CASA

Click on one: 8/23, 9/12, 10/10, 11/14, 12/12, 1/9, 2/13, 4/9 and 5/21

IN ATTENDANCE: Teacher liaison, Principal, Karen W., Angela L., Jacqui T., Jim M., and Shelly K.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer presented the balance sheet and profit and loss. Due to the recent, publicized thefts from other Parent/Teacher organizations, she made it very clear that all records were open for inspection.

TALENT SHOW RECAP: Kelly H. was highly praised for her organization and execution of the talent show. The show and rehearsals ran smoothly. It was suggested that the “Thank Yous” be done before the teachers do their act, as the kids get very excited watching the teacher’s performance.

FATHER/SON NIGHT: The night was very well attended and positive feedback was received. The doctor was very down to earth and answered all of the questions presented. It was discussed that some material be left off of the agenda for next year.

MOTHER/DAUGHTER TEA: Scheduled for May 6^th. Shelly K. has been coordinating this with the school nurse and a local midwife who will do the presentation.

SQUARE ONE ART UPDATE: Had a profit of approximately $1,000.00.

* Art teacher would be consulted about continuing this fundraiser as it is a considerable amount of work for her.

* Bea R. suggested that recesses be used for children to finish their artwork. Teachers and volunteers could be used to help with this.

* Bea R. suggested that part of the proceeds from the fundraiser be used for equipment and/or supplies for the art room. This suggestion was well received and would be presented to the art teacher.

* It was felt that the take home and e-mail reminders helped boost participation.

TEACHER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON: Scheduled for May 6^th. Shelly K. will again coordinate this event and expects to have the notices sent out approximately 1 week before the event.

SCHOLARSHIPS: Scholarship applications have been received and are being reviewed by CASA officers. It was suggested that the scholarship amount be raised next year. This will be discussed at a later meeting.

FIELD DAY: Scheduled for June 6^th. Karen W. will prepare the flyers and submit them for approval with the physical education teacher and office. It was noted that there was a shortage of watermelon last year. Angie L. will contact Mr. Miller about making a donation of chips for the cookout.

6^th GRADE UPDATE: Fundraising efforts by the 6^th grade class were very successful. Final figures for the field trip will be coming soon.

The 6^th grade dance will be held Friday, June 6^th.

The 6^th grade promotion/awards night will be held Thursday, June 12^th, 5:00 p.m. in the cafeteria.

FUNDRAISING REQUESTS:

Jim M. made a funding request for a donation towards an electronic scoreboard for the softball field at the Dennett. The scoreboard has a cost of $2,200.00. The board would either be placed on a standing structure to be built or on the fence. The baseball field behind the town house would also have one. Sponsors are being sought to fund the second scoreboard. Their names would be placed on the stand that would hold the scoreboard. Final approval for the stand to hold the scoreboard at the softball field is still required from the town. CASA agreed to pay the $2,200.00 needed to purchase the scoreboard and PAYS will put their name on the stand at the baseball field and if a stand is approved for the softball field, their name will also be placed on that.

Ms. Leek made a request for a map to chart the progress of Andy G. and his family as they cross the country. The cost was not known, but CASA approved up to $100 to fund the map.

Ms. Leek’s class won the Readathon and CASA will pay the cost for the pizza party to honor them.

Meeting adjourned.

MINUTES 2/13/08

IN ATTENDANCE: Principal, teacher liaison, Karen W., Jacqui T., Kelly H., Shelly K., Chrissy G., Pamela G., and Angela L.

MINUTES: Approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer presented Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet

WINTER FESTIVAL RECAP: Festival went very smoothly and appeared to be well attended.
Profit was down, most notably in the basket profit.
Changes for future festivals including putting a volunteer at the movie section and only charging for people who will be eating at the event. (a stamp will be used for those eating and a special stamp for those only getting dessert at a charge of 50 cents)

WINTER FAMILY DANCE: 1st flyer has been sent out.
Karen W. will order 15 pizzas for the event and call H.S. volunteers.

TALENT SHOW: Kelly H. has prepared the first flyer which will be sent out before school vacation begins.
The show is scheduled for Friday, March 28th.
The rehearsals are scheduled for March 12, 19 & 26, all immediately after school.
She will prepare a 6th grade sign-up form for helpers for the event. Each 6th grader may either help with the event or perform an act.
Each child may appear in 1 act only. They may appear either individually or in a group.
The first 2 rows will be reserved for the younger children so that they do not crowd the stage. Volunteers will be set up to attempt to eliminate any accidents that can be caused near the equipment.
Volunteers will be given some sort of glow necklaces to wear so that they stand out.
Angie L. will get hot dogs and other food for the concession stand.

D.A.R.E. GRADUATION: Scheduled for Monday, April 7th, 9:00 a.m.
To be held in the library

FATHER/SON NIGHT: To be held for the 5th grade boys on March 25th.
Principal Holt will prepare an invitation
Chrissy G. will arrange for the “goody bags”
Topics to include puberty and hygiene.
Refreshments to include root beer, water, chips and other snacks.

MOTHER/DAUGHTER TEA: Tentatively scheduled for May 6th for the 5th grade girls.

FUNDING REQUESTS:
*Ms. Grimason has requested a funding request for theater books to coincide with the curriculum. This was approved
*Ms. Karparis has requested additional funds for the enrichment programs. It was noted that the enrichment programs have been more curriculum based than they were in the past. She will get additional information and present it at the next meeting.
*Scholastic/Time for Kids subscriptions: The teachers will coordinate what they need for their classes
*The 3 scholarship winners from last year have presented the requirements necessary. A letter will be prepared to send along with the payments.

MARCH MEETING: This meeting will be cancelled due to the schedules of the officers. Any issues that come up before the April meeting may be addressed to any officer or Karen W. at 781-585-8357 or dennettcasa@yahoo.com.

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

MINUTES 1/9/08

Attendance: principal, teacher liaison, Karen W., Angie L., Jacqui T. and Sonja F., Chrissy G., Shelley K., and Deanna P.

Minutes from the November meeting are posted in the CASA section of the Dennett website.

Holiday Crafts Recap

45 children participated despite snow storm.
High school volunteers worked out very well.
Profit was approximately $280.00

Holiday Bazaar Recap

The bazaar ran very smoothly and cleanup was fast. Profit has not yet been determined.

Masspass Book Recap

Most books were returned.
The coordinator was very good to work with.
Profit was $1,370.00.

Winter Festival Update

Baskets will be inventoried on January 11th, immediately following dismissal. Principal will arrange to have the teachers leave their doors unlocked.
Angie L. will get all paper goods. Pam. T., will order the food.
Baskets will be assembled on January 18th, 6:00 p.m. Karen W. will send out an e-mail requesting help assembling the baskets.
Karen W. will send out flyers for early ticket sales and volunteers.

6th Grade Fundraising Update

A meeting is planned for January 16th to discuss fundraising for the 2nd half of the yar.
Gift certificates were given out to recycling people for handling the cans.
$3,000.00 has been raised so far towards the 6th grade field trip.

Funding Requests

A funding request was made by Chrissy G. for expenses involved in implementing a father/son night. The night is planned for March 25th for the 5th grade boys. There are appx. 14 boys.
$150.00 was approved for the expenses.

Enrichment programs

A program is being planned for Chinese New Year.
A Star Lab is being considered for the 3-6 grades which will include a large model of the galaxy. The gymnasium should be large enough to hold it.

Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

MINUTES 11/14/07

Attendance: principal, teacher liaison, Karen W., Angie L., Jacqui T. and Sonja F.
Low attendance was noted because of the Middle School Parent/Teacher conferences.

Minutes from the October meeting are posted in the CASA section of the Dennett website.

Yankee Candle Update
Approximately profit from the Yankee Candle fundraiser is $3,516.15
Gifts will be purchased to reward the top 3 sellers. The office will announce the names of the winners.

Fall Family Dance recap
Profit for the dance was $548.52. The high school volunteers did a great job helping the kids learn the new dances. We will need to monitor the outside area as some children were found out front.

Thanksgiving Feast recap
The feast was a great success. It couldn’t have gone smoother.
The 4th grade teachers requested that it always be held on a Wednesday.
Sauchuk Farms donated the pumpkins for the 6th grade geography project.
Dennis C. donated the cornbread stuffing and prepared and donated the gravy.
Caroline F. prepared and donated homemade stuffing for the head table and volunteers.
There was plenty of stuffing, turkey and potatoes. More corn and rolls will be ordered for next year.
It was discussed that the feast has been done at the Dennett for approximately 22-23 years.

Make and Take Crafts Update
Deanna P. has prepared samples of the crafts and they are in the office for viewing. They will also be in the CASA section of the Dennett website to view.
The prices for the crafts are $3/$3/$5, or $10 do make all 3.
The initial notification flyer has gone out and the enrollment flyer will go out on November 26th. The enrollment information will also be in the paper to include community children who do not attend the Dennett.

Holiday Bazaar Update
The Bazaar is scheduled for 12/11 and 12/12.
The teachers have picked their time slots for the bazaar.
Angie L. will get a floor plan to be given to the custodian for set-up.
Karen W. will update the flyers and forward them to the principal for approval.

Masspass Fundraiser
Information has been sent home. The final return date is December 3rd.
Angie L. will get a reminder to be sent home.

6th Grade Fundraising Update
Bake sale at the Sauchuk Farm corn maze: profit of $344.50. It was noted that this was an excellent location for a bake sale and will be considered for next year.
Papa Gino’s: nothing has been received from them as of this date.
Evening of Charities: participation is low, however a Pizzeria Uno fundraiser has been added for the same night and may increase participation.
Poinsettia and Wreath fundraiser: flyers have gone out. The products are expected in on December 4th and distributed at the Parent/Teacher conferences on December 5th & 6th.
Bake sales are planned for the parent teacher conferences.

Winter Festival Update
The teachers have been given the list to pick the baskets for the classrooms.
The proposed item lists will be sent home to all parents at the beginning of December.
Boxes will be placed in the classrooms to collect the items.

Funding Requests
$150.00 has been requested to purchase a digital camera for the 6th grade yearbook committee. The camera will be kept by the 6th grade teachers for this and upcoming classes. The $150 was approved and is to include a case and necessary accessories.
Angie L. will obtain camera information.

Principal Holt presented a proposal for level reading books for Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades. $3,000.00 had been approved for the books in the spring. The request was for an additional $600.00 to include additional books which can also be used by the 3rd grade classes.
The amount of $3,600 was approved with the condition that the coordinator attempt to obtain a discount on the books.

Due to scheduling conflicts including the Middle School concert, Dennett Parent/Teacher conferences, the holiday season, and vacations, the December meeting will not be held.
If any situations arise, they can be presented to the chairperson, Karen Wasielewski, via phone or e-mail at dennettcasa@yahoo.com. She will then make all officers aware of any issues and respond accordingly.

Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

10/10/07

In Attendance: Karen W., Angie L., Deanna P., Jo-Ann H., Kelly H., Chrissy G., principal and teacher liaison

Minutes from last meeting were presented.

Fall Fling Recap:
It was agreed that the weather couldn’t have been better. The crafts went over well. Most High School volunteers were very helpful. The games section run by Shelly K. and JoAnn H. were well run and enjoyed. More pizza will be ordered for next year’s food tent. We will consider having the event one week earlier as it was a conflict with boy scout and Halifax church events. Kelly H. and Sonja F. did a wonderful job in their first year running the event.

Yankee Candle Recap:
Orders have been sent to Yankee Candle. If they are received in time, we will try distributing at the Family Dance on Nov. 2nd.

Fall Family Dance:
Scheduled for Friday, Nov. 2., 6-8. To be chaired by Karen W. iPod music will again be used for the event with more line dances added to the mix. We will speak with the high school volunteers about teaching the kids some new dances.
A suggestion was made to add a donation request to the form for non-perishable items to be donated to the food pantry. This will be added on the form.

Thanksgiving Feast:
Date of the Feast has been changed to Wednesday, November 14th because of the Veterans Day Holiday on Monday. Volunteer flyers should go out the week of Oct. 15th. Karen W. will chair the event. She will contact Dennis C. about donating stuffing and gravy as he has done in the past. Angie L. will purchase the rolls and juice with the 4th grade teacher’s approval.
The principal will check with the art teacher about centerpieces. Karen W. will speak with Sauchuk Farms about pumpkins for special geography-inspired centerpieces for the head table.

Dennett Sign Repair:
The sign at the entrance to the school has been vandalized. The p.e. teacher’s father, Mr. Murdock, has offered to repaint this sign but needs someone to lightly sand or sandblast it. An e-mail will be sent to try to get bids for this service. Once the bids are in, a discussion of how it will be paid for will commence.

Masspass Fundraiser:
This was formerly known as Dine N Save. Angie L. will chair this fundraiser. She will meet with the Masspass coordinator to prepare the packets to be sent home to the children. CASA will receive $10 per book sold for all books sold over 50. Prizes will be given out to the top sellers. The sale will be completed in time to give the books as Christmas gifts.

MISC.
The teacher liaison, Mrs. Reynolds, noted that the Time for Kids magazines have not been received for the 5th or 6th grade students. The treasurer, Jacqui T., had previously contacted the company who informed her that our payment was credited to an account for a different school. Mrs. Reynolds will have the 6th grade teacher contact Time for Kids to straighten the matter out.

Funding Request:
Jacqui T. requested that we fund a digital camera for the 6th grade in order to prepare the yearbook. It was noted that members of the yearbook committee are required to provide their own digital camera, which many parents are reluctant to do. There was a question as to the procedure for taking the pictures for the yearbook and if 1 camera would be enough. Jacqui will contact Ms. Andersen to discuss the matter further. Karen W. will research prices for a camera in the event CASA agrees to fund the purchase.

8:00, Meeting Adjourned.

SEPTEMBER 12, 2007

In attendance: Principal, teacher liaison, Karen W., Sheryl B., Sonja F., Kelly H., Chrissy G., Steven L., Jessica D., Mary L., Cathy V., Jo-Ann H., Pauline E., Sarah P., Pamela G., Lisa B., Pierre B., and Kim L.

A packet was given to each attendee which included the agenda, officer list, budget and 2007-2008 CASA event schedule.

Everyone was welcomed and introductions were made. A brief discussion of how the meetings are run was done. The importance of new input was mentioned. It was discussed that all of the events for the 2007-2008 school year have been done before, but new ideas to keep them “fresh” are always welcomed and appreciated.

The 2007-2008 budget was presented and any questions were answered by the treasurer and/or the executive board.

An update of the Yankee Candle fundraiser was presented by the co-chairs of the event, Cathy V. and Sonja F. The flyers have gone out and orders will be taken until Sept. 28. The orders are expected to be shipped to the Dennett the first week of November. The distribution of the orders is not entirely in place, but the candles are too fragile to go home on the bus. If the orders have arrived in time, it will be considered to have them distributed the day of the Thanksgiving Feast as there is a large number of parents in attendance on that date. There was also a question of an outstanding balance due Yankee Candle from last Winter and the treasurer will look into that matter.

Cathy V. also mentioned that the Old Home Day Committee would be sponsoring a pancake breakfast with Santa at the Upland Club on Saturday, December 1st. Details will follow.

Deanna P. will chair the Holiday Craft Day at the Dennett on Saturday, December 8th. She will seek a co-chair who could possibly run future events.

An update of the Fall Fling was presented by the co-chairs of the event, Kelly H. and Sonja F.
-The first set of flyers have gone out giving details of the event and requesting volunteers.
-Many different crafts are being considered and the co-chairs will narrow down their choices to a few which are compatible for K-6 graders.
-Jo-Ann H. and Shelly K. will coordinate the games again and will also take care of the prizes.
- Wristbands will be used again this year.
-Deanna P. will take care of the 6th grade bake table and Chinese raffle.
-It will be considered to have the 5th and 6th graders make signs for each event again.
-The set-up of the Fling will be similar to last years.
-Kelly H. will seek paper donations from local print shops to use in the crafts.
-Karen W. will order pizzas for the food tent.
-Sauchuk Farms will provide pumpkins to use in one of the crafts.
-Karen W. will compile a list of high school volunteers for the co-chairs.

6TH Grade Update: Deanna P. has sent home notices to the 6th grade parents regarding forming a planning committee for the 6th grade activities.
Currently in the works are bake sales, pizza nights, t-shirt sales, poinsettia sale and charities night. Volunteers are needed to coordinate each of these events.
All of the monies raised will be used for the 6th grade field trip and the 6th grade dance.

Funding Requests: The principal, Phil Holt, presented a funding request for $600.00 for The Massachusetts Children’s Book Award (MCBA) program for grades 4, 5 and 6. The request was made on behalf of the teachers of those grades as well as the library media specialist. The program promotes reading by the students. The cost would be for 4 copies of each of the 25 books. Each student in those grades that reads 5 books from the list can vote for their favorite book and will receive a Certificate of Accomplishment. Each grade will receive a copy of each book at the end of the contest in March and the library will keep one copy.
It was noted that this puts a price tag of only $6.00 per book. It was also noted that this is a program used in the Middle School and a great way to gear our children up for the middle school curriculum.
The matter was put to a vote and it was voted to fund this request.

We were also asked to fund a $99.00 enrollment fee for the 6th grade spelling bee. This would cover materials for the bee. The 4th and 5th grade bees are done by the teachers. It would also cover entrance fees for the winner to the local finals.
The matter was put to a vote and it was voted to fund this request.

The matter of the open position of Secretary was discussed. It was suggested that each member of the executive board take turns taking notes and typing the minutes until a permanent replacement was found. Kim L. offered to make copies of the notices.

Meeting was adjourned.

8/23/07

Meeting began at 3:30 p.m.

In attendance: Angie L., Deanna P., Sarah P., Shelly K., Jacqui T., Cathy V., Karen W., Kelly H. and Sonja F.

Tentative schedule set as follows:

CASA Meetings: 9/12, 10/10, 11/14, 12/12, 1/9, 2/13, 3/19, 4/9 and 5/21

Fundraisers: Yankee Candle fundraiser will go out in October and be co-chaired by Cathy V. and Sonja F., They will contact Yankee to make the arrangements

Kids Artwork fundraiser will go out in March and be co-chaired by Kelly H. who will handle the orders and Shelly K., who will work with the art teacher

If it is found that the returns of the Yankee Candle fundraiser are low, an additional fundraiser will be considered.

Fall Fling: Will be 9/29 from 11-3. Kelly H. and Sonja F. will co-chair the event.

  Andy K. has been contacted about scheduling soccer at the Dennett on that day.

  Joann H. and Shelly K. will organize games for the children.

  The event will be a one price admission to include the games, crafts and other activities. There will be a food table with hot dogs, pizza, etc. We will look to have 2 face painters this year.

Family Dance: Friday, 11/2 from 6 to 8. Karen W. will organize this event.

As with the spring dance, iPod music will be used to increase profit.

Thanksgiving Feast: November 13^th. There was a question about whether or not we should collect cans for the food pantry. In the past, a can drive was done in November. If that is not the case this year, we will consider asking each child to bring one canned good or non-perishable product to the Thanksgiving Feast. If there will be a November can drive, we will consider having each child bring a canned good to the Winter Festival as food pantries are usually in need of items that time of the year.

Holiday Bazaar: Tues/Weds December 11-12. Angie Lawson will organize this event

Kids Holiday Crafts: Saturday, December ? Deanna Picone will organize this event and look for a co-chair for the event who could possibly organize this event in future years.

Winter Festival: Friday, January 25^th, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. We will keep the start of this event as 5:00 to accommodate “early birds”.

Family Dance: Friday, February 29^th, 6-8 p.m.

Talent Show:Friday, March 28^th, with rehearsals on 3/12, 3/19 and 3/26. Kelly H. will chair the event with help from Jacqui T. and others.

Teacher Appreciation Luncheon: Tuesday, May 6^th. Shelly K. will organize this event.

DARE Graduation: March, 2007 (to be determined)

Mother/Daughter Tea: May 8^th. Shelly K. will help the nurse organize this event.

Field Day/Cookout: June, 2008 (the Friday before the last day of classes)

Teacher Luncheon: The day after the last day of classes.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS:

Cathy V. will attend the Kindergarten orientation on August 31^st as a CASA representative. CASA will give each family a CASA notepad and invitation to the first meeting.

Several budget items were voted to be raised. They were:

Mother/Daughter tea: increased to $150.00

Enrichment Programs: increased to $2,500.00

Teacher’s Web: increased to $270.00

Classroom subscriptions: increased to $1,250.00

The Plympton Historical Commission asked if they could use our tables for their antique show to be held at the Dennett on September 15^th. All members agreed to allow this.

They also asked that we poll our members and come out in opposition to the proposed casino in Middleboro. After a discussion, it was the consensus of the members that they did not want to have C.A.S.A. be involved in such a political topic.

The scholarship criteria was discussed and it was determined that additional space would be added to the scholarship request form for the purpose of the student explaining the volunteer work they have done at the Dennett.

Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.