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ELLIS PTA GENERAL MEETING
October 12, 2006

The October 12, 2006 PTA meeting was held in the Ellis Cafeteria, and opened at approximately 6:15 p.m., by new President, Londa Coddington. Jill Serratos and Josh Walker have been assigned by the Ellis Principal to be Faculty Representatives on the PTA. We welcome this association, as well as their invaluable contribution as translators at our meetings.

Londa Coddington:
There has been a change of officers, as former President, Ralph Cumberland, is possibly taking a job offer in Washington. Londa is now the new President.

Speaker – Yamile Reina (Ellis Math Facilitator):
Brief overview of everyday math. It was designed by teachers and researchers in Chicago, on algorithms, money, telling time, etc. Parents can read the family letter sent home regarding math. Parents should talk to their child about real-life situations. Shopping, cooking, and counting all involve math. Ask your child to show you and teach you what they’re learning. Children are shown that there is more than one way to solve math problems. In the near future, Ellis will be having a family math night. Ms. Reina explained different types of algorithms. She had the parents at the meeting practice some of the algorithms.

Beth Cumberland suggested that if new math changes come up, to advise parents so that it’s easier for us to help our kids. Have teachers copy pertinent pages out of student handbook to send home.

If you need assistance with the math homework, Ms. Reina’s number is 720-424-7756.

Connie Clifton (Administrative Assistant at Ellis):
She talked about the Safe Routes Program which Ellis hopes to implement by January 2007. The proposed solution of the Safe Routes Program is to teach kids how to get to and from school safely. There will be a bike rodeo for the 3rd-5th grades on October 23. ECE-2nd grades will have a walk safety program in January. There is a lot of concern about crossing the street safely. They plan on moving busses to the north end of the school on Iowa. The parking lot will be closed for one-half hour, from 2:45-3:15. Parents can park on Dahlia. The City will prepare signs that say “No Parking or Drop Off on This Side of Street”. Ellis will put up signs.

Parents expressed concerns about traffic congestion and making sure parents are advised of the changes ahead of time. Ellis is going to need parent volunteers to assist with dismissal of students. Ralph Cumberland requested more advance notice before these decisions are made.

A request was made that the Safe Routes Program be discussed again at next month’s meeting. Ellis is attempting to get more bike racks.

Announcements:
Pumpkin Carving Night is October 26. Catherine, Jay, and Karen have volunteered to help that night.

Londa talked about starting up Steering Committee meetings. These meetings are held in between the general meetings and meet once a week to go over issues. Anybody can attend. It was decided that Fridays at 6:00 p.m. would work to have the meetings. Connie will check if the meetings can be held in the cafeteria.

Helen Leaver talked about E-book sales. Sales are not going great. Hope to use funds from the sale of E-books to support RIF.

Kayti Pohlman is looking for more volunteers to help with RIF.

The September meeting minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report:
PTA has committed $900 for RIF. E-book sales need to be done by November 3. Budget has to be accepted by the membership. The budget discussion will be tabled for the November meeting. Need feedback on budget. Please review Treasurer’s Report that was handed out. We need to decide what to do with fundraising money. Diane Major hopes that fundraising money can go to transportation for field trips.

Connie Clifton talked about the School Partners Program. Ellis is a part of this program. The law firm of Holland & Hart is our partner. The school has requested $15,000 for transportation for field trips, etc. Holland & Hart will be considering this. Ellis also submitted a $100,000 proposal to the J&M Foundation for more staff, etc.

Reflections Program:
Molly Kirschling, Ellis Kindergarten teacher on leave, will be chairperson for this. This is a PTA-sponsored art program, run by the Ellis art teacher, Martha Grano. Molly will get more information.

Snack Sales:
Discussion will be tabled until November meeting.

Staff Appreciation:
Mr. Nguyen will do staff appreciation in May. PTA would also like to do staff appreciation during parent-teacher conferences on February 20. Sarah Cutler suggested that parents could bring food to honor the teachers. She also suggested that parents who want to do so, can sit down with the teachers to share the lunch time.

Miscellaneous:
Jay Leaver has graciously accepted the position as Vice President, pro tem, while PTA is in the process of electing another vice president. A volunteer for PTA vice president is needed.

PTA has been awarded the use of a storage room and our supplies will soon be taken out of storage and installed there.

Next PTA meeting will be on November 9 at 6:00 p.m., in the Ellis Cafeteria.

Respectfully submitted by Karen Kah, Secretary.

 This page was last updated: Saturday, October 28, 2006 at 1:12:56 PM

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