MRE PTA MINUTES ∙ General Meeting
April 2, 2012
7:00 pm
I. Call Meeting to Order -7:02 pm
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Inspirational Moment – Kelly Lietaert
IV. Introductions – 9 people present
V. Report of Officers
Staff Appreciation: When a chair was needed on short notice, a group of 8 people announced they would be willing to do it and are now working together on that week.
5th Grade Recognition – The committee recently met and has put in motion the planning of the recognition day. There will be a few changes from the previous years. More information will be announced in the weeks to come.
VI. Reports of Committees
The Slate of Officers was announced and was voted on. There were no nominations from the floor and all nominees were unanimously elected.
· President – Shawna Stevens
· Secretary – Holly Bauman
· Treasurer – Jennifer Kluczynski
· 1st Vice President – Shannon Wittenberg
· 2nd Vice President – Kelly Lietaert
· 3rd Vice President – Joely Dey
· 4th Vice President – Amy Kochendoerfer
· 5th Vice President – Renee Way
· 6th Vice President – Kalah Gladieux
· 7th Vice President – Thea Kirkwood
VIII. Upcoming Events
Parental Paparazzi Tips: Kelly Lietaert and Thea Kirkwood gave an excellent presentation about photography and how to get the best out of your pictures.
X. Comments, Concerns, Suggestions
XI. Conclusion of Meeting
VIP parking pass & Gift Certificate – Julie Scout
XII. Meeting Adjourned – 7:55 pm
7:00 pm
I. Call Meeting to Order -7:02 pm
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Inspirational Moment – Kelly Lietaert
IV. Introductions – 9 people present
V. Report of Officers
- Secretary’s Report – approved as submitted
- President’s Report – Shannon Wittenberg
Staff Appreciation: When a chair was needed on short notice, a group of 8 people announced they would be willing to do it and are now working together on that week.
- Treasurer’s Report – Jennifer Kluczynski
- Principal’s Report – Thea Kirkwood
5th Grade Recognition – The committee recently met and has put in motion the planning of the recognition day. There will be a few changes from the previous years. More information will be announced in the weeks to come.
VI. Reports of Committees
- Membership & Sunny D Labels – Shawna Stevens
- Fun Run – Cathy Canning, Shawna Stevens, & Stacey Boiselle: Cathy Canning will kickoff with the classes during their gym time. She has also a variety of prize levels for the kids to attain. The top classroom seller can run gym class for a day and the overall best seller will get a ride to school on a fire truck. Siblings can share this prize.
The Slate of Officers was announced and was voted on. There were no nominations from the floor and all nominees were unanimously elected.
· President – Shawna Stevens
· Secretary – Holly Bauman
· Treasurer – Jennifer Kluczynski
· 1st Vice President – Shannon Wittenberg
· 2nd Vice President – Kelly Lietaert
· 3rd Vice President – Joely Dey
· 4th Vice President – Amy Kochendoerfer
· 5th Vice President – Renee Way
· 6th Vice President – Kalah Gladieux
· 7th Vice President – Thea Kirkwood
VIII. Upcoming Events
- April 27th – Fun Run
- May 4th – Muffins with Mom: 7:30-8:15 in the gym
- May 7th – 11th – Staff Appreciation
- May 14th – Last PTA meeting for the year! – Ending on a Super Note!
- June 6th – Kindergarten ABC Farewell
- June 7th – 5th Grade Recognition
Parental Paparazzi Tips: Kelly Lietaert and Thea Kirkwood gave an excellent presentation about photography and how to get the best out of your pictures.
X. Comments, Concerns, Suggestions
XI. Conclusion of Meeting
VIP parking pass & Gift Certificate – Julie Scout
XII. Meeting Adjourned – 7:55 pm
March 12, 2012
7:00 pm
I. Call Meeting to Order -7:05 pm
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Inspirational Moment – Kelly Lietaert
IV. Introductions – 16 people present
V. Report of Officers
The Bedford Trade Fair is coming up this weekend and Shannon asked for volunteers to fill a 2 hour time slot sometime over the weekend. This does not have to be someone from the Executive Board, looking for any PTA member.
The Slate of Officers was announced and will be voted on at the next meeting. They are
· President – Shawna Stevens
· Secretary – Holly Bauman
· Treasurer – Jennifer Kluczynski
· 1st Vice President – Shannon Wittenberg
· 2nd Vice President – Kelly Lietaert
· 3rd Vice President – Joely Dey
· 4th Vice President – Amy Kochendoerfer
· 5th Vice President – Renee Way
· 6th Vice President – Joan Turley
· 7th Vice President – Thea Kirkwood
Family Reading Night was well attended and enjoyed by all.
Flyers were handed out during the morning drop off on Monday, March 12. Mrs. Kirkwood had the two liaisons officers help pass them out to help everyone know the correct drop-off procedures.
5th Grade Recognition – The committee recently met and has put in motion the planning of the recognition day. There will be a few changes from the previous years. More information will be announced in the weeks to come.
VI. Reports of Committees
IX. Comments, Concerns, Suggestions
Regina Whalen came in gave a presentation for ‘BSP Cares.’ She explained the process she and Mrs. Driehorst are taking to try and save one of the liaisons officer’s jobs. Questions about this program can be sent to ADriehorst@gmail.com or ReginaWhalen@aol.com.
IX. Conclusion of Meeting
VIP parking pass – Mark Koeninger
Drawing – Sandy Kraine
X. Adjourn Meeting – 8:07 pm
7:00 pm
I. Call Meeting to Order -7:05 pm
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Inspirational Moment – Kelly Lietaert
IV. Introductions – 16 people present
V. Report of Officers
- Secretary’s Report – Holly Bauman – approved as submitted
- President’s Report – Shannon Wittenberg
The Bedford Trade Fair is coming up this weekend and Shannon asked for volunteers to fill a 2 hour time slot sometime over the weekend. This does not have to be someone from the Executive Board, looking for any PTA member.
The Slate of Officers was announced and will be voted on at the next meeting. They are
· President – Shawna Stevens
· Secretary – Holly Bauman
· Treasurer – Jennifer Kluczynski
· 1st Vice President – Shannon Wittenberg
· 2nd Vice President – Kelly Lietaert
· 3rd Vice President – Joely Dey
· 4th Vice President – Amy Kochendoerfer
· 5th Vice President – Renee Way
· 6th Vice President – Joan Turley
· 7th Vice President – Thea Kirkwood
- Treasurer’s Report – Jennifer Kluczynski – absent – report next month
- Principal’s Report – Thea Kirkwood
Family Reading Night was well attended and enjoyed by all.
Flyers were handed out during the morning drop off on Monday, March 12. Mrs. Kirkwood had the two liaisons officers help pass them out to help everyone know the correct drop-off procedures.
5th Grade Recognition – The committee recently met and has put in motion the planning of the recognition day. There will be a few changes from the previous years. More information will be announced in the weeks to come.
VI. Reports of Committees
- Membership & Sunny D Labels – Shawna Stevens
- Box Tops & Labels – Darlene Dotson – 43000 labels points available to redeem.
- Scrapbook Fundraiser – Shannon Wittenberg – event went well and we are looking at a $900 total. Working on picking a February date for next year.
- Book Fair – Sandy Kraine & Holly Bauman – The book fair went well. The library was able to receive $300 in new books and the cash profit was $2200 for the week. The One For Books baggies that were sent home raised a total of $658. Amy Kochendoerfer was able to pick out that amount in books from the book fair. Scholastic is also going to match that total and make a donation in the name of MRE. We are asking for that to be donated to the areas recently affected by the Tornado's down south.
- Founders Day – Shannon Wittenberg – March 28 at the High School Cafeteria, the cost if $15 per person and if interested please contact Thea Kirkwood to get tickets.
- Fun Run – Cathy Canning, Shawna Stevens, &
- March 15th – Half Day of School
- March 16th – No School
- March 28th – Founders Day
- April 2nd – Parental Paparazzi - Learn how to take incredible pictures of your superstars!
- April 27th – Fun Run
- Muffins with Mom – May 4th
IX. Comments, Concerns, Suggestions
Regina Whalen came in gave a presentation for ‘BSP Cares.’ She explained the process she and Mrs. Driehorst are taking to try and save one of the liaisons officer’s jobs. Questions about this program can be sent to ADriehorst@gmail.com or ReginaWhalen@aol.com.
IX. Conclusion of Meeting
VIP parking pass – Mark Koeninger
Drawing – Sandy Kraine
X. Adjourn Meeting – 8:07 pm
February 13, 2012
7:00 pm
I. Call Meeting to Order – 7:08 pm
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Inspirational Moment – Kelly Lietaert
IV. Introductions – 12 People in Attendance
V. Report of Officers
The next deadline for applications is March 12.
The PTA received a donation of $300 from BP Oil as part of their ‘Fabric of America Fund.’
A Nominating Committee has been formed by Mrs. Kirkwood and Amy Kochendoerfer to decide on some people to be nominated to help fill some officer seats on the PTA Board.
The students enjoyed an assembly where they were entertained by 7 dancers from Ghana.
VI. Reports of Committees
VIII. Accepting Nominations for Officers for Next Year
IX. Monthly Meeting Topic: Round Table – Question & Answer Session
Mrs. Kirkwood went over 3 questions and asked for everyone in attendance to think of answers for them and then they were discussed. The questions were:
A donation was given to MRE from the Fire Department. The student to get the most pledges for the Fun Run and a student picked from a drawing during Reading Month will receive a ride to school in a Fire Truck. The Fire Department is also giving a pizza party to the top pledge classroom.
XI. Conclusion of Meeting
7:00 pm
I. Call Meeting to Order – 7:08 pm
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Inspirational Moment – Kelly Lietaert
IV. Introductions – 12 People in Attendance
V. Report of Officers
- Secretary’s Report – Holly Bauman – approved as reported
- President’s Report – Shannon Wittenberg – Sandy Kraine reported for Shannon –
The next deadline for applications is March 12.
The PTA received a donation of $300 from BP Oil as part of their ‘Fabric of America Fund.’
A Nominating Committee has been formed by Mrs. Kirkwood and Amy Kochendoerfer to decide on some people to be nominated to help fill some officer seats on the PTA Board.
- Treasurer’s Report – Jennifer Kluczynski – approved as reported
- Principal’s Report – Thea Kirkwood – The 5th grade recognition will be chaired by Renee Way, Laura Long and Cynthia Lezon. It has been mentioned to have a pancake breakfast and cupcakes for the 5th graders this year.
The students enjoyed an assembly where they were entertained by 7 dancers from Ghana.
VI. Reports of Committees
- Membership & Sunny D Labels – Shawna Stevens
- Box Tops & Labels – Darlene Dotson – Deadline on March 1 – points are high and after deadline and list of points will be given to Mrs. Kirkwood and staff for the decisions to be made on what to get with the points.
- Principal Appreciation Week – Shawna Stevens – had 5 helpers for lunch each day and another to help make baskets for Mrs. Kirkwood to receive each day.
- Scrapbook Fundraiser – Shannon Wittenberg
- Book Fair – Sandy Kraine & Holly Bauman – Family Reading night on March 6
- Founders Day – Shannon Wittenberg
- February 20th – No School – Presidents Day
- March 6th – Family Reading Night
- March 10th – Scrapbooking Fundraiser
- March 15th – Half Day of School
- March 16th – No school
- March 28th – Founders Day
VIII. Accepting Nominations for Officers for Next Year
IX. Monthly Meeting Topic: Round Table – Question & Answer Session
Mrs. Kirkwood went over 3 questions and asked for everyone in attendance to think of answers for them and then they were discussed. The questions were:
- Something I like about MRE and / or the PTA
- Questions of Concerns and a possible solution for MRE and / or the PTA
- An Idea I have for MRE and / or the PTA
A donation was given to MRE from the Fire Department. The student to get the most pledges for the Fun Run and a student picked from a drawing during Reading Month will receive a ride to school in a Fire Truck. The Fire Department is also giving a pizza party to the top pledge classroom.
XI. Conclusion of Meeting
- VIP parking pass – Darlene Dotson
- Drawing – Shawna Stevens – GC for Red Robin
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January 9, 2012
7:00 pm
I.Call Meeting to Order – 7:01 pm
II.Pledge of Allegiance
III.Inspirational Moment – Kelly Lietaert
IV.Introductions – 18 people in attendance
V.Report of Officers
Secretary’s Report – Holly Bauman – Approved as submitted
President’s Report – Shannon Wittenberg – Sandy Kraine filled in for Shannon and went over the upcoming dates. Also expressed the need for a chair person for the Fun Run. Cathy Canning is going to help with this and there are many volunteers available.
Treasurer’s Report – Jennifer Kluczynski – Approved as submitted. It was mentioned that MRE just received a check for Box Tops for $1144.70 to be shown on the next budget.
Principal’s Report – Thea Kirkwood – Bedford is moving to all All Day Kindergarten next year and the district is looking for everyone to try and register before March 1. Talked about how the 5th graders left and arrived safely at Camp Michindoh.
VI.Reports of Committees
Sandy Kraine speaking on Kindergarten Initiative for 2011-2012 school year – The district is looking to get the registration for all day kindergarten done earlier this year. They are planning to have an incentive drawing with great prizes for those who register before March 1.
Membership & Sunny D Labels – Shawna Stevens – all teachers have joined. Books have been selected from the Sunny D Labels.
McDonald’s Nights – Amy K.
Box Tops & Labels – Darlene Dotson
Reflections – Diversity Is… - Mary Jane Pridgeon
Book Fair – Sandy Kraine & Holly Bauman – Book Fair total $6199.88 with a cash profit of 1309.50 and the library receiving $300 in books.
Bingo Night – Cindy Clark
VII.Upcoming Events
January 10th – McDonald’s Night 4-7pm
January 20th – Bingo Night
February 6-10th – Principal Appreciation Week
February 13th – Next PTA Mtg 7-8pm Topic: Roundtable Q & A: Have any questions you have been dying to ask? A dilemma that you need a solution for? Bring them to this meeting!
February 14th – McDonald’s Night 4-7pm
March 28th – Founders Day
Date Change Reminders:
Scrapbooking Fundraiser – March 10th (only one scheduled)
Muffins with Mom – May 4th
VIII.Monthly Meeting Topic: Super Couponing
IX.Comments, Concerns, Suggestions
IX.Conclusion of Meeting
VIP parking pass
Drawing – Lori Brown GC winner and Jen McCloud Book winner
X.Adjourn Meeting – 8:07 pm
7:00 pm
I.Call Meeting to Order – 7:01 pm
II.Pledge of Allegiance
III.Inspirational Moment – Kelly Lietaert
IV.Introductions – 18 people in attendance
V.Report of Officers
Secretary’s Report – Holly Bauman – Approved as submitted
President’s Report – Shannon Wittenberg – Sandy Kraine filled in for Shannon and went over the upcoming dates. Also expressed the need for a chair person for the Fun Run. Cathy Canning is going to help with this and there are many volunteers available.
Treasurer’s Report – Jennifer Kluczynski – Approved as submitted. It was mentioned that MRE just received a check for Box Tops for $1144.70 to be shown on the next budget.
Principal’s Report – Thea Kirkwood – Bedford is moving to all All Day Kindergarten next year and the district is looking for everyone to try and register before March 1. Talked about how the 5th graders left and arrived safely at Camp Michindoh.
VI.Reports of Committees
Sandy Kraine speaking on Kindergarten Initiative for 2011-2012 school year – The district is looking to get the registration for all day kindergarten done earlier this year. They are planning to have an incentive drawing with great prizes for those who register before March 1.
Membership & Sunny D Labels – Shawna Stevens – all teachers have joined. Books have been selected from the Sunny D Labels.
McDonald’s Nights – Amy K.
Box Tops & Labels – Darlene Dotson
Reflections – Diversity Is… - Mary Jane Pridgeon
Book Fair – Sandy Kraine & Holly Bauman – Book Fair total $6199.88 with a cash profit of 1309.50 and the library receiving $300 in books.
Bingo Night – Cindy Clark
VII.Upcoming Events
January 10th – McDonald’s Night 4-7pm
January 20th – Bingo Night
February 6-10th – Principal Appreciation Week
February 13th – Next PTA Mtg 7-8pm Topic: Roundtable Q & A: Have any questions you have been dying to ask? A dilemma that you need a solution for? Bring them to this meeting!
February 14th – McDonald’s Night 4-7pm
March 28th – Founders Day
Date Change Reminders:
Scrapbooking Fundraiser – March 10th (only one scheduled)
Muffins with Mom – May 4th
VIII.Monthly Meeting Topic: Super Couponing
IX.Comments, Concerns, Suggestions
IX.Conclusion of Meeting
VIP parking pass
Drawing – Lori Brown GC winner and Jen McCloud Book winner
X.Adjourn Meeting – 8:07 pm
November 14, 2011
_ 7:00 pm
Meeting Called to Order at 7:00 pm
Pledge of Allegiance
Introductions: 25 people present.
Inspiration Moment: Kelly Lietaert
Secretary’s Report: October minutes approved as submitted.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer’s Report approved as submitted.
Special Guest Presentations: MRE’s two Robotics teams, the Food Fighters and the Food Sanitation Kids presented their research prior to their competition next Saturday.
* Robotics Coach Needed for next school year: Sandy Kraine stated this was her last year coaching Robotics at MRE and is looking for a volunteer(s) to replace her. She would be willing to mentor her successor(s).
Meeting Topic: Super-Powered Snacks: Kelly Lietaert presented some information on junk food alternatives and included samples of Energy Bites, Pumpkin Muffins and Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Tortilla Chips. All were very yummy and recipes were included on her handouts.
Principal’s Report – Thea Kirkwood:
Free Homework Passes at Next Meeting – At January 9th meeting, all attendees will receive a homework pass for their child(ren).
Parent/Teacher Conferences – Going on now.
Parent Survey – Notes will be coming home soon about how to complete the survey online.
Veterans Day – awesome event! Over 50 veterans were honored and the monies for Pennies for Patriots is still being tallied.
November McDonald’s Night—Made $330 from sales and additional $30 in tips
(October raised $133 and September raised $120)
Committee Reports
Membership – 180 members, Just a few more staff to reach 100% staff participation
Sunny D – Collecting until Thanksgiving break. Received enough so far for almost 3 classroom sets of books.
McDonald’s Nights--Next month will see if Student Council would like to “staff.” Involves greeting customers, holding doors and selling cookies to customers. Looking for volunteers to fill one hour time slots for future dates. Contact Amy Kochendoerfer.
Box Tops & Labels--Darlene Dotson reported that the Oct. 31st submission was worth $1, 075. Still collecting those plus Campbells labels and Tyson labels.
Donuts with Dad--Another wonderful event by Pam Geiger. Lots more cars filling up the parking lots!
Reflections--Diversity Means is the theme. Deadline for entries is November 21st. Entry forms and entry guidelines are available online at: http://www.bedford.k12.mi.us/~mre/students.htm
Book Fair--December 5-9. Online ordering option will be available as well where books are shipped to school and may be picked up in the office for your convenience.
Facebook and MRE PTA Blog – Reminded everyone that we are on Facebook and the PTA blog is accessible from the school’s website or at http://mrepta.weebly.com.
Upcoming Events:
November 21—Reflections Deadline
December 5-9—Book Fair
December 13—McDonald’s Night, 4-7 pm
January 9—PTA Meeting on Super Couponing
January 10—McDonald’s Night, 4-7 pm
January 20—Bingo Night
Date Change Reminders:
5th Grade at Camp Michindoh—January 9-13
Scrapbooking—March 10
Mornings with Moms—May 4
Drawings: Shannon Wittenberg won a copy of Chick Moorman’s book, Parent Talk. Shawna Stevens won the VIPTA Parking Pass and Cheryl Serratos won the Prize Drawing.
Meeting Adjourned at 7: 50 pm.
Meeting Called to Order at 7:00 pm
Pledge of Allegiance
Introductions: 25 people present.
Inspiration Moment: Kelly Lietaert
Secretary’s Report: October minutes approved as submitted.
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer’s Report approved as submitted.
Special Guest Presentations: MRE’s two Robotics teams, the Food Fighters and the Food Sanitation Kids presented their research prior to their competition next Saturday.
* Robotics Coach Needed for next school year: Sandy Kraine stated this was her last year coaching Robotics at MRE and is looking for a volunteer(s) to replace her. She would be willing to mentor her successor(s).
Meeting Topic: Super-Powered Snacks: Kelly Lietaert presented some information on junk food alternatives and included samples of Energy Bites, Pumpkin Muffins and Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Tortilla Chips. All were very yummy and recipes were included on her handouts.
Principal’s Report – Thea Kirkwood:
Free Homework Passes at Next Meeting – At January 9th meeting, all attendees will receive a homework pass for their child(ren).
Parent/Teacher Conferences – Going on now.
Parent Survey – Notes will be coming home soon about how to complete the survey online.
Veterans Day – awesome event! Over 50 veterans were honored and the monies for Pennies for Patriots is still being tallied.
November McDonald’s Night—Made $330 from sales and additional $30 in tips
(October raised $133 and September raised $120)
Committee Reports
Membership – 180 members, Just a few more staff to reach 100% staff participation
Sunny D – Collecting until Thanksgiving break. Received enough so far for almost 3 classroom sets of books.
McDonald’s Nights--Next month will see if Student Council would like to “staff.” Involves greeting customers, holding doors and selling cookies to customers. Looking for volunteers to fill one hour time slots for future dates. Contact Amy Kochendoerfer.
Box Tops & Labels--Darlene Dotson reported that the Oct. 31st submission was worth $1, 075. Still collecting those plus Campbells labels and Tyson labels.
Donuts with Dad--Another wonderful event by Pam Geiger. Lots more cars filling up the parking lots!
Reflections--Diversity Means is the theme. Deadline for entries is November 21st. Entry forms and entry guidelines are available online at: http://www.bedford.k12.mi.us/~mre/students.htm
Book Fair--December 5-9. Online ordering option will be available as well where books are shipped to school and may be picked up in the office for your convenience.
Facebook and MRE PTA Blog – Reminded everyone that we are on Facebook and the PTA blog is accessible from the school’s website or at http://mrepta.weebly.com.
Upcoming Events:
November 21—Reflections Deadline
December 5-9—Book Fair
December 13—McDonald’s Night, 4-7 pm
January 9—PTA Meeting on Super Couponing
January 10—McDonald’s Night, 4-7 pm
January 20—Bingo Night
Date Change Reminders:
5th Grade at Camp Michindoh—January 9-13
Scrapbooking—March 10
Mornings with Moms—May 4
Drawings: Shannon Wittenberg won a copy of Chick Moorman’s book, Parent Talk. Shawna Stevens won the VIPTA Parking Pass and Cheryl Serratos won the Prize Drawing.
Meeting Adjourned at 7: 50 pm.
October 10, 2011
I. Call Meeting to Order – 7:00 pm
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Inspirational Moment – Kelly Lietaert
WORDS FROM A WISE WOMAN
The 92 year old, petite, well-poised and proud lady, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with her hair fashionably coifed and makeup perfectly applied, even though she is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready. As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on her window. "I love it," she stated with the enthusiasm of an 8 year old having just been presented with a new puppy. "Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen the room...just wait." "That doesn't have anything to do with it," she replied. "Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged, it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice: I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away...just for this time in my life. Old age is like a bank account - you withdraw from what you've put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories. Thank you for your part in filling my memory bank. I am still depositing." Remember the five simple rules to being happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.
IV. Introductions – 17 people in attendance
V. Report of Officers
It is Bus Driver Appreciation Week and Kelly L. has gifts for each of the MRE drivers, and Thea commented that it is also nice to just say thanks to the drivers as they pick up or drop off your children.
The MEAP testing has started and Thea commented on how all the teachers are helping the children prepare for this.
VI. Reports of Committees
VIII. Monthly Meeting Topic: MEAP & Curriculum Standards
Learn strategies to build confidence in our kids before a big test. Find out how to access curriculum information and about what our children are expected to learn.
Thea shared how the teachers have been working with and preparing the kids the MEAP test. Michigan has adopted a common core curriculum in Math and Language Arts. The National PTA has made ‘A Parents Guide to Student Success’ flyers for each grade level. It gives you information on the standards, how you can help your child, samples of what your child will see, and how you can help your child learn at home. These flyers can be obtained in the office and you can also schedule a meeting with Mrs. Kirkwood to go over all of this information and get any questions you may have, answered.
For more information, the full standards are available at www.corestandards.org.
It is important for the child to get plenty of rest, have a good breakfast and be to school on time during the MEAP testing. The teachers have been working hard to get the kids to feel prepared for the testing. They have worked on ‘Stamina in Reading.’ The kids are trying each day to achieve more.
IX. Comments, Concerns, Suggestions
X. Conclusion of Meeting
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Inspirational Moment – Kelly Lietaert
WORDS FROM A WISE WOMAN
The 92 year old, petite, well-poised and proud lady, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with her hair fashionably coifed and makeup perfectly applied, even though she is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready. As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on her window. "I love it," she stated with the enthusiasm of an 8 year old having just been presented with a new puppy. "Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen the room...just wait." "That doesn't have anything to do with it," she replied. "Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged, it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice: I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away...just for this time in my life. Old age is like a bank account - you withdraw from what you've put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories. Thank you for your part in filling my memory bank. I am still depositing." Remember the five simple rules to being happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.
IV. Introductions – 17 people in attendance
V. Report of Officers
- Secretary’s Report – Holly Bauman – approved as submitted
- President’s Report – Shannon Wittenberg Shannon reminded everyone that information can be found on Facebook and on the PTA blog. She also mentioned the Cyber Safety Presentation coming up on Nov 8 at the high school.
- Treasurer’s Report – Jennifer Kluczynski – The changes of adding $150 for Red Ribbon Week and $1000 for PTA Teacher Grant Program were voted on and approved.
- Principal’s Report – Thea Kirkwood
It is Bus Driver Appreciation Week and Kelly L. has gifts for each of the MRE drivers, and Thea commented that it is also nice to just say thanks to the drivers as they pick up or drop off your children.
The MEAP testing has started and Thea commented on how all the teachers are helping the children prepare for this.
VI. Reports of Committees
- Membership & Sunny D Labels – Shawna Stevens – 160 Members to date
- September’s McDonald’s Night – Amy K. – Due to a miscommunication, we did not receive any money for last months date. The Robotics team was going to be present at this month’s night and will pick up the check at the end. The night has to have people from MRE to open doors for the customers to be able to receive the 15% of the sales during the 4-7 pm time slot.
- Box Tops & Labels – Darlene Dotson – could use help with the cutting and sorting. She will be notified of some volunteers from Shannon off all the forms turned in.
- Bus Driver Appreciation – Kelly Lietaert – Has clipboards, pad of paper and pen to hand out to each of the MRE bus drives.
- Donuts with Dads – Pam Geiger
- Reflections – Diversity Is… - Mary Jane Pridgeon – She is chairing this for the whole district and could use some volunteers to help go over the item turned in. The rules are very strict and we try to find things that would disqualify an entry before it is sent off and can get fixed.
- October 11th – McDonald’s Night
- October 10th-15th – Bus Driver Appreciation Week
- October 21st – Donuts with Dad
- November 8th – McDonald’s Night
- November 8th – Internet Safety Presentation for Adults 7pm at BHS auditorium
- November 14th – Next PTA MTG 7-8pm – Super Powered Snacks
- Muffins with Mom – May 4th
- Scrapbooking Fundraiser – March 10th (only one scheduled)
- 5th Grade Camp at Michindoh – January 9th-13th
VIII. Monthly Meeting Topic: MEAP & Curriculum Standards
Learn strategies to build confidence in our kids before a big test. Find out how to access curriculum information and about what our children are expected to learn.
Thea shared how the teachers have been working with and preparing the kids the MEAP test. Michigan has adopted a common core curriculum in Math and Language Arts. The National PTA has made ‘A Parents Guide to Student Success’ flyers for each grade level. It gives you information on the standards, how you can help your child, samples of what your child will see, and how you can help your child learn at home. These flyers can be obtained in the office and you can also schedule a meeting with Mrs. Kirkwood to go over all of this information and get any questions you may have, answered.
For more information, the full standards are available at www.corestandards.org.
It is important for the child to get plenty of rest, have a good breakfast and be to school on time during the MEAP testing. The teachers have been working hard to get the kids to feel prepared for the testing. They have worked on ‘Stamina in Reading.’ The kids are trying each day to achieve more.
IX. Comments, Concerns, Suggestions
X. Conclusion of Meeting
- VIP parking pass – Leslie Verral
- Drawing – Julie Scout
September 12, 2011
I. Call Meeting to Order – 7:02 pm
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Inspirational Moment – Kelly Lietaert
IV. Introductions – 25 people in attendance Cindy Heller from food service was at the meeting and shared information about Mealtime Online and answered a few questions.
V. Report of Officers
Mention of the recent date changes and a new calendar will be going home with the kids to show these changes. The calendar was not put on the first day folders because of a delay in getting the district calendar finalized.
The Open House was drastic change for MRE. It was made into a simple evening to see classrooms and to learn your way around the school. It was a huge success in these changing times.
PTA has purchased and AED for MRE.
Magazine sale is starting and this is the main fundraiser for MRE. The 5th graders can earn money toward their camp dues.
The newsletter will now only be on the website. For someone who does not have access, a paper copy can be obtained from the office.
Please ‘like’ us in facebook and watch for announced to be there. We also have blog that is loaded with lots of information at www.mrepta.weebly.com.
Budget items – MRE fundraisers are the magazine sale which helps Mrs. Kirkwood purchase items for the school and helps the 5th graders get to camp. Also, the Entertainment Books are a fundraiser that helps the student council.
PTA fundraisers are the spring Fun Run, Kroger Card, a Scrapbooking Day in March.
VI. Reports of Committees
Congratulations to the students (and parents who drive them) for winning the Scholastic Books challenge from the Bedford Library. We had the most students visiting the library during the summer - over 500 visits! MRE will receive a $250.00 certificate to purchase Scholastic Books. Keep up the reading! Mrs. Kirkwood What the PTA does for the school is Beautification, Birthday Book, Boo Hoo Brunch, Donuts with Dad, Authors, 1st Day Folders, Supply Leadership Training, Bingo Night, Mornings with Mom, Reflections, Safety Day, Kindergarten T-shirts, Staff Appreciation, Principal Appreciation, and Telephone Directory.
The budget has some funds that are not allocated and some ideas to use this for were: paying for the 5th grade camp t-shirts, raise the teacher cash amount to $100, purchase AED (already done), pay for buses for 1 field trip per grade to name a few.
IX. Monthly Meeting Topic: Online Tools for Parents
Guest Speaker – Jennifer Earl, Director of Instructional Technology
Talked about the HAC system and the AR systems at the school. She gave a walk through demo on how to use each one. The thanks for these programs need to go to the technology millage.
IX. Conclusion of Meeting
I. Call Meeting to Order – 7:02 pm
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Inspirational Moment – Kelly Lietaert
IV. Introductions – 25 people in attendance Cindy Heller from food service was at the meeting and shared information about Mealtime Online and answered a few questions.
V. Report of Officers
- Secretary’s Report – Holly Bauman – May 2010 Minutes were approved as reported
- President’s Report – Shannon Wittenberg
Mention of the recent date changes and a new calendar will be going home with the kids to show these changes. The calendar was not put on the first day folders because of a delay in getting the district calendar finalized.
The Open House was drastic change for MRE. It was made into a simple evening to see classrooms and to learn your way around the school. It was a huge success in these changing times.
PTA has purchased and AED for MRE.
- Treasurer’s Report – Jennifer Kluczynski – absent – Report will be voted on next month.
- Principal’s Report – Thea Kirkwood
Magazine sale is starting and this is the main fundraiser for MRE. The 5th graders can earn money toward their camp dues.
The newsletter will now only be on the website. For someone who does not have access, a paper copy can be obtained from the office.
Please ‘like’ us in facebook and watch for announced to be there. We also have blog that is loaded with lots of information at www.mrepta.weebly.com.
Budget items – MRE fundraisers are the magazine sale which helps Mrs. Kirkwood purchase items for the school and helps the 5th graders get to camp. Also, the Entertainment Books are a fundraiser that helps the student council.
PTA fundraisers are the spring Fun Run, Kroger Card, a Scrapbooking Day in March.
VI. Reports of Committees
- Membership – Shawna Stevens – 120 members - $5 individual membership fee
- Boo Hoo Brunch – Sandy Kraine – 20 parents & 9 younger siblings in the morning and 12 parents at the afternoon brunch.
- Welcome Back Event – Shannon Wittenberg & Sandy Kraine – Great feedback and many thanks to Sandy Kraine for all the work she put into the event. There has a lot of positive feedback about the change to the Open House vs. the Welcome Back Event. The purchase of the AED was then icing on the cake.
- Box Tops & Labels – Darlene Dotson – Box Tops and Campbell’s labels can be turned in at anytime to the office.
- Bus Driver Appreciation – Kelly Lietaert – 12 drivers with a raised budget of $5 each. Making clipboards for each driver and in need of a volunteer to help make posters to hang at the bus garage.
- Donuts with Dads – Pam Geiger – absent – volunteers will be called to help at this event.
- September 13th – McDonald’s Night (15% of your purchase goes to MRE!) No Flyers Needed!!
- September 20th – Picture Day
- October 10th – PTA Mtg 7pm in Media Center – Topic: MEAP & Curriculum Standards
- October 11th – McDonald’s Night
- October 10th-15th – Bus Driver Appreciation Week
- October 21st – Donuts with Dad
- Muffins with Mom – May 4th
- Scrapbooking Fundraiser – March 10th (only one scheduled)
- 5th Grade Camp at Michindoh – January 9th-13th
Congratulations to the students (and parents who drive them) for winning the Scholastic Books challenge from the Bedford Library. We had the most students visiting the library during the summer - over 500 visits! MRE will receive a $250.00 certificate to purchase Scholastic Books. Keep up the reading! Mrs. Kirkwood What the PTA does for the school is Beautification, Birthday Book, Boo Hoo Brunch, Donuts with Dad, Authors, 1st Day Folders, Supply Leadership Training, Bingo Night, Mornings with Mom, Reflections, Safety Day, Kindergarten T-shirts, Staff Appreciation, Principal Appreciation, and Telephone Directory.
The budget has some funds that are not allocated and some ideas to use this for were: paying for the 5th grade camp t-shirts, raise the teacher cash amount to $100, purchase AED (already done), pay for buses for 1 field trip per grade to name a few.
IX. Monthly Meeting Topic: Online Tools for Parents
Guest Speaker – Jennifer Earl, Director of Instructional Technology
Talked about the HAC system and the AR systems at the school. She gave a walk through demo on how to use each one. The thanks for these programs need to go to the technology millage.
IX. Conclusion of Meeting
- VIP parking pass – Holly Bauman winner
- Drawing – Catherine Stykemaine winner
