Sandy Hook School – PTA Meeting Minutes March 17, 2009

Meeting called to order at 9:30 a.m.

Present: Donna Page, Barbara Gasparine, Stacie Doyle, Tara Kortze, Karen Meisenheimer, Lea Ann Clifford, Cheryl Stenz, Kathy Fetchick, Christina Wolf, Kathy Beals, LuAnn Kelly, Kristin Larson, Tracey Jaeger, Laurie Antous, Jennifer Taylor, Marsha Daria (16)

Review and approval of minutes from February 12, 2009 meeting

Clean Energy Task Force – Pam Buchler, Earth Day

Earth Day celebrations are scheduled for April 25th from 10am to 4pm at the Middle School. The clean energy Task Force, with backing from Janet Robinson is looking for involvement from all the schools. This can be done through art projects that will be displayed during Earth Day. Mrs Usher's Eco environment club may be a starting point at SHS. To find out more about earth day and the task force, go to www.GoGreen.Newtown.org. We will get back to Ms. Buchler with information as to what SHS's contribution will be.

Treasurer's Report:

A copy of the Summary report from July 1 2008 through March 16, 2009 and the 2008-2009 Budget vs. Actual report are attached. New activity on the report shows the Sock Hop with $1,000 income, which was what was budgeted for. Next year's budget will be up on the website soon and will be voted on in May. Review and approval of Treasurer's report.

1st Vice President's Report

Tara Kortze -There are two $1,000 scholarships being offered to past SHS students entering college next year. Current seniors should be encouraged to apply. Also, congratulations to Maggie Sheridan for receiving Honorable Mention in the Reflections contest.

2nd Vice President's Report

Sock Hop Thank you to Cheryl Stenz for a successful and profitable Sock Hop.

President's Report

Referendum is taking place on Tues. April 28th.

Kathy Fetchik discussed the budget status. The budget was reduced by $1million last week resulting in significant education cuts. There will be a legislative council public hearing on March 25 with the location to be announced. Go to Newtown.ct.gov to see all meeting times and locations. Please come out and vote for the budget - it is extremely important. There has already been a first grade position cut from SHS. Donna Page stated that she is comfortable with the cut because the number of children entering the first grade next year has decreased and the class size currently is estimated to be at 18 per class even with the cut. This however is likely to be underestimated and may climb to 19 or 20 students per class. By June we will have a better idea of enrollment. If the budget is cut again, there will be more losses, with a second grade position in jeopardy at SHS.

A significant advocacy effort will increase as we get closer to the vote and any ideas about getting the word out would be appreciated. Donna Page stated that in the coming months we will talk about the reduction of professional days due to budget restraints and how it will affect how we do business.

Motion approved to support Board of Finance recommended budget.

Principal's Report

Donna Page is an Action Team Leader for the Board of Education's initiative to develop a strategic plan to meet the challenges facing the educational system in Newtown. They are about 2/3 of the way through their work and will be submitting a summary report to a district team for review and subsequent board approval. “We will develop and implement plans to ensure all staff use effective instructional tools, best practices, assessment data, and intervention resources to improve academic standing, 21st century skills, and inspire students to excel.”

Tara Kortze and Kathy Fetchik are involved in one of the other committees. Each committee has been assigned to develop one of five strategies aimed at accomplishing the district's mission and objectives. More information to follow.

New Business

Scrip Program Christina Wolf will be chairing the Scrip Program roll out. Information and enrollment letters will be sent home with the students by Friday, March 20th. Chris Wolf and Lea Ann Clifford will be available during the Book Fair to answer any questions.

Meeting adjourned at 10:15