PTA Minutes

Hunters Woods Elementary School for the Arts and Sciences

April 5, 2006

The regular monthly meeting of the Hunters Woods PTA was held on April 5, 2006 at Hunters Woods Elementary School . Susan Sather called the meeting to order at 7:34 PM . Minutes from the February meeting were read and approved as written.

President's Report

Susan Sather reported on behalf of Cathy Uhrig. She thanked Rozanne Silverwood, Karen Berube, Jennifer Arakelian, Maureen Becker, Susan Brownsword, Jody Wolfe, Trish Heatherly, Ann Richards and Debi Miles for their hard work on Snickerdoodle.

She also thanked Patrick Ware, Elysa Katz, Karen Berube, Marianne McLaughlin, Glenda and John Miesner, Caroline Hemenway, Jan Bonner, Ravi Ravishankar, Elaine Cox, Joan Lynch, Debbie Szymczyk, Micki Moravitz, Cynthia Lopynski, Elizabeth Digilio, Maria Smith, Kristin Hartt, Trish Smith, Donna Shebat, Mary McVicar, Dorothy Little, Bernice Akinbileje, Supriya Baily, Liz Brouckman, and all of the volunteers who stayed at the end to strike the set for Honk.

A thank you also went to Marianne McLaughlin and Anne Himes for the Talent Share. Cathy thanked Donna Atkinson, The Art Department and all of the parent volunteers who helped hang the art work. She thanked Jody Wolfe and Jane Kolb for their work on Reflections, Susan Sather, Karen Purdy and coordinators and volunteers for a great job with the Silent Auction. Cathy also thanked Annie Nasr and Susan Sather for Skate Night, all who helped with "Read Across America Day", and Kelly Midura for the website. She congratulated all of the contestants who participated in Reflections, and all of the teams that competed in the Odyssey of the Mind competition. 2 OM teams have advanced to the State Competition. Susan also reported that 225 skaters from Hunters Woods participated during Skate Night.

Treasurer's Report

Susan Brownsword distributed the Budget Report. She reported that the way the Mini-grants were handled this year was great. She also reported that the bill for the Book Fair has been received and that not much else was happening. The report will be filed for audit.

Committee Reports

Outdoor Beautification: Catherine Linberg reported the Cub Scout group 1971 did some leaf clean-up around the school, and two full truckloads of leaves were hauled away. She also reported that the 3rd graders are planting cabbages, and the peas that were planted are starting to come up in the back.

Plant Sales: Catherine Linberg reported on behalf of Susan Rigger that plant sales have never made a lot of money for the school and that delivery of the plants has always been a problem. Catherine and Susan went to two Garden Centers in order to try to come up with a different way to sell plants. Gaelic Gardens, on the corner of Baron Cameron and Route 7, will give Hunters Woods families a coupon for 10% off their purchase for 10 days, and will donate 25% of his sales to HWES. The sale will start on April 22, 2006 and will end on April 30, 2006 . The flyers for this great fundraiser will go home on April 25, 2006 .

Book Fair: Deborah Lannen reported the book fair will be held during May1-5, 2006, and that she wants to give teachers a 25% discount, 1 free book to Headstart, and $10 certificates to students in need.

Nancy Mamros made a motion to give one free book to Headstart, 25% discount to teachers, and $10 certificates to children identified by Diane Beers. The vote was taken, but since there was no quorum, it will be voted on at a later time.

Deborah also asked Mrs. Toatley if she would be able to read to students during the next Principal's Coffee, because it would allow parents to shop at the book fair without being distracted. Also, the book fair will once again accept credit cards.

Nancy Mamros is looking for volunteers to help during the book fair.

Preschool Coffee: Nancy Mamros reported that the Preschool Coffee will be held on May 16, 2006 .

Odyssey of the Mind: Caroline Hemenway reported on the success of this year's OM teams. She announced that 77 children formed 12 teams and that 2 of those teams placed first at this year's competition.

Myron Rosmarin distributed a budget regarding OM. He asked some questions regarding the distribution of donated funds.

Julia Sullivan reported that coaches are needed for future OM competitions, and that she is looking for a third coordinator for this program.

Staff Appreciation: The Staff Appreciation meeting will be held on April 18, 2006 at 2:00 PM .

Other Committee Reports: Susan Sather reported that the deadline for the Newsletter is April 7, 2006 , and the issue will go out on April 18, 2006 .

She also announced that the Silent Auction went very well and it was a lot of fun. Susan reported that 225 skaters and parents participated during the Skate Night event. Also, Chick-Fil-A needs a volunteer who will wear the cow costume.

Nominating Committee: Blakely Meyers announced the nominees for next year.

President - Maureen Becker

Vice President - Susan Sather

2nd Vice President - Susan Brownsword

Treasurer - Deborah Lannen

Recording Secretary - Jennifer Arakelian

Corresponding Secretary - Marina Matthes

Principal's Report

Mrs. Toatley reported that the teachers are ready for spring break. She also thanked the PTA for the Silent Auction and the Talent Share. Everyone had a great time. Olivia also announced that the two 2nd Grade teachers are back in the classroom. Furthermore, Olivia reported that George Mason University will study the Hunters Woods Museum Program on April 6, 2006 . Also, on April 6, 2006 , Apple TV is doing a story on Steve Hockett.

The fields will re-open on April 6, 2006 , and there will be a little celebration at 2:00 PM and anyone who wants to volunteer will be welcome. Otherwise, everything else is moving along just fine and there is not much else to report.

Unfinished Business

None

New Business

None

The next PTA meeting will be held on May 3, 2006 at 7:30 PM at the school. See the agenda for other upcoming events and dates.

The meeting adjourned at 9:05PM .

Nicole Irving, Recording Secretary