Ridgewood Avenue Home and School Association

September Meeting

September 14,2007

Officers Present ; Tania Liddy, President; Laura Buchman, Treasurer; Jennifer Schmitt, Secretary.

President Tania Liddy opened the meeting with a welcome back to school and thank you to all Committee Chairs for their help with the Meet and Greet t that took place on September 8^th.

Principals Report – Mr. Philips reported that the Opening of School and Back to School went well. They used a new format for 6^th parents and it was well received. The permits for the Auditorium Air conditioning project were issued just before school started and they hope the job is finished soon. The Library redesign project is underway and should be finished (new furniture and computers included) by the end or September. Over the summer, it was discovered that the lower gym floor suffered water damage. They are currently working on replacing the floor and removing the asbestos that was found beneath it. The earl fundraisers for School supplies and Ice Pop Fridays went well. Upcoming events include: August/September birthday celebrations, Sheets and Treats information will be coming home, the “I’m in Charge of Me” Assembly at the end of the month and no school for students on Oct. 8^th.

Teachers Report - Ms Torella reported welcome back to school.

Board of Education Report- Betsy Ginsburg reported that the BOE met during the summer. She explained how the BOE works, that there meetings are televised on Ch. 36. People should feel free to email or call with any questions and that they hold “coffee and conversations” each month that all are invited to attend to discuss any issues. The BOE is still in negotiations with the District Teachers and Staff at this time. The interim “Super” Superintendent for Essex County is Thomas Dowd, former Superintendent of Bloomfield Schools. The BOE is worried that there is still no school funding formula from the state government that they promised they would have done last year. One formula that seems to be progressing is based on wealth and may cause us to lose Special Education funding. The Garden State Coalition of Schools is against this formula. The BOE will be publicizing how we can reach our legislatures to voice our own opinions on this situation as it develops.

SCRIP – Julie Mason reported that SCRIP is now in its 5^th year. Only 5% of families are using the program. They discussed some new ideas. It is not possible to get a rebate given directly to participating families. They hope to plan another Kitchen Tour next fall. You can contact her at mason346@Comcast.net

School Supplies – Karen McGinn reported a 25% increase in school supplies sales this fall. 256 boxes raised $1350 and 33 families came to distribute the supplies before school started. Katie Hegarty and Laura Buchman stated that the 6^th grade supply list did not match up to exactly hat that kids needed. They will try to remedy that for next year,

Social Committee – Beth Ege reported that Pasta and a Movie night would be Oct 19^th at 7PM, movie TBD. They are looking into having the movie outside on the school grounds so that food could be eaten during the show. A parent social was also discussed. Ideas about a party at the Commonwealth Club with a DJ or a smaller cocktail party at Senoritas. It was decided to have a “Happy Hour” at Senoritas on Oct 4^th, and possibly plan a more elaborate party for the spring.

Book Fair – Kathy Wiesenberger reported they have switched the Book Fair supplier to All Books, located in NJ. She and Tracey ST Auburn investigated and found they had a supply equal to Scholastic hey are able to fill orders in a day or less, and we can have more say in the selection available during the fair. Also, all sales done through their website will be credited to the school fair. If we do the same volume as previous year, we can make 30% over the 25% Scholastic offers. They were not sure if they can provide “library quality” books for the library. A book fair via Barnes and Noble was also mentioned and may be planned for the end of the school year for summer reading lists. The profit on $2000 on sales would be 10% or 15% in gift certificates.

Presidents Report – Tania Liddy reported that Discovery Series enrollment was over and 80% of participants were in 3^rd/4^th grade. The Directory Printing job was estimated at costing $500 (although Shari Dreier was hoping it would be less). Karen McGinn made a motion to set aside $500 to cover printing costs for the Directory and Megan Gulianeli seconded. All were in favor. Mrs. Liddy mentioned that Mr. Philips asked the RAHSA to cover the cost of the Mascot folders given out to all students ($468) and the Pizza for Birthday Lunches for all students throughout the year (approx. $1000) that we have not aid for in the past. Kathy Wiesenberger made a motion to set aside $1468.00 to cover the cost of the Mascot folders and the Pizza for the Birthday lunches and Joy DeKaiser seconded. All were in favor.

Treasurers Report - Laura Buchman said there was not much activity to report. Interest had been mad in the Money Market account. The following items had been paid for: Enrichment, library tables, and sod for the front lawn. There is still $1200 left in the Playground fund. It was discussed that there was a surplus from 6^th grade promotion of $ . . It was also discussed that $500 had been given upfront by the RAHSA to cover the costs and it should now be paid back. Karen McGinn made a motion to unencumber $500 of the surplus from 6^th gr promotion last year to be put back in the general fund. Laura Buchman seconded and all were in favor.

New Business – Joy DeKaiser asked about he new Stat e Guidelines on food in schools and was the cafeteria up to “code”. She also mentioned that the Snapple machines were still in the cafeteria. Mr. Philips answered hat the cafeteria is up to code and the vending machines are only available after school.

Tania Liddy ended to the meeting at 9:55 AM.