FRIENDS OF WINTHROP
June Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, June 11, 2009: Winthrop School
Attendance: 11
Call Meeting to Order
• Esther Vanier called the meeting to order
• Motion: Voted and Approved minutes from May , 2009
Principal’s Report (Carrie Vaich)
• The last day of school is Thursday June 18th. Students will be dismissed at 11:30. There is no lunch that day. Report cards go home on that day.
• School/Staff Update – The school district is waiting to make final announcements and decisions regarding the status for 09/10. All public school sin Massachusetts and many other states are in the same situation of waiting on financial support numbers from the state. The district will be making phone calls on Friday 6/12 to notify families of redistricting students. Students who are moving to another school will be visiting that school on 6/17 while school is in session so they can get a sense of what it will be like. Currently plans are in place to redistrict 13 students currently in grade 2 going into 3rd from Winthrop to Buker and Cutler, and 13 students currently in grade 4 going into grade 5 from Winthrop to Buker and Cutler.
• Carrie announced that the Playground improvement plans are underway and should be in action this August and completed for the start up of school. There will be modifications and adjustments to meet safety standards for the existing equipment and grounds, in addition to the new pieces of equipment coming to be installed. There will be a seesaw added to the kindergarten area, new climbing equipment to help children improve balance and strength, and some funnel ball stands. The Friends of Winthrop and Carrie are excited and looking forward to the changes in the outdoor experience for all of our students.
Treasurer’s Report (Stacey Verge)
• Stacey presented the Treasurer’s Report dated through June 11, 2009.
• Hot Dogs to Go raised $147. There was some discussion regarding the lower numbers from Hot Dogs to Go fundraisers this year. A parent questioned whether it was worth repeating. Another commented that it wasn’t run at an ideal time, and perhaps the prices weren’t set top lure numbers. Another parent had suggested branching out and providing snacks during town sports games. Getting schedules and providing a wagon with pizza, drinks, and snacks for parents and fans watching the games at Patton Park, Pingree Park and other town sports fields. This idea sparked interest from the group and will be further explored as an option for 09/10 fundraising.
• Roller Skating party raised $332
• Esther Vanier explained that she will be sending out a detailed review of Friends of Winthrop funds raised and programs provided during the 2008/2009 school year.
Votes (Stacey Verge)
• Motion to approve traditional back to school teacher classroom gifts totaling$1,100. Voted and unanimously approved.
• Motion to approve $6,000 for cultural enrichment programs for 2009/2010. Voted and unanimously approved.
• Motion to approve $600 to purchase student planners for grades 4 and 5. Voted and unanimously approved.
• Motion to approve $446 from Cultural Enrichment to available funds. Voted and unanimously approved.
• Motion to approve $39 from school beautification back to available funds. Voted and unanimously approved.
Business News & Updates
• New FOW Teacher Liaison Position – Esther and Amy announced FOW is excited to have Christine Cutter take on this new role of bringing FOW and the teachers and staff of Winthrop together. Thank you Christine.
• Esther Vanier discussed that the FOW board decided to take the Walkathon of the schedule this year due to the current economy and the number of activities and fundraisers already completed. In the past the walk-a-thon has funded specific projects and this year our needs were met through other ventures. We hope to reinstate the walk-a-thon next year with the proceeds dedicated to the teacher’s wish lists.
• 5th Grade Activities are starting up and the weather is not cooperating. The boat trip is today and no doubt it is wet. The schedule is subject to change with weather conditions so be sure to stay tuned to your emails and voice messages for specifics on 5th grade activities, such as picnic and field day. Project Adventure is on for Monday.
• Fall Social October 23, 2009 – join the committee! Stacey Verge and Esther Vanier enthusiastically announced that they are co-chairing this fun filled event for the fall of 2009. In response to parent feedback, the social will be in the fall to encourage parents to get to know one another at the beginning of the school year when student friendships are being made and rekindled. This is a great event to help out with as it is fun and social and you’re sure to create lasting memories of the process.
• Help Wanted: Amy Katz talked about FOW is looking for a commitment from a parent to be the Treasurer for 09/10 & 10/11. Stacey will happily guide a new treasurer through the process and help out when needed, but it is time for a change in office. A few parents expressed some interest in the position and asked some questions regarding the time commitment and the details. Stacey agreed to discuss more details following the meeting.
• Hamilton-Wenham Library will be offering many exciting adventures this summer. Esther spoke on behalf of Lorraine Derr, the children’s librarian at the H/W library and gave a brief synopsis of the summer 2009 children’s library program, entitled Starship Adventure. She offered handouts with details of the many programs and information and noted that these were available at the H/W library and information could be found at www.hwlibrary.org or 978-468-5577.
The Friends of Winthrop thanks you for your volunteering and support. We look forward to seeing all of you again next year and wish you a happy and healthy summer!
Next Friends of Winthrop Meeting:
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Please submit agenda items for the next meeting to:
Amy Katz amybkatz@verizon.net or Jill Evers jillevers@msn.com
FOW Agendas and Minutes are printed in the parent bulletin at www.hwschools.net/winthrop
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