Denali MAC minutes October 2, 2007
The meeting was called to order at 6:35 P.M.
Present: Officers Sarah Moyer, Betsy Goudreau, DeeAnn Apgar, Jeannie Sato and Elizabeth Brennan present. Principal Brooke Hull present. Teachers Diane Harps, Dawnmarie Riley, Irene Bortnick, Beverly Grogan present. Parents Shawnalee Whitney, Michelle Laufer, Beth Armstrong, Carin Erickson, Fran Weier, Mei Mei Evans, Sam & Jackie Cason, Barb Williams, Jacob Howard, J. Williamsen, Kristin Troxell, Suny Miller, Cindy Ljubrivich, Jim Lee, Bots Crowley, Janice & Joe Banta, Alyse Gulvin, Tracy Lohman present.
DeeAnn Apgar, MAC co-treasurer, gave an update on the Innsbruck fundraiser. She estimated that they had received 100 orders and would make approximately $7,000. She also reported that the peace concert last year made $900.
Jeannie Sato reported that the parent handbook had been updated. She stated that ASD would no longer copy the handbook for us. MAC will need to talk with Brooke Hull to see if it can be done at Denali. A parent suggested that we put the handbook on the Denali web site.
Betsy Goudreau gave an update on room parents. She explained the purpose of having room parents is to facilitate communication between the teacher and parents and to help organize volunteers. Betsy reported that the kindergarden classes and one primary class have roomparents. She stated that interested parents should contact their child’s teacher.
Sarah Moyer reported that MAC had approved $220 for boy’s council that will be run by school counselor, Janice Banta; the program correlates with the Montessori peace curriculum.
Sarah also passed out handouts on the essential elements of a successful Montessori school. Sarah summarized the handouts and reported that a Montessori school should offer a full complement of Montessori materials. This costs approximately $25,000 per classroom. Sarah stated that all classrooms at Denali are not at baseline. Teachers did an inventory last year but MAC still needs to raise funds to get all the proper Montessori materials to the teachers. Sarah also reported that MAC also budgets money for teacher training and teacher certification.
DeeAnn Apgar gave the treasurer’s report and submitted the proposed budget. She stated that the budget was conservative. DeeAnn reported that MAC spent $11,000 on materials and conserved $5,000 for teacher training. MAC currently has $8,000.
Sarah Moyer reported that there were plans for the teacher training last year but that it was not accomplished. Sarah reported that there are Montessori trainers who will come to the school and will observe the teachers and the classrooms and will provide hands on instruction. Sarah also explained that MAC partially reimburses teachers for their Montessori certification training in the amount of $2500.
Sarah also reported that MAC was about to begin their Fall fund drive. MAC was hoping that doing it at the time PFD checks come out would make it more successful. Last year MAC raised approximately $2,500 in its Fall and Spring Fund Drives.
Sarah also reported that MAC hopes to raise funds using E-script. This is a fundraiser where Carrs/Safeway will donate a small percentage of every purchase. Friends and family can sign up as well. Irene Bortnick suggested that we put e-script on the Denali web site so that parents can sign up for it on the Internet.
A parent asked about Box Tops and was told that the PTA and Mr. Horning collect them to raise funds for Mr. Horning’s P.E. program.
A parent asked if MAC had a grant writer. Principal Hull stated that she plans to research grants when she “gets her nose out of the water”. She welcomed all volunteers to assist in the project.
Jeannie Sato reported on the Barnes and Noble Book Fair. She reported that it is scheduled for November 24, 2007 which is the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Jeannie explained that Denali will get vouchers for parents and students to give to friends and family. People then need to take their vouchers when they shop at Barnes and Noble on November 24th and give them to the cashier when they make their purchases. Denali will then get a percentage of the sale. We will need volunteers to help with gift-wrapping. Jeannie hopes the Denali choir and dance group will perform at Barnes and Noble throughout the day as well as any other class or performing group. Teachers can also make a wish list of books that they want for their classrooms for parents to purchase. A suggestion was made for the Denali Girl Scout troop to help with the gift-wrap.
A parent suggested that BP be contacted for fundraising. The parent stated that BP likes to sponsor educational groups.
Diane Harps then moved that the 2007-2008 budget be passed. Beverely Grogan seconded the motion. The motion passed and the budget was approved.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 P.M.