Monday, March 5, 2012
5:30-6:30 pm at Central School
Attendees: Co-President Marika Adamek, Co-President Rebecca Stanfel, Past President Diana Hammer, Co-Secretary Rikki Read, Treasurer Erin Turner, Central Principal Merry Fahrman, Smith Principal Pam Wright, Broadwater Upper Elementary Teacher Jodi Delaney, Broadwater Upper Elementary Student Teacher Carol Silgailis, Julie Heller, and Angie Woodmansey
Co-President Rebecca Stanfel began the meeting at 5:30 pm.
Welcome/Introductions
Rebecca opened the meeting with introductions. Co-Secretary Rikki Read circulated the sign-in sheet.
Secretary Report
Rikki reported last month’s minutes were sent out and a meeting reminder was sent home as well as e-mailed to parents of Montessori students.
Treasurer’s Report
Erin reported that we have a current balance of $19,065.29. HPMP received $1,187.52 through the state charitable giving campaign and $461.91 through the Combined Federal Campaign. Rikki will send thank-yous to those who donated.
Principals’ Report
Merry reported there are over 20 first-grade students still on the waiting list for Montessori classrooms. Interest in the program remains about the same and she states there seems to be an increased number of families hearing about the program before even moving to Helena.
Montessori Teacher Presentation
Jodi Delaney explained the materials used for upper Montessori math. She stated that although the materials differ somewhat in each school, the tests are similar. Montessori and non-Montessori textbooks are used to develop a very well-rounded math program. Jodi stated that all of her assignments for her Montessori training have been turned in and she should be completing her third round of training shortly.
AMS Conference Update
HPMP is helping send 5 teachers to the conference. Marika will call the attendees to make certain they have what they need. Merry reported that the Central teachers are prepared for the training.
HPMP’s Role in HSD’s Educational Planning Process
Those in attendance of these meetings report the process has been good. Montessori is brought up a lot in the conversations. Those parents unable to attend the meetings but would like more information may go to the website www.helenaeducationplanning.com. HPMP plans to present our organization to the school board this fall after a Superintendant has been selected.
Original Works
Julie Heller reported she is about ¾ through processing orders at Broadwater. Pam Wright reported that Smith school is having some issues with separating the Montessori orders and non-Montessori orders. It was discussed that HPMP should set fundraising goals first and then decide on an appropriate fundraiser.
KidWorks
Angie reported she has yet to hear from the Holter. She will try to scout for volunteers the week before spring break. It was discussed to have a sign up at this event to advertise for HPMP. Marika thanked Angie for volunteering to head this.
Spring Fundraising Letter
The HPMP Board may need to meet to discuss our fundraising goals. The letter will go out to past donors, former students, etc.
Newsletters
This is a group effort. Alana is doing some writing. Erin is getting numbers. Diana will layout. The goal is to have it out in homework folders (by the end of the month). We will have information about how to be involved (the need for new board members for the upcoming year), what is expected of board members, what donations pay for, and upcoming events. And more, of course!
Lottery
Parent Orientation is April 12th. Marika and Rebecca will be attending and distributing brochures. Jodi stated she will assist in putting together a presentation. There may be a quick video of each classroom. It could be done in a power point presentation. The Montessori teachers plan to meet after the AMS conference regarding the presentation.
HPMP Board for 2012-13
The Board currently has open seats for the next school year. Ideally, all three schools would have representation on the Board. Nominations will be made at the April and May meeting and put to a vote at May’s meeting. Meetings will be held at Smith school next year.
Calendar
The following are a couple of dates for next school year’s district calendar: Last week in August will be our ice cream social on a Tuesday or Thursday. November 3 is Lobsterfest. Meeting dates and time for next year will be put to a vote at April’s meeting.
The next meeting will be Monday, April 2 at 5:30 pm at Central School.
Monday, February 6, 2012
5:30-6:30 pm at Central School
Attendees: Co-President Marika Adamek, Past President Diana Hammer, Co-Secretary Alana Listoe, Co-Secretary Rikki Read, Treasurer Erin Turner, Central Principal Merry Fahrman, Broadwater Principal Sue Sweeney, Broadwater lower Montessori teacher Annie Tague, and Angie Woodmansey
Co-President, Marika Adamek began the meeting at 5:30 pm.
Welcome/Introductions
Marika opened the meeting with introductions. Co-Secretary Alana Listoe circulated the sign-in sheet.
Secretary Report
Rikki reported last month’s minutes were sent out. Alana updated the volunteer list on Google Docs. Alana suggested e-mail out reminders about the meetings and will facilitate. It might be a way to remind folks beyond the small sheets of paper coming home in homework folders. The goal is to get more people at the meetings.
Treasurer’s Report
Erinreported that we have a current balance of $18,220.68. HPMP made $4,109.23 on Lobsterfest.Erin said it wasn’t our best year, but not our worst either. We will explore other steak suppliers for next year.
Principal’s Report
Sue Sweeney is working with Youth Connections and downtown businesses through the Safe Schools Healthy Kids grant to create a respectful environment. The idea is to “expect respect” fromHelena’s young people. The businesses are learning the universals so common language can be used. It’s a violence prevention initiative.
Montessori Teacher Presentation
Annie Tague provided a golden bead lesson. She explained how they can be used for math and geometry. She said it shows visually how to move from points and lines to shapes, and then squaring and cubing. It also provides a 3-D approach to the lessons. It teaches skip counting, multiplications fact, and place value. Annie said it’s amazing how it all connects. She noted that Broadwater doesn’t have the million cube, but would love one.
Superintendent Meeting
Diana, Rebecca, Central Principal Merry Fahrman and Broadwater Principal Sue Sweeney met with Interim Superintendent Keith Meyer to discuss the future of Montessori. They told him about our survey that showed interest in expansion of the program. Diana said because the district is in the process of hiring a new superintendent we are in a bit of a holding pattern. The idea is to take survey results to the educational planning meeting currently underway. HPMP would like to encourage Montessori parents to attend those meetings.
Spring Fundraiser
A fundraising letter will go out at the end of April and we’ll offer a free insulated bag with a $25 donation again. Our goal is to also personalize or make concrete what donations can provide. Example= $100 from each family would fund a pod in two years.
Original Works
Denise Barber is overseeing this fundraiser at Central’s 3 Montessori classrooms. All proceeds will go to HPMP. Smith conducted their OW fundraiser in the fall – 100% of funds raised from the 3 Montessori classrooms will go to HPMP. Broadwater is holding their OW fundraiser in early spring – 50% of funds raised from the 3 Montessori classrooms will go to HPMP.
KidWorks
HolterMuseumplans all activities for this event. HPMP provides the parent volunteers and received $600 from last year’s event. Angie Woodmansey, Smith parent, is overseeing the volunteer coordination. Marika will get her the volunteer list. About 36 volunteers are needed. The event is Sat. April 14.
AMS Conference Update
HPMP is helping to send the following 5 teachers to the conference inSan Franciscoin March: Libby Kenney, Shannon Callahan, Annie Tague, Joslyn Carney, and Deb Johnson. We will put something in the newsletter about this.
Newsletters
This is a group effort. Alana is doing some writing.Erinis getting numbers. Diana will layout. The goal is to have it out in homework folders (by the end of the month). We will have information about how to be involved (the need for new board members for the upcoming year), what is expected of board members, what donations pay for, and upcoming events. And more, of course!
Lottery
Montessori parent orientation is April 12th and the lottery is April 25th.
The next meeting will be Monday, March 5th at 5:30 pm at Central School.
Monday, December 5, 2011
5:30-6:30 pm at Central School
Attendees: Co-President Marika Adamek, Co-President Rebecca Stanfel, Past President Diana Hammer, Co-Secretary Alana Listoe, Co-Secretary Rikki Read, Treasurer Erin Turner, Central Principal Merry Fahrman, Central Upper Elementary Teacher Charla Kempa, Kandi Hottell, Sarah Lawlor
Co-President, Rebecca Stanfel began the meeting at 5:30 pm.
Welcome/Introductions
Rebecca opened the meeting with introductions of HPMP Officers. Co-Secretary Rikki Read circulated the sign-in sheet.
Montessori Teacher Presentation
Charla Kempa provided a lesson on plate tectonics accompanied by her student, Gracie Lawlor.
Secretary Report
Alana reported last month’s minutes were sent out. She is still struggling with inputting the volunteer forms. Official letters were mailed to those who gave donations during Lobsterfest.
Treasurer’s Report
Erin reported that we have a current balance of $18,630.83.
Lobsterfest Report
A Board meeting was held the Wednesday following Lobsterfest. Distribution may be moved to noon – 2pm next year. Advertising went well. Direct mail was key; although we may mail out postcards instead of letters next time. This idea will be tabled until next year when we find parents to possibly donate printing costs. We may want to add $1 to online orders next year to offset the cost of Paypal, which cost us $291 this year. Instead of the laminated lobster cards, e-mail reminders of restaurant reservations may be sent out. It should be noted on next year’s order forms that Benny’s requires an $8 gratuity on all meals. Murray’s Restaurant may be added as our fourth participating restaurant. We may consider shopping around for our steaks next year, as prices were over $1 per pound higher this year than last. Lobsterfest made around $4,100, which is up from around $3,400 last year. Donations amounted to $750, which was also up from last year.
Thank you to our volunteers for your time & talents making Lobsterfest run so smoothly! We could not have done it without you! Pam Bucy, Mark Piskolich, Collette Bliss, Julie Heller, Liz Stine, Sara/Brent Groves, Marie Matthews, Tracie Kenyon, John Ries, Julie Tenneson, Erica Swanson, Traci Kendall, Heather Nicholson, Nikki Kovick, Maura Gruber, Mike Kelly, Perri May, Heather Agostinelli, Andy Baur, Pam Wright, Betsy Baur, Liz Stine, Joshua Schultz, Darin Zeiler, Ashley Kovick, Susan Anderson
Spring Fundraiser
Spring fundraising ideas will be discussed at February’s meeting.
Original Works
Denise Barber is overseeing. Discussed possibly moving this fundraiser next year to allow for these items to be Christmas gifts.
KidWorks
Holter Museum plans all activities for this event. HPMP provides the parent volunteers and receives $600.
AMS Conference Update
HPMP is helping to send the following 5 teachers to the conference in San Francisco in March: Libby Kenney, Shannon Callahan, Annie Tague, Joslyn Carney, and Deb Johnson.
HPMP’s Role in HSD’s Educational Planning Process
This process began when we surveyed parents last year regarding how HPMP might expand our program. HPMP will meet with Superintendent Meyers on 12/12 to keep him aware of our progress. Alana suggested getting our survey results to Ben Tintinger of Mosaic Architecture.
Grant Writing
There is still an open need for grant writers.
No meeting in January.
The next meeting will be Monday, February 6th at 5:30 pm at Central School.
Monday, October 3, 2011
5:30-6:30 pm at Central School
Attendees: Co-President Marika Adamek, Co-President Rebecca Stanfel, Past President Diana Hammer, Co-Secretary Alana Listoe, Co-Secretary Rikki Read, Treasurer Erin Turner, Broadwater Principal Sue Sweeney, Smith Upper Elementary Teacher Shannon Callahan, Central Principal Merry Fahrman, Broadwater Lower Elementary Teacher Annie Tague, Pam Bucy, Mark Piskolich, Heather Nicholson, Jason Armstrong, Nikki Kovick, Liz Stine, Betsy Baur
Co-President, Rebecca, began the meeting at 5:30 pm.
Welcome/Introductions
Rebecca opened the meeting with introductions of HPMP Officers. Co-Secretary Rikki Read circulated the sign-in sheet.
Montessori Teacher Presentation
Shannon Callahan held a work session during the meeting for attendees to assemble math facts cards for her classroom.
Secretary Report
Alana reported the volunteer list has been loaded on Google Docs. September meeting minutes were approved and properly seconded.
Treasurer’s Report
Erin reported that we have a current balance of $14,802.04. This figure includes United Way contributions of $269.85 but does not include money raised at the Carnival Classic.
Principal’s Report
Merry reported Pam Wright, Annie Tague, Libby Kenney, and Shannon Callahan were selected to attend the San Francisco AMS Conference.
Ice Cream Social
Erin thanked Mrs. Fahrman for allowing HPMP to hold the Ice Cream Social at Central School. There were lots of good donations for this event and it was a good way to get the Montessori families together. Erin thanked everyone who volunteered for this event.
Carnival Classic
Marika thanked Erin for the use of her canopy and table and Diana for the use of her tables. Diane Halferty was also thanked for making the cookies. Marika presented examples of the lobster activity and reported 2 tubs of licorice were gone through during this event. After expenses, a total of $293.00 was raised.
**Thank you to our volunteers**
Jason Armstrong, Betsy Baur, Kirsten Bowers, Melissa Cobb, Diane Halferty, Diana Hammer, Lynette Hecker, Mike Kelly, Diedra Kloberdanz, Ginger Knaff, Marie Matthews, Perri May, Yvonne McCormack, Vanessa Nasset, Heather Nicholson, Rikki Read, James & Jennifer Scheinz, Erin Turner, Jay Weiner, Angie Woodmansey, Andy & Marika Adamek
Lobsterfest
Order forms have been printed. They will go home with students in their Wednesday envelopes in a couple of weeks. Emails will also be sent to parents with the order form as an attachment. Volunteers are needed to distribute posters. There is a master list for poster distribution and posters will be passed out at the end of the meeting. A volunteer is still needed for steak pick up (will need a large cooler and ice). Betsy Baur volunteered to be the restaurant coordinator. Heather Nicholson volunteered to be the Central school contact. Contacts are still needed at Broadwater and Smith schools to get order forms to Erin/Julie. Liz Stine volunteered to pick up the steaks at Montana City. Pam Bucy outlined her needs for lobster distribution and circulated a sign-up sheet. Marika stated we would sell the insulated bags at distribution. Rebecca asked if any teachers not attending the MEA conference could be on the radio interview. The budget for advertising is approximately $500-$600. It was suggested that when people sign in for their lobsters at distribution that we should be asking them where they heard about Lobsterfest. A “Your Turn” column could be written for publication in the paper by a Board member. Also, anyone could write a letter to the editor regarding Lobsterfest.
Southwest Montana Combined Federal Campaign
Mark Piskolich, Marika, Rebecca, and Alana will man HPMP’s booth to promote Montessori Education.
State Charitable Giving Campaign
This campaign began in September with donations coming in quarterly. An insulated bag with a buy-one-get-one-free lobster certificate inside was donated for the giveaway.
Materials Policy
Copies of the policy were given to meeting attendees. A motion was made and seconded to vote on the policy which passed and was approved.
HPMP Power Point Community Education Update
The Board would like to create a presentation that would be used at future community education events and more importantly at a Trustees general meeting. A discussion began with Dr. Messinger, Co-Presidents Diana Hammer and Marika Adamek and the principals in early 2010 and continued including a survey of current parents, students and staff of Montessori. The purpose of the presentation is to communicate the mission of HPMP and continue the conversation regarding the future of our Montessori program in our District.
The next meeting will be Monday, October 24 at 5:30 pm at Central School.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
5:30-6:30 pm at Central School
Attendees: Co-President Marika Adamek, Co-President Rebecca Stanfel, Past President Diana Hammer, Co-Secretary Alana Listoe, Co-Secretary Rikki Read, Treasurer Erin Turner, Smith lower elementary teacher Joslyn Carney, Smith upper elementary teacher Deb Beaver, Smith Principal Pam Wright, Broadwater Principal Sue Sweeney, Broadwater lower elementary teacher Beth Smaka, Broadwater upper elementary teacher Jodi Delaney, Central Principal Merry Fahrman, Marie Matthews, Juli Tenneson, Jason Armstrong, Jennifer Harris, Mark Pickolich, Melissa Cobb, Lynette Hecker, Angie Woodmansey, Scott Read, Dayna Baumeister
Co-President, Marika, began the meeting at 5:30 pm.
Welcome/Introductions
Marika opened the meeting with introductions of HPMP Officers and meeting participants. The HPMP mission statement was read. Co-Secretary Alana Listoe circulated the sign-in sheet.
Montessori Teacher Presentation
Deb Beaver explained her Montessori teacher training. She is in a two-summer program and will do a self-directed training/internship next summer. Joslyn Carney explained her training with an emphasis on art. She stated she very much enjoyed her training and thanked the board for the opportunity. Jodi Delaney reported she is receiving her training online and has completed 2/3 of her training.
Secretary Report
Alana reported Thank-You notes have been sent out.
Treasurer’s Report
Erinreported that we have a current balance of $14,394.37. We had a strong Original Works fundraiser in the spring and we received $2,155 in contributions in response to our Spring Fundraising Letter.
Principal’s Report
Merry reported all classrooms are filled. There is a long waiting list with most being for first grade, then second grade and third grade.
Ice Cream Social
Erinexplained the process of the upcoming ice cream social on 9/8. Donations for supplies and ice cream have been acquired from area businesses. A sign-up sheet was circulated to help serve and clean up. Volunteers are asked to come at 6:15 with the social starting at 6:30.
Carnival Classic
Marika explained that for HPMP, the carnival is an opportunity to promote Montessori education. We will have a lobster-themed booth. Cookies will be donated for us to sell. There will also be a beanbag toss and a lobster craft activity.
Lobsterfest
Marika explained that both Co-Presidents (Marika and Rebecca) are the coordinators for this event. Rebecca will be in charge of advertising. There will be several local radio and television spots in October to advertise for Lobsterfest. The HPMP website will start accepting orders the first week in October. Past customers and parents of former Montessori students will receive order forms in the mail. There is a need for 3 Montessori parents to be Lobsterfest contacts (1 per school). Erin and Julie Heller (Broadwater parent) will be doing the data entry for the orders. Pam Bucy will be the lobster distribution lead. Marika thanked Lewis and Clark Brewery, as they will be holding our lobsters overnight for us. Benny’s, the Montana Club, and Mediterranean Grill will be the three restaurants that will be serving the lobsters this year. Marika explained the process for ordering the lobsters to be delivered to the restaurants. A restaurant coordinator is needed to deliver the lobsters to the restaurants.
Original Works
Denise Barber is heading this fundraiser. Marika explained the fundraiser and that HPMP splits the funds received with Broadwater school through the Artist in Residence program. In the past, HPMP has asked Parent Councils to join us. At Broadwater, HPMP & the Parent Council split the funds raised from the Montessori classrooms 50/50.
KidsWorks!
Marika explained this event, which is held at theHolterMuseumin March. A variety of crafts are offered and tables are manned by parent volunteers in 1 ½ – 2 hour shifts.
State Charitable Giving & Combined Federal Campaign
We will be offering an insulated tote bag and buy-one-get-one free lobster certificate in their raffle giveaway.
Grant Writing
We are always looking for assistance in this area. This is one of our on-going volunteer needs.
Donations – fundraising letter & website
Marika explained that each spring, a fundraiser letter goes out to parents of Montessori students. Last year, we offered an insulated tote bag for donations of $25 or more. Throughout the year, donations are also accepted through our website.
Materials Policy
Copies of the policy were given to meeting attendees. They were given an opportunity to review the policy and were asked to give feedback. A motion was made and passed to word the policy to state that “hand-making” or “finding a better deal” in lieu of purchasing items would be acceptable. We will vote on this policy at our October meeting.
Future of Montessori Update
A survey was sent out to Montessori parents and Diana reported there was good feedback on this. Discussion will continue this fall and updates will be posted on our website.
The next meeting will be Monday, October 3 at 5:30 pm at Central School.