Teach Boosters Meeting - October 2, 2009

Meeting Attendees: Christina Gigante, Cheryl Clark, Taffy Gonzalez, Sunshine Cowgill, Helen Sipsas, Derek Gragson, Bonnie Achugbue, Anne Slocum, Kathryn Rogers, Susmita GuptaPal, Tammy Haas, Mary Amir, Jen Flachman, and Jocelyn Leonard

I. Welcome and approval of September Minutes. Minutes were approved by Anne Slocum, and seconded by Bonnie Achugbue.

II. Principal's Report: The 6th graders had a great time in Catalina. Mr. Block wanted to thank all of the chaperones for all of the time that they gave. Thanks to Boosters for making this trip happen. The trip will give our kids great, lasting memories.

Flag salute was held this morning. The 6th grade class assisted with that.

Next Friday, Oct. 9 is the Bishop's Peak carnival. All are invited. There is a $10 fee for a wrist band that lets you play all of the games that you would like. There is also a BBQ, and and auction.

The new 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Kelly will come in to talk with the Boosters later this morning.

This year, both schools will feature a Science Fair, in February. Everyone is to participate.

III. New Business: There was a lot of discussion regarding the Fundraiser Dinner. Last year's expenses were $7-8,000. The profit was $15,500. Last year 120 tickets were sold. It was held at the Country Club and was a Dinner/Dance/Auction. This year, we are looking at a different venue, at lowering prices, and at making it more family-friendly. We would also like to get more alumni to attend.

Kathryn Rogers has volunteered her ranch and barn for the event. Jen moved that we have a BBQ at the Rogers ranch. Mary seconded it. All were in favor. None opposed. The date was set for Nov. 8th. Mary moved in favor. Cheryl seconded it. All were in favor. None opposed. Nov. 15 will be used as the back-up date in case of rain. A chairperson is still needed for the event.

Next, there was a discussion about whether or not to have an auction. It was decided that due to the time constraint, there was not time for an auction. So, there was a motion by Mary to have one large item, such as a car, to raffle off. Bonnie seconded the motion. There was talk about getting a car, such as a Honda Hybrid, to be raffled off. Also, Kathryn suggested an idea that is used at a school in Morro Bay as a fundraiser--Cow Plop Bingo. A field is spray painted with squares, and then fenced off. A cow is put in the middle. Bingo tickets are sold, and then wherever the cow plops, the person holding that ticket wins. Mary moved that we also use this idea. Bonnie seconded. All were in favor.

If this fundraiser doesn't pan out, we would still have an opportunity to do another fundraiser in the spring. A committee will be formed and ticket prices will be discussed in that committee.

--Mrs. Kelly then came in to meet the Booster Club and to discuss Teacher business with us. Mrs. Kelly is enjoying her time teaching the 5th grade. The teachers had a staff meeting, where they discussed the Science Fair, Battle of the Books, Electives, and T-shirt designs. Electives will begin Thursday, November 12, and run 6 weeks. The electives will be on Thursdays from 1:30-2:15. There was a question regarding how parents can volunteer to help. Parents should contact a teacher or Mr. Block about volunteering for Electives. Derek Gragson volunteered to teach a Science Fair 101 course with his wife, Grace.

T-shirt designs were passed around. If we go with a new design, it will be less expensive than changing the design. Cheryl Clark has been checking out the T-shirt costs, Sunshine Cowgill volunteered to take over for Cheryl, as her husband works in graphic arts. There was a vote about the designs and it seems a new design is wanted. Kathryn made a motion to agree to a $100 max. set-up fee for a new design. Anne seconded the motion. All agreed. None opposed. There is now a girls t-shirt too. The color of the t-shirts will be black, with white lettering (Black and White are Teach's colors). There will be a picture of a Tiger on the shirt. There will also be sweatshirts with hoods. All were in favor. More news of the t-shirts to be coming soon.

Due to the BBQ set for November, the Chili Cook-off will be put off until later, possibly January or February.

Sunshine talked about the Teach blog that is conncected to the website. All meeting minutes will be posted there.

IV. Financial Report: Anne gave the financial report for Ahmad Amir, who was not able to attend the meeting. Statements will be going out in the mail soon, so that you will know where you are in your payments. Genevieve is being tallied as we speak. The teachers have asked for $400 per class to pay for supplies. Anne moved to agree to that. Christina 2nd this. All were in favor. None opposed. Also, the Librarian, Mrs. Williamson has asked for some money this year. Anne is going to check with her as to how much she needs, and get back to us.

At 10:00 a.m. I had to leave the meeting. It was adjourned soon after.