Perkins Elementary
Parent Teacher Association
Meeting Minutes
Meeting Date:
Meeting Location:
Monday, September 14, 1015
Perkins Elementary Library, Des Moines, IA
Attendance:
Sara Mitchell, President – present
Melissa Keller, Vice President – present
Jennifer Weir, Treasurer – present
Amy Liechti, Secretary – present
Amber Siever, Past President – present
Dan Koss, Principal – present
I.
Call the Meeting to Order – The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm by President, Sara
Mitchell.
II.
Approval of the Minutes – The May 2015 minutes were approved by those in attendance.
III.
Introductions – Those in attendance were given the opportunity to introduce themselves
and share the names and grades of their children attending Perkins.
IV.
Officer Reports
a. President’s Report – Sara Mitchell
Jazz in July was held on July 11th. Perkins made approximately $200.
b. Vice President’s Report – Melissa Keller
Current PTA membership is 82 members.
c. Treasurer’s Report – Katherine Bayens (Past Treasurer)
See attached report.
V.
Principal’s Report – Dan Koss (See attached report)
VI.
Program
a. Mr. Koss shared the 2015-2016 School Improvement Plan which includes basic data
from the 2014-2015 Iowa Assessments as well and the 2015-2016 District and School
Goals and Strategic Objectives. He also indicated that the district needs a parent
volunteer to serve on the calendar committee.
b. Ms. Birchmier spoke about the FAST program. FAST is a state mandated program that
the school will begin utilizing in the 2015-2016 school year. Screenings are done to help
identify students who may be below grade level for fluency and decoding. They will be
done in the fall, winter and spring.
VII.
Business/Announcements
a. Garden Club – Michelle Voelker shared info about Garden Club with the group and
spoke about the grant received from Whole Kids Foundation. An October 1st event was
held to clean-up the garden and move compost in. Whole Foods staff assisted. A
potluck was held in the outdoor classroom after the work was finished.
b. School Directory – Forms were sent home in students’ Monday folders and were due
back by October 1. The directory will again be available in PDF only.
c. School Pictures – Taken on September 18th
d. Beaverdale Fall Festival Parade – The parade was held on September 19th. Perkins was
again in the parade. Thanks to all who donated candy!
VIII.
PTA Committees
a. Walk-a-Thon – Amber Siever reported that Walk-a-Thon will be held on October 9th. The
theme will be Oh, The Places You’ll Go! The committee is working to secure prizes.
Volunteers still needed for the day of the event.
b. Book Fair – On Karina Casini’s behalf, Miriam Sayre reported that Book Fairs will again
be held during Parent Teacher Conferences, October 21st and 22nd.
c. Teacher Dinners – Held during conferences (October 21 & 22 and Feb 24 & 25). Those
interested in providing a dish for the teachers’ dinner can sign-up now. A co-chair is still
needed.
d. Family Fun Nights – Laura Lockard shared that BINGO night is scheduled for September
29. A date for skate night has not yet been determined. A co-chair for planning these
events is also needed.
e. Garden Club – Michelle Voelker (see previous report)
f. Teacher Appreciation – Two new co-chairs are needed this year. The committee and
volunteers do fun stuff for the teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week.
g. Holiday Store - Beth Bright shared that this event will be held December 21 & 22. A cochair is needed.
h. Holiday Tea – Will again be held after the holidays at Annie Gaster’s home.
i. Silent Auction – May 20th – This event is held during the Perkins Carnival. Co-chairs and
volunteers willing to call area businesses are needed.
j. Carnival – May 20th, outgoing Carnival Chair, Miriam Sayre shared basic info about the
Carnival with those in attendance. This is Perkins spring fundraiser. Co-chairs are
needed.
IX.
Announcements/Upcoming Events
a. Next Meeting – October 5, 6:30pm
X.
Adjourn – The meeting was adjourned at 7:15pm.