Nativity PTA Minutes
Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Attendees: Ann Benken, Jenny Badinghaus, Peggy Behm, Nancy Ciarniello, Jeanne Corwin, Paula Hoeffer, Beth Gunderson, Bob Herring, Sheila Kinnen, Peggy Lamb, Beth Meuthing, Paula Mertes, Susan Munn, Peter Schreiber, Grace Severyn, Margaret Shaw, Susan Stegman, Ann Tobin, Catherine Valentine [Secretary’s note: this list in likely incorrect, as I forgot to write down the names of people attending this meeting. My apologies to anyone who was present but whose name is omitted, or vice-versa.]

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Melissa Quinio submitted a written Treasurer’s report as for February 2008, but was not present for discussion. (Copies are available upon request.) Catherine Valentine reported that additional PTA funds had been invested in a second CD. Peter Schrieber noted that he had a few questions for Melissa. It was noted that the Father-Daughter Dance was very successful as a fund-raiser.

Principal’s Report:
Bob distributed a worksheet entitled “Instructional Aides at Nativity,” which set out the costs of increasing instructional aides by 10 hours per week for the primary grades.

[Background: During the January meeting, a concern was raised that the school’s policy of providing an aid for the first grade teachers for 16 hours per week is not optimal when classes are large. During January’s discussion, Bob Herring noted if a part-time aide works more than 20 hours per week, the school is required to provide extra, and expensive, benefits. In response to the query of whether the aide could be asked to work 2 or 3 more hours per week (thereby remaining under the 20 hour limit), Bob noted that Nativity would need to come up with a protocol that would be fair to all kindergarten, first, and second grade teachers who use aides.]

A review of the worksheet submitted during the February meeting revealed that it did not address the cost of increasing the aides’ time by only 3 hours each week. No one present advocated for increasing the aides time by 10 hours because of the additional expense of benefits.

Discussion about increasing the primary aides’ time by 3 hours per week was interesting. Some voiced the concern that PTA funds should not be used for salaries, although there is precedent in the past as the PTA funded the librarian for one year and also pitched in on a one-time basis to help pay part of a teacher’s salary that exceeded the salary provided in the budget. Bob Herring raised the concern that 4th and 5th grade teachers also might like to have aides. Some expressed the view that the decision to increase aide time was within the province of the Principal’s Advisory Committee and that the budget was already set for the upcoming year, and almost completed for the subsequent year, so that the earliest any change could be worked into the budget would be for the 2010-2011 year.

Realizing that nothing could be decided at this meeting, Peter asked for anyone interested in increased the hours worked by aides in first or any primary grades to submit a proposal for the PTA to consider at its next meeting.

Green Report
As Beth Muething received compliments on the weekly “green report” in the School-Home News, she shared credit with Julie Zimmerman for the writing. A fun, family-centered celebration for Earth Day is coming up, so watch for news about it.

Past 60 days
Spaghetti Dinner ~ The event was a great success.
Father/Daughter Dance ~ The event had a great turn-out – approximately 300 dads and daughters enjoyed the dance. By all accounts, it was very successful. Thanks to the 7th and 8th grade “fairy-godmothers.”

Next 45 Days
Walk-A-Thon: Plans for the Walk-A-Thon are underway.

Old Business
Construction news - There was no factual account of the actual status of the building plans or the litigation process, but according to reliable “talk,” it now appears that residents opposing the building plan have filed an appeal, which requires them to post a bond that would compensate Nativity for increased costs caused by the delay should their appeal fail. Despite this, building plans may still be able to move forward. Several parishioners have formed a committee to develop plans and raise funds for the new playground.

Nutrition Program - Plans to use a consultant to improve our school lunches were delayed, but Paula Mertes reported that she hopes to get underway in April with nutritional improvements to the lunches.

New Business
Catalog Recycling Program. Susan Munn described a project in which people would recycle their old catalogs and also have their names removed from the lists so as to cease obtaining the catalogs. Since Susan offered to head up this program, all were in favor.

Surveys - Ann Benken described fundraising opportunities available to the PTA through lining up people to do surveys. Although it sounds enticing at first glance, members present at the meeting realized that this sort of fund raiser required a great deal of preparation work (i.e. finding people between certain ages who use furniture polish and scheduling them on short notice to complete a survey) and proportionally little return on this work. The PTA unanimously backed Ann in her initial determination that we need not waste our time on this sort of opportunity.
New PTA Officers:

The PTA will need a new vice president and secretary next year. Anyone considering such positions should contact Peter Schrieber or Catherine Valentine.

Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m. Anyone is welcome to attend.

The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Grace Severyn

Nativity PTA Minutes
Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Attendees: Ann Benken, Jenny Badinghaus, Nancy Ciarniello, Jeanne Corwin, Paula Hoeffer, Beth Gunderson, Susanne Hagerty, Bob Herring, Peggy Lamb, Paula Mertes, Melissa Quinio, Peter Schreiber, Grace Severyn, Margaret Shaw, Laura Steele, Susan Stegman, Ann Tobin, Catherine Valentine, Lynda Zelinkas

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Melissa Quinio submitted a written Treasurer’s report as of Janauary 16, 2008. (Copies are available upon request.) The PTA remains in healthy financial shape.

Principal’s Report: The Artist-in-Residence video program is underway.
We have had close to 80 inquiries about the school, a sign that enrollment for next year looks good.

Construction news: The deadline for an appeal of the zoning decision for the gym has passed, without any appeals being filed. Thus, the plans to begin construction can move forward.

We have one proposal from Vartech for a 5 year technology plan, and are waiting for 2 more proposals. We hope to have a decision made by November, so the costs can be included in the budget for 2009-10.

New Business
Lynda Zelinkas and Paula Mertes have been exploring ways to improve the nutritional content of the hot lunches. They submitted copies of a letter that was submitted to Bob and Fr. Paul at the end of December, which outlined the outcome of their meeting with Jimmy Gherardi. In short, Gherardi was willing to consult with Paula and others onsite for a $1000 fee. As part of this consultation, Gherardi would provide vendor names/processes, which is important as it is not easy to find vendors who provide nutritionally sound food at reasonable prices. The long term goal is to collaborate with like-minded schools to be able to purchase the higher-quality food at reasonable prices. Food changes will begin with substituting healthier versions of kid friendly foods, such as hotdogs without nitrites and pizza on whole wheat crust. The PTA unanimously approved the expenditure of $1000 to embark on this consultation to improve our school lunches. Lynda distributed an article that explains “what and how students eat can have a profound effect on their ability to learn.” For a copy, contact Lynda.

Grace Severyn voiced her concern, based on her observations and conversations with Mrs. Hoeffer, that the school’s policy of providing a teacher’s aid for the first grade teachers for 16 hours per week is not optimal when classes are large. The provision of an aid for only 16 per week leaves first grade teachers alone with their classes (Mrs. Hoeffer’s class has 28 first-graders) for the remainder of the in-school hours. Grace raised the question of whether the PTA could pay for additional hours for an aid. Bob Herring noted if a part-time aid works more than 20 hours per week, the school is required to provide certain benefits. In response to the query of whether the aid could be asked to work 2 or 3 more hours per week (thereby remaining under the 20 hour limit), Bob noted that Nativity would need to come up with a protocol that would be fair to all kindergarten, first, and second grade teachers who use aids. He suggested that an appropriate policy might increase the hours an aid could work as the class size increases (i.e. for a class of 20-24 student, the teacher could have an aid up to 16 hours per week, for a class of 24-26 students, the aid could work 18 hours, etc.). Bob offered to gather the numbers and review the policy regarding aids in the primary grades.

New PTA Officers: The PTA will need a new vice president and secretary next year. Anyone considering such positions should contact Peter Schreiber or Catherine Valentine.

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Grace Severyn

Nativity PTA Minutes
November 14, 2007

Members Present: Jenny Badinghaus, Peggy Behm, Nancy Ciarniello, Jeanne Corwin, Barb Daugherty, Suzanne Hagerty, Bob Herring, Beth Meuthing, Grace Severyn, Peter Scrieber, Sheila Kinnen, Laura Steele

Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Melissa Quinio completed the Treasurer's Report tracking income and expenses as of October 17, 2007. The PTA is in sound financial shape. However, because the PTA will consider undertaking significant expenses during the construction of a the new gym begins, we need to look forward in our budgeting. The Catalog Sale met its goal, netting more than $1700 profit.

Principal's Report: Bob reported that Nativity has a grant from the Ohio Arts Council for a residency in film for 7-8th graders. PTA will pay approximately $2000 for video cameras and other equipment. The 1-2 week program will take place in January.

After some discussion, the PTA voted to subsidize half of the $3000 cost of a program called "Singers of United Lands (SOUL)" in which five singers from different countries would work with students during music classes. Bob noted that later in the spring, students will participate in a program called Lego Invention, and that the decision to subsidize one-half of the cost of the SOUL program should set a precedent for the Lego program as well. While the school will ask families to pay one half the cost of each program, PTA members were adamant that all school children will participate regardless of ability to pay.

Bob mentioned that the school was taking a five-year look at its technology program. A listening session sponsored by Vartech would take place on Monday, Nov. 26, and everyone is welcome to attend.

Past 60 Days:
The Halloween Open House was nicely done and served as a helpful way to introduce the school to new families.
Jeanne Corwin reported that the Box Tops for Education program earned the highest amount ever – approximately $650. Keep saving box tops

Next 45 Days:
"Green Report:" Beth Meuthing reported that twenty canvas bags with Nativity's logo and about 350 inexpensive recycled plastic bags were purchased by Nativity families.
Plans for the HollyDay Bazaar and Breakfast with Santa and the Spaghetti Dinner are on track.
Eighth Grade Memory books. At the December meeting, the PTA will vote on the subject of donating funds for a memory book or video for each eighth grade class.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30.

Next PTA Meeting Date: December 19 at 7:00 p.m. Everyone welcome.

Respectfully submitted,
Grace Severyn

Nativity PTA Minutes
October 17, 2007

Members Present: Jenny Badinghaus, Ann Benken, Molly Cain, Nancy Ciarniello, Jeanne Corwin, Melissa Eyer, Beth Gunderson, Bob Herring, Paula Hoeffer, Peggy Lamb, Beth Meuthing, Melissa Quinio, Grace Severyn, Peter Scrieber, Susan Stegman, Ann Tobin, Catherine Valentine.

Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Melissa Quinio completed the Treasurer's Report tracking income and expenses since the beginning of her term as treasurer on July 17, 2007. The PTA is in sound financial shape. However, because the PTA will consider undertaking significant expenses during the construction of a the new gym begins (such as a new playground), we realize that we need to look forward in our budgeting, considering more than the expenses anticipated in the current school year.

The Magazine Sale met its goal, netting more than $48,000. The PTA keeps 40% of the net amount.

Principal's Report: We are still waiting for the correct visa for the Chinese teacher. Bob asked if the PTA would consider subsidizing a program called "Singers of United Lands (SOUL)" in which five singers from different countries would work with students during music. If Nativity decides to bring this group to the school, Bob asked the PTA to consider subsidizing the cost ($3000).

Past 60 Days: Comments about the beginning of school activities were generally positive, but several new parents expressed dissatisfaction that the orientation was more "parent centered" than "kid centered."

Next 45 Days: Susan Stegman is easing Kelly Leanza and Julie Zimmerman into their new positions as coordinators of the Halloween Open House. Flyers were sent to local preschools.

"Green Report:" Beth Meuthing reported that now that paper recycling is going strong and smoothly in the school, it is time to move on to plastic. To reduce the use and disposal of non-biodegradable plastic bags, Beth will offer canvas bags with Nativity's logo and an inexpensive recyled plastic bag to all Nativity families. The canvas bags will sell for $10, and the "ReBags" for the minimal cost of $1 each.

HollyDay Bazaar: Grace Severyn reported that the HollyDay Bazaar and Breakfast with Santa is being planned much as it was last year, thanks to the help of Laura Steele, Melanie Beyerdofer, Jenny Badinghaus and many others. Because the Caring Place is especially in need of funds, the PTA decided to donate all proceeds from raffle items to the Caring Place. All other profits will benefit the PTA.

Campbell's Soup Label Program: Jeannie Corwin presented evidence that overwhelmingly indicated that the Campbell's Soup Label program was more trouble than it was worth. She was careful to point out that the Box Top for Education program, by contrast, is easy to comply with and lucrative for the PTA. We decided to stop our participation the in Campbell's Soup program, but Jeannie will continue to coordinate the Box Tops.

Eighth Grade Memory book reimbursement. A vote was taken to determine whether the PTA should contribute $250 as a partial reimbursement for expenses incurred in printing a memory book for the last year's eighth grade.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30.

Respectfully submitted,
Grace Severyn

Nativity PTA Minutes
Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Attendees: Karla Bailey, Karen Burton, Ann Benken, Sheila Brinkman, Molly Cain, Nancy Ciarniello, Barb Daughterty, Christi Doyle, Paula Hoeffer, Beth Gunderson, Susanne Hagerty, Bob Herring, Sheila Kinnen, Peggy Lamb, Ellen McGoron, Karen Morgan, Melissa Quinio, Peter Schreiber, Grace Severyn, Margaret Shaw, Laura Steele, Ann Tobin, Catherine Valentine

Treasurer’s Report: Thanks and much appreciation go to our excellent former treasurer Molly Cain for all her work, and also to Melissa Quinio for stepping up to fill this position. Melissa reported that the PTA checking account has a balance of over $26,000, and the Scrip checking account has approximately $15,000. Anticipated expenses in August include funding for a stock of Spiritwear for the “store.” Additionally, Molly reported that the Parish does not plan to fund the librarian, so this may be a PTA expense.

Melissa distributed a form to be used for all PTA check requests. This form will be available in Nancy’s office as well as online. Please make sure to use this form when requesting any checks from the PTA.

Review and Update:
Ann Benken has been updating the listing of committees and contact information for the PTA Papers of Importance. If you are a committee chair, please make sure you have provided updated information to Ann. The Everybody Counts program and the Honey Baked Ham fundraisers are being dropped.

The Calendar for the next 30 days was reviewed. Note that the Opening Prayer Service will be held on Tuesday, August 28th. The PTA Open House [FOR ADULTS ONLY] will take place on Thursday, September 6 in the gym, followed by opportunities to go to the classrooms to meet the teachers.

Principal’s Report:
Bob reported that 400 students are enrolled at Nativity, but that no class is full. Enrollment is now closed.

The Young Americans will begin a program here on Weds, September 19th, and Bob, as well as parents experienced with the program, urged all 4th-8th graders to participate in the workshop. Host families are still needed, and parents who had hosted Young Americans in years past recalled what a fine guests they were.

Review First 30 Days
A new parent orientation will be held on Tuesday, August 21 in the cafeteria. PTA members are welcome to come.

Instead of holding an ice cream social for Buddy Families as we have done in the recent past, Bob is hosting a gathering at his house on Sunday, August 26, at 7:00 for Buddy families. PTA members are invited. This event is for adults only.

The hospitality committee will coordinate a lunch for the staff on Thursday, August 23 and the PTA coffee and donuts reception.

Thanks to new chairpersons Kathy Michel and Liz Sudberry for managing the magazine sale, which will begin soon after Labor Day.

If all goes well with building permits that are in the works, construction on the new gym is scheduled to begin on September 30. (Details are in the last Nativity Scene). This will mean that the play structure, Natropolis, will not be able to be used when construction begins. Peter advised us that decisions about reusing the old playstructure, about potentially purchasing new equipment, and about what to do in the interim, will be on the PTA’s agenda during the coming months and over the long term. Paula Hoeffer inquired whether the PTA might purchase some portable types of playground equipment to help students use up their energy during recess during the months when the play structure will be out of commission. Ideas are welcome.

Other Business
End-of-Year Books for Eighth Graders
Christi Doyle described and circulated copies of the “End of Eighth Grade” books that had been produced in the spring of 2005 and 2007 for Nativity’s graduating eighth graders. Each year, a parent or two has taken the responsibility for collecting the photographs and information to produce a small booklet for the eighth graders as a keepsake commemorating their last year at Nativity. She raised the question of whether the PTA would like to consider providing some funding each year to the eighth grade class to pay all or part of the costs of the booklet. She also explained that the cost of producing the booklet in the spring of 2007 was unexpectedly high, and raised the question of whether the PTA would consider granting some reimbursement for those booklets. While the issue was discussed briefly, further discussion and decisions will come.

Festival Basket Raffle
Peter surreptitiously described how the Bellman family of festival basket fame had gently prodded him to ask the PTA to donate a basket to raffle. We agreed it would be appropriate and brainstormed as to what would make a unique raffle basket. Only the PTA could contribute tickets to the fun PTA fundraisers such as the Spaghetti Dinner, Breakfast with Santa, front row tickets to the Variety Show, etc, and perhaps a short-term reserved parking space. Plans for this one-of-a-kind raffle prize are in the works.

Halloween Open House
This year’s Halloween Open House will be chaired by Kelly Leanza, Lynda Zelinskas, and Julie Zimmerman. Thanks to this new crew!

Catalogue and Bulb Sale
Chaired again by the efficient Ann Benken, this sale will run from October 16-30. Wait until then to buy your wrapping paper and fall bulbs!

SpiritWear
Susanne Hagerty will place a bulk order for Spiritwear to stock a “store.” She will make arrangements for times for the store to be open. Susanne welcomes ideas and helpers.

The meeting adjourned at 9:05, followed by an opportunity to view and give input on the New Parent Orientation power point presentation.

Minutes submitted by Grace Severyn