Jonathan M. Daniels School Association
Meeting Minutes for October 8, 2007
Present: Juli Drouin, Charles Stroble, Pat Stroble, Shea Hopkins, Becky Russell, Allyson Robinson, Janice Ramirez,
Tracy Summers, Sherrie Paltrineri, Lisa Blanchette, Carrie Stewart, Patty Yoerger, Selena Katz, Juanita Harper
Secretary's Report: Minutes from the September 10, 2007 meeting were reviewed and accepted.
Treasurer's Report: Treasurer's report was reviewed and accepted.
Principal's Report:
Grades 3-5 will be participating in State testing through next week.
8 staff members have been certified in First Aid and CPR.
The Safety Committee is working on an informational brochure to be sent home. It will contain information about
safety drills that will be practiced in school. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about what to expect.
They are hoping to have the brochure done by the end of December.
Patty Yoerger is checking on adjusting the height of the monkey bars on the yellow unit playground. She is also
looking into replacing the vandalized plastic bubble on the big toy.
Review Events and Projects:
Kudos to Dave Perley for compiling the Student Directory this year. Besides a couple of minor complaints, it has been
well received by parents. We will try to get the form out with the other paperwork on the first day of school next
year.
Movie Night went well. We sold hotdogs, drinks and baked goods. Some of the profit went toward buying extra snacks for
the classrooms. The Blue Unit staff has volunteered to make snacks for the October Movie Night bake sale, which will
be Friday, October 26th. Hot dogs and rolls will both be donated for future movie nights. We will be showing Surf's
Up (rated PG) for the October movie.
The craft fair letters have all been mailed to the vendors. Janice Ramirez and Kathy Lehrman will be meeting on
October 18th to discuss details. Kathy will check the volunteer sign up sheet for people who would like to help out
with the craft fair.
Tracy Summers and Sherrie Paltrineri have assigned room parents and helpers for each class, except 2. Patty will help
them find someone for those classes. Packets will be going home this week.
Fundraising:
The fall fundraiser earned a total of $6981.00. The JDA receives 50% of that figure. Lisa Blanchette will tally the
5th graders' portion and document it. The order should be arriving in a couple of weeks, but no firm date has been set.
A vote was in favor of selling spirit wear this year. The JDA will spend approximately $150 for 10 sample items.
Janice Ramirez will organize a mascot contest. We are hoping to have items available in time for the holidays. We
will be selling items for $2.00 above cost.
Open Meeting:
More information to come about a Pop Culture workshop. Janice Ramirez will speak to Lisa Abohatab about a possible
date for the event.
Carrie Stewart is organizing a fitness challenge to take place in November. The "Turkey Trot" will encourage kids to
stay active by logging their physical activity on a daily basis. ? hour of activity will equal 1 mile, as they plot
their progress from Keene to Plymouth, MA on the map. Volunteers will be needed to help tally miles. A vote was taken
and in favor of spending $50-$60 on charms for the children who participate. They will be awarded at the Thanksgiving
Feast. This will start on November 1st and end on the 14th. This is considered a small challenge to gauge the
enthusiasm for a larger challenge later in the year. The Wellness Committee is discussing a possible kick off date,
which may include a pep rally. We will discuss it again after the November challenge is complete.
Pumpkin carving night is scheduled for Wednesday, October 17th from 6:00-7:30 pm. The 4th grade classes will be
carving their pumpkins during the school day. Volunteers with trucks are needed to pick up the pumpkins from Center
Stage and bring them to the school.
Family members have expressed concern over the sand on the playground. Patty will check into the actual size of the
playground area to help determine the cost of replacement material. There are a few options we can look into.
Parents also expressed concern over playground behavior after school. The expectations are the same after school as
they are during the school hours. Parents are encouraged to appropriately address other parents with any issues they
have with behavior problems after school. If needed, you may also ask Patty to intervene.
A vote was taken and found in favor of allotting $150 to purchase a new microwave for the staff lounge. Tracy Summers
will purchase a new microwave this weekend. It will be greatly appreciated!
A last note from Patty regarding the budget negotiations for next year: It is possible that parents will be asked to
donate small items to the classroom next year, such as pencils, crayons, tissues, etc. This is one way to "free up"
some money for other necessities. Again, this is only a possibility.
With nothing further, this meeting was adjourned. Next meeting is scheduled for November 5, 2007 at 6:15pm.
Minutes submitted by Juanita Harper