Jonathan M. Daniels School Association
Meeting Minutes for September 10, 2007
Present: Shawn Skahan, Kristin Skahan, Allyson Robinson, Judy Hoffman, Tammi Squires, Lisa Blanchette,
Lisa Abohatab, Amy LaPierre, Janice Ramirez, Sherri Paltrineri, Jen Drake-Deese, Juanita Harper,
Kristen King, Carrie Stewart, Rebecca Russell, Del Marshall, Patty Yoerger, Jodie Theriault,
Elizabeth Huegel, Juli Drouin, Tracy Summers, Kathy Lehrman, Dave Perley, Kathy Huston
Secretary's Report: Minutes from the June 11, 2007 meeting were reviewed and accepted.
Treasurer's Report: Treasurer's Report was reviewed and accepted.
Principal's Report:
The insurance audit from last year's playground inspection revealed several hazardous pieces of equipment.
The metal slide has been removed and the JDA Executive Committee will continue to address other areas of
concern. The JDA is financially responsible for purchasing playground equipment.
Sand to be spread on the playgrounds to provide additional cushioning.
Fence installation has been completed.
Units are in the process of revising playground rules, which will be sent home when completed.
Juli Drouin volunteered to act as school volunteer coordinator.
A CPR and First Aid trained individual must be present on all school field trips. A certification class
for teachers and staff has been scheduled for this fall. Parents who hold current certifications and who
are interested in chaperoning field trips are encouraged to contact the office.
Grades 2-5 will be attending a concert at the Colonial Theater featuring the African Children's Choir.
Volunteers are needed to transport pumpkins to JD for pumpkin carving. Shawn Skahan, Kathy Lehrman,
Kristen King, Becky Russell and Del Marshall offered their assistance. Anyone interested in helping
should contact Juli Drouin.
Guest Speaker: Lisa Abohatab, JD Reading Specialist
Lisa presented an idea of a Pop Culture Workshop to facilitate communication between families, students
and teachers regarding today's culture. A committee was formed to further discuss the topic. More
information to follow.
JD Literacy Program: Lisa invited anyone interested in receiving information about this program to contact
her or Patty Yoerger. Also, if anyone has any ideas as to how this information could be disseminated,
please let her know.
Review First Week of School Events
Clean Up Day: The Garden Club will develop a school grounds maintenance plan. Amy LaPierre and Kathy
Huston to coordinate spring bulb planting this fall. Grade 2 may sell plants at Circesta from their plant
unit. Amy LaPierre suggested that a tree be planted in memory of Carlene Menard, a long time JD teacher
who recently passed away. More information to come.
Orientation: 4th and 5th Graders gave school tours to new students. Parent-Teacher Conferences scheduled
for November 6th. Parents are welcome to meet with teachers/staff whenever necessary and can contact them
via email or phone.
Back To School BBQ: Approximately 200 in attendance. Thank you to Sherri Paltrineri, John Stewart, Raul
Ramirez and Jen and Kent Drake-Deese for all their help.
Coffee and Comfort: Thank you to Judy Hoffman for coordinating this activity.
Welcome Teachers: Greatly appreciated by teachers and staff. Thank you to Janice Ramirez for planning
this event.
Fundraising:
Jen Drake-Deese and Lisa Blanchette volunteered to take over fundraising efforts for the remainder of
Kelly Frye's two-year term.
Craft Fair: Scheduled for Dec. 1st. The JDA voted to increase the table fee to $50 for new vendors and
$45 for returning vendors, which will increase to $50 next year. Letter of commitment deadline for
vendors is the end of September. Grade 5 to run concession to earn money towards Ecology Camp.
Reader's Digest: Fall fundraiser. Flyers to go home Friday.
Other: Flyers to go home regarding Box Tops, Campbell Soup labels and Hannafords Helps. Tracy Summers
volunteered to send in Box Tops. Kristin Skahan volunteered to send in Campbell Soup labels.
School Vending Machine: To be discussed at a later date.
Fitness Fundraiser: Information sheet distributed by Carrie Stewart. Anyone interested in serving on this
committee should sign up with Carrie.
Open Meeting:
Teachers' Gifts: $50 to be given to teachers and contracted staff by the JDA to purchase necessary supplies.
Letters to go home this week seeking volunteers for room parents and helpers. Head room parents should contact
teachers regarding expectations.
Heritage Spirit Wear: Janice Ramirez discussed creating a JD mascot and offering clothing to the school
community. A contest may take place for determining the mascot. Committee to be formed. More information to
follow.
Dave Perley is revising the school directory. Permission letters have been sent home. Directory should be
completed October 1st.
Movie Night: Scheduled for September 21st and featuring G-rated "Everyone's Hero". Hot dogs served at 6:00,
movie and bake sale starting at 6:30. Teachers and staff to rotate bake sale donations. Families are encouraged
to bring blankets and chairs. This is a family activity and guardians should remain with children. Movie flyer
to include a statement regarding respectful behavior. Teachers will address this issue during Friday morning
meeting.
With nothing further, this meeting was adjourned. Next meeting is scheduled for October 15, 2007 at 6:15pm.
Minutes submitted by Kathy Huston, JDA Secretary