The Haynes Connection

Haynes Organization of Parents - 2nd Quarterly Meeting General Meeting December 15, 2009   7:30pm

 

Executive Board Members Attending: Sophia Kambanis, Michelle Meal, Karen Monteiro, Mary Hyer, Michelle Petronio, and Kim Cullen.

 

Sophia Kambanis called the meeting to order and introductions were made.  A motion to vote on the minutes, which had been distributed electronically ahead of time, was made and the minutes were approved.

 

Ideas/Questions/Concerns

Sophia asked if there was any news or concerns that anyone would like to share before proceeding with the planned agenda.  No one had anything to share prior to the agenda.

 

SERF presentation by Betsy Cohen, Guest Speaker

SERF grants are made available to the entire district K-12.  SERF works with the PTO’s at each school.  At Haynes, SERF has funded the Science Notebooks.  SERF receives its funding in several ways:

ACE awards.  A parent/guardian donates any dollar amount in recognition of a teacher, administrator, etc.  The recipient is honored with a plaque.  This award goes far to show appreciation and recognition for its honorees.

College Fair.

Direct Appeal.

Just Desserts.  This event will not be held this year.

To learn more about SERF, visit www.SERF.org.

 

School Fund-A-Need Items & Special Voting

Sophia gave some background on the current year HOP budget.  This year’s HOP budget was created last year during great economic uncertainty.  The budget forecast called for budgeted income to be shorter than budgeted expenses.  To insure that HOP would be able to help the school for both years (last year and this year), HOP had planned to fund this year’s expenses using retained earnings from last year.  The great news is that this year’s auction far exceeded expectations and that HOP finds itself in a position to fund this year’s wishes using this year’s income.  This is very positive for the school, because they do have some unfunded needs that we can help them fund now. At this meeting, we vote on the school’s Fund-A-Need items.  Kim Swain explained that she generated The Fund-A-Need items on the ballot by taking into account equity issues to insure that the total needs of the school are reflected.

 

Because there are, unexpectedly, more funds to use, we estimate that this year HOP might be in the position to fund approximately $30k more than what we have originally planned. There is a need to change out the fifth grade computer cart (current laptops have started showing signs of aging, not being compatible with some of the more advanced programs/applications fifth grade needs).  HOP could help this initiative by purchasing 19 new laptops (the remaining laptops are sufficient or have already been upgraded).  The “replaced” laptops would be cleaned up, loaded with new software, and then used in the third and fourth grade classrooms.  The older computers of these classrooms, will, in turn, be pushed back into the primary grades.  In the end, more students will have access to PC technology and hands-on curriculum experiences.  For the replacement of the 19 laptops, we will hold a special voting meeting in the beginning of January.  Sophia summarized that the plan to fund the school needs will be broken down in 3 tiers, so that we ensure we indeed have the extra funds, and that the school gets into spring and sees how their needs are formed:

 

Round 1:  Fund-A-Need Items on tonight’s ballot.

Round 2:  Special Vote on January 8, 2010 for new laptops.

Round 3:  Let’s wait and see what the school needs later in the year.

 

Fund-A-Need Ballot results:  All of the school’s Fund-A-Need items on the ballot were approved.  The specific items and the vote counts follow:

 

#1:  12 Books (Fountas and Pinnell’s Continuum of Literacy Learning)

                                Yes:  27 No:  1

 

#2:  1 Library Computer

                                Yes:  29 No:  0

 

#3:  1 Portable Document Camera (to allow placement of cameras in each second grade classroom)

                                Yes:  28 No:  1

 

#4:  1 ACTIVboard for Music Room

                                Yes:  26 No:  3

 

#5:  1 Replacement Projector and Bulb

                                Yes:  27 No:  2

 

Redistricting

Sophia updated the group on the redistricting initiative.  There are potentially 68 incoming students, mostly from the Bowker neighborhood.  These families will be notified by mail in January.  With the plan, Haynes will have 4 5th grade classrooms, 4 4th grade classrooms, and 3 classrooms each for grades 1-3.  (Kindergarten will be determined at a later date once the families have provided the necessary information to the district.)  This means our school is slated for 3 additional classrooms and that no class sizes will be over the guidelines.  In fact, most of the class sizes will go down.

 

Jeri Tarini/Science Enrichment

Star Lab was here in December, and the third grade discovered an indoor planetarium.  Fox25 weather will join the fifth grade in February.  All science programs are booked for next year.

 

Karen Parker/Book Fair

The Fall Book Fair did not happen this year. 

 

Michael Dufault/Science Fair

Mike is still looking for a co-chair.  Volunteers are beginning to sign up for the different committees.  The date for the Science Fair is March 10.  Colonial Day had been scheduled for the same day.  Pending approval from the festival committee chairs, third grade's Colonial Day will be moved to March 3rd. 

Any income generated from the Science Fair will be used to support grade level curriculum books.  In past years, the Science Fair has helped out with an ActivBoard microscope, a microscope lab, and the science notebook initiative.

 

Jill Puopolo & Judy Merra/Hospitality

The next event is the principal coffee event.  New families will be included.

 

Lisa Turkington/Community Service

Candy drive:  We donated 380 lbs of candy to the troops. Students got involved by coloring pictures to go along with the candy.

Book drive:  We donated 3-4 SUV loads to Book Worm Angels, serving the greater Boston community.

Cradles to Crayons:  We filled a moving van with clothing and toys.

 

Kim Kelly & Kim Lewis/Family Fun Night

Family Fun Night was a feel-good event.  Games sales generated over $2k.  There were 131 cakes donated for the Cake Walk!  In the future, we should consider doing the Cake Walk, Game Night, and the Book Fair on different nights.

 

Mary Hyer & Michelle Petronio/Fundraising

In general, we've exceeded expected income for every event.

On-line shopping has really taken off.  In one month, we've made what we budgeted for the entire year.

We're halfway to our box top goal of 5000 tops.

Bingo Night is Friday, February 26. 

On the Haynes fundraising page, our librarian, Rose Calareso, has posted a library book wish list.

 

Laurence Baize/Web Committee

The number of HOP web site users is going up!  The school-based content is the most popular.  Technical updates will be done over school vacation.  A different look to the newsletter may increase web user activity.

 

Kim Lewis/METCO

On the first Friday of every month there is a breakfast that is open to everyone (cost is $1).  All are welcomed.  There is an activity at 8-8:30am, and breakfast follows at 8:30-8:45am.  On Saturday 1/9 at 2-4pm, there will be a Skating Event at Frog Pond in Boston.

 

Lisa Gutch/School Committee

The school committee has started to look at next year's budget.  A 4% budget increase will bring back some of the items lost in the 2009 budget.  Budget proposals will be discussed in great detail toward February/March.  For more information, visit the district website.  Kim Swain reminded the group that this budget year is going to be another tough year.

Dr. Brackett recognized Bob Milley for his professional development efforts.  He facilitates and coordinates the idea of teachers teaching each other across our district. 

 

Bingo Night and Field Day

On behalf of Kendra Stowell, Michelle Meal reported that planning for Bingo night is underway.  There is already a refreshment coordinator, ticket coordinator, and 5th grade student coordinator.  Mr. Dye will be coming back to call numbers.  Probable themes for the raffle baskets are:

K:  Fun and Games

1:  American Girl Doll

2:  Totally Toys

3:  Sports Spectacular

4:  That's Entertainment

5:  Bikes

 

There are no updates for Field Day.

 2nd Grade Craft Center

On behalf of Susan Fama, Michelle Meal reported that second graders did the Native American dream catcher craft in the fall.  The Mexican craft will be coming up in the spring.

 Cultural Arts

On behalf of Martha Stone, Michelle Meal reported the schedule of events for cultural arts.

 

Sudbury Savoyards                         theatre/music                   12/4/2009

Poetry In Motion                             movement/wordplay          3/19/2010

Northwinds                                        music                                1/22/2010

Mythmasters                                     drama/theatre                    5/7/2010

Six Second Biography                writing/illustrating                   2/1/2010

Anti-Bullying Theatre                       theatre                                 TBA       

 Festivals Coordinators

On behalf of Suzanne Lucey and Karen Sidari, Michelle Meal reported that all of the festival dates are finalized.  They are on the teacher calendars and on Jan Love's calendar.  Festival information and guidelines will be distributed to the festival chairs.

 Yearbooks

On behalf of Bonnie McAlley, Michelle Meal reported that yearbook sales are strong and pictures have been coming in.  All 5th grade parents are requested to send pictures to Bonnie of their children and their friends during their kindergarten through 4th grade years for the memory section of the yearbook.

 Karen Monteiro/Treasurer

Karen reviewed the budget numbers year to date (see attached).  Income is running way ahead of schedule.  There have been very few expenses so far.  She reminded folks to submit their expenses.

 Photo Survey

Sophia asked that families share their opinions regarding the school photo experience by taking the survey on the HOP website.

Respectfully submitted,

 Kim Cullen, HOP Secretary

Haynes Organization of Parents:1st Quarterly Meeting - October 23, 2009  - 9:30am.

 Executive Board Members Attending: Sophia Kambanis, Michelle Meal, Angie Knightly, Karen Monteiro, Mary Hyer, Michelle Petronio, and Kim Cullen. 

Sophia Kambanis called the meeting to order and introductions were made.  A motion to vote on the minutes, which had been distributed electronically ahead of time, was made and the minutes were approved.

 Ideas/Questions/Concerns:

Sophia asked if there was any news or concerns that anyone would like to share before proceeding with the planned agenda.

Kristine Mitchell announced that in December her family would be re-locating to Florida for a couple of years.

Lisa Gutch reminded the group that there is a Birthday Book Club in the library.  On his/her birthday, each child may give the library a book and get his/her name printed on an enclosed book plate.  Lisa Sullivan volunteered to work with Rose Calareso to publicize this program.

4th Quarterly Meeting General Meeting, June 16, 2009 9:00 am

Executive Board Members Attending: Lisa Gutch, Sophia Kambanis, Erika Hunsberger, Angie Knightly, Mary Hyer, Lisa Sullivan, and Kim Lewis.

Lisa called the meeting to order, introductions were made, and the previous meeting notes were read by all attendees. A motion to vote on the minutes was made and the minutes were approved.

Lisa Gutch introduced the new officers on the slate: Michelle Meal, as co-chair with Sophia Kambanis continuing on as co-chair; Michelle Petronio joining Mary Hyer for fundraising; Karen Monteiro stepping in as the Treasurer, with Angie Knightly continuing as Assistant Treasurer, and Kim Cullen assuming the role of Secretary.

Lisa Sullivan /Fundraising

We had an outstanding year for fundraising. We reached far and deep with volunteers, recruiting fathers, parents of younger children, and working parents. The auction date for the school year 2009-2010 is November 14 at Wedgewood Pines. Lisa also wanted to thank the teachers and staff for their support of the auction. With their help in offering services and activities, we generated much enthusiasm and interest in the event. Finally, Lisa reported earning $10 by selling refreshments at Town Meeting last week.

Erika Hunsberger/Treasurer

Erika reviewed this year’s budget (see attached) and elaborated on a few items. Each school contributed $850, instead of the budgeted $1500, towards Odyssey scholarships, but we may go slightly over budget on the Sunshine Fund as a result of expenditures in honor of Mr. Dye’s retirement. With some extra money budgeted for Technology, we bought a much-needed new laptop for the Kindergarten teacher. Once all outstanding receipts have been turned in, Erika anticipates that we will have spent approximately $53,000 in the school year 2008-2009.

Lisa Gutch asked for questions, and then turned our attention to the proposed 2009-2010 budget. She pointed out that when we crafted the budget, we kept the following priorities in mind: supporting the academic goals of the school through science enrichment, cultural arts, festivals, and craft centers and providing appropriate and necessary technology. Specifically, we have met our goal to have an ActiveBoard in every classroom grades 3 through 5 and Kim Swain garnered a grant for getting an ActiveBoard in the Language-Based Learning 4/5 classroom. Next year, the goal is to get ActivExpressions in more classrooms. The proposed budget of $46,530, a more than $10,000 decrease from this past year, is partially a response to the current economy. We aim to fundraise approximately $35,000 and use the remaining buffer to support the remainder of the expenses.

After everyone had a chance to review the proposed budget, Sophia then entertained questions. “School Pop” has been renamed “One Cause.” Although the craft budget has been trimmed from $1200 to $900, the number and quality of crafts will remain at a level that the teachers expect and want. Erika pointed out that if we surpass our fundraising goal, we would go to Kim Swain to determine what she feels the school needs and put a vote to the community to decide about using the excess funds for that need. Lisa Gutch mentioned that other schools have an ActiveBoard in their music rooms, and that might be our next technology need. It was pointed out that currently, students’ first introduction to ActiveBoards is in the third grade.

Karen Sidari/Festivals Coordinator

Karen stated that chairs are in place for all the festivals next year except Japan and it was a great year.

Kim Kelly/ Second Grade Craft Center

Per the teachers’ requests, the second grade crafts were scaled back from three to two crafts and they all went well.

Jennifer Herndon and Jeri Tarini/Science Enrichment

Audubon Ark came for a variety of programs this spring. "Hatching Out" came for the Kindergarteners and Habitats came for the first graders. The Pre-K students had a visit from Farm Friends, the 2nd Grade studied Bugworks, especially Butterflies, and the 1st graders experienced the Tide Pools from the NE Aquarium. The Discovery Museum brought a Rocks and Minerals Workshop for the 4^th grade and Tom Wally of Techsploration did a Simple Machines presentation.

Laurence Baize/Room Parent Coordinator

Laurence has nothing additional to report on behalf of the room parents.

Laurence Baize/Webmaster

Laurence reported that readership numbers for the website are not very good. From 260 readers at the beginning of the year, a mere 70 people read articles on the website last week. She recognized the need to improve those numbers next year. She requested that any suggestions regarding layout/overall web design/utility be sent to her, for the site is easy to transform and she will make changes over the summer when they have the least impact on the community and readership. Some people suggested putting standard classroom forms/homework, such as third grade reading logs, spelling words, or field trip permission slips on the web. Next year, committees will be urged to put more information on the web and encouraged to do less disseminating of information via phone or e-mail. Laurence stated her sense that today, if you ask a parent where s/he might find something important, that parent would respond, “I’ll get any important information in the backpack.” When asked what articles are read most often, Laurence said that the Nurse’s articles are read first, with Kim Swain’s articles coming in behind the Nurse’s. Finally, Laurence is working on getting Odyssey pictures on the web, although they will be password-protected.

Shannon Donaghey/Field Day Coordinator

Shannon is looking forward to Field Day tomorrow. Everything is all set.

Lisa Gutch/Co-Chair

Lisa clarified that the Emergency Forms that were sent home about two weeks ago are not only for the school’s emergency contact information but also for the directory database, so it is crucial that people complete them accurately and return them.

Kim Swain/Principal

Kim encouraged all parents to attend the breakfast on Monday, June 22 to thank all parent volunteers. Kim recognized that the field day committee including parent volunteers and staff worked very hard to put together this year’s field day activities that were changed to reflect the school’s core values. These activities will stress teamwork and cooperative learning and, though she knows that change can be difficult initially, she is confident that this change is for the better. Fifth Grade Fun Night, chaired by Lucinda Wittenberg, was great and Thursday, June 18 is the Moving On celebration.

At the district level, funding is still uncertain. The number of sections is not yet decided nor is the timing or mode of communication (posting? mailing?) of teacher placement letters. She encouraged people to make sure that their Constant Contact information is up to date, as that may be a way of alerting families as to how they will receive placement info. The hiring process is well underway, as they had over 300 applications for the Kindergarten opening. Kim thanked the parent organization for all of its hard work. HOP helps make Haynes a terrific place for children and staff, and she is always welcome to suggestions for improvements.

Susan Fama/ First Grade Craft Center

The First Grade did carp kites for the Japan Day celebration and this is a much better craft than the fish prints for decorating and celebrating on Japan Day. Doing three crafts next year shouldn’t be a problem with their existing budget.

Tricia Garrett /Gardens and Flowers

Tricia Garrett cut back the rose bushes by the swings so that children would not get poked or stuck with the branches. The voles ate the plants out front and she hopes to replace those plants.

Respectfully submitted,

Kim Lewis

HOP Secretary

3rd Quarterly Meeting General Meeting, March 19, 2009 7:30pm

Executive Board Members Attending: Lisa Gutch, Sophia Kambanis, Erika Hunsberger, Angie Knightly, and Mary Hyer.

Lisa called the meeting to order, introductions were made, and the previous meeting notes were read by all attendees. A motion to vote on the minutes was made and the minutes were approved.

Michelle Meal/Community Service

Michelle said that the Community Service projects have been pretty successful this year. The candy drive was a huge success, as parents from other schools donated too. The cost of shipping was an issue, but the candy was driven to an Air Force base to ship to the troops and given to various Veteran Administration homes. Two large bags of hats, scarves, and mittens were delivered to Rosie's Place before the holidays. In the "Paws for Reading" program only 20 people participated, but they raised a sizeable $1,120. They are not yet sure if they will follow up with a spring project of fundraising or not; it seems that a lot of people have too much going on. Jeri Tarini proposed a simple project like "bring a can of food" to Field Day, which seemed like a great idea but might interfere with the food pantry donations.

Michelle Meal/BINGO co-chair

Michelle reported that Bingo Night was very successful and over its target fundraising goal. For next year she proposed to have less variety of prizes: more of the popular gifts and less of the others.

Sophia Kambanis/HOP co-chair

Sophia reported smooth operations of the Nominating Committee and believes she will report all 4 new Board members at the next HOP Board meeting. She asked that if the Committee Chairs would like to continue for next year, they should send her a mail before the vacant jobs are posted on the Haynes Connection, hopefully by next Monday.

Mary Hyer /Fundraising

The Fundraising season is almost over. Only Box Tops are still on up until March 31st. Since 1999, Box Tops have given over $5,000 to the school. The fundraising committee has already started planning for next year. Mary reminded the attendees about the on-line shopping that gives Haynes 15% back of its gross revenues. When on the website, the Haynes Connection, you can press "One Cause" and you will be led to the on-line shopping.

Erika Hunsberger/Treasurer

Erika reported that the income is pretty much completed for the year and it seems that we have grossed $13,000 above our target. The remainder of the year is all expenses coming in. We need the budgets from all committee chairs in April, unless their events are coming in very late in the year. Spent funds to date is at $32,000.

Kim Kelly/ Second Grade Craft Center

Kim reported that their second craft for the year, which is the Pinatas, is planned for early May.

Sophia Kambanis for Melissa Ross and Laura Concannon/ Parent Education Committee

Sophia reported that no education programs for parents are planned this year. They do not foresee anything coming up, so they will most probably not spend their $400. This money usually goes towards a program for all elementary school parents organized by a group of parent volunteers. Perhaps next year we would plan something meaningful for Haynes parents only (anti-bullying program or Open-Circle activities).

Sophia Kambanis for Julie Alix, Kate Farren and Kirsten Pearson /Hospitality

Sophia Kambanis reported that they have 3 events coming up: the principal coffee mornings, the April 30th Writing Celebration, and the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon during Teacher Appreciation week. They have $300 unspent and expect to spend it all.

Suzanne Lucey/Festivals

Suzanne reported that the Festival Coordination is moving along smoothly. The 3rd grade Colonial Festival took place on March 11th and was a success. For the April 29th 5th grade Science Festival, they are currently recruiting volunteers. Second Grade's Mexico Day is coming up on May the 27th and Japan Day for 1st Grade is on June the 4th. The tea ceremony has already been booked. For the K Chicken Festival the date is June 10th and the initial letter to the parents has just been sent. Suzanne with Karen Sidari and Laurence Baize will be designing web pages for each festival, which will include times, attire, schedule, etc. and upload it on the Haynes Connection.

Jeri Tarini / Science Enrichment

Jeri said that the 5th Grade Fox News experience was a great success and so was the Kitchen Chemistry. Science Enrichment programs have a busy spring coming up. On April 13th (with a special visit to school from a skunk and a hawk), the First Graders will study Habitats. On the 27th, the First Graders will be "Hatching Out", and on the 29th the 4th graders will experience a Rocks and Minerals Workshop. On May 7, the 1st graders will experience the Tide Pools of NE Aquarium. On June 1st the Pre-K students will have Farm Friends coming over and on May 28th the 2nd Grade will study Bugworks, especially Butterflies.

Susan Fama/ the First Grade Craft Center

The First Grade Craft center is now finished, having completed 2 crafts last week: The Adinkrah cloths and the fish print. For future knowledge she suggested that the fish for the fish print is ordered well in advance to avoid sudden price spikes. For a fish that should cost around $18.00, one may end up paying $70.00. There has to be some flexibility budget- wise, because this is such a unique item, and sometimes all the planning you can do doesn't make it work out. Having the "whole grade working together at the same time" does not work for the first grade. What works best is groups of 6 kids at a time.

Tricia Garrett /Gardens and Flowers

Tricia Garrett informed us we have voles in the school grounds; she will purchase a sonic machine and put it on so they move away.

Laurence Baize/Room Parent Coordinator

Laurence is expecting the Room Parents to start contacting parents more and more as many programs and events are coming up. She has informed us that sometimes she may need to say NO to too many mails going out . She will work with people on the timing of the e-mails. Lisa Gutch reminded everybody who contacts parents to go through Laurence.

Laurence Baize/Webmaster

As the Webmaster, Laurence reported 340 people signed up on the Haynes Connection. Of those, 260 were clicking into the articles in the beginning of the year, and only 126 were clicking 2 weeks ago. So, overall readership has decreased, and we should be careful not to overwhelm parents with our communication. Lisa Gutch reminded all to copy Kim Swain and the teachers on the mails sent to parents so they can have the knowledge necessary to answer potential questions.

Sophia Kambanis for Lucinda Wittenberg / Fifth Grade Activities

Movie Night was pretty successful, raising $1,409. The Car Wash is planned for May 26th with a rain date of May 27th. With a little bit of luck they will have enough for the Pot Luck Dinner, the Fun Night Party and a nice gift for the school.

Gretchen Guzi and Shannon Donaghey/Field Day Coordinators

Gretchen Guzi and Shannon Donaghey are organizing the Field Day, scheduled for June the 17th. They did not have anything significant to report yet.

Lisa Gutch/HOP Co-Chair

Lisa said that Terry Miller and Teri Grey are running the Spring Book Fair that is scheduled for May 4-8.

Lisa asked everyone's help to keep children off the auditorium stage during pick-up in the afternoons. The curtains cost $6,000 about 10 years ago, so it would be very costly to replace them.

She also reported that the parking situation has become an issue around the school. Sometimes the METCO bus cannot leave the school. All yellow areas are "no parking" areas. Kim Swain said there is a structural problem at Haynes and we should own it. She will put cones out there and potentially talk to Officer Rocky about ticketing. She also talked to the School Improvement Council about brainstorming and creative thinking, so that we could resolve the problem.

Respectfully submitted, Sophia Kambanis for Kim Lewis - HOP Secretary