MAY MEETING MINUTES

Please see below for the meeting minutes from our May 13 Friends of Winthrop meeting.   Any questions, please contact Esther Vanier or Amy Katz.

FRIENDS OF WINTHROP
May Minutes , Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 9:00 a.m.
Friends of Winthrop is now ONLINE at www.hwfriendsofwinthrop.com.  Check us out!

Attendance: 17
Call Meeting to Order
•    Esther Vanier called the meeting to order and thanked everyone for attending.
•    Motion: to approve minutes from April 2009. Voted and unanimously approved.

Guest Speaker
•    Melissa Roy Hamilton – Wenham Recreation Department.  Melissa introduced herself and noted that she has been the director of the recreation department since March 2009.  She is new to the position and is welcoming feedback and suggestions from the community so that they can improve on the already successful program. She noted that there is an obvious gap in programs for toddlers and preschoolers, and is making it a goal to increase that area.  She also noted that historically it seems that the programs offered are heavily focused on sports and that she would like to also expand in other directions. She announced that she is welcoming any feedback good or bad. There was discussion about the Patton Park summer program regarding scheduling longer days, changing options for enrollment 2 week time frames v. whole summer. Melissa talked about her 3 year plan to revamp the Patton park program and that there will likely be a small cost increase and that the program will adhere to Massachusetts state regulations. There are new safety and health forms that need to be submitted with registrations for programs.   Parents provided great feedback regarding the new program and registration that went out to the community.  People were supportive of Melissa’s new role and expressed interest in supporting the community recreation programs.  Melissa gave out her business cards with contact information on them so that individuals could contact her with any questions, concerns or comments regarding the recreations programs in the Hamilton- Wenham community. Her number is 978-468-5590 or email mroy@hamiltonma.gov .

Principal’s Report (Carrie Vaich)
•    Carrie introduced Carol Bratt fourth grade teacher at Winthrop who was attending the FOW meeting.   Carol thanked the FOW for all that has been done over the years and wanted to show her support.
•    MCAS -Carrie reminded parents that students are currently in MCAS.  She thanked parents for getting students to school on time and prepared with good breakfasts and ready to test.
•    Carrie gave an update on Academic Choice, coming up on two Fridays, May 29th and June 5th.  There were many good choices this time around.  The introduction of a Lego class was successful resulting in large enrollment so the class split into 2 classes. The students and teachers are excited to get started. The Kindergarten Academic choice is successful this year as well with some great options and lots of fun.
•    Playground – Carrie announced that the FOW has agreed to support and fundraise for the improvement and upgrade of the Winthrop playground.  She is continuing the work with Winthrop parent John Vanderwilden to make choices for improving and updating the Winthrop playground. O’Brien and Sons Company out of Medfield, MA will be the company to install the new equipment and make improvements.  They meet the requirements for the State for safety and standards.
•    Courtyard- The courtyard improvement project has been completed.  Marcie Ricker followed through with her plan to remove the overgrown inkberry bushes and procured rhododendrons to take their place.  The overgrowth along the wall, and the weeds have been cleaned out and the area is bright and cheerful, and ready to be used and appreciated. Once again  Landcare Inc., offered their services to help pull bushes clean up and mulch the area. They will also be helping in getting replacements for the front of the school where two new bushes did not survive the winter. A parent suggested doing something nice to thank Landcare.  Carrie Vaich mentioned that she did give them Dunkin Donuts gift cards and that she thanked them profusely.  She commented that they are extremely polite and kind workers and highly recommends them.
•    Redistricting – A parent asked Carrie if there was any final word on whether there would be redistricting this year. Carrie reported that she just doesn’t know yet what will happen for next year.  The school district is waiting to hear whether we will be receiving any funding from the state and how much. She reports that the staff and teachers have been extremely patient and understanding during the process and through these times.  It is possible that there may be redistricting of Winthrop students entering 3rd and 5th grades, redistricting of Cutler students going to 4th.  If there is redistricting she assures the friends that she will notify people in a timely manner. Redistricting would respect requests to transfer first and then will make decisions with regard to proximity to school and siblings in the system.

Treasurer’s Report (Stacey Verge)
•    Stacey presented the Treasurer’s Report dated through May 2009.
•    She reported that the Spring parents social brought in $3600.
•    Hot Dogs to go earned $200 for the 5th graders year end.

Votes
•    Motion to approve Jill Evers as co-chair for FOW 2009/2010 -2010/2011.  Voted and unanimously approved.
•    Motion to approve $310 for buses for the fifth grade boat trip.  Voted and unanimously approved.
•    Motion to approve $680 for buses for the fourth grade field trip to the Lowell Mills. Voted and unanimously approved.
•    Motion to approve $500 annual donation for fifth grade week and T-shirts. Voted and unanimously approved.
•    Motion to approve $15,000 from available funds to committed funds for playground equipment and improvements. Voted and unanimously approved.

Business News & Updates
•    Art Show / Banbury Cross Book Fair (Esther Vanier) The art show was a lovely evening.  Parents were in agreement that the set up was very nice and made for a great presentation of the students art over the time continuum. The Book Fair seemed to be busy but was not as profitable as in years past.  Most were in agreement that it is likely due to the current economic status.
•    Hot Dogs to Go recap – profits reported above.
•    Roller Skating Event, May 14th 10-12 all are invited.  This is a final fundraiser for the 5th grade activities.
•    Fall Social plus Auction ? (Esther Vanier) There was discussion about moving the Spring Social to the fall as discussed at the April meeting.  This would be in an effort to draw parents and families to meet others in a social environment when coming into the school year rather than waiting until spring.  Most were in agreement that this is a good plan.  Further discussion around increasing the auction piece of the evening followed. There were questions such as why not move the entire auction from the Holiday Boutique.  We decided that it would be nice to keep some items at the holiday boutique for traditions sake for now, and just have select items for the social. Most people showed enthusiasm for the event and are looking forward to it.

FOW Help Wanted  2009/2010 (Esther Vanier/ Amy Katz)  Esther handed out a paper with open positions with the Friends of Winthrop. The positions and full detailed descriptions are posted on the www.hwfriendsofwinthrop.com website.
The positions available are :
•    Treasurer
•    FOW Publicity
•    Holiday Boutique Chairperson
•    Children’s Room Chairperson ( Holiday Boutique)
•    Cookie Walk Chairperson ( Holiday Boutique)
•    Building and Grounds Improvement
•    Memory Book Co-Chair
•    SCRIP gift cards
•    Staff Appreciation Luncheon

Next Friends of Winthrop Meeting:
Please Join Us Thursday June 11, 2009, 9:00 a.m.
Please submit agenda items for the next meeting to:
Esther Vanier ewvanier [at] verizon.net or Amy Katz amybkatz [at] verizon.net
Minutes are posted following monthly meetings at our website www.hwfriendsofwinthrop.com