PTC Minutes from the 11/18/08 meeting

Attendance:      Jennifer Crow

                       Heather Scrimsher

                        Roberta Barnes

                        Karen Smith

                        Kathy Bean

                        Lenora Roberts

                        Michele Smith

Open Mic: No announcements

Financial Update: No update was given at this time. Susan Reed, our new PTC treasurer, is currently working on updating our account balances.

Buckboard Fundraiser: The Buckboard fundraiser will be moving to January due to a large amount of work needed to organize the fundraiser.

Playshed Cover at Fir Grove: Jessica Boyd is currently working on this item. We hope to have more information for discussion at the next PTC meeting.

Rainy Day Recess: A tracking sheet has been implemented at Fir Grove to assess the number of recesses that are spent in the gym. This information will help with our plans for the playshed cover project.

Art Teacher/Program: Staff at both schools were positive about implementing the volunteer art program that is currently being used at North Albany Elementary School. This program is completely run by volunteers. A lesson is introduced once a month in each classroom, organized by the classroom teacher and parent volunteers. A supply list will need to be created once the program is established. Michele Smith volunteered to help coordinate this program and will be searching for more parents interested in helping. If you are interested please contact PTC or Michele Smith.

Reader Board: At the end of the last school year we were given the green light to continue with plans to place a reader board outside of Oak Grove. It was proposed to place the board in the grass along Oak Grove Drive.

Project Ideas: The swings at Fir Grove need to be replaced. The cost of each swing (chains and seat) is approximately $76. Roberta Barnes will check with district maintenance to inquire about installation.

Fir Grove is also interested in adding a geodome or other play structure to the playground. They run approximately $850-1450. Roberta Barnes will send PTC a list of district approved vendors for playground equipment. Ms. Barnes will also check with Julie McCool about her efforts to research playground equipment.

Project idea costs for Oak Grove will be updated at the next PTC meeting.

Babysitters at PTC meetings: Jennifer Crow contacted the leadership teacher at West Albany to help coordinate leadership students interested in volunteering to watch kids at our PTC meetings. Jennifer will email a list of dates and times in order to schedule some responsible students in need of volunteer hours.

School Supply Boxes: Heather Scrimsher introduces a service opportunity for PTC to help parents purchase supply kits for school supplies. Each kit is designed for the grade level and can be ordered in May for the next school year. The kits cost approximately $20-30. The kits arrive prior to the beginning of school and alleviate the need to shop for school supplies. This is not a fundraising opportunity, but a service to parents. Heather will order some sample supply boxes and have them available at a future PTC meeting. Roberta Barnes mentioned the Meet and Greet will return next year and students would be able to pick up their kits on that day.

Site Council: Site Council is currently putting together a R.A.C.I chart that stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed. PTC will be on the R.A.C.I chart.

By-Law Change: We voted and approved a change to our by-laws regarding liability insurance. PTC must have liability insurance in order to hold events like the carnival and movie night.

Groves Update: Lenora Roberts gave an update on Fir Grove. Things are going well. There have been few rainy days allowing students to play outside more this fall.

Jennifer Crow gave an update on a few of the activities going on at Oak Grove. Battle of the Books is taking place and making students are reading the books preparing for the battles. A new club has been formed called the Oak Grove Gives Back Club that focuses on finding ways to make a difference in the world.

Roberta Barnes commented on how impressed she is with the teachers at both schools. She discussed the need to focus training on the R.T.I model for early intervention for those students who struggle.

A concern about having the minutes updated on the bulletin boards in a prompt fashion was discussed.