VMPA 9.29.11 Board Meeting Minutes & Treasusry Report

I. Meeting Called to Order - 7:00 pm

II. Guest Speakers

• Susan Coleman from Colebrook Candy spoke regarding the upcoming Christmas candy sale.  We will make a 30% profit this year for selling candy at both Christmas and Easter.  She would be glad to talk to those families from VMS, who have a business, and would like to give Colebrook candy as Christmas gifts to employees or clients.  These sales could be credited through the school fundraiser.   Please contact Susan for details.

• Mrs. Matyi, the school Guidance Counselor spoke at the meeting as well.  She is scheduled at VMS every Thursday.  She covers such things as bullying and being a good friend.  She can work with students individually with written permission from the parents.  In the past, she has organized a field trip for the 7^th and 8^th grade students to attend a career day fair.  Mrs. Matyi can be reached on her cell phone which is in the directory.

III. Fundraisers

• This is the second year for the Scrip program.  This year, because of shipping costs, there will be one purchase date per month.  The due date and delivery date of the gift cards will appear on the monthly calendar.  There is a link to the scrip website on the VMS website, www.vernamontessorischool.org. Orders can be placed online using your checking account for payment.  The Scrip program is a good school fundraiser which helps off- set the cost of tuition.  80% of what is earned comes off individual tuition while 20% goes to the school.  Last year, families earned $2,500 in tuition credit and the school earned $800. 
• Mrs. Witt was present and talked about the Read-A-Thon.  This fundraiser raises money for the purchase of new books for the school library.  It also is a way to get the children excited about reading and encourages them to read for fun.  Mrs. Witt wanted to let the parents know that she will be selling used books during the children’s library class on Mondays.  Children may purchase most books for $.50.
• The topics of new fundraisers were discussed.   Mindy Smith introduced the idea of a Premier Jewelry sale.  The school would make 40% of the jewelry sales and Mindy would donate $25 to the school for every party booking that she received.  Mindy would chair the committee with all the funds being handled though the VMPA.

IV. Yearbook

• The 2010-2011 yearbook committee members were present.  They stressed the fact that they are in need of volunteers because a few members will be leaving at the end of this school year.  This past year’s yearbook was beautiful.  It was discussed, to possibly have the 7^th and 8^th grade class more involved in the layout of the yearbook.   The possibility of having a website for students and parents to upload pictures taken at VMS events, for use in the yearbook, was also discussed.  Until the website is ready, photos can be emailed to Tammie Aaron-Barrada. 

VI. Highmark Healthy High 5 Grant

·        VMS was awarded $10,000 toward gym equipment for the school.  Thank you to Tammie Aaron-Barrada who wrote the grant.   The student’s BMI will be monitored both at the beginning and of the school year.  We are looking to bring in a dietician, in the future.  This information will be used to help support documentation of overall health and fitness, of the students, for the grant.  Tammie is in need of someone that can assist her in writing another grant.  There was a press release regarding the grant in the local newspapers and on Armstrong Cable.  The press release as well as the items that were purchased, from the grant, can be viewed on the school website.

VII. Walkway Project & Paver Stones

• The Walkway Project is underway and to date approx. $5,000 in paver stones have been sold.  The walkway will run from the school to the upper parking lot.  The walkway will have lights and a pillared entrance to the parking lot.  Paver stones are still available and are a great way to remember a loved one or would make a great Christmas gift.  Visit the school or golf outing website for more information regarding the paver project. 

VIII. Panther Basketball and Cheerleading

• The Panther’s basketball team is in need of players for this year’s team.  Both boys and girls in 3^rd -8^th grade are able to participate.  Cheerleaders are also needed.  Girls in grades 3-8 are encouraged to participate.  More information on both can be found on the school website.

IX. Golf Outing

• The VMPA 2012 Golf Committee will host the 7^th Annual Golf Outing.  This is the schools largest fundraiser and the one that needs the most help.  The golf outing committee starts meeting after the first of the year and new members are needed and encouraged to attend!  No golf experience is required!    This year, the committee is looking into other golf course options.  It was thought, that if the golf outing was held at a course that also offers a spa service, for the ladies, there may be possibility for an even larger turnout.  Suggestions are welcomed.    

 X. Pumpkin Patch

• The pumpkin patch festival was given a lot of thought and discussion.  The garden didn’t do well this year.  Several alternatives were brought up including: a different crop selection, starting seeds inside and growing the crop during the school year instead of over the summer, possibly looking into a green house, changing it to a fall fest or harvest fest, having the families make baked goods from things they grow in their own garden, putting their favorite recipes into a recipe book and selling that as a fundraiser, selling table space to local crafters to encourage more people to attend and to raise more funds.  A subsequent meeting was held with parents of the 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade students regarding the Pumpkin Patch Festival.  It was determined at that time, to cancel the Pumpkin Patch Festival and reschedule an alternative project for the 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade students which would encompass the curricular objectives.  Information regarding the changes and plans will be forthcoming.

XI. Treasurer Report

• Please see attached.