King PTA meeting summary
February 5, 2009
Introductions
King School Farmers Market
Ron Laster, President of the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods (NECN) explained a proposal to bring a farmers market to King School. The market would be operated by Portland Farmers Market (PFM) and is scheduled to operate 10-2 p.m. Sundays. NECN sees this as a community catalyst and is working with the PFM organization to promote the project. The group is developing an advisory committee and would like a member of the King School PTA to participate. He asked that those interested contact Paige Coleman at NECN (paige@necoalition.org or 823-3151). Sirenna Brown, school psychologist, and Nicole Leaper volunteered to represent the King PTA.
The group also discussed restroom facilities, bicycle parking and outreach to ethnic groups. The PTA discussed the farmers market and agreed to support the project. Marlys will draft a letter of support to send to Paige. The group encouraged LaDrena to send the fact sheet home to parents. Marlys will find out if NECN and/or PFM would like to have a presence at the Global Event on March 5.
Principal's Report
LaDrena said that she is waiting to hear about the budget shortfall this year, but knows for sure that she will only have one pre-kindergarten classrooms this fall (a grant funded one classroom - which will be complete this spring). She is working with staff to determine if they will have one full-day pre-k or two half day sessions.
Membership/Treasurer Report
Trace indicated that we have 23 paid members. Our bank account balance is $1,672.92 ($1,450 from the 2008 McMenamin's fundraiser - dedicated to site improvements).
Hispanic Parents Forum
The group discussed better coordination between the PTA and the Hispanic Parents group currently meeting. LaDrena will ask Jaime to send the group the meeting notes.
Marquee/Reader board
Marlys indicated that NECN and Portland Farmers Market may contribute funds for the reader board. We are currently about halfway towards raising the funds necessary. Marlys will coordinate with these groups. Members discussed maintenance and updating of the sign.
Global Event
Volunteers to serve food are needed at 7:00 p.m. Marlys, Annie, Cathy, Julie, Trace and Jeff/Karen volunteered to serve. Additional volunteers are welcome.
Young Players Spring Break Camp
Karen said the fee for use of the building is $300. She is working with the Sabin PTA president to find out about splitting the building fee. The camp costs $99 per child (mature kindergarteners through 5th grade). Karen will pursue this opportunity.
Kindergarten Round Up, February 25 at 1:30
The PTA will supply coffee at this event and plan to have parents (one from a higher grade); teachers, full school tours, a slide show, and librarian speak to new parents.
Julie has developed a flyer and will send copies to people for distribution in the neighborhood. The PTA also will hold a second kindergarten round up "light" on Wednesday, March 4 at 5:30 for those parents unable to attend February 25. LaDrena will try to identify some teachers able to be at the meeting to speak.
Barnes & Noble Fundraiser
Karen said that Annie researched this possible fundraiser, but all of the dates were taken for 2009. The group asked that Annie pursue a date for 2010.
Florida Room Fundraiser
Julie discussed the possibility of holding a fundraiser at the Florida Room. The owner has offered a 5:30-9:00 fundraiser during the week of Spring Break (PCC) and will donate 10-15% of earnings to the King School PTA. Julie will pursue this opportunity.
Box Tops
Karen will be collecting and counting these on Thursday, Feb. 19 and could use help.
Spring fundraiser
The group discussed a dinner or movie night and decided to raffle the summer boy's basketball camp scholarship during a future event. Karen asked for ideas for a raffle prize for girls. LaDrena mentioned that they had considered a combined King/Highland School barbecue.
ECO-School Network
Karen discussed a free, intensive, six week long training opportunity to further the school's "greening" efforts.
Perfection
This fundraiser for King's SUN program is Wednesday, February 18. Tickets are available in the office.
Elections
King PTA will be holding elections in May for President, Vice President and Treasurer. The group still needs a secretary.
Adjourn
