Deb, Lanie and others will be shopping for Teacher Supplies in August.  (after Deb, Lanie and Sarah decimate the Sunday River Tough Mountain Challenge on July 25! - go get'em ladies!)

I'll keep this blog brief, but wanted to give a shout from summer-land and say "We are still here!" Feel free to contact us at any time.  In fact, just this morning I happily responded to an email from a new parent of a PreK student who was looking for ways to be involved this year.  We love to hear from you - new parent, grandparent or otherwise!

Enjoy!
Lorna Ryan, President

Carpe Diem, Carpe Librum!

"Seize the Day, Seize the Book!" seems an appropriate title to this latest post because tomorrow night, at the Woolwich Town meeting, there are two articles on the warrant that relate to the future municipal funding of the Patten Free Library in Bath.

Before you stop reading and close this post; first, ask yourself a few questions:

-Do you or your children check out books, movies or other items in circulation at Patten Free?
-Does your child participate in the Patten Free Summer Reading Program (last summer, over 200 Woolwich children did just that)
-Does your child participate in the RSU's Battle of the Books and use the Patten Free collection/inter-library loan to achieve their reading goals for this event?
-Does your family enjoy the myriad of free offerings at Patten Free? (Read aloud, author's visits, movie night, reading clubs, chess and/or lego club and more?)
-Would you be willing to personally pay $50 or more, per person in your family for a library card?

In February, 2015, the town received a petition signed by over 180 Woolwich Residents, asking the select board to move the approval of the Patten Free Library Budget from the May town meeting, to secret ballot in June (the same evening we will vote on the RSU school budget).  You may have signed this petition.  This letter by the Woolwich select board does a good job of explaining the result of that petition. http://www.wiscassetnewspaper.com/article/woolwich-town-meeting-chance-voters-decide/52356

The PTA was asked to learn more about this issue, as our mission includes advocating for children and furthering the educational advancement of students in our school and community.  On one hand,

healthy debate is not only harmless, but beneficial.  If numbers at town meeting are historically low, why not put the issue out to voters when more people are likely to show up at the polls?  But as always, the devil is in the details.

Earlier op ed pieces have suggested that citizens who opt to purchase a library card (should the municipal funding not continue) would be "paid back".   The warrant, as currently written, is requesting zero funding to help off-set any reimbursement program.  It simply does not exist. Here is the link to the warrant.http://www.woolwich.us/resources/pdfs/town_warrants/Warrant-15-4.pdf

Currently, a family of 4 would pay $200 per year (expected to go up should municipal funding cease) thereby limiting only those children whose families have the financial means for continued full access to the Patten Free collection and beyond.

The cost per capita for this year's funding request from Patten Free is $16.50.  Other op eds have compared this to the cost of a large pizza - for me, my weekly coffee habit.

$50,688 is a chunk of change. No question.  If other cost centers in the Town are being short-changed as some suggest, then certainly, democracy must work is course and look deeper into "why".

Even our PTA has been known to be fairly conservative on some Financial Requests; we did not approve $50 for playground toys last autumn (it should be noted we approved over $7000 in other requests during that same, and subsequent meetings- and members opted to donate the playground items)  The point is that as an organization, acting as custodian of funds raised by our Woolwich school community, we understand the need to debate where the money is allocated.  Sometimes the results of those votes are not popular.  But this is democracy as well.

The message we hope to relay here is to not assume that there is another mechanism in place to assure our students (and siblings) continued use of Patten Free in the future.  Be informed,  be comfortable with your decision, and attend tomorrow night's town meeting if at all possible.

Thank you for reading, and, as always, emails are welcome: woolwichptc@yahoo.com

Meeting Minutes from March 2015

Here are minutes from our March meeting: Going strong! Write us anytime at woolwichptc@yahoo.com.  Thank you for all your support!

Meeting Minutes-Woolwich Central PTA

March 12 2015

In attendance-Lorna, Jason, Sarah, Debbie, Lanie, Beth, Kristen, Dena, Amy

Meeting Called to order-6:05

PTA Stickers passed out.  To assist custodian, please try to remove if you see them anywhere they should not be.

Approval of February Minutes-forgot to mention Pre-k family night

and the possibility of having a dance for middle school.  Accept minute adjustment.  All in favor

For future meetings, put business/action agenda items at the end of meeting.  All agreed

Cyber Safety- Brainstorming on content, format, dates, etc.

Date?  April, May or June

Audience-?  kids? or just parents.

Sagadahoc Sheriff Dept. willing to come. Can share problems they see and struggles. Deferred to crime lab in Augusta if the case is severe.  Special Agent with Maine Computer Crime Lab had info - possible power point presentation and cases. (9 year old, free access, pics all over the internet) Laws not keeping up with technology-No age discrimination on charges.  Have to focus on intent of picture.  Give Panel Questions ahead of time.  Ask for statistics. Methods for open dialogue with our kids parents can use at home.

 RSU 1 Technology Director can speak to MLTI Ipad policy and use –Effectiveness of firewall etc.  Community Educator from SASMM (Sexual Assault Services of Midcoast Maine)  Good resource from Mrs. Buchan.

-proposed panel of people Q & A?

-set presentation?

-open it up to the entire RSU 1?

-pro-active positive approach-try not to shock and awe

-what parents can do at home- how to filter and what to filter-how to put blocks. Youtube

-Knowledge on what is going on today and how to have a conversation for future things coming up.  How to deal.  Digital footprint-education on what goes on there (web servers), stays on there.

-Provide child care. ?  Good way to let parents know that it will be adult content.  BRCTC provide child care?

-8th grader with parent chaperone?

No Charge!

Treasurers Report  Checking account Balance XXXXXXX

December Book Fair Paid

Box Tops-check coming in from box tops 715.50

K-Wolf Neck to be paid

4-State House Trip

4-Chop Point bus

5th grade tabled because of cost.  Asking $500 but was $670.  Follow up to be sure we approve correct amount.

6th grade-$500 for Mt. Blue-touch base with teachers on what is needed for funds

Box Tops-Race Car-first week of May

Dena-Arrowsic Town Hall Box Tops

Stacey- SQUARE ART-April 6th the book will go home with your child’s artwork.  April 14th collect orders.  You can order online shipped on the 17th   May 7th items are ready

Art work about done.   Art room fundraiser put on by PTA

BookFair Dena will shadow Karen on running April Book Fair.  Most likely will be willing to take over but will at least be able to know how it is run.   BOGO

FAN NIGHT-Books using Scholastic Dollars.  Will put in a basket and do a free raffle.   2 Bikes.  Wellness basket. Dena will put together basket.

Carafe of coffee for FAN

night. 

Motion to buy 6ft tablecloth with WCS logo for $45.00. Vote-all in favor.

Kristen-check on Gelato Fundraiser

Meeting adjourned-7:20

Not your Momma's PTA?

So last week we became custodian of 3 office boxes of PTA records dating back to the 50's.   Having this time capsule literally dropped in our lap was well-timed and has provided  excellent material for a fresh new blog post.

In recent weeks, the PTA board and a handful of members were talking about the reality that within the next few years, nearly our entire board and some of our most active members would be moving on as they follow their children to High School.  Conversation led to ways in which we could bolster membership involvement, including a means to excite members for roles on the PTA Board.

What could explain a membership that shrunk throughout the school year? Are we not doing enough to inform?  Are we doing too much?  Are we welcoming? Is there any lingering image that only the stay-at-home Mom has time to be involved?

Not exactly. Our board and our most active members are made up of a nurse, a childcare provider, a fisherWOman (who is also a nurse), a manager of a busy medical office, an owner of an 11-year-old cleaning company, a Mom of 4 with a 20+ year career in retail, and two office managers of family businesses.  These jobs do allow some flexibility to attend to school and PTA-related business - but the trade-offs include working Holidays, nights and weekends, days that begin in earnest at 6:00am, may or may not end after the kids go to bed, and working with the spouse.  (sit with that last factoid for a minute...:)

So what about those vintage PTA records?  Before combing through all the minutes and ledgers and fundraising records, one might think yes, things have changed.  Both parents work.  The world is a busier place. Sports consume the schedule.  Gone is the age of Betty Crocker.

But here's the thing.  From 1952 to present, the same challenges existed.  As well as the positive ways in which the PTA served as a pillar to school and community.   As it turns out, men often held at least 50% of the officer roles from the 50's through the early 80's.  The primary female membership came later.  Also, when Woolwich was a community school, it was common for the Superintendent and School board to attend meetings and work with the PTA on getting information out; anything from building needs, school budget and (ironically) teachers attending meetings to give an "enlightening preview" of the MEA Testing (Maine Education Assessment- 1977).

Another quote from minutes from 1997 "The focus of the meeting was to open communication between the PTC and administration.  Why is our group so small? What are the areas we need to focus our attention on?"

A few hours pouring over old documents may not be enough to reach a real conclusion.  But it's enough to show us that even though the PTA may have been small with respect to active members, there is evidence of more collaboration between administrators, school board, teachers, town and community.  All had a hand in informing parents and enhancing the educational needs of students.

We have decided to make it our primary goal for 2015-2016 to let the entire Woolwich community know that we welcome anyone.  From making ourselves more visible, surveying people for what the PTA can do for them, and reconnecting with administrators and teachers.

These are challenging times, but exciting times.  We will do our best to continue what we have been doing for the school and for the students, but do want your ideas and your involvement.  We need them.  Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 9.  We will have a budget update, and more detail on our May parent night: topic of Cyber Safety. And as always, email us at woolwichptc@yahoo.com.  Here's to Spring and a fabulous wrap to 3rd quarter!

February 2015 Minutes

Here are minutes from our February Meeting.  Account balances and last names have been omitted in balance of publicity; as always contact the PTA for full minutes at woolwichptc@yahoo.com

Enjoy the spring-like day! It may even hit 40!

Meeting Minutes-Woolwich PTA

February 10,2015

In attendance-Lorna, Sara, Karen, Stacey, Kristen, Debbie, Mona, Alane

Treasurers Report- Sarah reported an account balance of XXXXXXXXX

Close Buy-$2224.00

Profit from STUD-$494.00

Goody Walk-$447.00

Book Fair-$617.00 + $247.00 in Scholastic Dollars

Logo Wear-Cost=$918.00 Amount paid to PTA=$996.00.  Some orders placed here and there.  Actual profit is estimated at closer to $100.00.  (this drive was introduced to promote school spirit)

NO FUNDING REQUESTS WERE RECEIVED DURING THIS PERIOD

Final report for STUD-Karen reported that the fair went very smoothly.  The vendors were happy. There were six paid vendors that could not make it. Going forward, Karen will not be available to coordinate future fairs but is happy to help the next person(s) take on this project.  She will provide her vendor lists and info.  The PTA will need to decide on this in the spring as the e-mails to past vendors goes out in August.  

Book Fair-Our next book fair is scheduled for April 10-17.  We have $75.00 in Scholastic Dollars that are about to expire.  It was proposed that this money be used to purchase books to be put in a basket for a free PTA Raffle to be held during the Family Activity Night scheduled for March 13, 2015 from 6-8.  VOTE-ALL IN FAVOR-UNANIMOUS.  We have roughly $2500 in Scholastic Dollars to be used.  After a discussion.  VOTE-All in Favor of giving each classroom $50.00 Scholastic Dollars to spend-ALL IN FAVOR-Unanimous.  Vote to give each volunteer covering a shift at the book fair $25 Scholastic Dollars-All in favor- UNANIMOUS.

Amendment Bylaws-The PTA is amending it's current Bylaws to reflect the following

Under Section 4, letter h. Audit, "Participate in an annual audit done by two members of the PTA that occurs in July or August will be changed to: that occurs by July 30.  The findings will be reported at the first PTA meeting of the following school year.  Vote - All in favor - UNANIMOUS 

Also under Section 4., ADD a letter i. assure that the 990n form if filed annually in order to maintain 501c3 status. Vote. All in favor - UNANIMOUS

Lorna will send Bylaw amendments to Maine State PTA for their records.

Also discussed was hosting a parent info night this spring.  Those present encouraged a Cyber Safety presentation - this time by any law enforcement agencies doing Community Outreach to schools.  Lorna will do some legwork.

Square Art Our spring fundraiser - is beginning. Laura Devin has the supplies, and Lorna has set us up online with a coordinator's corner.  Stacey offered to follow the timeline and help coordinate the fundraiser when time for sending home communications and ordering.  Lorna will add Stacey to the coordinator's corner on the Square Art website.

Box tops Stacey reported the next race begins now, through May.  Winning class will get the Race Car visit from a driver at Wiscasset Speedway.  Monies collected from redemption of the boxtops will be dedicated to the Jr. High.

Dance Sarah Savard suggested we host a dance for the 6-8 graders.  She will look at calendar, talk to students and Mr. Libby.

Officer Vacancy Sarah also gave notice that she is resigning the Treasurer's position at the end of this year.  Members are encouraged to consider volunteering for the position for the 2015/2016 year.  Sarah did this for the PTA for 2 years, and it is very appreciated!

Membership those present had discussion on trying to recruit, retain and encourage more membership involvement.  Many active members will be leaving over the next few years as their students become more involved in Grade specific fundraisers for 7th and 8th Grade (DC for example) and move on to High School.  We need any parents, but in particular, parents of younger students who will be at Woolwich for several years.  If membership is not boosted, and parents are not willing to take leadership roles as officers, many years of hard work, building well-liked, successful fundraisers and activities could be jeopardized.  We will bolster our outreach at School events (Kristen suggested a coffee bar at the Rewards Ceremonies each Quarter).  We will put together a 'booth' for FAN night.  Deb and Lanie who serve on the Wellness Committee have a meeting tomorrow and will let us know when FAN night is happening.

Meeting adjourned around 7:30pm