January 22, 2016 Meeting
Attendees:
Jacki Geoghegan
Angel Rafter
Paul Pirozzi
Jenn Bayliss
Elia Londono
Senia Sakarya
Dancy Balestrieri
David Neilsen
Fiona Galloway
Maribel Palacios-Perez
Karina Arreola
Katie Scully
Pam Louis
Leah Mc Vey
-Welcome and Introductions:
Our meeting was called to order at 8:34 A.M. by Jacki and Angel. Jacki began by introducing Katie DiVenuto, a representative from The American Cancer Society. Katie spoke about “Relay for Life of The Tarrytowns” which will be taking place this June 11th at the Sleepy Hollow High School. “Relay for Life” is the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising event. Katie explained that fundraising teams begin registering for the event in January and February. Typically, high school students form their own teams for the event. Statistics show that 1 in 9 students put this event on their college applications. The event will kick- off at 7PM on June 11th with entertainment and activities. This is an overnight event that will include a remembrance of loved ones and a celebration of survivors and their care-givers. Katie showed the Board a brief video of past events. Katie mentioned that there is a demand for event and pre-event volunteers. Pam asked how our district can get the kids more involved. Jacki advised that they were meeting with the HS Monday to begin discussing logistics, and this topic will be addressed. An informational meeting will be held February 24th with more details.
-Mimi Godwin President of The Board of Education was in attendance and spoke briefly. Ms. Godwin advised the PTA that an announcement will be made by the end of February regarding our new district Superintendent. The effective starting date for this position will be July 1, 2016. Ms. Godwin also announced that the search for a new High School principal will continue with the new Superintendent.
-Membership
According to David Neilsen, PTA membership is up slightly from this time last year.
-Thank You and Recognition
Jacki advised the board that thank you letters have been received from the YMCA for the PTA contribution to fund the WI Play, Open Door for our help in getting the word out about the holiday toy drive, and from Morse School thanking the PTA for the Coat Drive. Special mention was made to the laundromat on John Street in Tarrytown for laundering all of the coats that were donated to the drive.
-Cyber Safety/Security Presentations for students and adults
Jacki Geoghegan, Jean O’Brien, Dancy Balestrieri and Karina Arreola attended a presentation on this subject made at another district by NY’s Finest Speakers. A sample information sheet was distributed to the board. The following week, Jacki, Jean, Karina and Jen Povman attended a different one presented at another district, made by a Westchester ADA. After viewing the two presentations, the group felt that the one by NY’s Finest Speakers was a better fit for our district. The presentation will be given to the MS students. It will be a town hall format from 1 hour to 90 minutes on March 8, 2016. An “opt-out” option will be provided for parents who feel their children aren’t ready for this presentation. There will be an evening session offered for all parents in the district.
-Box Tops for Education
Dancy advised the board that Laura Richardson will be organizing the box-top contest with a pizza party competition at Morse. The board agreed that they will use the class parent tea budgeted funds to help finance the competition. Additionally, the principal at Morse will be speaking to the VP’s about the Morse drop-off policy. Mr. Holland also wants to discuss the best possible way to communicate with the Spanish speaking community/parents at Morse.
-Chess Club
Maribel advised that the winter session for chess club begins on February 3rd. There are 8 sessions per term at a cost of $1,200 per class. There are still many open spots across all grades. Maribel mentioned that she will send out a form advising parents that funds will be rolled over to the next term for classes that don’t have enough members. Jen Bayliss suggested, and the board agreed that Jean O’Brien should send one last email for signup to the club.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:58 AM; our next meeting will be Friday, February 26th.
Horsemen PTA 