Starry Parent Group

Starry Parent Group

04/03/2012

·         Welcome and Introductions

·         Present: Shari Funck, Amanda Sackett, Nicole Bingham, Tresa Stearns, Jen Claypool, Krista Dooley, Jen Waseck, and Stacey Regennitter

·         Next parent group meeting is Tuesday, May 1^st at 6:30pm (Shari asked Gerri not to include an end time for parent group next year on the calendar that goes out to parents – as ending times vary)

·         We will be inviting incoming Kindergarten families to the Ice Cream Social this year as Kindergarten roundup in the same night.  Tresa will make fliers for this and will get them to Gerri by April 25^th.

·         Treasurer Report:

o   Invoices paid – Tresa Stearns $33.76 (Steps4Starry) and Book Fair $215.00

o   Teacher Reimbursements – March $1,026.54 (closing April 15^th)

o   Deposits – Chuck E. Cheeses: $95.71, Book Fair $1,269.26 (does not include credit cards), and Verizon $750.00 (Thanks Shari for volunteering so we can receive this!)

o   Checking Balance: $24,050.86

o   Savings Balance: $8,132.30

·         Book Fair: the book fair went pretty well.  We were short a volunteer at one time and it was a struggle to get any this year.  Decided we only need two people there at a time, this should be mapped out better and a sign-up sheet should go out.  Stacey thought we had made over $2,000.00.  Every teacher will get about $50.00 plus their student donations to spend.  Stacey will be depositing money and sending out an email to teachers letting them know.  Discussed buying an easel for this event and many others.

·         Playground money - $5,000.00

There ended up being some confusion regarding this money and if Jason should continue to look for equipment.  Jen Claypool has informed Jason that the money is still available and she will check with Jason Haag ongoing to see what he has found out.  Jason stated he was going to figure out space on the playground.  We have decided that Jason has until May 1^st to order this or that money will be allocated elsewhere.

·         3rd Grade Teacher – Guided Reading Book Sets: Shari has let 3^rd grade teachers know that they have $800 to spend on this.  Shari then used the additional $200 to find Rainforest books since they are unable to take those with them to FMI.  She was very resourceful in finding them for very cheap.  We will remain under our $1,000.00 goal for that.

·         Teacher Meals/Treats during Conferences: They LOVED Jimmy Johns and that it was delivered to their room and could eat when they wanted.  Great Job Jen!

·         Walk-a-Thon: April 27^th with a May 4^th rain date.

o   Time: K & 1 will be from 1-2pm and 2 & 3 will be from 2-3pm.

o   Location: High School

o   Tricycle Races: will be further discussed at May meeting if they meet their goal.  Will do by end of year!  Discussed the pledge sheets and the fact that they need to be distributed by Thursday of this week in order for students to take them home for Easter weekend.  We will add pictures of teachers and some information on the back side of the sheet.  Jen will send pics to Shari and she will come up with this form.  Krista will get baggies and stuff them and then deliver them by Thursday morning.  Krista will also count the money as it comes in.

o   Stations

§  Bubbles – Shari has machine, Krista will buy 3 containers of bubbles, Shari will bring extension cords, and we will need a table.

§  Dance/DJ – this is set and ready.  He will set up self.

§  Limbo – Shari has limbo stick, Nicole and Amanda have ladders, Amanda will grab zip ties.

§  Bracelets – they are at school, we will need a table, this will be a chaotic station as we hand them out.

o   Water – Amanda will go to Hy-Vee and see what we can get.

o   Snacks – discussed fruit snacks, pretzels, cheese crackers – Jen W. is going to check at Sam’s Club on prices and for peanut allergies.

o   Coolers – Krista (1), Amanda (2), Jen (2), Tresa (2), Nicole (2), Jen W. (1), Shari (1), Haag (2) and Gerri (2)

o   Volunteers – will need 1 for bubbles, 1 for Dance, and 4-6 for bracelets.  Tresa, Shari, Jen W., and Amanda will be there for sure.

·         Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week (May 7 – May 11)

o   Monday: Goodies/Sweets

o   Tuesday: Catering (BBQ This – Jen looking into)

o   Wednesday: Heart Smart (fruit/veggie)

o   Thursday: Breakfast

o   Friday: Mexican/Taco Bar – Jen Claypool has offered to donate/cook meat.

o   We will also be handing out planners and treats.  Jen and Tresa will come up with snacks to fill a “cart” so teachers can choose - - max is $100.00 for the snacks.  Figure on one drink and a snack for each teacher.

·         Wish List – discussed in May meeting.

·         McDonalds night: May 8^th from 6-8pm.  We need to get teachers there!  Have been having a hard time getting volunteers!  A fun fundraiser and relatively easy.

·         Can Drive (Tresa and Jen) – May 30^th this year.  Can Shed will pick up.

·         Officers: Co-Presidents – Amanda and Tresa, Vice President – Nicole, Treasurer – Krista, and Secretary – Jen Waseck

·         Flier for book trade – Tresa and Jen will complete and hand out in April

·         Ice Cream Social: May 17^th.  Police will commit to 1 hour, Fire will commit to 1 hour, Nicole is going to reserve Dairy Queen freezer for 5pm.  Book exchange will be from 6-8pm.

·         Closing Information/Comments

·         Adjourned

Next Parent Group Meeting is May 1, 2012 at 6:30pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Tresa Stearns

Starry Parent Group

03/06/2012

·         Welcome and Introductions

·         Present: Shari Funck, Amanda Sackett, Nicole Bingham, Tresa Stearns, Jen Claypool, Karen Asa

·         Next parent group meeting is Tuesday, April 3rd.  This is the last formal meeting of the  year.

·         Treasurer Report:

o   Invoices paid – Amanda Sackett (calendars): $307.97

o   Teacher Reimbursements – February: $260.45, YTD: $3,589.68

o   Deposits – Chuck E. Cheeses: $97.00

o   Checking Balance: $23,261.19

o   Savings Balance: $8,132.30

·         Next meeting we will discuss wish list items and also break out of allocations for next year budget.  Hopefully Krista will be able to attend!

·         Reallocation of Sidewalk Money - $5,000.00

Jen brought photos of free standing playground equipment in the community.  It was liked by all present.  Mr. Haag also saw these examples and stated he was going to look at their current playground providers and see if they offer anything similar.  Everyone agreed that this would be great for the kids and provide more opportunity for play at recess.  The plan is to still spend this money for the playground.

·         Wish List – will look at items listed in April meeting.  Some conversations have been had regarding iPads for the classrooms.  Consensus was to research educational purposes and the number of children that would impact.  Also to discuss will more teachers and identify if this is beneficial to a majority.  Karen later stated they do have an educational purpose and that they would need approximately 10 of them to pass around.  Also will find out about the grant they applied for that would provide some funding for these also.

·         Teacher Change – this is “real” change for classes to use during their math times/money learning.  This is approximately $40 per teacher that needs it.  For some reason it has been lost or moved classes/grades with teacher changes, so some kindergarten classes are missing theirs.  Parent group approved buying more for teachers as needed.

·         3rd Grade Teacher – Guided Reading Book Sets: it has been brought to our attention that the 3^rd grade teachers may need additional books to move to FMI with them.  Parent group previously approved giving the 3^rd grade teachers an amount of money to spend as a grade.  This is something they feel they will need as some of their current books with be left at Starry and they are worried they may not have what they need next year.  Ms. Asa stated that some will move on and the FMI was given some money to compensate and buy books.  We will ask the 3^rd grade teachers if this is still what they want to spend their money on and go from there.  Discussed an amount of $1,000 to $1,500 for this.

·         Book Fair – March 20 (4-8pm and March 22 (2-6pm).  We are in need of volunteers.  Stacey will again be in charge of this event.  Amanda  has stated she can work 4-8 on Tuesday, Nicole 6-8 on Tuesday, Tresa 5-8 on Tuesday, and Shari on Tuesday.  Jen thinks she may be able to work on Thursday and Krista usually does tear down too.  Nicole will send an email to get one volunteer for Tuesday and a couple for Thursday.

·         Teacher Meals/Treats during Conferences: We will be doing Jimmy Johns for the teacher meal on Tuesday of conferences.  Teachers will pre-order their sandwich and they will be delivered with chips and cookie.  Discussed providing drinks and will also put on the order form.  Jen stated that she will take care of this.  Discussed just doing treats on Thursday this year since teachers get a cookie in their meal.  Nicole will send out email to get volunteers in providing sweets and healthy snacks for Thursday.

·         Ice Cream Social: May 17^th with a rain date of May 24^th.  It will be from 6-8pm.  Amanda will contact the police to see if they can come, Tresa will ask about the helicopter, and Shari will contact the fire department.  This is the same night at Kindergarten round-up which could be great in getting more parents/kids there.  Jen is going to look into Pap Balloon and a dunk tank.  Also we will iron out details of a book exchange to take place on this same night.  Jen and Tresa will be in charge of that.

·         Original Works: Jen is working on this project.  The artwork is to be completed 2/14, the School will receive magnets on 3/02/12, students will return to school by 3/12/12, and we will need to send in orders by 3/19/12 - - so they are back in time for Mother’s Day.

·         Starry Games/ Walk a Thon: We will keep them separate for this year again for a number of reasons.  April 27^th is when the Walk a Thon will take place and a rain date of May 4^th.  Time will be the same as last year 1-2pm and then 2-3pm. 

o   Parent group will find volunteers for Starry Games this year.

o   We are going to do the DJ, bubble machine, limbo, and bracelets.

o   We would like to make the goal and tricycle race a BIG DEAL!  Would like to find 3 tricycles so that Ms. Asa, Mr. Thompson, and Mr. Haag could race.  Ms. Asa will contact the pre-school to see if they have some tricycles.  We would like to take pics of them on tricycles and post at the conferences in March to encourage money raising!  This year the goal will be more attainable.

o   Tresa will contact Mercy to see if they will sponsor water bottles.

o   We need to do the pledge sheets and discuss how they will be handed out and gathered.

·         Wish List – Ms. Asa will start gathering ideas from teachers.

·         McDonalds night: Amanda will contact Kathy at McDonalds to discuss.

·         Can Drive (Tresa and Jen) – May 30^th this year.  Can Shed will pick up.

·         Officers will be decided in April meeting.  Amanda will remain co-president.  We will need a co-president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary.  Nicole and Tresa are willing to hold an office again next year.  Krista has stated she is not interested in being treasurer next year.

·         Teacher Appreciation is first week of May – will discuss in April meeting

·         There is a “Merge list” for emails that we could possibly obtain to get information out regarding events and Starry Parent Group

·         Closing Information/Comments

·         Adjourned

Next Parent Group Meeting is March 3, 2012 at 6:30pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Tresa Stearns

Starry Parent Group

02/07/2012

·         Welcome and Introductions

·         Present: Shari Funck, Amanda Sackett, Nicole Bingham, Tresa Stearns, Krista Dooley, Karen Asa

·         Next parent group meeting is Tuesday, March 6.

·         Treasurer Report:

o   Invoices paid to Garmet Designs: $2,184.77, Jody Comried $67.34, and Shari Funck $161.34

o   Teacher Reimbursement Year to Date is $3,329.23

o   Deposits made include Starry Merchandise $1,870.50, Box Tops $802.90, Wendy’s night Dec. $160.00, Wendy’s night Jan. $128.00

o   Checking Balance is $23,829.61

o   Savings Balance is $8,131.65

o   Shari Funck ordered bracelets - - approximately 17 possible for each child.  Krista will email teachers to remind them to spend their allotted amount as April 15^th is the cut off.  We lost money on the Starry Merchandise so we need to change venders next year and possibly go back to Cotton Gallery

·         Reallocation of Sidewalk Money - $5,000.00

Jen got a catalog for other equipment and Mr. Haag has booklets right now to look at options.  Ms. Asa mentioned that we could add onto the existing new equipment and will check into this.  Ms. Asa also cautioned to remember that some items fade and we need to be careful.

·         Original Works: Jen is working on this project.  The artwork is to be completed 2/14, the School will receive magnets on 3/02/12, students will return to school by 3/12/12, and we will need to send in orders by 3/19/12 - - so they are back in time for Mother’s Day.

·         Movie – postponed until April

·         Chuck E. Cheeses – February 23.  We received the packet to distribute for kids.  Will make copies of the flyer to send home, hang up posters, and deliver stickers to classrooms.

·         Super Skate – March 1.  Will send out reminders next Thursday.

·         Teacher Planners – everyone present agreed to order planners for teachers again this year during Teacher Appreciation Week.  Amanda is going to choose a color, order 100, and deliver with a candy bar of some sort.

·         Starry Games/ Walk a Thon: We will keep them separate for this year again for a number of reasons.  April 27^th is when the Walk a Thon will take place and a rain date of May 4^th.  Time will be the same as last year 1-2pm and then 2-3pm. 

o   The committee discussed ordering t-shirts for each participant and it was looked into at $5 per t-shirt with a total of $2,250.00.  Discussed looking for sponsorships for these shirts.  Also discussed that if we do this for one year, we may have to continue and $2,250.00 is a lot to commit to (depending upon sponsorships, but parent group ultimately responsible for difference).

o   Starry Games is the last Friday of school year.  Parent group may take on finding volunteers for this event to assist as this seems to be the biggest issue with having both events.

o   We are going to do the DJ, bubble machine, limbo, and bracelets.

o   We would like to make the goal and tricycle race a BIG DEAL!  Would like to find 3 tricycles so that Ms. Asa, Mr. Thompson, and Mr. Haag could race.  Ms. Asa will contact the pre-school to see if they have some tricycles.  We would like to take pics of them on tricycles and post at the conferences in March to encourage money raising!  This year the goal will be more attainable.

o   Tresa will contact Mercy to see if they will sponsor water bottles.

o   We need to do the pledge sheets and discuss how they will be handed out and gathered.

·         Ice Cream Social: May 17^th with a rain date of May 24^th.  It will be from 6-8pm.

·         Wish List – Ms. Asa will start gathering ideas from teachers.

·         McDonalds night: Amanda will contact Kathy at McDonalds to discuss.

·         Ideas for New Events:

o   Can Drive (Tresa and Jen) –Memorial Day.  May 30^th this year.  Can Shed will pick up.

·         Closing Information/Comments

·         Adjourned

Next Parent Group Meeting is March 6, 2012 at 6:30pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Tresa Stearns

Starry Parent Group

01/03/2012

·         Welcome and Introductions

·         Present: Shari Funck, Amanda Sackett, Nicole Bingham, Tresa Stearns, Krista Dooley, Jen Claypool, and Kim.

·         Next parent group meeting is Tuesday, February 7^th.

·         Holiday Service Project – Thank you for your support for the Holiday Service Project (adopt a family) and for the Special Support for the family who lost a parent.  It is great to have everyone pull together and really help out those in need.

·         Treasurer Report: Invoices were paid to Non Profit Services for cookie dough, Scholastic, Shari Funck, Kim Dobrowolski, Jen Claypool, Amanda Sackett, Krista Dooley, Shari Funck, and Jody Comried.  Teacher Reimbursement has been paid out, year to date $3346.66.  Deposits in December include cookie sales, Wendy’s night, Book Fair, and Wendy’s night for December.  Current checking balance is $23,885.80.  Savings Balance is $8,130.91. 

We have five boxes of cookie dough left over – 3 have been paid for but never picked up.  2 boxes were not paid for and not picked up.  We will save these for teachers and an event that involves that. 

Jen has not yet deposited checks for Starry Merchandise and will be doing that this week.

·         Reallocation of Sidewalk Money - $5,000.00

We are looking for the catalog with playground equipment.  We have voted to spend this money on playgroup equipment.  Shari will email out the website for all to look at and bring ideas back to February meeting.

·         Teacher meal at conferences/Parent provided treats – many comments that the teachers LOVED the coffee offered.  Next time we discussed doing Jimmy Johns box lunches where teachers would have to put their order in ahead of time to get a meal.  Only concern is that we would have to be sure to get an order from each teacher/associate, helper, staff present and that they get Subs at another time.  Discussed that getting treats provided by parents is often difficult.  May send home a flyer asking for treats to be brought in.  They liked the healthy snacks incorporated.

·         Starry Merchandise – Stacy and Jen worked with Garment Designers this year.  It has been a mess.  We did not receive correct orders, some still have not received this merchandise, and it was not delivered in time for Christmas.  Also, some concerns with sizing of merchandise.  We have not yet received a bill.  Next year, a note will have to go out prior and earlier in order to receive the orders in time and to distribute the merchandise in time.  Also, this is a lot of stuff going on in December with Book Sales and the Scholastic book sale.  Discussed good times to do this.  Will probably not go with this company next year and will look into other options.  It was a difficult company to work with.  Will also provide less options next year for clothing, colors, and prints.  Turn around time was too short and this should be changed next year for a smoother flow.

·         Book fair was a success.  Volunteering was very difficult this year and many worked multiple shifts.  All teachers got a good amount to spend on books for their classrooms.

·         Cookie Dough was also a success and we would do it again.  Delivery was easy and pick up for parents was easy.  Overall a very low key fundraiser.  Again, looking at timing due to the amount of fundraising and merchandise sales in the fall/winter.

·         Jen has been working on original works.  The art teacher is on board and this project is under way.  It will run slightly different then last year as everyone has learned better processes to complete these and get them handed in.  Jen will email Shari a schedule for these and when they need to be completed, handed in, and when they will be given out to kids/families.  All proceeds on this fund the art room/events.  The pre-school is also doing these and Jen will call to determine if we can bill separately for these so proceeds go to the appropriate place.

·         Movie for January – this event may not take place in January.  Time is short and we have not received all numbers to make this happen.  Wherenburg will sell tickets for $5.00 each.  One room where movie is offered, on a Saturday morning, order tickets ahead of time, and an adult needs to stay with purchased tickets.  Will look at this for April.

·         February event: Chuck E Cheeses – February 23^rd

·         March: Super Skate night/Book sales at Teacher conferences

·         April: Movie

·         May: Steps 4 Starry Walk a Thon and Ice Cream Social

o   Discussed having the event earlier to we can schedule a rain date.  This event was a success last year and the kids had a BLAST!  They are still talking about it.  The “stations” were a hit, the DJ was a hit, bubbles were good.

o   Mr. Haag had mentioned doing this event and the Starry Games together.  These events are very similar and volunteers would be easier to get.  This came with mixed reviews due to Starry Games being an event that goes back many years and also because the events are different in many ways.

o   May 17^th, May 24^th

o   Ice Cream Social – discussed doing a book exchange at this event.  Books would be gathered ahead of time and vouchers given out.  Families could them bring them to the Ice Cream Social and redeem for new books.  Discussed also getting some books from FMI to serve the older kids/3^rd grade.  Jen and Tresa would work on this and organize.

·         Ideas for New Events:

o   Can Drive (Tresa and Jen) –Memorial Day.  May 30^th this year.  Can Shed will pick up.

·         Closing Information/Comments

·         Adjourned

Next Parent Group Meeting is February 7, 2012 at 6:30pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Tresa Stearns

Starry Parent Group

12/06/11

Parent Group was Cancelled for December.

The following agenda/notes will be discussed in January meeting.

·         Welcome and Introductions

·         All parent group meetings should be back to the first Tuesday of the month.

 January 3, February 7, March 6, April 3, and May 1

·         Babysitters at Parent Group Meetings will continue to be arranged as needed.  Please contact a parent group member if you know you will need child care during these meetings!

·         Movie – Still looking into options for January.

·         Chuck E. Cheeses – February

·         Wendy’s night – Jan 10^th

·         Reallocation of Sidewalk Money (this project is not possible due to layout of playground).  It was determined we would like to use this money this year as these classes raised the money.  Ideas were taken from teachers/staff such as iPads for 3^rd grade, Digital cameras, Paper Cutter in workroom, LCD Projectors, Smart boards, Ball chairs, Students to a play.  It was discussed that grants would be looked into for iPads, we will buy 2 paper cutters for staff to use, and we will chat with Semler regarding Starry students going over for dress rehearsals for plays.  Would like to see if we will pay or maintenance will pay for more woodchips under the playgroup equipment as this is a necessity!  Also, discussed crossing guards in front of Starry.  Most were in favor of playground equipment additions.  Shari will get a magazine so we can start looking.

·         Ideas for New Events:

o   Can Drive (Tresa and Jen) –Memorial Day.  May 30^th this year.  Can Shed will pick up.

o   Book Fair at Ice Cream Social

o   Garage Sale – one flat price

o   Spaghetti Dinner (Jen will check on prices at Zios) – just a social event

o   Getting kids more involved in Homecoming next year

o   Cookbook fundraiser

Next Parent Group Meeting is January 3, 2012 at 6:30pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Tresa Stearns

Starry Parent Group

11/03/11

Present: Shari Funck (co-president), Amanda Sackett (co-president), Krista Dooley (treasurer), Nicole Bingham (vice-president), Tresa Stearns (secretary), Jen Claypool, Karen Asa, Julia Winterboer, Kim Dobrowolski, Stacey Regenitter

·         Welcome and Introductions

·         All parent group meetings should be back to the first Tuesday of the month.

December 6, January 3, February 7, March 6, April 3, and May 1

·         Babysitters at Parent Group Meetings will continue to be arranged as needed.  Please contact a parent group member if you know you will need child care during these meetings!

·         Cookie Dough Fundraiser – Order forms will go out from November 4 to November 14^th.  All cookies and ordering are on one sheet.  The company will store the unclaimed cookie dough for us and they will be delivered on December 13^th, presorted by student, and in the gym at Starry.  A volunteer sheet went around to find people who could assist in the pickup process.

·         Holiday Service Project – Krista will take charge of this one.  We will again do the Adopt a Family.  The family will have a child in attendance at Starry Elementary school.  It will be anonymous and will have a mother and 4 children.  A sign up went around parent group for volunteers to donate items listed.  We filled quite a bit of the list within parent group – an email will also be sent to the distro list asking for other persons to donate items.  All gifts due by December 1^st.  Wrapping will be set up for a later date.

·         Teacher meal during fall conferences.  Jen has checked into this and set up for Pancheros to deliver/cater in.  She will keep her budget around $350.  They will deliver on November 17^th at 4:30pm. It will be a taco bar, chips/salsa, and Jen organized for gourmet coffee.  They will bring table service also.  Nicole sent out an email requesting treats for both days from parents.  Response has been low thus far.  She will continue to ask and will send out reminders the day before.

·         Book Fair – Stacy has been in charge of this one for a couple of years.  It will be on the 17^th and the 22^nd.  We can leave the table set up per Karen Asa.  This makes the night much easier.  Will also do “one for books” again this year and will have money jars set up for donations.  We still need volunteers to assist with the book fair.

·         Starry Merchandise – Stacy and Jen have been working with Garment Designers to determine what these will look like.  It was decided that we will offer open bottom sweatpants – children $15.50, red drawstring sling bags – $6.00, gold hoodies - $17.50, red/gray shorts and shirts - $5.50.  Order forms will be distributed so items can be delivered before Christmas.

·         It was mentioned that staff would like t-shirts for all Starry kids to support the “Marion Way”.  Figured that could be $1,700 per year and could be a multiple  year commitment.  Discussed finding alternative funding sources for this.

·         Movie – Still looking into options for January.

·         Chuck E. Cheeses – February

·         Wendy’s night – on November 8^th Kim will do until 6pm and Tresa will be there until 7pm.

·         Treasurer report given by Krista. 

Invoices Paid: Non Profit Services $13,041.85 (fundraiser)

                        Godfather’s Pizza $714.63 (fall festival)

                        Starry A to Z subscription $769.45

                        Shari Funck $209.93 (fall festival)

Teacher reimbursement to date: $784.35

Deposit: $85.00 (fall festival) and $57.00 (Fall fundraiser)

Checking balance: $23,588.95

Money Market: $8,129.59

                                    Total balance: $31,718.54

·         Reallocation of Sidewalk Money (this project is not possible due to layout of playground).  It was determined we would like to use this money this year as these classes raised the money.  Ideas were taken from teachers/staff such as iPads for 3^rd grade, Digital cameras, Paper Cutter in workroom, LCD Projectors, Smart boards, Ball chairs, Students to a play.  It was discussed that grants would be looked into for iPads, we will buy 2 paper cutters for staff to use, and we will chat with Semler regarding Starry students going over for dress rehearsals for plays.  Would like to see if we will pay or maintenience will pay for more woodchips under the playgroup equipment as this is a necessity!  Also, discussed crossing guards in front of Starry.  Most were in favor of playground equipment additions.  Shari will get a magazine so we can start looking.

·         Ideas for New Events:

o   Can Drive (Tresa and Jen) –Memorial Day.  May 30^th this year.  Can Shed will pick up.

o   Book Fair at Ice Cream Social

o   Garage Sale – one flat price

o   Spaghetti Dinner (Jen will check on prices at Zios) – just a social event

o   Getting kids more involved in Homecoming next year

o   Cookbook fundraiser

·         Closing Information/Comments

·         Adjourned

Next Parent Group Meeting is December 6th, 2011 at 6:30pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Tresa Stearns

Starry Parent Group

10/13/2011

Present: Shari Funck (co-president), Amanda Sackett (co-president), Krista Dooley (treasurer), Nicole Bingham (vice-president), Tresa Stearns (secretary), Jen Claypool, Karen Asa, Krystal Bressler, Julia Winterboer, Ester

·         Welcome and Introductions

Sent around a sign in sheet that included email addresses to get everyone on the distribution list.

·         Babysitters at Parent Group Meetings: High school students were present to watch the children during the meeting.  There were approximately 6 children out there, so it was well worth it.

·         Thank yous were received from a couple of classes for the 2010 events.  These thank yous were passed around.  They were well written and the children seem to enjoy the activities put on by parent group.

·         Reviewed the yearly events/activities supported by the parent group in a month by month format.

o   August:

§  Meet Teacher Night – collect email addresses for Parent Group email distribution list.

§  First day of school muffins/cookies for the teachers and staff.

§  Fall fundraiser – catalog sales

o   September:

§  Fall Festival

o   October

§  Fall Activity (Super Skate)

o   November

§  Book Fair during conferences.  This year November 17 and November 22.  Stacey generally runs this and organizes it.  Sent around volunteer sheet.

§  Treat Meal/Treats during conferences.  Jen Claypool will take care of this and organize it.

§  Winter fundraiser – Cookie dough sales (NEW)

o   December

§  Holiday Project

§  Adopt a family – it is generally a Starry student/family that are in need for this Holiday season.  It remains confidential.  Collect by sending out list of needs to Parent Group email distro list.  Will set up a wrapping night to get things ready.  Krista Dooley is going to organize this.

§  Change for Books – money goes to the library for supplies/books.

o   January

§  Movie Event – Kevin looked into this.  Collins Road Theatre will do a current showing movie for $8.00 to include movie and a snack tray.  Julia will look into Wherenburg to see what they can offer.  Discussed the High School auditorium as an possible location.

o   February

§  Original Works items.  Shari/Jen/Tresa will organize and prepare to be sent off.  Art work is done by Starry art teacher.  Proceeds go back to the art program at Starry.

§  Winter Activity (Chuck E Cheese)

o   March

§  Spring Activity (Super Skate on March 1st)

§  Book Fair on night of spring conferences.  Stacey organizes and makes contacts for this.  It is March 20 and March 22.  Volunteers will be needed.

§  Teacher Meal/Treats during conferences

o   April

§  Spring Fundraiser – Steps 4 Starry Walk-A-Thon

o   May

§  Staff Appreciate Week – supply treats/meals/planners

§  Ice Cream Social

§  Starry games – parent group assists with this program – provide snacks and volunteers.  Was questioned if this should join with Steps 4 Starry this year.

o   Additional items that are supported/planned by Starry Parent Group:

§  Box Tops for Education/Soup Labels/Ink Cartridge Recycling

§  Class Reward parties

§  Pizza Ranch Night – voted to discontinue

§  Field Trips

§  ITBS snacks

§  Starry Merchandise

§  Target visa 1%

§  McTeacher Night – Jen Claypool will coordinate

§  Wendy’s night – need volunteers to represent for the two hour time slot.

§  Chuck E Cheese – Tresa will coordinate

·         Current Commitments:

o   Amplifiers: $1,000.00

o   Field Trips/Camp Courageous: $2,300.00

o   A-Z subscriptions: $900.00

o   Teacher Reimbursement: 1,450.00

o   Playground Equipment: $11,275.00 (IN PROGRESS!)

o   Rugs for kindergarten: $1.500.00

o   Allotment for 1,2,3 graders: $4,500.00

o   Fall Festival: $3,000.00

o   Rainy Day fund: $1,500.00

o   Teacher Appreciation week: $340.00

o   Ice Cream Social: $225.00

o   Class trips to The Freeze: $250.00

o   Starry Games: $150.00                                              Totaling: $33,615.00

·         Treasurer report given by Krista.  We have enough to meet our current commitments.  Fundraisers are essential in helping us meet those commitments and adding anything new.  Members voted to increase the teacher reimbursement to $250 for the total year.

·         Catalog Product Sales

o   Profited approximately $11,500.00

o   Pickup will be October 27, 2011 from 3:30 – 6:00 in the art room.  Volunteer sheet was passed around

·         September Meeting notes are posted on the Starry website.

·         Fall Festival:

o   Thank you for door prizes, donations, assistance.  Tresa will do thank yous for Marion Hy-Vee (Lee) and to Godfather’s Pizza (Keith and Rita Lacey)

o   Lessons Learned List: the pumpkin toss change was positive, move the carts out of the hallway so more walking room, Sylvan will run their entire center, just need one volunteer, raffle was busy at end of night so could use another person to assist, volunteer check in could be different – have someone at doors at end of school day – High school students are not always showing up so make a generic list of where they will be and assign as they arrive – two lines for check in – and have a runner, order more pizza/food, and have a poster of rooms/stations.

o   Overall much more smooth this year.  We even broke even!

·         Ideas for New Events:

o   Can Drive (Tresa and Jen) – after Labor Day and Memorial Day.  May 30^th this year.  Can Shed will pick up.

o   Book Exchange

o   Dance/DJ

o   Book Sale at Swamp Fox

o   Garage Sale – one flat price

o   Spaghetti Dinner (Jen will check on prices at Zios) – just a social event

o   Getting kids more involved in Homecoming next year

·         Closing Information/Comments

·         Adjourned

Next Parent Group Meeting is November 3, 2011 at 6:30pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Tresa Stearns

Starry Parent Group

09/06/2011

Present: Shari Funck (co-president), Amanda Sackett (co-president), Krista Dooley (treasurer), Nicole Bingham (vice-president), Tresa Stearns (secretary), Stacey Regennitter, Jen Claypool, Karen Asa, Jami Dunn, Kevin and Kim Dobrowolski, Troy and Krystal Brestler, Faye Hines, Leah Fuller

·         Welcome and Introductions

·         Babysitters at Parent Group Meetings: Discussed the need for babysitters/child care during parent group meetings.  Discussed that previously they were arranged, but there were times when there were no children present and also times when volunteer staff did not show up.  It was discussed that the need continues to be there this year.  Shari asked for any volunteers to assist in getting that set up with the high school.  Kevin and Kim kindly volunteered.  They will contact Ann Grant at agrant@marion.k12.ia.us to see if she would help us get volunteers from the high school to cover these.

·         Date Changes: There is a conflict with parent group being the first Tuesday evening in October and November.  We will have parent group on October 13 at 6:30pm in place of October 4^th.  We will have parent group on November 3 at 6:30pm in place of November 1^st. 

·         October Meeting/Invite to Kindergarten Parents: Amanda and Shari will compose a letter/information letter to be sent home with kindergarten students that will give information regarding parent meetings, an invitation to attend; dates scheduled, and contact information.  These will be delivered to the school and go home with students.

·         Treasurer Report:

ü  Invoices Paid: Shari Funck (fall festival): $1210.76

ü  Teacher Reimbursement: $47.72 paid.  Teachers get $50 to start the year for anything they need for their classrooms.  Our goal is that each teacher will receive $250 a year for supplies/materials.  Krista will send out a message to teachers indicating they have $50 to begin and those receipts can be submitted at any time.

ü  Balances: checking account $24,711.30; Money Market $8,128.23; CD was closed out.  Total is $32,839.53

ü  Ongoing commitments for this year include:

o   Amp: $1,000.00

o   Field Trips: $2,000.00

o   A-Z subscriptions: $900.00

o   Teacher Reimbursement: $1,450.00

o   Playground equipment: $13,000.00 (actual is $11,275.00)

o   Sidewalk around park: $5,000.00

o   Rugs for kindergarten: $1,500.00 (pd)

o   Allotment for 1,2,3 graders: $4,500.00

o   Camp Courageous: $300.00

o   Fall Festival: $3,000.00

o   Rainy Day fund: $1,500.00

o   Teacher Appreciation Week: $340.00

o   Ice Cream Social: $225.00

o   Class trips to The Freeze: $250.00

o   Starry Games: $150.00

o   Total of $33,615.00

·         Activities: Super Skate is scheduled for October 6, 2011, and March 1, 2012.  This is from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.  These are set dates, we will send out a flyer with students as reminders.  Students get in at a special price, but everyone pays their own way in.  This is not a fundraiser for Parent Group and no proceeds come from this.  It is just a way to get students/parents together for some fun!

·         Activities: Chuck E. Cheese night.  We agreed that we would pursue this again this year.  It is not a big money maker night, but it seems that the kids have a lot of fun and turn out is usually pretty good.  10% of all sales come back to the school and teachers eat free that night.  Shari asked for volunteers to get this set up.  Tresa Stearns volunteered to make contact and set two dates for this.  Ms. Asa will confirm as needed.

·         Activities: Movie Night.  We previously had gone to Wehrenberg theatres for a movie night.  Tickets were pre-sale and a movie was chosen by Parent Group.  Do we want to do this again?  Jen Claypool suggested putting a movie on a projector in the gym, having some snacks, and kids sitting on the floor.  Admission would be a can of food for the food pantry.  It was decided that Kevin will check with Collins Road theatres about any activities they have or opportunities we would have to offer a movie to our students.

·         Activities: Wendy’s night.  This is the 2^nd Tuesday of every month.  10% of all sales for that night from 5-7pm are given back to the school.  We will need volunteers to sit at Wendy’s from 4:45pm to 7:00pm as a representative from Starry Elementary.  Shari and Krista are doing the first one on September 13^th.

·         Activities: Fall Festival.  This is our biggest event of the year!  The fall festival is on September 22, 2011.  A lot of planning goes into this event and many volunteers are needed. 

ü  Godfather’s Pizza will be providing the meal.  Pizza will be $1.00 per slice, pop will be $1.00.  Parents requested juice as an option.  This was discussed and vendors will be contacted to see if juice can be an option.  All pop and juice will come through Hy-Vee.   Last year parent meeting members found sales and bought while on sale.  It will be easier to just buy all from Hy-Vee and they are usually pretty good to us!  Set up will be different in the gym to decrease dangers and water on the floor in the kitchen.  Coolers are needed and Krista will have 2, Tresa will have 2, Jami will have 1, Shari has 1, and Amanda has 2.  We will have a cash box at the food line as well as food being able to be purchased with punches.  This will make it easier for parents/customers.

ü  Punch card sales: The lines for punch cards were very long last year and it really congested the opening/front doors.  We do offer tickets to be pre-sold when kids bring home a flyer.  Discussed ways to have parents purchase ahead of time instead of at the door.  Our flyer will read, “avoid the lines” to try and stress the convenience of buying ahead of time.  We will also have a drawing for free punches of all the persons/families who order ahead of time.  We will see if this decreases the lines.  Also, we will do ticket sales in a classroom instead of the hallway this year.  Krista has offered to cut out the punch cards and hole punch them.  They will then be tied with yarn.

ü  Bake Sale: these items will be requested from Parent Group members and a letter will be sent home with students to request bake sale items.  Bake sale items will be priced by punches instead of money.  This will decrease confusion and make things easier.

ü  Volunteers: Shari has stated that she will organize the volunteers.  There were suggestions last year that there be a parent in the rooms to assist with all activities, along with the volunteer student.  Shari has stated she will really try to make sure there is a parent in the rooms.  Also discussed overlapping the volunteers so that game instructions and rules are passed off, understood, and things go more smoothly.  Karen Asa is going to encourage teachers to volunteer as students really like to see their teacher outside of class!  Volunteers start at 3:45pm – right away – to get things set up and in place.

ü  Door Prizes: we generally have a drawing table where people can purchase tickets, with punches, for the door prize drawing.  We have exhausted our community supports/donations with the baskets in the spring.  We would like to have a few bigger items and decrease the amount of little things that went out last year.  It was just too much work.  With that, Krista has one basket for this, we have requested a Walmart gift card, Amanda is going to ask Bloomsberry Farms, Amanda is going to ask Intelligent Toys in Marion, Jami is going to ask BBQ This, Leah is going to Little Caesars, we can ask Godfathers, Jen will ask Chuck E. Cheese, Kevin will ask Collins Road Theatres, and possibly we will ask Grill Works in Marion.  Out of these donation requests, we are hoping to get 4 or 5 bigger raffles.

ü  We reviewed the list of games for the festival and agreed on the games that would continue and those that we would no longer have.  We also reviewed the materials needed for the games.

o   Jami Dunn will donate cotton balls and paper towels for the Tattoo station.

o   Football Toss – Amanda will call to see where the boards for this are.

o   Pumpkin Ring Toss (instead of pumpkin walk and in place of pop ring toss) – we might just purchase rings for this.  We will set out “good” pumpkins for the game and have them choose from the pumpkins on the side.  We will request for 250 pumpkins this year, but may have to purchase 325 as we told them we would do that same as last year.

o   Duck Pond – Troy will check on the hose/connecter that will help us fill the pools.  This must be in a kindergarten class as that is where the sinks are.  We will use shower curtains underneath to decrease water on the floor.

o   Toilet Bowl – Amanda will contact Walmart to get 200 fish.  Krista has volunteered to pick them up on this day.  We will put fish in plastic pools to keep them from leaking.

o   Craft room: pick one craft for 2 punches.

o   Putt-putt golf: a putting green was purchased for this activity.

o   Bozo Buckets: Amanda’s husband will make this and screw them to a board so they don’t tip over.

o   Plinko: Amanda’s husband is also going to build our Plinko board.

o   Other materials: Amanda is going to pick up tape for floor lines, price tags, paper plates, candy, paper sacks.  Krista is going to check on plastic gloves for food service.  Faye will donate Ziploc bags.

o   A flyer will be sent home with students for cake donations, volunteer sign up, baked good donations, pre-purchase tickets, and to just generally announce the event.

·         Agenda for October meeting was discussed.

·         Closing Information/Comments

·         Adjourned

Respectfully submitted,

Tresa Stearns