Parent Teacher Conferences

Last Friday was the close of the quarter, report cards have gone home, the awards ceremony is over, and Parent Teacher Conferences will begin Thursday, November 13, and conclude on Friday, the 14th.  What a great opportunity for all parents or caregivers.

Every parent is different when it comes to expectations for those treasured 15 minutes of face time with a child's teacher.  For some, there are no surprises - reports cards have provided all the information necessary and there are no questions or concerns.  But in this case, should we just assume  "all is well" ? Or, could we take the opportunity to build rapport with the teacher - maybe even offer some positive feedback from base camp?

For others, gathering thoughts or knowing what to say does not come easy. It may even seem

daunting.  Add the new jargon of Proficiency Based Education or Smarter Balanced testing, and one may not know where to begin.

It could be your communications with school leading up to conferences have already been frequent - and that another meeting may seem overkill.  But, again, this is your opportunity to advocate for your child, or brainstorm towards goals that can carry over from school into the home that make positive influences on your child's school experience.  You may hold one small nugget of information from home that could greatly benefit both teacher and child alike.

Truly at a loss for words? Think about what you talk to your spouse or partner about, or talk to other parents about at games and other social time.  Homework woes? Curriculum? New assessments?  Report card lingo? Successes you have seen?

This is a link that may offer some guidance and provide a framework for maximizing the time allotment in conferences.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/ed/2014/09/18/349337543/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-10-minutes-with-teacher

If you have not had an opportunity to sign up, the link is here on the WCS website: http://www.woolwich.rsu1.org

The goals of the WCS PTA will continue to be one of support - for both staff and parents.  As always, email the PTA with thoughts or questions at woolwichptc@yahoo.com

PS

And don't forget to look over the Lost and Found while at conferences!  There is a mountain of clothes, coats, shoes and lunch boxes that will be donated to Goodwill if not claimed.

 

Loving our Grandparents

It's October 31, which not only means it's Halloween, but also signals the official beginning of "Holiday Season".  A stroll through any department store inundates us with this reality, and it won't be long before holiday songs will be streaming 24/7 from all frequencies.  But one holiday that Woolwich Central guarantees is not lost in the hysteria over others is Grandparents Day.

M.J. Ryan, with "Mammie"

Next Friday, on November 7, Woolwich Central opens it's doors to Grandparents - starting with an in-class activity, then serving a yummy lunch of Italian sandwiches with their favorite Wildcat(s). Last year WCS welcomed over 200 Grandmothers and Grandfathers, and this year we hear some are visiting from as far away as Virginia!

Woolwich has been hosting the event since 1993 which began as a BBQ in May.  Over the last 5 years, it was moved to Fall as an inside event.  It's a wonderful opportunity to recognize the value of contributions, love and support that Grandparents provide our children and our community.  All students have a chance to practice RESPECT, one of the keystones to the Woolwich Way.

We know that Grammy may allow more T.V. and sweets, but in many cases, Grammy has more patience and a "drop everything and help" mannerism that some over-committed parents are not always able to muster.  From rides to soccer, overseeing homework, cooking a hot meal, chaperoning on school trips, our Wildcat Grandparents keep us steady.

So, thank you, Nana, Papa, Binky, Mammie, etc. We love you!  For more information on signing up for Grandparents Day, go to the WCS Website, and click on "Grandparents Day"

October Minutes

Here are the October 9, 2014 minutes.  Due to the publicity of our blog, last names and some financial figures were omitted from this copy.  However, our secretary maintains a full copy, and any inquiries on further detail can be submitted to woolwichptc@yahoo.com.  These minutes will be reviewed for amendments and voted on in November.

Meeting Minutes-Woolwich PTA
October 9, 2014 6:04PM
In attendance- Lorna, Karen, Sarah, Kristen, Laura, Jason, Beth, Stacey, Alane, Debbie, Romy, Mona, Kyle & Dena.
Treasurers Report-

• Sarah reported a balance of xxxxxxxxxx as of 8/29/2014 and xxxxxxx as of 9/30/2014
  
• PTA Insurance and dues have been paid in the amount of $101.50.
  
• We currently are fulfilling approximately xxxxxxxx in funding requests.
  Well over what we approved in the entire school year of 2013/14.
• Vice President- Jeannie has had to step down as the vice president of the Woolwich PTA. She is extremely busy with her job, children, coaching and church and had to minimize her commitments.
  
• Debbie has come forward to fill the position, those in attendance were asked if there was anyone else with interest. A motion was made to nominate Debbie as Vice President. Vote-All in Favor 
• Tax Exempt Status-Lorna reported that because of an oversight in previous years, the 990n was not completed, and our 501C3 status was revoked. The appropriate paperwork has been submitted to the Internal Revenue Service along with a check in the amount of $400.00 to get us current. 
• Close Buy Fundraiser- We had a total of $7483.30 in sales for Close Buy with paper orders still being tallied. This fundraiser was met with enthusiasm and the online promotions proved to be successful. Would like to get more feedback from parents and staff. Next year we would like to have the sample items on display a bit longer.
  Box Tops for Education- 
• Stacey has coordinated with WCS Lifeskills students who, (as part of their community jobs project,) continue to collect,count and submit the Box Top labels, along with Labels for Education.
• Terra Cycle- Kristen would like to include a drive for the GoGo squeeze applesauce waste along with the juice pouches. She will put a sign on receptacles alerting students that these can be recycled now. Terra Cycle offers .01cents per applesauce pouch with a minimum shipment of 120 accepted.

Funding Requests-

• Laura asked the PTA for $100 seed money for an academic motivation/behavior modification pilot program for kids who have trouble with motivation in the classroom. She would like to purchase model car kits for these students. This would be a reward for good behavior and a motivation tool. It would also teach them 3D Art, Math and Chemistry.
  Vote-All in Favor to contribute $100. to Laura's project-Approved Laura would also like to put on our radar for the future that she is in need of bulletin boards in the hallways to display children's art.
  
• Mr. Beeton and Mrs. Fisher are asking for $289.38 to cover transportation costs for a group of 10-15 7th & 8th graders to attend Civil Rights Training through the Maine Attorney General's Office in Augusta. This training would be for a Civil Rights Team that would raise awareness for bias based bullying and harassment in our society, school and involving current events. Mr. Libby and Mrs. Buchan will make this an age appropriate activity. Mr. Libby also see this as a way to keep our "Woolwich Way" going into the middle school grades. Mr. Beeton would like to guide the team in activities that would involve the entire school (no name calling week). Vote-All in favor of funding the transportation costs of $289.38. Approved
  
• Mrs. Simpson is requesting $75-$100 to purchase hoops, balls & sidewalk chalk for the playground. Because of the amount of requests we need to measure to our mission, with an eye on our budget a motion was made to approve $50 for this cause. Vote-not enough votes to approve. Karen suggested someone approach the manager of Wal-Mart to donate these items. Mona (who's husband works for the distribution center) will contact Wal-Mart with our EIN# for the donations. 

• Mrs. Harrington, Mrs. Emerson & Ms. Elwell have asked the PTA to approve $1000 for the creation of an A team and B team for WCS middle school basketball because of the projected number of kids wanting to play. This cost would cover the transportation for the extra boys and girls teams. Vote-Approved
  
• Mrs. Pols & Mrs. Vice are requesting a total of $956.00 to cover the Fall and Spring "Birds of Prey" display presented by Chewonki ($303.00 X2) as well as a 1st and 2nd grade trip to Reid State Park in the Spring. Vote-Approved
  
• Mrs. Buchan has requested $280.00 for transportation costs for the 7th graders to attend the National Guard Ropes Course that educates on drug awareness and promotes team building. Vote-Approved
  
• Mr. Turner is requesting $250.00 to cover registration costs for the 7th & 8th grade Math Team. Vote-Approved
  
• Mrs. Perkins, Pre-K coordinator is asking for our help with a Phonological Awareness Night slated for January 2015 for Pre-K families in the RSU. This is a parental outreach program that she would like us involved with. Possibly by helping her put together kits for families or helping with parent involvement. We will wait to hear specifically what we can do to help.
  
  
• Note-The $300 approved in our September meeting to go towards the kick board was fulfilled through donations from local businesses.
  
  
• STUD-Shop Till You Drop Craft Fair-
  Karen reported that she has 26 vendors confirmed. She has requested 50 tables from RSU 1 and was granted her request. She is still going to be ready to rent tables as historically all the tables are not available as the fair gets closer. Dena reported that the Arrowsic Fire Department is willing to loan us some tables if needed. 
• Karen also requested a chairperson to handle the Goody Walk at the fair this year. This would involve finding 7th & 8th graders to help out at the table, create a flyer to send out announcing the event, soliciting for goody donations as well as coming up with a container for patrons to put their goodies in. Debbie volunteered to take on this task.
• Book Fair-Karen has agreed to be an interim book fair chair for December but we are looking for a co-chair to help her manage it as this is her last year at WCS. This person would be someone who would like to take over the fair responsibilities next year. We also discussed that instead of giving our profit as a 25% discount at point-of-sale, we use the proceeds from the Book Fair to go towards more programs for the kids. We are still able to use our banked scholastic dollars (approx. $3000.00) to find ways of getting books into the hands of children who need them the most. We discussed the small but consistent issue of some theft of books and trinkets, and the fact the fair is in a high traffic area, and she suggested we purchase 8 padlocks with one master key for the book crates to keep them secure when the book fair is closed. (apparently the PTA did this in some past years) To assist volunteers, she has created a daily tally sheet to efficiently balance the register drawer at close of day. In our discussion we decided that we would like to bump the date of the fair to coincide better with STUD (end on day of STUD) and to limit the fair to just one week. In previous years it has run longer but lately it has been harder to staff with volunteers. Vote to bump dates of the book fair and limit it to one week-Approved
• Logo Wear- Stacey reported approximately 25 WCS logo-wear orders with more to be picked up from the office.
• Square Art- We will replace Pure Art with this company to offer more variety. Mrs. Devon was provided samples of the products, and guidelines for the artwork will work on art with students to be ready for fundraiser to go out in March and be ready for delivery around Mother's Day.
• Amazon Smile- Dena would like to sign our school up for Amazon Smile which would contribute .5% of your Amazon purchases back to our school. The only marketing that is allowed for this program is digital marketing. Dena will handle getting us signed up.
• Amending Bylaws- In a future meeting we will be amending our bylaws to state that the annual review of the books will be done prior to the end of the school year. Our fiscal year ends June 30 so we will endeavor to get all records ready including any payments and receipts documented prior to that time.

• Meeting Adjourned-7:55PM 

Our new Veep and other News

There is much to report over the three weeks since our last post.  The WCS PTA Close Buy Fundraiser is complete.  While the company is still tallying our paper order sales, early projections are that the the event was a great success.  Many, many thanks to all who participated.  Orders are due to be delivered the first week in December, and we welcome any feedback as we put this fundraiser in the pipeline for next Fall.

We held our October meeting last Thursday.  We were happy to see the return of new members and pleasantly surprised to have two of our teachers attend to personally present their financial request forms for needs for their classes.  Our minutes are being typed and will be posted soon.

Though Autumn is far from over, we are well under way for our Shop Till You Drop Craft Fair.  Vendor sign-up has doubled since last month.  December 6 is sure to be a festive day for the community.

The book fair will also be returning, planned for that week preceding the Craft Fair.  Children from the winning classes from the latest Box Top race will get gift certificates as a reward; and the PTA has some other surprises up their sleeves to ensure that all our students have an opportunity to purchase their own book. Teachers will continue to be able to purchase books for the classroom as well.

We have had a changing of the guards for our Vice President, and are so pleased that Deb Ouimette has agreed to take the seat.  Deb is well-known for her infectious smile and high energy and it seems so right that after many years and countless hours volunteering, she will be co-navigating the PTA for the rest of the year.  It's fair to say that so much of what the PTA's warm image has become is a direct result of something Deb has contributed.

Thank you to Stacey, and WCS Lifeskills students who, (as part of their community jobs project,)  continued to collect, count and submit the Box Top labels, along with Labels for Education.  She has also ensured that a new round of Woolwich Central School Logo apparel can be ordered and has been busy collecting and placing orders.

We are happy that Woolwich PTA will be assisting Rosalie Perkins, coordinator of the PreK program for the RSU, and her teachers, in a family night about phonological awareness to take place in January.   PTA member involvement will include a Read to Me activity, and other activities designed to assist parents in engaging with their children at home.  Research has proven that family involvement is important for young children's literacy and math skills, and our district has been a state leader in the public Prek program. Those details will continue to develop in the next few months.

We endeavor to encourage involvement or knowledge of happenings within RSU#1. The speculation of the West Bath withdrawal is narrowing as some important public meetings present themselves in the near future, which will lead to a vote in West Bath some time in January.

Make a note that there will be a public hearing October 22 at 6:00pm at the West Bath school to discuss the merits of the proposed agreement to leave the district.  While not inclusive, the most common areas of concern evident at recent meetings seem to be early financial projections to the RSU should the withdrawal take place, (and subsequent effect on each town's local contribution) and the distribution of school choice students who currently attend West Bath school.

The PTA takes no position on this issue, other than to encourage those who have interest to take opportunity for any meetings and information available on the RSU#1 website to learn the details.  And while the RSU#1 School Board is holding this meeting, ultimately, the decision will be up to the West Bath voters, as it was West Bath that voted to explore this withdrawal process.  Should there be a vote to withdraw, it will be effective June 30, 2015.  Refer to the RSU#1 website, or contact Central Office, for any questions about information that is available.

As you can see, we've had a busy month, and any level of time that parents and caregivers can lend is always appreciated.  Perhaps a meeting.  Perhaps lending a hand setting up tables at the Shop Till You Drop Craft Fair, or even attending an RSU meeting are all examples of ways to be in tune to Woolwich Central.  Call or write us at woolwichptc@yahoo.com, and if you have not done so already, sign up for automatic email updates on this blog.  Happy October and thank you for your time to read our post!

Minutes from September 11, 2014

Here are Minutes from the Sept 11, 2014 meeting.  Any amendments will be discussed at the Oct. 9 meeting.

Meeting Minutes-Woolwich PTA

September 11,2014                                                                                                                                      6:04PM

In attendance=Lorna Ryan, Karen Madden, Kristen Cahill, Sara Savard, Courtney Clifford, Dena Bachman, Beth Jarvis, Allison Cosgrove, Gina Longbottom, Tony Babineau, Debbie Ouimette, Alaine Larcochelle, Nathaniel Harvey, Sherri Harvey, Bethany Atkins, Mona Gustafson and Jeannie Harrington.

Introductions-

Thank you notes recieved from Mrs. Perkins (pre-k) for the $25 certificate given to her last spring to use at the bookfair.  Beth Harrington-Thanking the PTA for the first day of school spread put on by Lanie Larochelle and Debbie Ouimette.

Treasurers Report- Sara Savard reported a bank account balance of $XXXX.XX.  The PTA account is lower then we would like going into a fresh school year.  Large chunk withdrawn ($2000.00 towards the electronic sign put up in honor of Mr. Soule's retirement).

Fundraising Report- Karen Madden presented to the group her plans for the 8th annual Shop til u drop craft fair.

Planned for December 6th, 2014.

12 vendors confirmed and paid.

Planning for 50 vendors total.

hoping to secure some tables from the RSU 1 (free of charge) and will rent the excess from Taylor Rental ( $8.00 per 8 foot table). 

Need volunteers to transport tables from Taylor Rental to WCS or absorb the cost of having them delivered.

Free tables will be allowed for PTA members and WCS Staff.

Punch Card- Will plan to have a punch card (as we did last year) for patrons to have punched at all three RSU 1 School fairs that day for a chance to win $100.00.   Each Schools PTA will donate equally.

Goody Walk- Hoping that Deb Young (or another volunteer) will continue the tradition of providing a table of donated baked goods for patrons to fill a bag/box/container with for a fee (generally $4).

Close Buy- Catalogs will go out to students on Monday the 15th and will be due back by September 24-25. Close buy offers 30% back on the amount your school sells.

Book Fair-Students who completed their summer math packets (only certain grades) will get a cerificate to be used at the book fair. Still need volunteers for Wednesday September 17th.  Should plan on extra coverage for open house night.

Halloween Dance-Will check with Mr. Libby on the gym schedule for October 24th.   Will form sub-committee to organize games, decorations, contests etc.  Debbie and Alaine will provide decorations.

Box Tops for Education- Stacey Crionion reports that she has sorted $205.00 worth of box tops and has approx $50 more to sort.

Labels for Education-4710 points and still collecting.  Stacey would like to let Mrs. Harrington use them again to purchase PE supplies.

Funding Requests- Grade 4 Emerson/Culley-Would like Funding for two "Bay Days".  One to be held this fall and one in the spring. (Chop Point & Merrymeeting Bay).  They would also like funding for a trip to the Maine State Museum in April.

Vote-All in Favor of fall Bay Day @ $204.00 APPROVED

Vote-All in Favor of Spring Bay Day @ $90.00 APPROVED

Vote-All in Favor of Maine State Museum trip @ $256.25 APPROVED

Grade 5-Bevans/Moran-Requesting funding for a trip to Chewonki in the spring for team building and science enrichmant.  Asking for $500.   Last year the trip with transportation was $670.00.

Vote-All in favor of tabling this request until estimate can be confirmed-UNANIMOUS

Kindergarten-Sample/Plummer-requesting $306.25 to cover transportation costs for a trip to Rocky Hill Orchard this fall as well as a trip to Wolf Neck Farm in the spring.

Vote-All in favor of Rocky Ridge Orchard/Wolfe Neck Farm Trips @ $306.25-APPROVED.

Kickboard -Jeannie Harrington shared with the group a plan to erect a kickboard in WCS field to be located near the snack shack.  This board would provide a spot for students, community members and sports teams to practice soccer and other sports skills.   Jeannie met with Ray Bernier (Bath Vocational Center Building Construction teacher), Mrs. Emerson and Dave Richards (RSU 1 Facilities director) to go over location and costs.  Jeannie and her husband and father in law would like to sponsor part of the cost of the build and would like the PTA's help.

Vote-All in favor of approving up to $300.00 to go towards the kickboard-APPROVED

WCS Math Team-would like funding to participate in Gateway math meets.  They travel to Portland 4 times per year at a cost of $350.00

Vote-All in favor of funding Math Team Transportation Costs @ $350.00-APPROVED

Discussion-Sara expressed that she would like to propose a $500 financial cap on funding requests for each grade level. Karen suggested that Bus quotes be directly obtained from Bath Bus Service to avoid overages.  The group decided that we will send out a  memo to staff letting them know our financial situation and get their input and possibly estimates from each grade to gauge what we will need to cover costs throughout the year.

RSU 1 Finance-Upcoming meeting on September 22.  Meetings still not well attended by public.  Need parental involvement.  You can view upcoming agenda on the committee's web site and sit in for the issues that you are interested in.

Meeting Adjourned-7:23