10/14 PTA Meeting Recap

Treasurer’s Report: Noel Smith (outgoing treasurer) 

1. Revenue for the first three months of fiscal year: $3175.66
   
2. No major expenses paid in this period
   

President’s Report: China Williams

1. Fundraising efforts reviewed
   
2. Grade Parents program reviewed
   
3. Amazon rewards: not effective but can use eScrip online portal instead
   
4. Early year PTA efforts: Sneak a Peek, Back to School Nights
   
5. Popcorn machine purchased for PTA and available for events
   
6. Current year budget passed as of 9/09/14
   
7. November 5th assembly: Eric Energy
   
8. Skip PJ Day in October
   
9. November 7th Movie Night with coinciding PJ Day
   
10. Skip end of month November PJ Day
    
11. Teachers’ Fund: only about $700 earmarked currently; can use funds from general account when possible with goal of $50 reimbursement; teachers keep receipts to submit later
    
12. Mini audit needed by three volunteers due to change in treasurer; contact westownepta@gmail.com if interested in helping
    

 
Secretary’s Report: Justine Stull

1. Membership

• 161 members
  
• 145 Facebook group members
  
• Over 300 newsletter (“The Blast”) recipients
  
• 200 member goal this year
  
• Sign up your spouse; sign up grandparents
  

Vice President’s Report: Jessica

1. Rewards programs reviewed (www.westownepta.com/reward-programs.html)

My Coke Rewards & Labels for Education: Jen Nyland

1. Now has points conversion into a Visa gift card so clipped labels can be converted into cash

Principal’s Report: Mrs. Patrick

1. Requested reward program info for principal’s newsletter
2. Parents should log into BCPS One
3. S.T.A.T. initiative reviewed

• All teachers received a Revolve 8010 PC notebook-tablet this year
  
• Next school year (2015/2016), 1st - 3rd will receive devices (to be kept at school)
  
• Westowne slated to get Wi-Fi this school year
  
• K, 4th, and 5th will receive devices in 2016/2017 school year
  
• Mrs. Singer is Westowne’s half-time S.T.A.T. teacher     

- Provides tech support to fellow teachers
- BCPS plans to expand to S.T.A.T teachers throughout county to full time positions next school year
   4.   New building slated to open fall of 2016

• SW area updates available on BCPS website
  

• Schematic proposal for new building reviewed (“Relay and Westowne Elementary Schematic Design - 6/30/14” at www.bcps.org/construction/southwest/
  
• Two story proposed design

- First level: pre-k to 2nd grade
- Second level: 3rd-5th grades
- Common areas, outdoor classroom space, music rooms that open up to the stage, art room and science lab, play areas near primary grade classroom
    5.    Parks and Recs will have separate space in building to side of gym
    6.    Will be completely outfitted for technology
    7.    Requested patience and open communication about dates and progress
    8.    Parents requested use of existing “Westowne School” sign somewhere in new building

Fall Festival: Hope Riley

1. Saturday, October 25th, 3:00 - 6:00
2. New: Silent Auction, Used Book Sale, Canned Good Drive, Paper Shredding
3. Live music by Westowne parent, Sahffi Lynne
4. Hoop Love (weather permitting)
5. Volunteer Spot available to sign up to help

Used Book Drive and Sale: Noel Smith

1. Donations of pre-K thru 5th grade materials in classrooms
   
2. Mark each book with provided bookmarks so your child receives “Book Bucks” to get new books at Fall Festival
   

Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair:  Kimberly Evans

1. Approved as new fundraiser for Saturday, December 13th

                 
5th Grade update: Rebecca Prince

1. Bake Sale November 4th 7:00 AM - noon
2. Individually wrapped; marked “Nuts” for allergies
3. Bring donations to school on November 3 or to Rebecca