November 2013 H&S Meeting Minutes

General Nash Home and School Meeting Agenda Minutes
November 14, 2013

Important dates were reviewed-
November
Remaining activities
18-22 American Education Week
22 Teacher's luncheon
27-29 No school
27 - Market Day orders are due online by 11pm

December
3 Market Day pick up, 5-6pm, Nash Cafeteria
5 Spirit Day, blast from the past
6 No school (in service)
7 Breakfast with Frosty and Gift Shop, Nash, 8am-12pm
20 Holiday Sing-along
23- Jan 1st No School Winter Break

October meeting minutes were approved

Business
*Mural - Mural Painter, Joe Low, discussed aspects related to a proposed hand painted mural a power point of past murals were displayed via projected powerpoint. The funds for the mural are a 6th grade gift from the 2010-2011 class. First the style (cartoon, realistic), size, theme and budget information needs to be determined and provided to Mr. Low. Generally, realistic style is more expensive as is murals which are larger and more details. IT must be decided the level of involvement of the student body in the mural's planning and painting. Projected start date is spring 2014 and approximate time frame is 2 weeks once paint is put on the wall.

*Feedback on the Nash directory

Karen Casey discussed progression on Nash directory. Many families have been able to input information however difficulties have also been experienced by many families. Karen is in contact with the software company to address difficulties. Once people have registered then the information remains in the system for subsequent years. If a family has more than one household, email Karen in order to enter both in the directory.

*Triathlon

Banners from the 2012 and 2013 years are complete and will be hung in the gym, a district work order and been placed. The banners were paid for by Home and School funds. Future banners are likely to cost approximately $140.
The district is trying to get grants and scholarships to fund the event which is likely to be the first weekend in June. Nash Olympic Day may be adjusted to support the triathlon.

*Feedback on General's March-a-thon and Halloween Parade

Both events were a success, positive response from teachers and parents.
Halloween Parade, the students enjoyed the parade. Mr. Coulter reported there was not apparent distress if he or she did not participate in the parade. Mr. Coulter also reported the teachers were happy to attend the parade and decided as a group to not wear costumes as to keep the focus on the kids. There was concern that some of the students were able to wear their costumes during the day and others were not, Mr. Martiello clarified individual teachers decided if the students were or were not allowed to wear costumes in school.
General's March - Children enjoyed the event, especially the feet. It was suggested to use washable stamps next year.

*Spring Fundraiser

A spring fundraiser is necessary to raise additional funds.
Two parents are planning a restaurant week in the spring
A chocolate fundraiser was discussed, two/three parents indicated interest and will pursue this fundraiser

*Conferences

Concerns were voiced again over the difficulty of meeting with only one teacher of the instructional team. Parents suggested having each teacher provide information regarding their respective subjects. Mr. Martiello responded that parents are encouraged to make individual conferences at any time and that the school staff does their best each year in order to provide parents with as much information as possible however it is not preferred that one teacher would present information from another teacher. Another parent suggested the "star" teacher hold the conference. A brief discussion of "star" ensured including the targeting of specific skills ultimately relate to language arts proficiency. Also the assessment and redistribution of students among the star group every 3 months was explained.

Teacher Representative - Mr. Coulter

Thank you to H&S for the Halloween parade the teachers were impressed with the result
Thank you for the reading room books
Mrs. Crits and Mrs. Hanning both offer thanks for specific actions.
Invites parents to come into the school for American Education Week

Principal's Report

*Thanks to the Halloween Parade Volunteers as well as the mini book fair
*Welcome Mrs. Kratz, she is now of the two office secretaries.
*American Education Week
There are times in the morning and afternoon on Tuesday and Thursday for observation

Coordinator Reports

*Mini-book fair
Approximately $1800 was sold, which translated into over $350 in cash, this is less than the money brought in with Scholastic.
Three specific difficulties were noted, difficulty processing credit cards and low selection of younger age books, individual teachers sending in Scholastic book orders during the mini book fair.
It should be understood that Harleysville Books supports author visits during assemblies and special events.
Online orders are accepted until Nov. 12th

*Market Day

Pie events doubled the orders for that month. 18 pies were donated to Manna on Main Street

*Odyssey of the Mind

4 teams

*Wendy's night - low turnout, another Wendy's night will happen in Jan

*Science Explorers - need to pick an option for family fun night. Www.scienceexplorers.com

*Geography Bee - will occur this year on the second Wednesday in Jan for grade 4, 5, & 6.

*Sign - replacement sign has been approved by the school board, permit has been requested from Towamencin township, potential difficulty is that the current sign is larger than township regulations.

*Spiritwear - Holiday orders include pinnies, pj bottoms and sweat shirts, orders are due by Wed. and delivery day is the Monday before the holidays

*Holiday Shop

Will occur during Breakfast with Frosty, includes silent auction and games. Silent auction will be extended till the day before the sing-a-long
Volunteers with be present to help children buy items for the family.

*Campbell's Labels

Catalog to be brought into school for teachers to choose what they would like.

*A parent offered to teach sign-language classes

Thank you to Jakob Strohl and Maddy Clarke for babysitting.