Howard School PTA News

Howard PTA Minutes

Friday, April 18, 2008

8:50 a.m.

Attendance: Suzanne Clark, Gretchen Bruce, Kathy Buczynski, Mary Mazur, Laura Gonzales, Dana Falk, Patricia Carlson, Shirinen Elder, Amy Moran, Dan Ballnik,

Raffaella Sallam, Meryl Obermiller, Lisa Joachim, Julie Konchal, Andy Denison

Treasurer – Lynn Helm (absent)

Principal – Andy Denison

Study Island – this is an online program that the children may use at home during the summer. A user name and password and more information will be coming home shortly. It is a MEAP prep program and is free. studyisland.com
Pat Perna is retiring. Her last day is May 2nd. Her job will be bid on through the union. They will cut out all but 2 applicants and then I will be able to hire out of the top 2.
We had 2 lockdowns last week. We followed lockdown procedures. The students did a great job and our school stayed safe.
May 5th – 9th is Teacher Appreciation Week.
Thursday, April 24 is the science fair from 5:00 – 6:00.
Bryant orientation for the upcoming 6th graders is Thurs. April 24 from 6:30 – 7:30.
Tues. April 22 is the 2nd and 3rd grade concert. During the day at 2:00 and one at 7:00 pm.
Wed. April 30 is the instrumental concert. During the day at 10:00 and one at 7:00 pm.

Teacher requests for next year – a form will be coming home. Please do not request a specific teacher. We are interested in the needs of your child and he/she will be placed with the teacher that will best fit their needs. I can not guarantee that your child will be placed with the teacher of your choice. This will be a long and thought out process.

President – Lisa Joachim

Budget from January – we do not have an updated one.
Basketball night – Mr. Haliburda needs to purchase items before the year ends. Mr. Haliburda receives the majority of the money collected from Monday night basketball to purchase P.E. equipment for our school.
A huge Thank You to Mrs. Raschke for yet another successful Literacy Night.
Mrs. Smith wants to thank the PTA for her nomination for Distinguished Teacher Award.
PTSA is having their convention May 2, 3, and 4. If you are interested, please see Lisa Joachim.
The Dearborn Symphony as asked Howard PTA to donate $200.00 to their program. We send our 4th graders to the Symphony every year. In the past, they asked for $100.00. Motion to approve $200.00. Motioned and approved by all.
We are looking for new information packages and videos for the 4th and 5th grade Human Development program. The PTA is willing to pay for updated materials. The 4th grade will attend the program on Friday, May 23. It is held in the school. The 5th grade classes are taught by our teachers.
We would like to present a retirement gift to Pat Perna for her years of service. A gift basket with various gift cards was an idea. Also a donation to the hospital that her grandson Vinnie is having is cancer treatments at was mentioned. Motion to approve $200.00 to Pat and $100.00 donation in the name of Vinnie. Motioned and approved by all. Presentation of the gifts to be determined.
Gleaners is having a food drive the week of May 19. Howard will be participating. More information coming soon.
Nomination for 2008-2010 PTA Board

Julie Konchal – President
Gretchen Bruce – VP Programs
Meryl Obermiller – VP Committees
Suzanne Clark – Treasurer
Amy Moran – Secretary

VP Committees – Dana Falk

The flower sale is back by popular demand. We will be getting our flowers from Eastern Market. Your orders MUST be in and PAID IN FULL by WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30. You will need to pick up your flowers at the school on either Friday, May 9th from 3:30 – 6:30 pm or Saturday, May 10th from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. A bright yellow order form was sent home last week. If you need another one, there will be some in the office.

If you want to be removed from Chairperson of a committee, please email me at danafalk@comcast.net.

Issues –

May 22 is planting day at Howard. Ford workers will be here to help with clean up and planting in the nature area on the North side of the school.
Clean up parade – we will not be having a city clean up parade this year. The City determined it was too costly. We may have it every other year.
The next PTA meeting is Friday, May 16 and 8:45 am in the cafeteria. We will then vote on the board for the next 2 years.

Meeting Adjourned at 9:25 am.

Submitted,

Julie Konchal

Secretary