October 8, 2008 Minutes

Minutes for St. Joseph School PTF Meeting

Attendance: Officers: Sheila Elser, Stacy Collins, Paula Waller, Rebecca Miller, MaryPat Davitz. Teachers: Julie Neuner, Librarian, Members and Committee Chairs: Teresa Basler, Dave Collins, Janel Davinroy, Julie Dermody, Laurie Hill, Joni Jones, Gina Knuckles, Karen Kuester, Jane McDonald, Michelle Miller, Carol Schanuel, and Becky Wolf

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm. The Hail Mary was offered as the opening prayer in honor of October as the month of the rosary.

New Officer Election: Rebecca Miller resigned as Secretary. Mary-Pat Davitz accepted nomination and was elected to replace Rebecca as Secretary.

Principal’s Report: Sheila Elser presented a verbal summary of Mr. Hodapp’s report which he sent home from school to be submitted in his absence. His report covered various school dates and that the Christmas Play is set for December 11th.

Treasurer’s Report: A brief report indicating the current balance in the general checking account at approximately $8,000 + $18,000 in TWB. It is noted that approximately $3,000 of this amount is designated for the active boards approved at the last meeting.

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Commitee Reports

TWB Report: Dave Collins presented the current balance in the account at approximately $18,000 with $10,000 required for placing new orders to replenish on-hand stock of gift cards. It was noted that Fr. Mark has requested that the PTF establish a goal and communicate progress toward the goal and intended spending plans for TWB profits to the parish community in effort to increase participation in the program. Discussion of additional methods and venues for selling and sharing TWB information followed, including possibility of increasing the % back to families for holiday season. Dave and Stacy will develop a flyer explaining the program and the goals of TWB for distribution at mass along with an order form. They will also ask Fr. Mark to make an announcement at mass regarding the flyer and explaining the benefits of TWB.

Spirit Wear Report: Gina Knuckles has placed the first spirit wear order and received approximately $1,000 in orders. New items are under consideration for the holiday season and another order will be distributed in November. There was a suggestion regarding yard signs and Julie Neuner offered to approach the Freeburg High School art department about designing and making St. Joes signs.

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Old Business

Family Fun Night – Skating Party: Carol Schanuel presented the details of a skating party at Fun Spot with a proposed date of Sunday, November 9 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. It was decided to book the party with an entry fee at $5 + $2 skate rental. The profits will benefit the science program.

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New Business

Halloween Party: The all school Halloween party is scheduled to be Thursday, Oct. 30. That is a church day and also an early dismissal, so the length of the party will be shortened to about an hour and a half. Students will change into costumes after church and will attend the party until dismissal. The committee will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 14th at 2:30 pm to plan the party details. More volunteers are needed and will be requested in the Highlights this week.

Library: Mrs. Neuner presented several items on behalf of the teachers including the following with regards to the Library: • Mrs. Neuner presented the plan for continuing reading activities and AR during the move into the new library in the parish center. She will be requesting volunteers for the move. • Since there is a dinner auction this year, Mrs. Neuner requested that the PTF support a day at Centerfield Park in place of the AR auction so that donors would not receive auction requests from the PTF and the library in the same year. Students who maintain an average of 85% accuracy and meet point goals throughout the year will be eligible to attend the event. Mrs. Neuner expects 100% of our students to be eligible. Becky Wolf motioned to support the Centerfield Day and motion was accepted. Details will be planned at a subsequent meeting. • Mrs. Neuner also discussed the status of furnishing the new library. She wrote a grant last year for new furniture and books. However, pricing and shipping increased between the time she wrote the grant and the date she placed the order so that she had to leave a few items off the order. Fr. Mark has purchased the chairs, but she is still in need of a labeling system. She presented examples of the system she has purchased and requested that the PTF donate $500 toward the purchase of the remaining shelf markers needed in the new space. Sheila Elser motioned to approve – motion passed.

Field Day: Mrs. Neuner also presented a request on behalf of the teachers that the PTF take over planning and running the annual Field Day event held in May. All the teachers and staff have taken on additional responsibilities this year to support the new art program and cover P.E. due to budget cuts. There was some discussion regarding the current number of volunteers signed up to work the lunch, noting that 8 are needed just to serve lunch and only 12 have volunteered in total. Decision on planning this event was tabled for the next PTF meeting and this item will be added to the agenda.

Athletic Committee Request: Michelle Miller representing the Athletics Committee requested a donation from the PTF for the balance necessary to purchase a scoring table for the gymnasium in the new parish center. The old scoring table was too damaged to use, but was not damaged enough to qualify for replacement under the insurance policy. Total cost of the scoring table is approximately $3,000. The Committee needs an additional $800 to purchase the table. Theresa Basler motioned to approve the donation. Members voted to approve.

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Other Items for Discussion:

Theresa Basler raised a question directed to Mrs. Neuner regarding the change in timing of Student Appreciation Day – specifically, why this celebration was moved to Catholic Schools Week instead of being held on the day of the Feast of St. Joseph as it has been in the past. Mrs. Neuner explained that the decision to move the event was made by the staff and has been considered for some time. This timing is consistent with what other schools in the Diocese are doing and also allows for more teaching days during the year.

Theresa Basler also raised a request regarding the balance remaining in the school beautification fund. She spoke to Mr. Hodapp noting that there is approximately $1,525 left in that fund and questioned if that was to be used for the purchase of trophy cases for the lobby of the new parish center. There was some discussion about moving the existing trophy case and potential for matching that case with additional purchases for the new space. Theresa Basler will head up the effort to obtain information and pricing for trophy cases including determining if anyone else has already considered or is planning to purchase these and will present more information at the next PTF meeting.

Meeting Adjourned: by Sheila Elser at 8:15 pm.

NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12th at 6:30 PM