MESPTA Board Minutes January 14, 2009
MOANALUA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PTA INC.
PTA BOARD MEETING
January 14, 2009
CALL TO ORDER: President Lori Shimoda called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. in the MES library.
VOTING MEMBERS PRESENT: Lori Shimoda, Toby Hirashima, Sharon Toyomura and Lei Fukumura.
NON-VOTING MEMBERS PRESENT: Denise Arai, Carol Mann-Molay, Terri Kimura, Deborah Takafuji, Joanne Rosen and Maddie Ledda.
MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING: The minutes from the December 11, 2008 meeting was distributed but due to a lack of quorum no action was taken. It was requested that the secretary post all minutes on the MES PTA website so that at the next meeting the members will be able to vote on whether to approve the minutes based on their review of the on-line copies of the minutes.
TREASURER’S REPORT: L. Shimoda reported a new policy. Due to the fact that the Treasurer Robb Taone is a member of the MES faculty he won’t be able to sign any checks. So, the MES Board vice presidents will sign the checks although R. Taone will continue to serve as the treasurer of the MES PTA Board.
MEMBERSHIP: L. Shimoda reported that not all of the members are included on the membership list. This matter will be addressed.
FUN FAIR: L. Shimoda reported that during the December 11, 2008 meeting the treasurer reported that the projected grossed $45,000. However, all of the receipts have not been submitted so a net profit has not yet been determined.
CAMPUS BEAUTIFICATION: L. Shimoda reported that Mr. Wong’s container has a rusted hole in its roof. The Moanalua Lions Club brought in an architect to repair the hole. However because of the current economy it was discussed that it may be cheaper to purchase a new container. The Moanalua Lions Club could make a modified roof to preserve this new container. Toby Hirashima was asked if he knew of any place that such a container could be purchased. He suggested that the PTA consider a self storage facility. However, L. Shimoda responded that Mr. Wong would not have access to his goods. T. Hirashima commented that in Los Angeles there are lots of extra containers from the East.
Vice Principal Mann-Molay requested that the Moanalua Lions Club construct a roof that will be not inviting to kids who may otherwise want to climb up. L. Shimoda will provide the administration with the building plans for the roof so that it can be reviewed for safety. It was suggested that a roof with posts would be safer.
MILITARY LIAISON: L. Shimoda reported that a memo went out requesting photos of students with military parents in order to honor them.
MES PTA WEBSITE: L. Shimoda reported that Stephen Figart is working with Ford Shipley in setting up the SCC website. There is a link from the PTA website to the SCC website.
ORCHESTRA: Maydean Martin reported that Orchestra starts tomorrow.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Fifth Grade Mural: It was reported that the fifth grader’s mural will be unveiled tomorrow at 9 o’clock in the morning.
General Membership Meeting: L. Shimoda proposed that a general membership meeting be held in March and reported that there is a request for it to be combined with the SCC meeting.
Starlight Concert: The Starlight Concert will be held on May 13, 2009. The concert will consist of performances by the MES Chorus and Strings program. The A+ students will also perform a routine. Vice Principal Mann-Molay said that the concert is currently scheduled for a date when the fourth graders will be away at camp and thus the concert cannot take place on May 13, 2009. Principal Arai reported that the fourth graders camp will take place from May 19-21 thus the concert can take place on May 13, 2009. However, she further reported that she needs to discuss this matter with Carol Nishita since it might be better to hold the concert on a Friday night since there is no school the following day. Principal Arai will work on rescheduling the concert for May 15, 2009. Kirsten Kajiwara commented that the sound system that they used last year is not available on Friday because last year it conflicted with Earl’s schedule. She reminded everyone that they need to provide Earl with advance notice.
OLD BUSINESS:
Spring Family Picnic: Principal Arai brought up the fact that a date needs to be set for the Spring Family Picnic. L. Shimoda reported that there was water play and games at the prior picnic and that the attendees enjoyed the event. She further reported that the parents commented that it was neat to see the teachers in a different light. Principal Arai commented that the planning committee was taxed with a lot of work but the teachers had a lot of fun. L. Shimoda commented that the prior picnic took place on a Saturday and that sporting events are usually held on Saturday. She heard parents comment that if the picnic was held on a Sunday they would attend. It was discussed that church services would be over by the time the picnic starts, if the picnic is held at 1 o’clock in the afternoon. Principal Arai and L. Shimoda will plan for the Spring Picnic and decided to hold it on Sunday, March 8, 2009. They will set up a planning group for this event. On February 12, 2008 L. Shimoda will meet with Principal Arai at 8:30 p.m. in her office. If L. Shimoda is not available for the meeting K. Kajiwara offered to attend in her place.
Teacher Appreciation Day: L. Shimoda reported that there is a need to form a planning committee for Teacher Appreciation Day. In the past the event consisted of a lunch buffet and an activity. She inquired if the teachers would want massages. She further reported that the healing touch group is willing to return. Principal Arai commented that she wants to keep it simple. Vice Principal Mann-Molay suggested that a silent auction or raffle. It was noted that for prospective donors, gifts to a teacher should be based on the teacher’s wish list.
PTO: T. Hirashima reported that regarding the formation of a PTO, it will be necessary to start from scratch. They could not obtain a sample IRS filing from other schools. Darryl Taira will join a PTO organization and try to obtain a file. They will have to hire an attorney. T. Hirashima emphasized that the initial outlay will pay itself off. He further reported that in the long run forming a PTO will save a lot of money because dues will come to the PTA. Also, families will pay less dues but the PTA will get more money. The PTA would lose the Reflections Program but could use the money gained to bring in more art programs or offer art classes.
Administration Report: Principal Arai reported that next week they will be conducting the AimsWeb Assessment. She further reported that Ms. Dang left to pursue her Masters degree at Columbia University so Mrs. Koide is back. Also, the academic coach will take Mrs. Koide’s former position. Principal Arai thanked the PTA for funding the newest mural on campus and reported that the unveiling will take place tomorrow.
Principal Arai further reported that professional development is scheduled for Thursday, July 30, 2009 through Friday, July 31, 2009. The first day back for children will be August 2, 2009. Furthermore, professional development in the Spring is scheduled for January 5-6, 2010 and the children’s first day back will be January 7, 2010.
She also reported that school will not be in session on February 6, 2009. Ray McNulty will address teachers on high performing schools and rigor relevance. Also, the academic plan will be posted on the school’s website in the next couple of weeks so copies can be printed off the website. If an individual is unable to print a copy they need to contact Principal Arai to obtain a copy.
Vice Principal Mann-Molay reported that the Orchestra teacher Matt Keating will give a performance tomorrow in order to generate interest in the program.
Funding for Chaperones: L. Shimoda requested that teachers be informed that the PTA will provide funding to cover the expenses of chaperones requested by the teachers. The funding will continue until next year. They need to speak to R. Taone about the procedures for obtaining funding. Last years receipts have not yet been submitted to the PTA. L. Shimoda advised teachers not to collect money from parents and then attempt to reimburse them later.
SCC Representatives: L. Shimoda reported that the SCC is looking for a parent representative and an alternate.
Academic Calendar: T. Hirashima inquired if next year the academic calendar changes. Principal Arai confirmed that it will change next year. The last day of school for children is May 10 and there will be only one week of Spring Break and two weeks for Winter Break. This summer’s schedule will remain the same.
Capitol Improvement Projects: Patty Oishi asked questions about the “bird trees” in the campus parking lot. She inquired if there is a way to control the bird poop and commented that she believes that it is a health issue. She further stated that she has to wash her car down every time she goes home from a MES PTA meeting. Principal Arai responded that this issue should be pursued with Facilities. Principal Arai further reported that she is in the process of discussing capitol improvement projects and that the bird trees were included in her discussions. She reported that the following capitol improvements have been proposed:
- Extension of a wall for the media room;
-Replacing the portables with eight classroom buildings;
-Extending the cafeteria with a green room, dressing room and indoor bathrooms;
-Offices
-Larger offices
Principal Arai encouraged people to submit their ideas. Vice Principal Mann-Molay reminded everyone that they need to submit their ideas by tomorrow because her report must be submitted by next week.
Flag Pole: Principal Arai would like to relocate the flag pole because when the flag gets stuck, in its present location, firefighters are not able to use their lift to remedy the situation.
Dinner: L. Shimoda thanked Maddie Ledda for preparing tonight’s dinner.
ADJOURNMENT: President Lori Shimoda adjourned the meeting at 6:50 p.m.
NEXT MEETING: The next PTA Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 6 p.m.
Lei Fukumura
MES PTA Secretary