Parents’ Association

Meeting Minutes April 21, 2010

Attendance: Fran Denlinger, Kim Klein, Laura Gruno (timekeeper), Carolyn Mogey, Kirsten Updike, Claire Taylor, Tabea Steinbeisser-Fitz, Sharon Trostle, Catherine Sharp, Patty Kettering, Holly Willing, Barbara Freiberg provided childcare for 8 children

Opening verse, introductions, and craft led by Tabea Steinbeisser-Fitz

Board Report from March 24th open board meeting (Sharon Trostle): The Board discussed the success of the auction and profiled the buyers, i.e. number and affiliation with school, and reported percentage of sales. SWS relations with AWSNA were discussed – Fran Denlinger added that payment of membership dues was sent and our account is up-to-date. The Board has prepared a survey for the parent body to be given sometime in August for which the final review is being performed. Marketing issues were discussed. Andrea Unger, SWS parent, has volunteered to assist with marketing efforts.

Faculty Report (Kirsten Updike): The faculty has met twice since the last report. Council has met with the rising 1st and 2nd grade parents of next years class to announce that Rochelle Hildreth will be the teacher who will carry both classes, together for social portions of the day and separately for main lesson. Topics of discussion included: Patrice Maynard’s talk, the Board’s survey, May Day, the student/faculty basketball game on April 22, and a review of Grandparents Day. Linda Heywood presented an Easter study. Summer training expenses for faculty were requested.

Grandparents Day (Kirsten Updike): The food/reception portion was lower-key this year. Students and faculty put on a beautiful assembly. The new coffee pumps served well, though Kirsten struggled with maintaining the coffee supply as attendance was high and it was prime coffee-drinking time!

CCC did not meet – no report

PA Camping Trip (Catherine Sharp): Information concerning the Summer PA camping will soon be posted. We have decided on a single cost per family for the weekend of $125. PA unanimously voted to use funds to offset each family’s cost by $15, with a cap of $250. This inclusive price includes two nights tent site rental, three meals Saturday, Sunday’s breakfast, hayride, and waterslide. Friday night’s meal and Sunday’s lunch are potluck. We must have at least ten committed tent site families to retain the pavilion at no additional cost. Deadline to cancel unclaimed sites without penalty is 45 days before camp commences, June 29, 2010.

May Day Celebration (Carolyn Mogey): To be held Monday, May 3rd on school grounds. Carolyn asked for volunteers to provide baskets of fresh cut flowers to help decorate the playground. These can be brought to the school shortly before 1:00 that day. PA will ask approval to have an after-school potluck with games as part of our May-Day celebration.

Other topics

  • Patty Kettering suggested PA fund the purchase of an air purifier for the gym. Is there any other interest in this? It would be helpful for PA to discuss how we can best utilize our budget. What type of purchases/endeavors do we wish to spend our money on?
  • Laura Gruno shared a list of requested event dates/times, including PA meetings, to be added to the 2010- 11 school calendar.
  • Patty Kettering proposed a PA-sponsored appreciation meal for the faculty. Faculty will be asked for their preference on an appropriate date and time.

Closing verse and clean-up










PA Meeting Minutes

March 24, 2010

Attendance: Fran Denlinger, Claire Taylor, Laura Gruno, Sharon Trostle, Catherine Sharp, Patty Kettering, Kim Klein, Sarah Dutton, Mike Dutton, Kirsten Updike, Holly Willing

  • Thank you to Melinda Stauffer and Patty Kettering for providing snacks and Barbara Freiberg for providing childcare
  • Catherine Sharp and Kirsten Updike volunteered as timekeeper and process coach, respectively

Rudolph Steiner quote – Patty Kettering

Opening verse

Reports

CCC Report (Fran Denlinger) – Kidstuff PA fundraiser approved for next September. CCC has proposed a mandate change that would alter the frequency at which the PA would attend CCC meetings. The CCC acknowledged that the PA’s participation is not necessary on a regular basis but wanted to make sure they could bring any issues directly to CCC on an as-needed basis. This proposal was approved by the Council of Teachers. The Board will consider this at their next meeting.

Board Report (Hilary Belz not present to give a report so Patty Kettering reported on last open board meeting) There will be a 3% increase in tuition next school year. The idea of having a committee of parents to help with recruiting was raised, possibly under the PA Outreach Coordinator? Rima Meadow, resident Eurythmist attended and led an awareness activity.

Faculty Report (Kirsten Updike) – Faculty has been working with Rima Meadow practicing Eurythmy as their artistic activity and are beginning a study on the Philosophy of Spiritual Activity. Tuition assistance is underway. Patrice Maynard to speak Thursday. SWS has a new website. An energy audit, gifted from a parent, took place and results are forthcoming. A water heater broke causing spillage and a restoration company was called in. The 2010/11 calendar is underway. SWS has a new recycling service.

Auction – A great success!

Spring Event – PA voted to cancel for this year as it seems too close to auction. We discussed the idea of staggering Auction and Spring Fair/Event to be held every other year, making 2011 Spring Fair year. Kirsten Updike gave the history of auction and spring fair, which began as one combined event.

Grandparents Day – Kirsten Updike will provide light refreshments and Kim Klein will provide flowers for table. PA approved request to purchase 3 coffee carafes using PA funds.

2010-11 PA Officer Elections – New officers were voted in unanimously by those present at the meeting.

PA Chair – Laura Gruno

PA Co-chair – Kim Klein

Secretary – Claire Taylor

PA Representative to Board – Sharon Trostle

PA Outreach Coordinator – no nominations

Although not an official position, Tabea Steinbeisser-Fitz will continue as crafting coordinator

Camping Trip (Catherine Sharp) – Slated for August 14th. Spaces have been reserved and Catherine is working to organize meals/cost etc. Options for duration/cost are still being explored.

 

Closing verse and clean-up

Congratulations to our 2010-11 Board officers

Juli Bossert, President

Connie Waltz, Vice President

Tom McKinney, Treasurer

Sharon Trostle, Secretary