Niantic Center School
PTA meeting
Meeting Minutes
October 9, 2013
Members in attendance: Melissa DeLoreto, Tara Dowling, Julie Dowling, Dawn Rodes, Maia Vargas, Diane Swan,
Monica Sistare, Nicole Papuga , Lauren Walling, Jennifer Miele, Randee Siegel, Jill Sisk, Alicia Walsh, Liz Pothier, Cheryl
Smith, Jayme Keefe, Lindsay Raymond, Dana Carr, Liz Friskey, Kellie Hayes, Sue Muir, Colleen Cochrane, Becky Lillie
(presenter)
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Tara Dowling at 6:36pm. Julie Dowling made a motion to approve the
minutes and Maia Vargas seconded.
Principal’s Report: Reminders for ½ day coming up 10/11 and no school Columbus Day. 10/17 mile run –rain date 10/22.
10/18 Fire prevention day, fire chief will attend. 11/5 no school –conferences, 11/6 ½ day for conferences, after care
will be provided. First teacher program has had low attendance, evening gatherings will be offered. In response to
parent surveys the school will be focusing more on safety and respect with students, focus on safety=focus on respect.
What does respect look and sound like? Lessons will be common in all classrooms.
CMT report, this will be the last CMT report as they have been replaced by a new standardized test. NCS continues to
achieve higher scores than the state averages. A new math literacy specialist for grades K-4 has been hired (Tracey
Byrnes) to help with new math standards
President Report: PTA meeting attendance has been up, ASA’s are started and are going well. PTA welcomes any
fundraising ideas/suggestions. Tara will begin attending district PTA president meetings at the end of the month
Vice-President Report: Square 1 Art fundraiser artwork has been sent out, order forms will be coming home soon,orders
will be due by 10/31
Treasurer Report: New reimbursement forms are in the office in the treasurers folder/PTA mailbox. Balance on hand to
date is $1686. Reminder - there will be a 90 day time limit in which receipts to the PTA must be submitted for
reimbursement.
Secretary’s report: none
Teacher Report-Mums fundraiser earned $450 profit. Tri-town has offered a gift card fundraiser 10% profit on $25/$50
gift cards, 12% profit for $75/$100 cards –Diane Swan looking into it. Suggestion to invite Stop and Shop to
Grandparent/Special friend day to sign up cards. Specials are planning Veterans Day event, asked for reimbursement for
popsicles and wreath. 4th grade is raising money to buy a goat from Heifer International with “Read to Feed” program.
Kids are excited about their Square 1 art.
ASA’s : More classes offered than ever, doing well. Reminder that kids MUST be picked up at by 4:30, they can not
attend Sundowners unless they have signed up and paid to attend.
Other Fundraising News:
Bookfair – 10/11 – 10/18 will remain in room 107, all set!
Grandparent/Special Friend Day – 10/15, all set
Halloween bingo – 10/18 cut down to 10 mums, getting 20 BIG pumpkins, still need volunteers for set up, witches and
door. Flyer will go out Friday.
Magician –coming 11/8 6:30-8:00pm. Will split admission sales 50/50 with PTA. Bake sale/popcorn/candy sales are all us
Other: Niantic Light parade float discussion was had, no decisions made, would need chairperson and $$$
Presentation by Becky Lillie about community information group to keep people abreast of the plans and progression of
the East Lyme elementary school improvement/renovation/rebuild situation. There will be a kick-off meeting at Smartys
at 7pm, October 23rd.
Julie Dowling made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:58 pm, seconded by Tara Dowling.
AGENDA for 11/13/13
Principals Report
Presidents Report
Vice Presidents Report
Treasurers Report
Secretaries Report
Gift Making Night
Book fair
Magician
Square 1 Art
Old Business
New Business