November 11 Meeting Notes
The meeting was called to order at precisely 7PM by Daniela Werner (who professed to know the secrets of the "Perfect 1 Hour Meeting" from a magazine article recently read!)
First on the agenda was the Book Fair, headed by Mary Elmore, who was unable to make this meeting (first PIE meeting that she has missed in ???). The reports read, however, that we sold $1443.77 in books, resulting in $721.89 in book credits. We were able to fulfill 49 books from the Teacher Wish Lists, and 25 books were purchased by parents or teachers for these wish lists! The rest of the credits will be used to buy Library Edition books for the future Library. The booklets had a low response, probably due to lack of information. Parents were concerned that these lists would be used for solicitation. They are not, however, they are merely for a one time mailing in which they will be asked if they want to order reduced cost magazine subscriptions. However, the few that we did return gave us a net of $116! Someone suggested that we send the information and booklets home during conferences.
The Halloween Booth was a big success! And it is important to note that EVERY volunteer showed up for his/her scheduled shift. We had gotten 200 toothbrushes donated, but these were gone by 7PM. Chairman Diana Fulbright filled in with candy. She estimated that 400-500 children came through the booth. We had a bean bag game.
Rachel Takagi reported on Cash Back for Schools. We are currently in 5th place with $26,000. (pretty impressive, don't you think?!) 4th place currently has $39,000, a figure that might be tough to beat this time around. 6th place is currently at $17,000, a good ways behind us. This should secure us at least $150 in January!! This money has been designated as Library funds. Be sure to save your receipts from Southshore Mall, Les Schwab, and Five Star. JCPenney, Sears, etc payments may be counted if made at a cash register at Southshore Mall. These receipts can be turned in at Ocean Shores Elementary or at Ocean Shores IGA in the Service Center.
Sarah Coleman reported on the Playground Project. She jokingly said that she would never volunteer for this sort of project again...it was too HARD to spend money! She presented a proposed plan of spending that was both well thought out and thorough. Teachers indicated that they have heard the kids say that they want big toys, things to crawl on. This would run upwards of $11,000 and would need to be a future project. It was suggested that this be discussed at the next OSE ASB meeting.
We next discussed the Library work day on 18 November! Should be an incredibly fun day...come at 9AM to have coffee and donuts (and maybe hot chocolate?). Work party begins immediately, with Kurt Freeman as foreman. Children are encouraged to attend, but must be accompanied by an adult for safety purposes. Lunch will also be provided, with Alec's by the Sea donating soup, PIE chips and pop, and possibly sandwiches from Subway. Sarah Coleman volunteered to ask Subway about special pricing.
Mr Barbero talked about the first annual Turkey Trot, a fun race scheduled for lunchtime of that workday. Three divisions are offered : K-1, 2-3, and 4-5. Signup fee is $2 per family, and winners receive, in order of finishing: a turkey, a chicken, a cornish game hen, an egg, or a feather just for participating. It's all in the name of fun and interest in being at the school that day. $50 was approved to purchase these prizes, with the $2 entrance fee perhaps covering that expense.
Ms Ellingson explained the grant that had been secured for payment of the materials needed to build the library. This was from the GH Community Foundation (formerly the Bishop Foundation). The monies designated for the Libary in the OSE PIE Funds will be redirected to the computer lab. Ms Ellingson indicated that there were 15 computers donated to the school, all in need of upgrades and further equipment, as well as shelving and such. Jody Cadle has agreed to help with the upgrades and determination of equipment needed.
The Christmas Tree Auction is well underway, with Dina Davis at the head. There was actually a shortage of trees this year, but Dina smiled and talked her way into 14 trees from Hedlund Farms in Brady. These will be delivered on the 28th, to be decorated by the 30th. Rhys Davies the disc jockey will be auctioneer.
The Craft Fair will be supported by 3-4 tables with PIE offerings (tshirt pre-sales, etc), as well as a few crafters already signed up. Deana spoke with the Convention Center, who, for the cost of postage, will send mailings to 38 known crafters in the area.
Vonnie Hammack spoke with teachers at staff meeting about the gift baskets, but they felt that it would not be successful. Citing many children who are on free or reduced lunches, they felt that the children could not be asked to do any donations. PIE Members are asked to do what they can, please contact Vonnie Hammack if you have items that could be used!
Maryhelen Freeman reported on the current status of Cougar t-shirts. These will be ordered from Shirt House (formerly M&M Graphics). They will be an ash color (heather gray sweatshirt material) We will use the full image of the cougar on the front of the school, in 2-color red & white. We voted and decided not to put a date on the shirts, if for no other reason, because siblings will wear hand-me-downs and the date would be embarassing! Available will be : Short sleeve T's (apx $8), Long sleeve T's (apx $9), Sweatshirts (apx $12.50) and Hooded Sweatshirts (apx $20). We would charge a minimal fee above our cost, just enough to cover expenses. This is designated as a school spirit offering, and not a fundraiser. Pre0orders will be taken at the Craft Fair/Christmas Tree Auction.
Penny Playground Fund, also headed by Maryhelen Freeman, now has 15 cans in the community, and hopes to have 25!
Christmas Store, with chairman Dina Davis, sounds like lots of fun! Dina has contracted with a company that will send the items (postage free), as well as small penny banks for the children to take home, and an adorable Tweety Bird Plush that can be used in a raffle to generate interest. This is all free to us. Gifts range in price from $.25 to $11, and allow for a wide variety of financial situations. Children will be allowed to visit the Christmas Store by class to purchase items for their friends and family. The idea was discussed to raffle the Tweety by allowing a child one entry for each item purchased. Dates will be December 4-8, and many volunteers will be needed to staff the store.
Shari and Kelly from Avon presented another fund raising opportunity. There is an ornament sales event in which we would earn 30% from each sale. There are also breast cancer pins to raise money for breast cancer, or candles. Diana Fulbright was highly interested and will promote this fund raiser by sending home brochures.
Ms Ellingson asked that PIE sponsor a "Perpetual Motion" assembly in the spring. This is a day of fun activities for our children, and will cost about $640. As opposed to a community carnival, this is an easy and very fun opportunity for the children, and with no work on our part. It was heartily approved!
Daniela then gave us her monthly thought/lesson, in which she talked about how busy we all are and how much has to fit into our lives. Things like work, school, children, husband, etc. These were signified by large rocks put into a clear bucket. The bucket was full. Then she spoke about things like housework, daily needs, PIE involvement, and so on. These were represented by small rocks, poured on top of the big rocks. These slid into the cracks and despite the fullness of the bucket, there was room. Then she spoke about other things that fill our days...phone calls, car pools, etc. These were the sand that filled in between the big and small rocks. And then there is always the little things that crop up at the last minute...and she poured water over it all. Increcibly, these all fit. Is the lesson that if we work at it, we can fit ONE MORE THING into our schedules? Of course, we can all find a few minutes to make a difference somewhere if we are truly trying. But the big lesson is this: Make sure that you fill your bucket with the big rocks FIRST...the things that are most important to you...like your family.
PIE Co-presidents Deana and Daniela then noted that it was precisely 8PM and the meeting was prompty adjourned, making it the perfect 1 hour meeting!
