Meeting Agenda – February 6, 2012

PAC Meeting Agenda for Monday, February 6, 2012

6:00-7:30 p.m.   Art Room

 PAC photo for Memory Book – Please come at 5:55 pm and meet at the stairs by cafeteria!

Treasurer’s Report (Wendy Cropsey)

NatureCenter– new updates (Mrs. Cuff, Mrs. Czech, Robin Braunschweig)

Staff and Technology Updates / YMCA Classes – PAC paying portion? (Mrs. Czech)

PreK/Kind Playground Equipment Update (Michelle Gloudemans)

Sock Hop Dance – How did it go? (Andrea Schwaller / Shannon Haase / Cindy Taft / Carolee Baumgart, Carol Hennes)

Brain Bowl – Testing Feb 7^th and 8th (Connie Wheeler)

February 16^th  Parent/Teacher Conferences—sign up sheet (Michelle Wagner, Dawn VanWychen)

Winter Book Fair – February date? Cafeteria after school? (Stephanie Piepenburg)

Artist in Residence – Fussed Glass in March – Window displays (Sue Rudolph / Michelle Gloudemans / Amy Lahay)

Family Fun Night  - March 23^rd – Comedy Improv (Melanie Thiel / Michelle Wagner)   

Back to School Kits – April (Melanie Thiel)

Paper Recycling amount from December (Connie Wheeler)

Teacher Requests that have come in to approve (Connie Wheeler)

Market Day – January Profit (Amy Lahay / Connie Wheeler)

New Business – Babysitting Clinic

Since there are many items on the agenda each month, if your name is listed above, please come prepared to discuss your topic in a timely manner since we want to keep the meeting within the time frame.  Thank You!

Babysitting is provided by Freedom High School National Honor Society students during the meeting.  If you have questions or comments, please call Connie Wheeler at 788-5961.

Next PAC meeting:  Tuesday, March 6, 2012.  6:00 – 7:30 pm inArtRoom.

Meeting Notes – January 5, 2012

PAC Meeting Notes for Thursday, January 5, 2012

Treasurer’s Report – Current balance is $14,785.58 minus any new reimbursements for Teacher classroom requests.  Brain Bowl profits will be coming in late February. 

Brain Bowl - Mrs. Kurkiewicz and Mrs. Rutton, both 1st grade teachers are taking over this fundraiser this year (from Mrs. Elrick). They stated that on January 17th a letter will go out to the Pre-K through 2nd grade parents with information on the fundraiser.  The prior year was approximately $8,000 profit with this fundraiser.  On February 1st the pledge sheets will be due.  187 students from Pre-K through 2nd grade participated in 2010.  On February 7th and 8th there will be the testing.  We anticipate that February 7th will be the main day with February 8th working with the M/W Pre-k classrooms and any other students that may have missed the day prior.  On February 29th the pledges will be due.  They will be handing out bookmarks to the Pre-K through 2nd grade students who participate.  There will also be lunch at school provided to the parent volunteers on February 7th and 8th.  Costs for the bookmarks and the lunches may be covered by Student Council.  Connie Wheeler will be coordinating the volunteers via the “Helping Hands” list.  Parent volunteers from Mrs. Rutton’s room and STEP volunteers may also be used on February 7th and 8th.  Unfortunately, there was a drop in participation by 70 students in 2010.  They would like to promote a higher participation rate this year.  As an incentive, P.A.C. approved the motion to allocate $50 per classroom for outdoor equipment or games to help get the students excited about participating.

Staff and Technology Updates – Mrs. Czech was absent at this meeting, however she relayed information onto Connie Wheeler.  Connie stated that the District will be hiring someone to work with Kathy Lorge in the Computers/Technology area.  The position is posted externally.  The question initially came up re: P.A.C. purchased Smart Board games and should the games be housed in the Library.  However, it was brought to our attention that there is an online exchange library that teachers can download games from and will and should not need to purchase games.  Connie will be talking to Mrs. Sara Roberts re: her request to P.A.C. to purchase a Jeopardy game for the Smart Board.

Pre-K/Kind Playground Equipment – P.A.C. decided to postpone the purchase of the 4 items that were being considered for the Pre-K/Kindergarten playground as discussed by Mrs. Czech in the November meeting.  The items would total close to $10,000 and the members were not excited about the items presented.  Michelle Gloudemans will be talking with Mrs. Czech re: the parameters for equipment and other schools re: their suppliers.

February 16th Parent Teacher Conferences’ Meal Planning - Michelle Wagner will be distributing the sign up sheet at our February meeting and will also use the “Helping Hands” list. 

Artist in Residence - Connie handed out 2 small digital scrapbooks that she created from last year’s Artist in Residence program.  The scrapbooks will be given to the Art room, Library, as well as Mrs. Czech and Sharon Kilfoy, last year’s Artist.  Sue Rudolph recapped information on Trista Holz, the fused glass artist chosen for this year’s Artist-in-Residence program in March.  Sue Rudolph and Michelle Gloudemans will be meeting on Tuesday, January 10th with Trista Holz.  As discussed in the November meeting, it will cost approximately $5 per student for individual projects that will be taken home, while the cost will be approximately $7 per student for the community project/murals.  They will be discussing the specifics for the Artist in Residence program in terms of which students will be participating and where the large murals could be going. 

Winter Book Fair – Stephanie Piepenburg has in the past coordinated a Book Fair day where P.A.C. purchased books that were made available to the teachers.  Going forward, we would also like to host aBook Drive where parents would be able to donate their gently used, but good condition books.  It was discussed that books could be dropped off in the Library during the February Parent/Teacher conferences.  It was not determined if all of the books will be housed in the library and checked out by teachers or if the teachers will again be able to take as many books as they want and house them in their classroom.  Stephanie will be following up with the Library.

School Sock Hop Dance - Stephanie Piepenburg coordinated the Sock Hop last year.  This year, Andrea Schwaller will be coordinating the event and stated that the Dance will be on Friday, February 3rd from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.  Cost of the tickets will be $10 per family and $3 per individual.  More information will be sent home with students within the next week.  The DJ will be T.J. the D.J. and cost approximately $150.  Greg Weis, Food Service Director, will handle the snacks.  There will be 8-10 parent volunteers per 1/2 hour session in the hallways/gym/multi-purpose room.  Andrea passed around a volunteer list.  There will also be aFood Drive where people who bring a canned good to the Sock Hop will be given a free ticket for the prize raffles.  Raffle items will be geared to boys, girls and adults.  Local businesses may donate prize baskets.  PAC will be paying for the toy items.

Family Fun Night - Melanie Thiel stated that the event is set for Friday, March 23rd from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.  This will be a Comedy night.  It will cost approximately $500 plus gas/mileage.  The cost will be $10 per family, $3 per individual, in advance and $15 per family, $5 per individual at the door.  This event will take place in the gym.  They will be selling popcorn, some snacks and water.  There should be snacks left over from the February 3rd Sock Hop event that could be used at the March 23rd Comedy event.

Back to School Kits - Melanie Thiel coordinated the kits last year and will be coordinating this year.  She stated that in speaking with the families who purchased them and teachers who had students who had the kits, they loved them.  Melanie will be obtaining a couple Sample Kits to be set out at the Sock Hop on February 3rd and at the P.A.C. table in the lobby for the Parent/Teacher conferences in February.  Melanie is hoping that families could start ordering Kits in April, May and June.  Melanie stated that the Back to School Kit costs were less than the school supplies purchased at Wal-mart.  Melanie will be creating a flyer that will go home with students.  She is also hoping that the teachers who had the students who had purchased kits will be talking at the Staff Meeting.  If the school sells 50 kits, there will be no shipping and handling costs and the kits will be delivered to the school.  Melanie will follow up next month at the meeting as to the progress.

5th Grade Celebration - Tabled until February meeting.

Paper Recycling Update from December - At the end of December, we filled 4 dumpsters, 6.68 tons, which again was more than last time.  However, the paper pricing has gone down through US Paper Mills.  Connie will be getting the final profit numbers.

Teacher Wish List Book/Requests - P.A.C. received a request from Mr. Menting for a futon frame/mattress for his classroom for a cost of $119.  It is thought that there might be parents who may have an unneeded/good condition futon that may work if necessary.  Connie talked with Mr. Menting and he no longer needs the futon.

Market Day – December - The profit from the December sale was approximately $618 with 102 boxes of cookies sold.  We received 30% of the cookie sales.  Thank you to all the families for your support.

Nature Center - On behalf of Mrs. Czech and Robin Braunschweig, Connie Wheeler distributed material from the WI Dept. of Transportation re: the expansion of US Hwy 41 and the effect on the wetland area behind the school.  A drain tile has to be removed from the farmer’s field behind theNatureCenter.  As a result, theNatureCenter may get flooded in the spring time.  It was suggested to postpone the Boardwalk project by 5 years.  However, the Boardwalk is approximately 1 foot above ground and not sure if the flooding will truly be an issue.  Next month, attendees at the PAC meeting should come prepared with any questions.  Connie stated she did not think the flooding would affect the Boardwalk and stated in her opinion we should keep proceeding with the Boardwalk plans. 

YMCA Classes – On April 30th, May, 1st, 3rd, 7th, 8th and 9th, the YMCA will be coming into the school and leading Nature classes for the Kindergarteners – 5th grade.  The cost is $1.50 per student for the 772 students.  P.A.C. has not paid in prior years, however, Mrs. Czech inquired as to if P.A.C. would be interested in paying 1/2 the cost.  P.A.C. is interested in knowing if we do not pay, will the program be canceled.  We will discuss at the February meeting.

New Business - Per Connie Wheeler, there were some concerns that the 1^st and 2^nd gradeHoliday concert was too crowded and Mrs. Czech will be discussing with Mrs. Seibert, Music Teacher, the option of splitting the concert into 2 separate sessions for next year’s concert.

Meeting notes recorded by Michelle Gloudemans, P.A.C. Vice President

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P.A.C. Website: Please go to www.freedompac.org and enter your e-mail address in the subscribe field and you will receive postings on the website including the meeting agendas and notes.

Our next meeting is set for Monday, February 6th in Room 22 (Art room), 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.  Free babysitting is provided by the Freedom High School National Honor Society.  Please come join us!

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Connie Wheeler, P.A.C. President, at 920-788-5961.

Meeting Agenda – January 5, 2012 – 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

PAC Meeting Agenda for Thursday, January 5, 2012

6:00 pm – 7:30 p.m.   Art Room

Treasurer’s Report (Wendy Cropsey)

Brain Bowl – February (Mrs. Kurkiewicz)

Staff and Technology Updates (Mrs. Czech)

PreK/Kind Playground Equipment (Mrs. Czech)

 February 16^th  Parent/Teacher Conferences—meal planning (Michelle Wagner, Dawn VanWychen)

Artist in Residence (Sue Rudolph, Michelle Gloudemans, Amy Lahay)

Winter Book Fair – Jan/Feb (Stephanie Piepenburg)

School Sock Hop Dance – February 3rd   (Andrea Schwaller, Shannon Haase, Cindy Taft, Carolee Baumgart)

Family Fun Night  - March/April (Melanie Thiel, Michelle Wagner)   

Back to School Kits – April (Melanie Thiel)

5^th Grade Celebration – May (Andrea Schwaller, Tammy Handschke, Carrie Witt, Dawn VanWychen)

Paper Recycling Update from December (Connie Wheeler)

Teacher Wish List Book/Requests (Connie Wheeler)

Market Day – December/January (Amy Lahay, Connie Wheeler)

NatureCenter (Robin Braunschweig)

New Business

PAC photo for Memory Book

Babysitting provided by Freedom  High School National Honor Society students during the meeting.  Questions? Comments? Call Connie Wheeler at 788-5961.

Next PAC meeting:  Monday, February 6, 2012  6:00 pm – 7:30 pm in Art Room.

Meeting Notes – November 2, 2011

Treasurer’s Report – Connie Wheeler reported our balance is $22,278.87, which includes $11,387.15 from Avon deposits.  A check for approximately $6,900.00 will be sent to Avon directly which will decrease the reported balance. 

Helping Hands List- Has been handed out to the P.A.C. coordinators forAvon and Market Day.  In addition, there will be a List made available for the school Staff members to use as needed.  In addition, 84 e-mail addresses are now listed within our website.  Those e-mail addresses receive meeting agendas and notes.

Flag Football Concessions Report – Cindy Taft, the P.A.C. coordinator this year, reported that we hosted concessions for 7 of the 8 weeks of Flag Football.  The total profit is estimated to be over $650.  Cindy provided those in attendance at the P.A.C. meeting a report as to the items sold and their price as well as a summary of sales.  The discussion of purchasing a tent will be postponed until next September.  Thank you to all who donated baked goods for the sale and to Cindy Taft for all her time in organizing this fundraiser. 

Staff Appreciation Meals – P.A.C. will be providing meals to the Staff members on the evenings of the Parent/Teacher conferences on Tuesday, November 15th and Thursday, November 17th.  Michelle Wagner will be using the “Helping Hands” list and e-mailing those individuals who volunteered items for the meals. 

Avon Fundraiser – Stephanie Piepenburg is the P.A.C. coordinator again this year.  She passed around a sign up sheet for volunteers to help with the school delivery on Monday, November 14th.  P.A.C. volunteers will help organize the orders for distribution and help parents with picking up their orders during the conference evenings.  Stephanie will be using the “Helping Hands” list to obtain volunteers to help.

Teacher “Wish List” Book/Teacher Requests – Teachers will be turning in their “Wish List” items by Friday, November 4th.  Teachers were asked to provide us with “Wish List” items that are $20 or less.  Connie Wheeler will be putting the “Wish Lists” into a binder for parents to use for ideas for teacher/staff Christmas gifts.  The “Wish Lists” will be available to see at Parent/Teacher conferences on Tuesday, November 15th and Thursday, November 17th.  The following are the requests that we received this past month.

A request has come into P.A.C. by the 3rd grade team to pay for an Incubator for the chickens, prior to hatching.  P.A.C. approved the $120-$150 expenditure. 

A request came into P.A.C. by Mr. Awe to pay for a 5 foot by 7 foot “Hands Around the World” Rug.  P.A.C. approved the $195 expenditure.  Mr. Awe also requested P.A.C. to pay for a kidney-shaped table to be used for Guided Reading.  P.A.C. approved the $125 expenditure.

A request came into P.A.C. by Mrs. Van Handel also for a kidney-shaped table for her class to use during Guided Reading.  Mrs. Van Handel is a new teacher this year.  P.A.C. approved the expenditure, however, directing her to coordinate her order with Mr. Awe to obtain better pricing.

A request came into P.A.C. by Sara Roberts to pay for board games, chapter books and a classroom Jeopardy game and pencil sharpener.  Sara is new to teaching 5th grade this year.  P.A.C. approved the $99 Jeopardy expenditure as well as the $50 expenditure for the pencil sharpener.  P.A.C. is recommended for her to put the games on her “Wish List”.  Stephanie Piepenburg will be talking with Sara re: her needs for books.  Stephanie will coordinate purchasing some of the books.

Staff/Technology Report by Mrs. Czech – Mrs. Czech reported that the teachers are continuing to work on the grading portion on Skyward.  Teachers should also be working on getting the report card grades online as well.

Pre-K/Kindergarten Playground Equipment – Mrs. Czech reported that a sign has been ordered and will be going up on the fence by the entrance to the playground.  The sign will say that the playground is for children 7 years old and younger.  Mrs. Czech met with the Pre-K/Kindergarten teachers and gave them some pictures of available new items for the playground.  Mrs. Czech distributed these 4 options to those in attendance at this P.A.C. meeting.  All items are self-standing.  All items should pass insurance inspection.  If P.A.C. approves the expenditures, she will go to the Building and Grounds committee for their approval.  Costs are anticipated to be just under $10,000 total for the 4 items.  She will need volunteers to help with the installation.  Mrs. Czech will be talking to John in Maintenance re: the space and the condition of the current items to determine the appropriate placement of the new items.  She will report back at our January meeting where we will discuss the plan to purchase the items.

Nature Center News – Mrs. Czech stated that Mr. Quinlan, a second grade teacher, will be coordinating the efforts on behalf of the teachers, however, he is hoping to work with P.A.C. volunteers as well.  Connie Wheeler reported that there were 8 individuals on the “Helping Hands” List who volunteered for Nature Center projects.  Mrs. Czech asked if P.A.C. would like to pay 1/2 of the costs for the YMCA to come out and do 50 minute classes for each of the grades/classes.  She is setting up for sometime in April or May. Connie Wheeler is going to check to see if P.A.C. paid any of the expenses for last year and will discuss at our next meeting.  Connie reported that George Van Wychen came after school one day and mowed down the weeds/grasses.  Kirk Schuh will be looking into trimming the trails and what is needed to be done at this time.  We will need to decide if we want to have different committees to handle the Boardwalk expansion project, the Butterfly Garden and the overall Maintenance efforts required. 

Artist in Residence Program – Michelle Gloudemans presented the handful of different Artist options to consider for the March/April Artist-in-Residence program.  Artists included paper mache artists, clay and ceramics artist, fused glass artist and children’s book authors/illustrators.  The fused Glass artist was chosen.  The costs are anticipated to be between $600.00 and $6500.00 for a 2 week program.  This will include Kindergarten potentially through 5th graders.  Students will work with the artist on individual projects to take home as well as large community/school projects/murals.  We will tentatively plan the program for the last 2 weeks in March. 

P.A.C. “Thank you” cards – Michelle Gloudemans presented a handful of different design options for the “Thank you” cards to be used by P.A.C.  Michelle will be printing them and then coordinating with Sue Mannebach for distribution.  P.A.C. wants to better recognize those individuals who volunteer and/or donate items to the school.

Market Day Report – Connie Wheeler reported that profits for October’s Market Day were $157.  She stated November is Pie month where we will get 30% of pie sales if we sell 100+ pies.  People can donate a pie to the Food Pantry and Amy Lahay and Connie Wheeler will be delivering the pies that night.  The Food Pantry will be handing them out in December for a Christmas meal.  We will be putting a posting on the website and Facebook re: the option to donate pies to the Food Pantry.

Paper Recycling Drive – Connie Wheeler reported that The Freedom Pursuit ran a “Thank you” note and a separate article re: the Paper Recycling Drive.  Connie is hoping to obtain some assistance via Eagle Scouts to help with the various loads of magazines/catalogs received from a local business.  Connie has the boxes but would like help loading/unloading.  Thenext Paper Recycling Drive is set for December 26th through the 30th.  Mark the dates on your calendar!  Reminder, please NO wrapping paper.

2012 P.A.C. Meeting Dates – The following dates were set for the remainder of the school year, Thursday, January 5th; Monday, February 6th; Tuesday, March 6th; Wednesday, April 4th; Thursday, May 3rd.  All meetings will start at 6:00 pm.  If you haven’t come to a P.A.C. meeting recently, please come join us at our next meeting!  Everyone is welcomed and appreciated.  Let’s work together to make our school and community a better place!

Preplanning for Brain Bowl/Sock Hop/Family Fun Night/Winter Book Fair – Those individuals who volunteered for any of these events should please come to the January meeting to report on the progress.  Connie Wheeler will be in contact with these individuals so they are prepared. 

Ways to welcome new members – Connie began the discussion stating we would like to brainstorm ideas on how to welcome new members.  Some of the suggestions include giving a background/history on some of the projects at the meetings to help educate those who are new to P.A.C.; also to have Committee Leaders/Coordinators, ensuring those Committee Leaders/Coordinators have past folders of information; possibly calling those new to meetings to welcome them; Committee Leaders/Coordinators should be calling those individuals who volunteered via the “Helping Hands” List.  It will be put on the agenda for our January meeting to ensure every committee has a Leader/Coordinator and they know who they are.

New Business – Connie’s new e-mail address is cjwheeler73@gmail.com.

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P.A.C. Website: Please go to www.freedompac.org and enter your e-mail address in the subscribe field and you will receive postings on the website including the meeting agendas and notes.

There will be NO meeting in December.  Our January meeting is set for Thursday, January 5th in Room 22 (Art room), 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.  Memory Book Photo will be taken after the meeting.  Free babysitting is provided by the Freedom High School National Honor Society.  Please come join us!

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Connie Wheeler, P.A.C. President, at 920-788-5961 or cjwheeler73@gmail.com.

Meeting notes recorded by Michelle Gloudemans, P.A.C. Vice President

Meeting Reminder

There has been some conflicting dates that have been published for the PAC November meeting.  It is Wednesday, November 2 at 6:00 pm in the Art Room.

Meeting Agenda – November 2, 2011 – 6pm Meeting Time

PAC Meeting Agenda for Wednesday, November 2, 2011

**NOTE TIME CHANGE** 6:00 pm – 7:30 p.m. in the Art Room

• Treasurer’s Report (Wendy Cropsey)
• Helping Hands List – Distribute Hard Copies (Shannon Haase)
• October Flag Football Bake Sale report / Tent? (Cindy Taft)
• Staff meal for parent/teacher conferences: Nov. 15 and 17 (Michelle Wagner)
• AVON fundraiser update (Stephanie Piepenberg)
• Teacher Wish List Book / Teacher Requests (Connie Wheeler)
• Staff and Technology Updates (Mrs. Czech)
• PreK-Kindergarten Playground Equipment / Fence Locked / Sign Ordered (Mrs. Czech)
• NatureCenterNews  / Volunteers and Committee (Robin Braunschweig)
• Artist in Residence Updates (Michelle Gloudemans, Amy Lahay, Sue Rudolph)
• PAC Thank You – Prices and Examples (Michelle Gloudemans)
• Market Day Report (Amy Lahay)
• Paper Recycling Project /Ad in Pursuit /Eagle Scouts Help (Connie Wheeler)
• Set meeting dates for January-May 2012
• Brain Bowl, School Dance, Family Fun Night, Winter Book Fair—committees to meet and bring plans to January meeting
• Ways to Welcome New Members
• New Business

Reminder: We do NOT meet in December.  The PAC photo for Memory Book will be taken at the January meeting.  Babysitting will be provided by Freedom High School National Honor Society students during the meeting. If you have any questions or comments, please call Connie Wheeler at 788-5961.

Meeting Notes – October 4, 2011

October 4, 2011 P.A.C. Meeting Notes

Mrs. Czech Report - Mrs. Czech stated she spoke with Kathy Lorge, who is the Technology Director for the District.  Eight Smart Boards were added to our school recently along with additional computers.  Training took place this summer on the various technologies.  Additional training will be scheduled for those teachers who have been using Smart Boards for some time.  The school recently received approximately $700 back from the “Target for Education” program.  Target offers 1% back to the schools when people use their Target Credit Card.  “Box Tops for Education” program earns money for the school as well and all money received from both programs goes toward student Assemblies.  The amount received from Freedom Food receipts goes toward student days and in the past, food for the volunteers at different events, such as Brain Bowl.  Mrs. Rudolph is working with the 5th graders on painting large canvases that will be framed and put up in a couple areas around the school.

Treasurer’s Report - Wendy Cropsey reported that P.A.C. has a balance of $9,794.51 minus a couple small receipts.  One additional Teacher Classroom Supply request was submitted by Mrs. Anderson for a cart for sorting books.  Request was approved.

Flag Football Bake Sale/Concessions Report - Per conversation with Cindy Taft, less than 15 hotdogs were sold at Flag Football this past Saturday morning.  Discussion occurred re: pricing and the recommendation to price hotdogs at $1 vs. $1.50.  Sales of hot chocolate and baked goods are going well.  In addition, P.A.C. would welcome volunteers to staff the Food Stand and well as volunteers to bake items and bring to the stand for sale.  If interested, please contact Cindy Taft at 850-5394 or simply bring your baked goods to the Food Stand on any Saturday.

“Helpings Hands” List – Shannon Haase has this document prepared and will be e-mailed out to the various Committee organizers.  A sign up sheet was distributed for those individuals who would like copies of the “Helping Hands” list.

October Staff Meeting Report - Connie Wheeler reported that P.A.C. provided 3 different types of ice cream sundaes at the Monday Staff meeting.  She also explained to the Staff the Teacher Wish List and handed out P.A.C. labels and the request for reimbursement process.

Meals for Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences – Michelle Gloudemans passed out the sign up sheets for individuals to volunteer to bring food items for the November 15 and 17th Parent/Teacher Conferences meals.  P.A.C. provides meals to the teachers throughout the evening since teachers generally do not have time to go home and eat supper.   Please contact Michelle Wagner at 920-707-1599 if you have any questions.

Snacks for Fall Student Appreciation Day - Kim Schuller stated the snacks are ready to go for Friday.  P.A.C. is providing Market Day Goldfish Grahams to the students for the Student Appreciation Day on Friday, October 7th.

Sock Hop Dance - Connie Wheeler stated that the tentative date for the Sock Hop is Friday, February 3rd from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Brain Bowl - Mrs. Czech reported that Mrs. Kurkiewicz, 1st grade teacher, will be taking over the Brain Bowl this year.  Brain Bowl occurs in February.  More details to come in January.

Family Fun Night - Melanie Thiel is planning for April.

Nature Center News - In the past meeting, it was decided that an Eagle Scout could take on part of the Nature Center/Boardwalk project.  855 feet of boardwalk need attention.  Per Dawn Van Wychen, she stated the paper work has to be so detailed to the Bay Lakes council that the start of the project could be over a year out.  She stated that P.A.C. needs to decide on the number of phases and how many feet should be included in each phase.  From there, one or more Eagle Scouts could work on the phases.  In May, paperwork has to be submitted to the Bay Lakes Council.  A Scout, Spencer, was in attendance at the meeting.  He will be contacting the High School Agriculture teacher as well as others to discuss moving forward.  The Scouts will act as Project Managers who will assist with fundraising and coordinating completion of the work by various construction individuals.  Connie Wheeler stated that the Butterfly Garden does not have any spring blooming plants and will need to be added.  Currently, the Nature Center/Boardwalk needs a Teacher leader.  Families are welcome and encouraged to use the Nature Center/Boardwalk area.

Artist-in-Residence - Michelle Gloudemans stated that we have several artists (children’s authors/illustrators/paper mache artists) that we are considering for the spring Artist-in-Residence program.  Michelle and Sue Rudolph, Art Instructor, will be checking availability for March and April and pricing and will report back at the next meeting.  Connie Wheeler stated that she is going to be completing a small scrapbook of last year’s Artist-in-Residence program.  She will have the scrapbook completed by the November Parent/Teacher conferences.

Avon Fundraiser Kick-off – Stephanie Piepenburg distributed a sign up sheet to volunteer to help with collecting orders and for verifying orders against monies collected.  Starting Monday, volunteers can pick up the order sheets and assist with the verification process prior to orders being submitted toAvon.  Next year we will identify a specific fundraiser or project for the monies to go towards.  Discussion also occurred regarding possibly adding incentives to students to collect a certain amount of orders.  It was decided not to offer incentives since this Avon Fundraiser is very successful for us.

Book Purchases - Over the years, Stephanie Piepenburg has purchased, on behalf of P.A.C., classroom books at greatly reduced prices.  She has purchased those books remaining on lists from the Teacher Wish Lists.  In February, Stephanie coordinated a book distribution for the teachers.  A motion was approved for $200 to be reimbursed to Stephanie for the costs of books.

Market Day - Amy Lahay reported we had $204.25 as our profit from the September sales.

4th Grade Request - Connie Wheeler reported that after our last year’s May meeting, a request was submitted by Mrs. Erickson, 4th grade teacher, for $150 to serve as a down payment for a play at the Performing Arts Center.  P.A.C. provided the down payment and will be receiving the money back. 

Summer Library PAC donations - Connie Wheeler stated that P.A.C. provides prizes for the Summer School Library Reading program.  P.A.C. donated $250.

Paper Recycling Project - Connie Wheeler reported that we had 8900 pounds of paper recycled.  Our June donation was 6400 pounds.  It required 2 full dumpsters.  Van’s Waste donates the use of the dumpsters.  U.S. Paper Mills pays Van’s to pick up the dumpsters.  We will be receiving $1300 from U.S. Paper Mill for the paper.  The Freedom Pursuit placed a nice article in their newspaper re: the Paper Recycling drive.  P.A.C. will be putting a “Thank You” in the Freedom Pursuit.  Ournext Paper Recycling Drive will take place between Christmas and New Year’s. 

Playground Equipment - Robin Braunschwieg reported that she spoke to the Pre-K teachers re: their wishes.  Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Lonzo spoke re: their interests in a 4 way Bouncer.  Mrs. Czech spoke to the items, such as swings, that cannot be added due to safety issues.  There is also a need for a formalized committee of parent and teacher volunteers to coordinate the improvement of the Playgrounds.  The Building and Grounds Committee will also need to be involved and approve any purchases.  If interested, please contact Mrs. Czech or Connie Wheeler at 920-788-5961.

Website - Connie Wheeler will be getting the names off of the “Helping Hands” list and entering those individuals into the website to receive any updates via e-mail.  If you have not subscribed to the website, please visit www.freedompac.org to enter your e-mail address. 

New Business - Robin Braunschweig requested recognition to Mrs. Karen Elrich for starting Brain Bowl and to Mrs. Betsy Meller for all her work with theNatureCenter.  Robin will be looking into this further as to not leave out anyone nor set precedence going forward.  

New Business - A discussion occurred regarding changing the P.A.C. meeting times from 6:30 p.m.  An earlier start time will allow more individuals to bring their children along, for the free babysitting that is provided.  A motion was approved to change the meeting time to 6:00 p.m.  The meetings generally are 1.5 hours long.  We will be noting the time change on the sign by the road, the sign inside the school by the office, and in the newsletter.

Meeting notes recorded by Michelle Gloudemans, P.A.C. Vice President

Facebook: “Like” us on Facebook at Freedom Elementary P.A.C. (Parents Activity Committee)

PAC Website: Please go to www.freedompac.org and enter your e-mail address in the subscribe field and you will receive any postings on the website including the meeting agendas and notes.

Our November meeting is set for Wednesday, November 2nd in Room 22 (Art Room), 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.  Please note the time change.  Free babysitting is provided by the Freedom High School National Honor Society.  Please come join us!

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Connie Wheeler, P.A.C. President, at 920-788-5961.

Agenda – October 4, 2011

If you received an email today for the agenda for October 4, 2011 and the screen was blank there was a problem with WordPress.  Please go to the web site for this time to see the agenda.  Sorry for any inconvienance this may have caused.

Thank you,

Connie Wheeler, PAC President

Agenda – October 4, 2011

 

PAC Meeting Agenda for Tuesday, October 4^th  6:30-8:00 p.m.   Room 22

 

• Treasurer’s Report – (Wendy Cropsey)
•  Flag Football Bake Sale/Concessions report – (Cindy Taft)
•  Yet another opportunity to sign up for a PAC committee
•  Helping Hands List – (Shannon Haase)
•  October Staff meeting report – (Connie Wheeler, Michelle Gloudemans)
• Organize meal for Fall P/T conferences – (Michelle Wagner)
•  Snacks for Fall Student Appreciation Day – (Kim Schuller, Jon Delany)
•  Sock Hop Dance, Brain Bowl & Family Fun Night Planning
•  NatureCenterNews (need to schedule a work day)(Tricia Frank, Robin B, Karen)
•  Artist-in-Residence Updates – (Sue Rudolph)
•  Avon Fundraiser kick-off—do we have enough helpers? – (Stephanie P)
•  Market Day – (Amy Lahay)
•  4^th Grade Request / Summer Library – (Connie Wheeler)
•  Paper Recycling Project – (Connie Wheeler)
•  Playground Equipment – PreK/Kind – (Robin B)
•  Website – entering emails
•  New Business  – Honoring Members – (Robin B)

 Babysitting will be provided by Freedom High School National Honor Society Students during the meeting.  Questions? Please call Connie Wheeler at 788-5961.  Next Meeting Date:  Wednesday, November 2.

 

Meeting Notes – September 12, 2011

September 12, 2011 PAC Meeting Notes

Welcome Back & Introductions – Agenda was distributed first, followed by introductions around the table.  There were many new faces.  Mrs. Cuff, District Administrator, was also in attendance.

Treasurer’s Report – Balance carried over from 2010-2011 school year is $9865!  $960 was raised from the recycling project over the summer.

PAC President & Nominations – General duty descriptions were read as stated on the agenda.  Connie Wheeler, previous Vice President, was nominated for President.  Connie has been involved and active on committees with PAC for 6 years.  Michelle Gloudemans, was nominated for Vice President.  Michelle has been involved and active on committees with PAC for 2 years.  Nominations were approved.

Peanut/Nut Free Ban discussion – Mrs. Cuff, District Administrator, was introduced.  She stated she realized Peanut/Nut ban is extreme.  Due to the increase in students with these severe allergies (coming in to the District last minute) and the amount of shared rooms (such as the Cafeteria, Music Room,ArtRoom, and Library), the ban was put in place this year.  She asked us to remember that the ban is just impacting 5 meals per week.  She is asking all parents to work within the ban.  She realizes the impact is mainly on the students who bring cold lunches.  The first day of school was the only day that those students with Peanut Butter lunches were separated from other students.  Going forward, that will not be the case. She stated students will not get punished if they bring a PB & J sandwich for lunch.  They will be watched by supervisors and the area will be cleaned up more thoroughly.   “Wow” Butter, which is a soy-based substitute for peanut butter, will soon be offered on the condiment table, free of charge.  There have been only 13 very serious complaints.  She expected more complaints.  Children, aged 4-10 year olds, have a more difficult time self-managing their allergy.  Over the last 5 years, these allergies have tripled.  There is no scientific/medical explanation for the rise.  Mrs. Cuff stated that the school/district is legally liable if we choose to ignore it, but if we do the best, we are less liable.  The ban was requested, by the Nurse, for 4 years. Mrs. Cuff stated the Peanut/Nut ban is the best option for the school and district.  Other allergies have to be ingested/eaten, while Peanut/Nut allergies simply can be smelled and a serious reaction can occur.  Additional thoughts or complaints can be addressed directly to Mrs. Cuff.

PAC Committees - The Committee descriptions and approximate time commitment, was listed on the back of the agenda.  A sign up sheet was passed around.  Volunteers were asked to sign up for committees.   Those parents who completed the “Helping Hands” list, included in student folders, will be added to the committees.

Teacher Requests/Funding for Classroom Supplies – Mrs. Wilson, Kindergarten Teacher, requested individual dry erase boards for her classroom.  Request for $125 was approved by PAC.

Recap Back-to-School Open House – Event went well.  Due to many parent/PAC requests, the school agreed to distribute the student paperwork, at Open House, earlier than in year’s past.  95% of parents attended the Open House and were able to pick up the student folders/paperwork.  This gave parents almost a week for the paperwork to be completed and turned into the teachers/office.  Only 7 Back-to-School supply kits were ordered.  It was determined that the low amount of orders were due to lack of time/notice at the end of the school year.  Going forward, more notice will be given to parents re: the Back-to-School Supply kits. This will be a great convenience for parents.

Retirement Gifts – PAC recognizes teacher and staff retirements.  Mrs. Hannon retired over the summer.  A $50 gift was approved.  Carrie Witt and Mrs. Braunschweig will handle the purchase and distribution of the gift.

Fall Paper Recycling Dates – Due to this summer’s success and profit of $960, we will be doing 4 more Paper Recycling events.  This is open to the entire Freedom community.  From September 26th – 30th there will be a dumpster in the front parking lot of the elementary school.  Further Paper Recycling dates will take place in December, March and June.  Watch for future flyers listing the dates.

Fall Student Appreciation Day – On October 7^th, PAC will be handing out a special treat for the students.  In years prior, pretzels were distributed to all students.  A Market Day product will be distributed again this year.

Parent/Teacher Conferences – Conferences take place on October 15th and 17th.  PAC provides meals to the teachers throughout the evening since teachers generally do not have time to go home and eat supper.  Michelle Wagner will coordinate the meals and bring a sign up list to the next PAC meeting and will also use the “Helping Hands” list for additional volunteers.

October Staff Meeting - The PAC President and VP attend the October teacher/staff meeting, serves ice cream sundae’s and introduces PAC.  We will also explain the Teacher Request process.  Going forward, teachers will be given a voucher for up to $100 to be reimbursed upon submission of receipts.  Teachers are able to purchase additional supplies and resources for their classrooms.  Connie Wheeler will take care of creating the voucher.

Major Goals and Donations – As of now, the Nature Center/Boardwalk is in great need of volunteers and donations.  The entire trail needs to be boarded so that it is more accessible year round.  This will also make the maintenance easier.  There is discussion that the profits from the Paper Recycling events be donated to the Boardwalk expenses.  The topic was raised regarding improving the Pre-K and Kindergarten playground.  Robin Braunschweig will follow up with those teachers regarding their needs and wants.  Any further ideas for major goals and donations are highly welcomed.

“Helping Hands” list Coordinator – Shannon Haase will update the list and follow up with the school office to obtain the “Helping Hands” sheet.

Flag Football Bake Sale Coordinator –   Last year, PAC sponsored a Food Stand at many of the Flag Football games on Saturday mornings.  The profit was approximately $400.  Most of the profit was as a result of baked goods.  PAC would welcome volunteers to staff the Food Stand as well as volunteers to bake items and bring to the stand for sale.  If interested, please contact Cindy Taft at 850-5394.

Market Day – Karen Baumgartner, new school Guidance Counselor, will coordinate the Student Council staffing at the Market Day distribution days.  Karen replaced Betsy Meller.  Kim Schuller volunteered to assist with the monthly Market Day flyers.  She will be working on distributing the appropriate number of flyers per teacher.  If you are interested in volunteering for a couple late afternoon hours, once a month, please contact Amy Lahay at 920-687-1736 or Connie Wheeler at 920-788-5961.

Avon Fundraiser – This takes place in the fall during Parent/Teacher Conferences.  Stephanie Piepenburg will once again be the coordinator.  Michelle Wagner agreed to be the coordinator after this year. The Avon Fundraiser is our 2nd highest profit producing fundraiser.  The percent of sales last school year increased from the year before.  PAC will continue to sponsor this fundraiser.  If you are interested in volunteering at the end of September to distribute packets, please contact Stephanie Piepenburg at 920-687-6206.

Nature Center Presentation by Robin Braunschweig – The school owns the land in the Nature Center area.  It goes out to Duck Creek.  It was created approximately 15 years ago and PAC has greatly expanded and improved this area over the last 7 years.  It now includes an outdoor classroom as well.  In years past, the maintenance has been supplied by the school and PAC volunteers.  As mentioned above, there is a need to get additional Boardwalk in place and maintained. We are now looking into having the Boy Scouts take on this Boardwalk expansion as an Eagle Scout project.  PAC will fund 1/2 of the cost, while the Partnership Committee will fund the other half of the expenses.  It is estimated that PAC will fund approximately $3000-$5000.  Robin presented the backpacks that are a resource for teachers.  PAC purchased these backpacks and they include butterfly nets, rain gauges, and compasses.  In addition, there are many books available for teachers and parents to check out to use.  Families are welcome and encouraged to use the Nature Center/Boardwalk.  Parents will be able to buy a board for the boardwalk.  Watch for more information on how to purchase boards.  There is also a need for further parent and teacher volunteers to coordinate the expansion and improvement of the Nature Center/Boardwalk.

Meeting notes recorded by Michelle Gloudemans, PAC Vice President

Facebook:  “Like” us on Facebook at Freedom Elementary P.A.C. (Parents Activity Committee).

PAC website:  Please go to www.freedompac.org and enter your email address in the subscribe field and you will receive any postings on the website including the meeting agendas and notes.

Our October meeting is set for Tuesday, October 4th in Room 22 (Art Room) 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm.  Free Babysitting provided by the Freedom High School National Honor Society.  Please come join us!

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Connie Wheeler at 920-788-5961.