Ridgewood Avenue Home and School Association

Unapproved Meeting Minutes

 

October 9, 2007   

 

Officers Present:  Tania Liddy, President; Heidi Donohue, 1st Vice President; Shari Dreier, 2nd Vice President; Laura Buchman, Treasurer; Jennifer Schmitt, Secretary.

 

President Tania Liddy began the meeting at 7 PM.

 

Principals Report – Mr. Philips reported that the Sheets and Treats fundraiser deadline has been extended, and the school photos are complete. Today in school, there was an Enrichment Program with Keith Hawkins, a motivational/character Ed speaker. He spoke to staff and students on separate occasions. It was a great program. The air conditioning is up and running in the Auditorium. The gym floor and library projects are near completion and should be finished next week. The district is currently reviewing the Social Studies curriculum. Upcoming events include: Klemmerfest, a 6th grade writer’s workshop, National Education Week, and a town wide talent show Nov 6.

 

Teachers Report - Ms Torella reported that she is here to help with anything we might need.

 

Treasurers Report – Laura Buchman reported that Discovery Series Classes raised $2771.00 and 3 Ice Pop Fridays brought in $654 in September. There is am approximate open balance of $2000.00. There will be a Magnet for Sale flyer sent home soon. Mr. Philips suggesting selling them at the 3rd grade Thanksgiving show.

 

SCRIP – Julie Mason reported that the Holiday SCRIP Gift Card sale information would go home after Halloween. About 75 merchants participate.

 

Cafeteria Committee – Rebecca Johns reported that the committee meet and has a very long list of notes and ideas on improving some choices for lunches in the cafeteria. They will be meeting with Aramark to discuss some ideas, and sending home a survey to parents to get more feedback in the service. They may do a test run of some new food choices, but those will only become permanent options if the kids purchase enough. Shari Dreier mentioned that her daughter, Missy Dreier, a student gov’t rep for her class, was also interested in improving the lunch choices, and could they work with them to get feedback directly from the kids. It was also mentioned that many kids have a hard time participating because the lines at lunch are so long.

 

Board of Education – John Cable reported the information on the upcoming state elections was emailed home today. Teacher/staff negotiations are still ongoing; a state mediator has been brought in to assist the two sides in reaching an agreement. The next meeting scheduled with the mediator is November, although the BOE and Staff Union could meet independently before then if they choose. If mediation does not work, the next step is fact finding, which is then followed by arbitration. All involved hope to have the negotiations settled as quickly as possible.

 

School Directory – Shari Dreier reported that they directory would be out very soon. The cover artwork was done by 5th grade student Abby Tedesco. Thank you to the Sidoti family and Pickle Press who graciously provided the printing service at a minimal cost.

MAC – Kathy Wiesenberger reported on the current programs MAC is sponsoring at RAS (see attached) and in town. They are promoting healthy living and good habits. They have a “pot” that they are willing to share with other community groups to fund various programs if they need help. They have also formed a consortium with a few other community groups that will provide safe fun events for 6, 7, and 8 grade students in town.

 

Presidents Report – Tania Liddy reported the 2nd newsletter is almost done and anyone with submissions can contact Tracey St Auburn. They are hoping to do an online version, like the Forest Post. Next week is Pizza and a Movie night at RAS, the Sheets and Treats deadline has been extended, School Photos are on order and the Holiday Store purchases are being made. The Parent Social at Senorita’s on Oct 4th was poorly attended and made $300. She thanked Joe Baione for the garden benches he made to be installed under the tree on the front lawn of the building. She thanked Ms Dutton for arranging the “I’m in Charge of Me” program. Kathy Wiesenberger made a motion to approve the June and September 2007 minutes and Meghan Guilianeli seconded. All were in favor. Mr. Donovan asked for $100 to cover the cost of the Adoption Awareness Month Breakfast in Nov. Julie Mason made a motion to approve this and Kathy Wiesenberger seconded. All were in favor. 

 

National Education Week- Julie Mason said there is a breakfast planned for the teachers and staff on Nov 12 and a lunch on Nov 14. Kathy Wiesenberger made a motion to set aside $150 to cover bagels and sandwich trays. Heidi Donohue seconded. All were in favor. Julie Mason will be sending home more information on volunteers needed and other food, paper goods, and drinks, that she would need to be donated.

 

The next RAHSA meeting will be Friday Nov. 16th at 8:45 AM. Kathy Wiesenberger made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:00, Meghan Guilianeli seconded. All were in favor.