HPMP Meeting notes Monday, May 4, 2009

7-8 pm in the Central School Library

Attendees: Co-President Joe DeFilippis, Treasurer Dayna Baumeister, Secretary Diana Hammer, Central Principal Merry Fahrman, Broadwater Principal Sue Johnson, Marika Adamek, Joshua Schultz, Elvira Roncalli, Joanna Thamke, and Denise Barber.

Joe began the meeting at 7:10 pm with a welcome and introductions.

Treasurer’s Report

Dayna gave the treasurer’s report. The current HPMP balance is $19,059.91. This does not reflect the upcoming bills for Jodi Delaney and Annie Tague’s summer training.

HPMP received an estimate of Annie Tague’s training expenses and there was some discussion about how costly the living./travel expenses were compared to available funds. There were suggestions about possible ways to reduce the cost such as staying in a dorm, staying closer to the training, reimbursement for driving up to the cost of an airline ticket, etc. It was decided that Joe and Sue would talk with Annie about ways to possibly keep these costs low.

It was also clear from the discussion that HPMP needs a training funding policy. This policy needs to be put in place so it will be clear — to HPMP and the teachers – what expenses HPMP can afford to cover. The HPMP Board agreed to go back and examine past practices and develop a policy in conjunction with the incoming HPMP Board.

Secretary’s Report: Fund-raising letter

Diana reported that she had sent Thank You notes to the individuals contributing to HPMP via the State Charitable Giving Campaign. She also sent a Thank You note to the Holter Museum, thanking them for partnering with us for KidWorks! in March.

Joe reported that the Fund-Raising letter and insert was mailed out to all current Montessori families; they should have received it on Friday or Saturday. Positive feedback about including the insert with examples of the cost various Montessori materials. There were some additional – previous donors – who should also receive a Fund-Raising letter. Diana will provide the list to Joe; he will send a “Dear Former Donor” letter out to them.

Montessori Consultant

Those present thought that that Mary Ellen Maury, the Montessori consultant from Bozeman, has been successfully rescheduled for the end of May 2009 with Autumn Johnstone (intermediate Montessori teacher at Smith). Hopefully, Charla and Jodi will be able to join her for the training.

This prompted discussion about backfilling for teachers when they need to take leave for professional development. The District has a shortage of substitute teachers. If anyone is interested in being a sub, you need to sign up at the Mae Butler Center. You can specify what areas you are willing to cover, e.g., Primary Montessori at Smith. Having a larger pool of subs could make it easier for teachers to obtain professional development trainings.

Montessori Training

No update available but HPMP understands that Pam Wright is working on it

Original Works

Denise Roth Barber reported that the artwork orders have been filled and sent home with the children – in plenty of time for Mother’s Day. Three (possibly more) additional orders are being placed. Denise volunteered to coordinate Original Works next year.

HPMP is interested in partnering with the Parent Councils at the Broadwater, Central, and Smith. Diana said that Central School Parent Council was interested; Tracie had previously reported that Broadwater was also interested. Diana will contact Smith Parent Council.

Meeting in a Montessori Classroom

While there was interest from HPMP members, in meeting in a Montessori Classroom and learning more about the lessons, the May meeting was held in the Library. Central teachers had volunteered to host and provide lesson demonstrations but the HPMP Board decided that this would be better as a fall (new school year, new members) activity. Diana said she had thanked the teachers for offering – especially at this busy time of year!

There was some discussion about possibly holding a Montessori Open House/Classroom Tour in conjunction with the fall Ice Cream Social. In the end, a better idea was to have older children demonstrate some of the Montessori lessons.

Another idea: Form a strong Lobsterfest committee so that it can coordinate Lobsterfest outside of HPMP meetings and report out at the HPMP meetings. Typically, Lobsterfest discussions consume much of the October and November meetings so having a strong Lobsterfest committee would free up more HPMP regular meeting time for Montessori lessons and other business. Denise volunteered to be the restaurant coordinator.

Next Year’s Officers

Amy, Joe and Dayna are stepping down from their HPMP Board positions.

For the 2009-2010 School year, Joshua Schultz (Broadwater parent, current webmaster) agreed to be Co-President. Diana Hammer (Central parent, current HPMP Secretary) also agreed to be Co-President. Marika Adamek would be willing to serve as either Secretary or Treasurer. Dayna offered to serve as Treasurer’s Assistant, helping the new Treasurer in anyway. There was no opposition to these new Board members from the HPMP members present. We still need a volunteer for the Secretary or Treasurer position. Preferably a Smith parent.

The current and new Board members agreed to hold its transitional meeting on Monday, June 1^st at 7pm at the Central School Library (unless another location is chosen).

Follow-up

• Joe/Sue follow-up with Annie regarding training expenses.
• Diana will provide Joe list of past donors; Joe will send a fund-raising letter to past donors.
• Diana will contact Smith and Broadwater Parent Councils about partnering for Orignal Works next fall.

The meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm.

Out-going and In-coming HPMP Board members will meet on Monday, June 1, 2009 at 7pm in the Central School Library (or other appropriate location).