MESPTA General Membership Minutes October 15, 2008
MOANALUA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PTA INC.
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
October 15, 2008
CALL TO ORDER: President Lori Shimoda called the meeting to order at 6:27 PM in the MES cafeteria.
VOTING MEMBERS PRESENT: Nine members were present.
MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING: The minutes from the July 28, 2008 meeting was distributed but due to a lack of quorum no action was taken.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer Robb Taone reported that the PTA net $18,322.75, that expenses totaled $19,751.71 and that the PTA had a total income of $38,074.46 for the month. He also reported receiving lots of bounced checks and shared that he drafts collection letters on pink colored paper. After he sends out the letter the recipient returns it to him along with a new check. For bounced checks he has only been charging what banks charge which is about $5.00, not $30.00. Also, another problem that he has been experiencing is that everyone has been making deposits and he can’t tell which person made the deposit until he sends out e-mails to the parties. In the future R. Taone should be provided with copies of deposits. R. Taone also reported that the PTA had hoped to bring in $35,000 with the E-Books but only brought in $29,830 thus the PTA was down $5,170.00. Regarding MES t-shirts R. Taone reported that the PTA budgeted $6,800.00 but brought in $7,045.00. The MES t-shirts were the biggest net thus he inquired if the PTA should do a Fun Fair shirt. Currently the PTA has an in house t-shirt maker, Manny Salvador, thus expenses were low. Due to a lack of quorum the PTA was not able to approve the Treasurer’s Report.
ART AND CULTURE/REFLECTIONS-L. Shimoda reported that she received an e-mail that a parent is working on Reflections at the Middle School and has offered to do it for the Elementary School. L. Shimoda needs to locate the individual’s name.
CAMPUS BEAUTIFICATION- L. Shimoda reported that architects are designing a roof for the container on campus and are willing to provide the manpower if the PTA provides the materials. Leaves are falling on to the roof of the container and causing it to rust. They will be building a roof over the container.
STRINGS- L.Shimoda reported that Maydean Martin contacted applicants interested in the position. Interviews may be starting on October 27, 2008.
ADMINISTRATION REPORT-Principal Denise Arai. Principal Arai reported that the Administration has lost its clerk Tricia who is now employed at Aliamanu. Despite budget cuts she expects to have a clerk. There are also open positions for a baker and a half time cafeteria worker. Principal Arai has not been asked to make any cuts. She explained that at the start of the year they are not given all of their funds thus they make do as the funds are released to them. Furthermore, all personnel funds are absorbed by the State so they get less than $300,000 to run the school. Principal Arai commented that $300,000 is not much to run the school. On the facilities side Principal Arai reported that P-6, P-7 and P-8 have been re-roofed. The other portables are being worked on as part of their continuing energy conservation plan. Also, the A/C will shut off at 4 p.m. due to cost concerns. In addition, they are being asked to eliminate personal appliances and, as of January 2009, all appliances must be Energy Star compliant. Principal Arai also stated that during the Fun Fair the Manpower booth needs to be relocated from the library because it will be hot and suggested that the Manpower booth could be located in the courtyard under a tent. She commented that the Manpower booth needs to be located in central area where it can easily be seen thus they discussed various locations for Manpower. Principal Arai stated that all areas are fine as long as people can find the Manpower booth.
Suzy Okamura reported that a parent workshop was held last month and that a coffee hour is scheduled for tomorrow – To Eat a Rainbow Days with the kindergarteners. She further explained PUP and how to eat lunch with a child. She reported that a follow-up coffee hour regarding the Hawaii State Assessments was scheduled because Principal Arai was not present during the previous coffee hour. S. Okamura also reported that parent teacher conferences take place during the last week in October and that there will be a Halloween costume parade at MES on October 31, 2008. She further reported that they have ordered 100 pumpkins and will be distributing them at MES on a first-come first served basis. This event is part of PUP to establish parent and child activities that involve nutrition. Mr. Okinaka will purchase the pumpkins. Pick up of the pumpkins will take place on Friday so that participants can think about their design over the weekend. If a pumpkin is not picked up by 5 p.m. it will be given to the next person on the waiting list. The pumpkins must be returned to MES along with a completed Reflection sheet. A pumpkin patch will be created and students will mark the pumpkin they like best. The student whose pumpkin receives the most marks will win. All participants will receive something and pumpkin recipes will be sent home. S. Okamura also noted that pumpkin soup will be served and pumpkin recipes will be sent home. Since Kindergartners will not be going to the Aloun Farm pumpkin patch each kindergartener may be given a pumpkin and the sign up sheet will only be distributed to First Graders through Sixth Graders.
S. Okamura also reported that on November 13, 2008 there will be a Moanalua Complex Meeting on Rigor, Relevant and Relationships. She will be creating a flier announcing this event. They will be introducing the idea to all parents since they want a high performing complex. Principal Arai wants to achieve a model school.
Principal Arai reported that on October 29, 2008 McTeacher’s Night will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Salt Lake McDonalds. Funds will be applied to the MES 4th grade’s Holo Holo Hawaii 2009 trip.
Principal Arai also announced that she is looking for a refrigerator box to design a Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin photo station. She requested that the box be left in F-2. They are also looking for hay.
L. Shimoda reported that the Moanalua Lions want to know what else they can do for MES. They would like to partner up with MES. Principal Arai said that the patch of grass is dwindling with only dirt remaining. Regarding equipment, if leaves or flowers fall down it will create a safety issue. She does not want to put benches under trees or it will invite people to use the school campus as a park. L. Shimoda will check if they have a connection with people looking to get rid of extra asphalt. Grace Pacific has an agreement with MES that they will drop of any excess asphalt so that MES can incrementally fill where needed. They need to put up a frame to prevent the asphalt from going over. Currently the amount of mud and dirt in the classrooms are ridiculous. She wants to resolve the playground issues regarding dirt. It was also noted that Lynn Lum is willing to donate a refrigerator box. L. Shimoda thanked all Fun Fair participants and acknowledged that many new parents participated.
ADJOURNMENT: President Lori Shimoda adjourned the meeting at 7:21 p.m.
Lei Fukumura
MES PTA Secretary