Mitchell Elementary PTA General Meeting
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Call to Order:
The General Meeting of the Mitchell PTA was held in the cafeteria on October 28, 2014. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by President Shannon Gittleman, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Macy Hart, a Mitchell first grader.
Attendance:
See attached sign-in sheet. A quorum was established.
Reading and Approval of the Minutes:
A motion was made to approve the minutes of the August 27, 2014 General Board meeting as distributed. The motion was seconded and passed.
Officer Reports:
President’s Report (Ms. Gittleman):
Ms. Gittleman reviewed the events so far this school year in which the PTA has been involved, including RIF, Walk to School Day, the Fun Run, the Golf Tournament, Fun Cards, school directories which are coming out soon, the sale of Tervis Tumblers, door signs and Spirit shirts, and spoke briefly about this year’s introduction of Spirit Sticks and the enthusiasm that they have generated from our students.
Treasurer’s Report (Ms. Russell):
Ms. Russell began by saying that the financial records of the Mitchell Elementary PTA are completely open to review by any member, and she encouraged all members to ask any questions they have.
Ms. Russell reviewed the Budget-to-Actual Report as well as a handout she had prepared detailing several proposed changes to the 2014 – 2015 budget (copies attached), and explained that the proposed changes needed to be voted on by the membership. While for the most part we are on target with our budget for the year, some expenses have arisen which are outside of the budget, and therefore require the membership’s approval. Ms. Russell discussed and explained each proposed change in detail.
The motion by Andy Diamond to approve the proposed changes to the 2014-2015 budget as presented was seconded and passed.
Ms. Russell then also discussed the report she had provided regarding how the PTA spends the money that they raise (copy attached).
Standing Committees:
Fun Run (Ms. Woodward):
Ms. Woodward reported that the Fun Run, which is the PTA’s biggest fundraiser for the year, was a huge success. This was the first time that it had been completely run in-house. She also talked about the new Spirit Sticks, which were introduced for Fun Run this year and have been a huge hit. We met our goal of $37,000 raised, but we also had a “super goal” of $40,000, and thanks to a generous donation from the Gobioff Family Foundation, we raised $40,000. This means that, as promised, Mr. Moon will dress up as Super Moon for a full day sometime before Thanksgiving break, and everyone is very excited about this. A Mitchell family has donated a Super Moon costume. Also, the class in each grade that raised the most money will be given a party in December.
Golf Tournament (Ms. Tilman):
Ms. Tilman thanked everyone who participated in the golf tournament, which was held on Friday October 24th at Macdill Air Force Base. It was a beautiful day, and the participants enjoyed pasta that was provided by Bavarro’s. Cigar City was the brewing sponsor. She also extended a warm thank you to the Gold and Silver Sponsors and to the printing sponsor. The event was a great success.
Centennial (Ms. McClarin):
Ms. McClarin is the Co-Chair for the Centennial Celebration. She reported that all Tervis Tumblers which have been purchased have been distributed, as well as all but ten of the 100 year door hangers that were ordered. The remaining ten will be distributed in the near future. Palma Ceia Living magazine recently has printed a two page spread about Mitchell’s history and our Centennial Celebration. Monday November 10th will be our first ever Movie Night, and the movie shown will be Parent Trap 2, which was filmed at Mitchell. She encouraged everyone to RSVP, as we are expecting a big turnout. The Committee is also working on a display for the Tampa Bay History Museum about Mitchell’s 100 year history. Then, on Sunday, February 22, there will be an ice cream social from 1 – 4 p.m., which will be a community-wide event. That day has been declared Mitchell Elementary Day by the City of Tampa.
Fall Festival (Ms. Bell):
Ms. Bell reported that the Fall Festival is quickly approaching. A lot of volunteers will be needed, and tickets are being presold. A link will be going out this week to sign up via volunteer spot. Two hundred volunteers will be needed, and this year volunteers will receive free admission. There is also still a need for baked goods if anyone can donate those.
Teacher Appreciation (Ms. Gilbert):
Ms. Gilbert reported that every month there will be a teacher appreciation event. This month the teachers will be presented with spooky treats. The culmination will be during the week of April 27 – May 1, Teacher Appreciation Week.
Bobcat Buddies (Mr. Bland):
Mr. Bland explained the purpose of the Bobcat Buddies program and said that he is still looking for more volunteers. The program currently serves over 100 children; therefore, 1 out of 6 kids at Mitchell is getting one on one attention through the program. He thanked the Buddies who are volunteering for their generous commitment of time, and said that more than half of the Buddies who participate have come through PTA referrals. So keep them coming.
Guest Speakers:
School Improvement Plan (Kathy Hill):
Ms. Hill is the Chair of the SAC Committee. She described the function of SAC, whose main job is student achievement. The SAC works to create the School Improvement Plan and implement it. They normally meet the first Thursday of each month. The meetings are open to all.
Principal’s Report (Ms. Anderson):
Ms. Anderson reported that this year Mitchell has 641 students enrolled, and one new teacher, Kathleen Thaxton, who is co-teaching in first grade. Everything is going extremely well so far this year.
In third, fourth and fifth grade, new academic clubs will begin next week, and we are very excited about that.
The Great American Teach-In is coming up, and will be the same day as the Men’s Bobcat Breakfast.
And since November is Thanksgiving month, Ms. Anderson wanted to take the opportunity to say that she is very thankful for everything that all PTA members and Mitchell parents do for their kids every day.
Announcements:
See Agenda for important dates and annoucements (attached).
Ms. Gittleman announced that the first 300 students to bring in a gallon Ziploc bag filled with candy the Monday after Halloween for Treats for Troops will receive a Spirit Stick.
No further business. The formal meeting was adjourned at 7:07 p.m., followed by a performance by the Bobcat Chorus and the Strings, which ended at 7:30 p.m.
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Becky Ferrell-Anton, Recording Secretary
Approved As:
Date: ___________________ Read: _________
Corrected: ________________
