Hemlock PTA Meeting Notes

-DRAFT-

 

 

Hemlock PTA Minutes – Friday, October 21, 2011

 

9:15 AM

 

Eileen Kinney, PTA Director Welcome:

  • Overview of PTA meeting (i.e. updates from school administers, school nurse, PTA Director, committee reports).
  • Open board positions and responsibilities:
    • Communications – taking pictures during school events (i.e. Arts & Crafts on Spirit Day), writing a blurb & publishing it.
    • Hospitality – provide refreshments at Hemlock PTA Meetings.

 

Committee Reports:

 

  • Photography - Picture day went well. Island Photo was a success – easy, proofs available via mail and online. Photo make-up day will be 11/4. Class photos and faculty shots are not yet available.
  • Membership – Approximately 86% of parents have joined. Still not too late to join. New this year: “GC Pride” (includes 2 memberships, free tumbler, sports pack – also relays community spirit and district working together). Teacher membership almost at 100%. Schools who have 100% teacher membership will receive a free breakfast.
  • Reflections –Deadline for the theme “Diversity Means….” will be on 10/28. Looking for volunteers to help with posters. Approximately ½ hour commitment.
  • Staff Appreciation – There is a sign-up sheet for those interested in helping out.
  • Chess – Chess club starts 11/2. Students do not need to know how to play. Discussion of many benefits of playing chess, including problem solving and thinking.
  • Literacy at Lunch – Parents volunteer their time during inclement weather. Amy handles Kindergarten, and Gina handles 1st grade.
  • Box Tops – This generates a lot of money for the school. Box tops can be put in a baggy and turned in. There is also the “Stop & Shop” Rewards program/ A+ Rewards (earn points online).
  • Arts in Ed – There are six shows planned this year. They focus on health & safety, anti-bullying, drugs, goals…The representatives will be going to other districts to bring over ideas for next year.
  • Curriculum – They handle questions/concerns from parents, and bring them to the attention of administration. Their first meeting was on September 28th. They meet every 4-6 weeks, and also meet with other reps from other schools.

 

-DRAFT-

 

 

  • SEPTA – Casino Night was successful, and stressed the importance of the special education population. On Saturday, 11/5 from 10-12 PM, there will be a workshop with Kirk Martin (http://celebratecalm.com/). More information to follow.
  • Library – Parent volunteers should go through books to ensure they are in order. A perk to volunteering – child can hang out with parent in the library for a short period of time.


Mrs. Lisa Wasnofski, School Nurse report:

  • Vision/hearing screenings have started. They will notify if need to send referral. If normal, no notification will be sent home.
  • Snack requests – must be peanut-free, i.e. goldfish or pretzels (Rold Gold)
  • Clothing donations – Accidents happen! Need pants, sweaters, jackets, socks, undergarments, socks, etc.
  • Proper hand washing/coughing techniques have been discussed with students. Please reinforce at home.
  • Still missing physicals. Must be dated 9/6/10 or after (for Kindergarten).

 

Mrs. Joanne Koncick, Teacher Rep report:

  • Discussed fall/apple themes in Kindergarten, including field trip to Martinviette.
  • Math and Reading are integrated with themes. First graders will be attending a field trip to Old Bethpage next month.
  • Children are excited about Storybook Parade. The parade will begin at 9AM on 10/31. Parade route includes Maxwell Road, Mulberry Road, and Maple Street. Certain streets will be closed, so parking will be limited.
  • Ms. Cocoman, 1st Grade and Lead Teacher will be Employee Spotlight. She will be featured in GC News, GC Life, and Patch.

 

Ms. Audrey Bellovin, Principal’s Update:

  • Arts in Ed - First show will be on 11/4 at Stratford School “Power of One”.
  • Fire Drills – Total of 5 required before December 1st.  The first one was within first 5 days of school, and at least 3 more are required before 12/1.
  • Spirit Day - Thank you to all parents. Children were excited – there were about a dozen athletes from GCHS visiting Hemlock. A very exciting/intense day.
  • Storybook Parade - Dress in costumes before school. No masks or weapons. If child does not want to wear costume, no need to force them - pack costume in their backpack (the staff will ask again at school), child can march in jacket instead.

 

 

-DRAFT-

 

  • Appropriate Dress – Coats on inclement weather days. Footwear – shoes should be able to run around and play. Girls may find it difficult to run in fancy shoes.
  • Technology Update – Smartboards are available for all 1st Grade. Two Kindergarten Smartboards have been installed, and more to come. IPADS are being shared with all 1st Grade classes (approximately 1 hr. per week). Ms. Perlow and Mrs. Sullivan just featured in Long Island Technology Summit. IPODS are available everyday in 1st Grade (as part of routine and centers). Thanks to PTA grants there will be more IPODS available for Kindergarten. A list of IPOD/IPAD/IPhone Apps being used in the classrooms will soon be available for parents, so that they can use them at home as well.
  • Website – Check school website often. Ms. Perlow updates photo gallery and information regularly.
  • Veteran’s Day 11/10 - Open to all in the morning. Includes special guests, songs, artwork. Last year Ms. Nuzzi, a teacher at GCHS, was a featured guest.
  • Stay informed - Check district website regularly to see Dr. Feirsen’s latest information including Tax Levy/Budget. There will be some hard choices regarding allocation of funds.

 

 

Presentation / Discussion on Differentiated Learning

            Given by: Ms. Bellovin