MMSA Meeting Minutes
Called to Order:
President Mary Sikand welcomed members to the meeting. All those present introduced themselves to the group.
The minutes of the
Old Business:
Sondra Boyer summarized the low participation rate of students in the school banking program in recent years. During the last school year an average of 5 students participated in the program each week and because Liberty Bank, the provider, no longer ties their interest rates to Treasury bill rates, the rates are set at the bank’s discretion and the bank no longer promotes the school banking program as a community service, thus providing little incentive for students to save. Following discussion, and upon motion duly made and seconded, it was
Voted: to discontinue the Liberty Bank school
banking program at MMS.
A letter will be sent home to the parents of current MMS participants in the program, advising of the termination of the program. Wayne Trembly commended and thanked Sondra Boyer for her many years of coordinating the school banking program.
Mary Sikand shared information concerning the upcoming presentation by Tony Wolf sponsored by the MMSA on October 11, 2006. Mr. Wolf has written books related to communication between middle school students and their parents and provides thoughtful advice in an entertaining way. The MMSA will provide pre-purchased signed Tony Wolf books for sale at the event, before and after the presentation. The event will be discussed further at the October MMSA meeting.
Mary Sikand referred to the list of MMSA committees distributed in the meeting packet noting that a number of committee vacancies still exist. She encouraged members to review the list and advised that there will be an opportunity to sign-up to join the committees as member or chair at the upcoming school Open House. She noted that Lisa Drzewiecki has agreed to serve as Treasurer and will provide at Treasurer’s report at the October meeting. A proposed budget for 2006-07 was included in the meeting packet for member review.
New Business:
The school Open House has been rescheduled from September 21 to
Voted: to increase the MMSA suggested membership
contribution to $10.00.
With respect to annual fund-raising activities, it was suggested that the MMSA revise its membership form to include opportunities for additional donations, in lieu of the planned fundraisers for the upcoming year. A listing of the proposed fund raisers would be included and the form could provide a check off for contributions of: $10 ___$25 ___ or other $___.
President Sikand advised that the school is planning an Internet Safety Program for parents to be presented in collaboration with Resident State Trooper, Sergeant Sean Cox. More details will be forthcoming at the MMSA October meeting. The school staff will coordinate publicity for the event.
Pam Cheney described the sale of gift-wrap as one of the traditional MMSA fall fundraisers. 40% of the profit from the sales and the program serves as a teaching tool for some of Karen Burnham’s special education students. Order forms and solicitation materials are sent out in mid-October for a 2-week period, wrap is delivered at the end of November/early December. Other fundraising opportunities were discussed. Fund-raising will be re-visited at the October meeting.
Principal Jeff Cryan introduced the Administrative Report advising that the scheduling of the E.O. Smith Open House on September 21st prompted the MMS Open House date change to September 12. He distributed a report of the school’s Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) results noting that MMS satisfied the “adequate yearly progress” standard, highlighting student progress from grade to grade. He advised that while school results were positive, an on-going challenge for all schools is the achievement of individual proficiency goals for students enrolled in Special Education programs. Individual student reports will be forwarded to parents once they are received at the school.
Mr. Cryan reported that the school year has started smoothly, noting the intentionally extended schedules of buses and lunch periods during the first week of school. He commended the school custodians for their preparations and advised that 10 “smart boards” had been installed to facilitate the use of PowerPoint and the Internet in school instruction. The school is in the process of installing a 20foot climbing wall in the gymnasium to incorporate climbing into the curriculum, x-block, and after-school activities. Additional staff added this year include: Tom Remeaka, Laura Toffenetti, Karen Despres and Aaron Murray. Mr. Cryan concluded his report noting that the school is working to comply with the new State Law to promote healthy food choices in schools. Discussion concerning school nutritional programs followed.
Other Business:
President Sikand presented a flyer for the upcoming
Wayne Trembly advised that tryouts for the school play the
“Wizard of Oz” will be soon be underway.
The play is double-casted and performances are
scheduled for November 16, 17, 18 at
Laura Scruggs reminded members that the 6th grade
pot-luck will start at
President Sikand thanked members for their attendance. The meeting was adjourned at