EMES GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Date | time 5/14/2014 7:04 PM | Meeting called to order by Angie Tomaszewski, President
In Attendance
Mr. Pellegrino, Maureen Kirk, Kathy Goodhart, Marty Kazmierczak, Juana Kazmierczak, Kevin Arcano, Michelle
Taliaferro, Endora Giamporcaro, Matt Giamporcaro, Kim Noel, Sally Dunleavy, Angie Tomaszewski, Rebecca
Lehemoto, Caroline Geidl, Jane Banner, Deirdre Rommelmeyer, Shantell Evans, Erin Hager, Stephanie DeWan,
Kelly McKnight, Susan Grouse, Kim Cheshire, Theresa Dinman, Courtney Gatlin, Julie Sprinkle, Lynn Colavita,
Laurie Williams
Approval of Minutes
The minutes were read from the April board meeting and approved.
Principal’s Report – Michael Pellegrino
Mr. Pellegrino presented the current officers with a gift and thanked them for their service.
Mr. Pellegrino discussed the Outdoor Classroom (OC).
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Appreciation was expressed for the efforts of all involved in the development of the Outdoor Classroom but
special thanks were given to Matt Giamporcaro, Shantell Evans and Angie Tomaszewski for their vision,
leadership and grant writing success.
A teachers meeting was held to ensure that the OC was truly desired. It is still desired, however, with
modifications. Teachers are making a list of modifications, due to Mr. Pellegrino on May 23, 2014.
The teachers also expressed a desire to create a “wish list” of items that they would like for their classrooms.
This wish list is also due on May 23rd. This list may include the OC and will rank the order of preference of
their desires.
Treasurer’s Report
Juana Kazmierczak, Treasurer, presented the budget. Highlights:
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As of 5/14/14 the balance in the account is $40,561.70.
Since the last meeting she has reimbursed 11 teachers $874. 64 for classroom expenses.
She has paid the remaining ASEP instructors $700.
EMES notepads and magnets were purchased for $217 and presented to volunteers as a thank you gift.
$200 was received from Manhattan Pizza for spirit night.
She requests that anyone needing a reimbursement turn in their forms with original receipts no later than June 13.
Maureen Kirk motioned to approve the Treasurer’s Report; Lori Williams seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Outdoor Classroom Project Committee
Shantell Evans, Chair, presented a timeline of the OC project and discussed the grants received. Use of the grants
requires establishment of the OC by September 30, 2014.
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Walt Disney World has donated four Park Hopper tickets with a value of $565 to be auctioned at the Silent
Auction. They will be set apart to ensure that it is clear they are going directly to the Outdoor Classroom.
Captain Planet Foundation has provided an “EcoTech” grant valued at $2,500 to establish a weather station
and nature cam/monitor.
GreenKids has provide at grant of $1,500. Their grant provides SOL lesson plans, teacher instruction, and
$500 for a teacher stipend for the lead teacher.
Lowe’s has provided a $4,000 grant for the water feature portion of the OC.
Discussion ensued in regard to funding, timing and feasibility of completing the OC in time to use the grant money.
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FUNDING: The overall budget for the OC is $18,000. The PTA previously allocated $6,500 toward the
project; grants provide another $8,000. Therefore, additional funds will need to be allocated to fully fund
the OC.
o Maureen Kirk made a motion to create a line item in the budget of $10,000 for “special projects” to
ensure the availability of funds for items on the teacher “wish list.” Kevin Arcano provided a
second. The motion carried with Matt Giamporcaro abstaining. This line item in the budget be
necessary to move forward given the school year ending in June.
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Note: if the money in the special projects line item is not specifically allocated by the end of
the fiscal year (June 30) it will return to the general fund.
Items on the wish list will still need to be presented to the PTA for consideration and
approval by the general membership, including modifications to the OC.
TIMING & FEASIBILITY: there is general concern that the OC will not be up and ready by the deadline
of September 30 as required for use of the grant money.
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Mr. Pellegrino noted that the plans for the OC have not yet been sent to LCPS Admin for approval.
Approval can often take some time. Permits from the city will also be needed.
The teacher wish list is an unknown variable at this time. How comprehensive will the
modifications be to the OC? Where will it rank on their list of priorities? Until these factors are
known, moving forward on the OC is problematic.
Volunteer Committee
Kevin Arcano, Chair, reported that additional volunteers are needed for the Silent Auction and Walk-a-Thon. He
has plan to meet with Amy Coppa regarding the Walk-a-Thon.
School Events Committee
Kelly McKnight provided an update on the 5th Grade Activities. Kelly would like to augment the 5th grade farewell
party to bring it more in line with what other local schools do for their students. She would like to add cake and
water at the reception; provide a Simpson t-shirt for every 5th grader and pizza at the Farewell Picnic. In addition
she would like to have more activities at the event. These may include games, a photo booth, a DJ and possibly a
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tattoo artist. She is requesting a budget increase of $1,000 to augment the party. Matt Giamporcaro made a motion
to approve the request; Kevin Arcano provided the second. Motion passed with Juana Kazmierczak opposing.
Outreach Committee
Sally Dunleavy, Chair, provided an update.
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The Outreach Committee is partnering with Francis Hazel Reid this summer to support 50 kids with meals
as part of the Backpack Buddies program. Volunteers will be needed to pack backpacks over the summer.
Sally would like to see a reinstatement of a “Python Partners” program whereby students can partner with
local charities. Many of the Scouting troops do this sort of thing but it would be nice to have a program
supported by EMES where all kids could participate. She has been approached by students desiring this
and believes there could be good participation. She requested that this be put on the agenda for the
September meeting.
Ways and Means Committee
Maureen Kirk reported that the Silent Auction was progressing well. Mr. Pellegrino will make a ConnectEd call to
encourage participation.
Education, Arts and Athletics Committee
Julie Sprinkle provided an update.
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EMES paraprofessional Deborah Phillips will be recognized by the Special Education Advisory Committee
(SEAC). She is the recipient of SEAC’s 2014 Recognition for Excellence in Supporting Special Education
Award. There were more than 110 nominations from 45 LCPS schools. Congratulations to Ms. Phillips!
Julie attended the April 9th LEAP meeting on Internet Safety and Drug Awareness. Parents should note that
Internet Safety is not currently part of the DARE program. This was a fascinating meeting that provided
much information on how to raise you and your child’s awareness of the dangers of victimization via the
Internet. Particular attention should be given to interactive computer games.
The next LEAP meeting will be May 29th from 7 – 9 pm. The new Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Eric
Williams, will be present.
Staff Support Committee
Laurie Williams reported that Staff Appreciation Week went well.
Special Committee for Cash Flow Analysis
Matt Giamporcaro presented a detailed analysis of cash flow patterns in an effort to determine how well the PTA’s
revenue generating activities are aligned with its program expenditures. After exhaustive analysis, the Committee
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recommends that a beginning annual cash flow reserve of $10,000-12,000 would be adequate to meet the
Association’s cash flow requirements for the year.
Special Committee for Finance Processes Improvement
Chandra Bittner, Chair, was unable to attend the meeting, however, she recommends this committee be disbanded.
Nominating Committee
Kevin Arcano made a motion to install new officers; Michelle Taliaferro seconded. The motion was unanimously
approved. New officers are:
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Maureen Kirk, President
Laurie Williams, Vice President
Juana Kazmierczak, Treasurer
Theresa Dinman, Secretary
They will be replacing the current officer:
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Angie Tomaszewski, President
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Kevin Arcano, Vice President
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Lisa Krepich, Secretary
New Business / Announcements
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Family Movie Night and Silent Auction is scheduled for Friday.
Field Day / Walk A Thon is on schedule
Next Meeting
The next meeting will take place in September 2014, unless a special meeting is required to address the Outdoor
Classroom and other items on the teacher wish list. If such meeting is needed, time and location will be set as per
the by-laws.
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Motion to adjourn was made at 8:53 and passed unanimously.
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