Central Park School For Children PPO
Parents & Partners Organization
Minutes – 27 July 2004
Introduction – the mission of the Parents & Partners Organization (PPO) is to promote and coordinate volunteer efforts to support the school through community building, service and fundraising activities. All parents of Central Park School for Children are members of the PPO and are expected to actively participate by volunteering a minimum of four hours per month to further the work of the school.
Announcements
- To sign up to the PPO email list, contact Angela Drezner
- Please read your Parent Handbook!!
- Please remember to link your Harris Teeter VIC card up to our school so we can get money back every time you purchase a Harris Teeter brand product. Our school code is 5419 and you can link up by visiting the website at www.harristeeter.com and going to the Together-In-Education link.
- Sam Tannous is looking to start a Chess Club for the older children, perhaps on Monday afternoons. More to come as it develops.
- Intersession options were gathered last year by some parents and put into a concise booklet. Those who would like more information on intercession possibilities for your child, or those who have information to share can contact Peggy Force.
- The school has an electronic bulletin board that can be accessed by all. It is a way to share information about the school, or anything you would like to chat about with others from our school community.
- Anyone who would like to sign up for a work group can contact me, Angela Drezner. There will be a list of work groups and their contact people in an upcoming newsletter.
- Tuesday, August 3rd is National Night Out. The Old North Durham Neighborhood Association is hosting a celebration including a parade, potluck supper, music and much more. The parade begins at 6:15pm at the triangle at Foster and Washington Streets. The parade will end at the Old North Durham Park behind our school. Costumes and masks are welcome for the parade, bring a dish for the potluck, and tell everyone to come!
- School calendar correction – NO SCHOOL on ELECTION DAY – Tuesday, November 2nd! Please make note.
- 2 Volunteers are needed for morning drop-off from 8–8:30am. Please call the office if you can help.
Treasurer's Report (O'Shella Gattling)
The PPO begins the school year with a balance of $1,929.96. Many thanks to the school's business manager, Karen Stinehelfer, for her assistance in this matter.
School Board Representative (Dexter Richardson)
Dexter attends all Central Park School for Children's School Board Meetings. His job as rep is to pass along any information from the PPO to the board and report any relevant information from the board meetings to the PPO. If anyone has any questions or comments, please contact Dexter. School board meetings are held once a month on a Sunday afternoon. The meetings are open to all. If you would like to have something included on the agenda at a school board meeting, please submit your request to Vicky Patton by the Friday before.
Teacher Representative (Kelli Zwickle-Cheek)
The teachers ask that any PPO decisions that may affect the classroom schedules or curriculum be brought to the teachers at their regular Wednesday afternoon meeting. (4-5pm) Contact Kelli (Kindergarten teacher) to be placed on their agenda.
Work Groups (Coordinator)
Fundraising & Marketing (Dexter Richardson)
Last year we had quite a variety of fundraisers including t-shirts, pecans, Nordis Cards, and flower bulbs. This year we would like to be more focused in our efforts and keep it down to two or three major fundraisers. We are starting a Sunshine Fund which will be a way that families can contribute as a leave–me–alone alternative to participating in school fundraisers and that local businesses can give support to our school. The PPO and school administration will jointly determine the best ways to earmark the funds. If you would like to join this group please contact Dexter.
Class Parents (Shelly Gabriel)
The class parents are a communications network for the classroom and support system for the teachers. Those who sign up to be class parents will be contacted by Shelly about their roles. If you would like to be a class parent, contact your teacher or Shelly.
Social Events (Jackie Terrell)
This group organizes our group gatherings like the morning coffee on the first day of school and our teacher appreciation luncheons. Those interested in joining can contact Jackie Terrell.
Outdoor Learning & Play (Marcia Brooks)
This group is responsible for the beautification and upkeep of our school grounds. They have built some planter boxes outside (eventually, every class will have their own).They are working with the Natural Learning Initiative on a plan for the park behind our school. This group needs volunteers to help keep our grounds and the adjoining park litter–free. If you have questions, or would like to join this group contact Marcia.
Newsletter (Kerri James)
Our school newsletter, The Central Park Sun, comes home to you every other week. It a great source of information – from Director's notes to volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in contributing a story or helping to create the newsletter, contact Kerry.
Media Center (Denise Haviland)
This group works to create and maintain our school's library. They are currently working to find an affordable cataloging system. If you have book donations or would like to join this group contact Denise.
Curriculum Enrichment (Mimi Butterfield)
This group was created to enhance and enrich our school's learning experience in many ways. Last year we had Discovery Boxes, guest speakers and field trips to offer. This year we are looking to have projects that can work across all grade levels. Those interested in participating can contact Kitty Rosati.
It Takes A Village (Emily Cox)
This group was created to promote a healthy extended–family atmosphere in our school community. Last year's International Potluck is a good example of creating community within the school families. This year we would like to see special projects, social support groups, and perhaps car pools, and babysitting swaps for parents with younger sibs who would like to volunteer time at the school. To be part of this group contact Emily.
Communication & Technology (Josua Bedick)
This group focuses on acquiring and maintaining the ability to communicate through computer technology. Last year Sam Kome established our online bulletin board. This year the focus will be on getting all the classrooms hooked up to the internet so the teachers can have ready access for research, publishing, email communications, etc. Donations of computers and equipment are needed (preferably with Pentium II or higher). To volunteer for this group contact Josua Bedick.
Strawberry Festival (Vicky Patton)
Our first annual Strawberry festival was held this May and was quite a success for a first time run! The idea comes from the Community School in Roanoke that has been holding theirs every spring for the last 25 years! They make about 16,000 cakes and clear about $50,000 after years of practice. We made over 1,000 shortcakes, used over 100 gallons of strawberries and even managed to turn a small profit! The festival includes games, music and LOTS of VOLUNTEERS!!! The whole school gets involved for this event, so expect to be recruited. If you would like to volunteer for organizing this event contact Vicky.
*******Next PPO meeting – Tuesday, October 19th, 7pm in the Great Room*********
724 Foster Street
Durham, NC 27701
919-682-1200
FAX 919-683-1261
info [at symbol] cpsfc.org
Copyrighted 2005-2008 by Central Park School for Children
