NORTHWESTERN ELEMENTARY

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION (PIE)

MINUTES OF MEETING – March 4, 2009

Judy Henry called the meeting to order at 6:39 p.m.  In attendance were:  Judy Henry, Justine Bachman, Mary Norman, Stacy Hein, Jill Berlet, Becky Hancock, Becci Bell, Jodi Kocher, Kim Stasko, Stacey Esterly, Tina Corke, Wendy Wolbert, Jen Lowthert.

MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY – Stacy Hein presented the minutes from the February meeting, all present reviewed.  Wendy Wolbert made a motion to accept, Becky Hancock seconded. All were in favor.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Mary Norman reviewed the treasurer’s report.  Jen Lowthert made a motion to accept, Stacey Esterly seconded.  All were in favor.

MRS. BERLET– Mrs. Berlet noted that the art frames that PIE donated are being hung in the lobby area of the school.  She thanked PIE for purchasing them.  She reported that the Dedication ceremony is coming up and that many plans are coming together.  PSSA’s will be given during the time period of 3/17 – 3/17.  Students will do one section per day for six days of testing.  On an exciting note, NWE was nominated for a Blue Ribbon Award to be issued by the PA Dept of Education.  All staff came together to get the application in on time, and a decision will be made as to who will be awarded the honor in September, 2009.  Schools must be in the top 10% of PSSA scores and must show consistent improvement.  Mrs. Berlet noted that she was very happy with the effort and teamwork shown by staff to make this application process possible in a very tight timeframe.  Also, she noted that movie night should be technical problem free for the next movie, as previous bugs have been worked out in prior movie nights this year.  The Book Fair is scheduled for 4/2 – 4/9, Literary Arts Night will be 4/6, this year’s author visit will be on 3/5, and Book Bingo is scheduled for 4/16, tentatively.  The Spring fundraiser paperwork will be sent home soon, and will be due back 3/20.  She noted that needs for the school currently include headphones for the computer lab, games for second grade (as requested by teachers) and stop watches for gym classes.

UPCOMING EVENTS –

BOXTOPS – Stacy Hein reported that the last submission was on 2/28 and next collection date will be 3/6.

SCHOOL DEDICATION – This event will take place on 3/31.  The committee is planning to videotape the event for online broadcasting for those who are unable to attend.  Volunteers are needed for decorating prior to the event, escorting and checking in visitors, and security.  Parking will be available at the rec fields and the middle school, with shuttle service to and from the elementary school.  80 VIP guests are invited, special performances are planned, 4^th graders will be giving VIP tours, keynote speakers are on the agenda, a student-made link ribbon will be cut at the ceremony, and favors will be given to each child.  Germansville and New Tripoli Fire Companies will be directing traffic and New Tripoli Bank is donating a catered lunch for VIP guests.  5^th graders will be coming back to participate in the event and kindergarteners will have an extended day including eating packed lunches in their classrooms.

SKATING NIGHT – Becky Hancock is booking a date for a Spring skating night. No Mondays are available anymore, so a different night of the week will be chosen. 

YEARBOOK – Judy Henry reported that yearbooks are currently for sale, with small price increases each month. 

FUN DAY AND ELEMENTARY CHALLENGE – Justine Bachman noted that dates for Fun Day (K, 1 & 2) will be 5/19 or rain date 5/20.  Dates for Elementary Challenge will be 5/27 or rain date 5/28.  Volunteers will be needed for these events.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION – Dates for registration will be 4/1 – 4/3 this year.  Judy will be needing volunteers for helping with stations and escorting students to and from stations.  A sign-up sheet for volunteers was passed around.

SPRING CLOTHING DRIVE – Stacy Hein reported that the Spring clothing drive will be held on 5/2.  A new vendor is currently being sought, as the vendor from the Fall drive has been slow in sending payment.

LITERARY ARTS NIGHT – This event will take place on 4/6.  A suggestion was made to sell BBQ sandwiches.  Tina Corke reported that her husband, Jim can provide us with 250 hot dogs for $100 through Applebees.  A discussion ensued, with the general consensus being that hot dogs would be a cleaner, simpler solution.  Mrs. Berlet will check into logistics for food for this event.

SPRING BOOK EXCHANGE – The book exchange is scheduled for 4/20 – 4/24.  Mary Norman is chairing this event and reported that the location is still being considered.

FEBRUARY EVENTS

MARKET DAY – Tina Corke reported that Market Day has earned over $3,000 so far this year.  Dates for next school are pre-set, and Justine Bachman suggested getting the dates listed on the district calendar.  A September date is still under discussion.

ROUNDTABLE

Assemblies were discussed, and Mrs. Berlet stated that the assembly committee is still researching possibilities for this year. 

Mary Norman asked whether the $2,000 budgeted for renovation needs would be able to be spent within this school year.  Mrs. Berlet will think about needs and report back to us at a later date.

Judy Henry announced possible open positions for the PIE board of officers.  President, Vice President and Secretary are available for interested parties.

The Student Directory was discussed and it was noted that no work has been done recently on this project by the chairperson.  It is currently unknown when or if the directory will be produced this year.

Tina Corke made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Jodi Kocher seconded.  All were in favor.  The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.