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Ellis Elementary

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ELLIS  PTA GENERAL MEETING
September 14, 2006

The meeting was opened by President Ralph Cumberland at 6:15 p.m.

Ralph Cumberland:
He noted that during the PTA meetings, from 6:00 to 6:15 p.m., would be social time to meet people, have refreshments, etc.  The meetings will have a timed agenda.  Looking into possible room change for next meeting.

Speakers – Theresa Becker and Michelle Saab (DPS Parent Liaison Program):
Parent Liaison Program was started after 2-year grant from City and County of Denver, which funded social workers to help DPS families.  Theresa and Michelle (who was unable to attend) are assigned to the southeast area schools; their office is at Merrill Middle School.  The program supports parents so they can help their children.  There is also a Parent Empowerment Council, which are parent support groups.  She will advise later when the next meeting is.  The parents meet and discuss concerns and needs.  Theresa showed a short video about the program.

Connie Clifton (Administrative Assistant at Ellis):
Welcome to the new school year and thanks for a great start.  Back to School Night had a great turnout.  Krisana Park House Tour raised $10,000 for Ellis.  Would like us all to keep momentum going and keep working together.

Ralph Cumberland:
In the future, would like to have a Spanish-speaking meeting, with English translators; as well as a Russian-speaking meeting, with English translators.  Looking into translator devices.  He is requesting Spanish speakers for meeting.  Requests that families fill out parent surveys.  He introduced the new PTA officers, Londa Coddington (Vice President), Helen Leaver (Treasurer), and Karen Kah (Secretary).  Would like ideas for speakers at meetings.

Introductions were made by new people to the meeting.

Kayti Pohlman (RIF):
Kayti is volunteering to get the RIF program started.  RIF provides free books for all students.  RIF needs suggestions for themes – put in PTA box by September 29.  RIF will take place on November 16 and 17.  She needs help creating flyers for volunteers.  Janeece Hoppe has volunteered to create flyers.  Catherine Vazquez will “shadow” Kayto on the RIF project.  Catherine’s mother, Mary Eddy, has had extensive RIF experience and will also help.

Helen Leaver:
On Ellis’ master calendar, remove the RIF event on October 23.

Janeece Hoppe:
Janeece is heading the Scholastic Book Fair to help the Ellis librarian.  It’s a week-long event – Monday through Friday, November 27 through December 1.  Money raised at the fair will be put into book dollars, books for library, and rewarding teachers who volunteer by giving them books for their classrooms.  Janeece handed out volunteer sign-up sheets.

Ralph Cumberland:
Parents can look at Ellis master calendar in the Ellis office.

Connie Clifton:
Provided updates for calendar.  Safe Routes for 3rd-5th grades is October 23 and 25; and November 6 and 7 for ECE-2nd grades.  Spring Fling is scheduled for April 26.  Staff appreciation is May 8.  Pumpkin Carving night is Oct. 26.

Denver PTA Training Class:
Ralph, Londa, and Helen took the Denver PTA training class last week.  All thought it was informative and helpful.

Helen Leaver:
Treasurer on Budget Report.  Assets are approximately $3,400, with sale of t-shirts, e-books, snacks, new memberships, and RIF commitment.  We need a budget accepted by members at the October 12 meeting.

Motion to buy an ad for the Ellis Eagle Eye Newspaper was seconded and approved.  Beth Cumberland explained that the newspaper is written by Ellis students.  Janeece volunteered to do ad for the paper.

Karen Kah:
Asked if the last PTA meeting minutes were approved by the people who got them.  They were approved.  Meeting minutes are sent to all PTA members either by e-mail or by U.S. mail.

Connie Clifton:
Connie presented a possible fundraising event, and kids would need to do the selling.  Attendees decided they didn’t want this.

Ralph Cumberland:
In the past, PTA has been successful in selling healthy snacks to kids after school to raise money.

Talked about the PTA Mission Statement.  We’re here for the kids, faster meetings, food, speakers, and learning opportunities.

Beth Cumberland:
Beth prepared parent and teacher surveys.  The Mission Statement was based on the survey results, so far.  Parents want educational materials, resource books, etc.

Ralph Cumberland:
Materials in Ellis’ PTA closet were moved over the summer while school was being painted.  Need help in returning materials back to the closet.

DPS provided a $10,000 grant for People Assistance Funds, which helps families with clothing, supplies, or other needs.  Go to social worker or school nurse for more information and assistance.

Open Forum:
New member, Catherine Vazquez, offered her husband’s assistance if Spanish speakers need help with homework as her husband speaks Spanish.  Catherine also expressed concern about cars speeding through the school zone and would like police here.

Connie Clifton requested input for safety issues.  Next Safe Routes meeting will be October 4 at 3:00 in Room 205.

Beth Cumberland encouraged parents to call local government representative (Denver City Councilman, Charlie Brown, 303-871-0601) and voice concern about safety.

Next PTA will be on Oct. 12 at 6:00 p.m.  Location of meeting to be announced.


Respectfully submitted by Karen Kah, Secretary.

 This page was last updated: Friday, October 6, 2006 at 10:06:27 AM

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