September HART minutes and News

The meeting was called to order by President Terry Genners at 6:39 Wednesday October 4^th, 2013.

Terry started the meeting off with introductions starting with the officers and then attendance.

Terry Genners, Sue Griscavage, Linda Hoy, Mr. Shirvinski, Amy Snyder, Tia Brown, Christi Moncavage, Diane Mack, Dawn Knoebel, Michelle Conway, Karen Wojtowicz, Jen Dunkelberger, Angela Charnosky, Kelly Cuff, Michele Williams, Melissa Ebling, Stephaine Mayernick, Kim Levan, Gloria Seroskie, Roxanne Zuber, Sherry Humphrey, Vanessa Stine, Lori Burkland Judy Ann Weaver, Bob Eick, Jill Swank, Julie Petro, Cindy Baylor

Next was the Vice Presidents report. Sue Griscavage mentioned that forms for Hartman Helper and Homeroom Parents would be coming home soon.  

Treasurer Linda Hoy was next.  Review of budget and approval.  A 1^st motion from Angela Charnosky and a 2^nd from Michelle Conway.

Secretary’s report was next.  Amy Snyder just asked for a review and approval of May minutes.  A 1^st motion from Dawn Knoebel and a second from Karen Wojtowicz.

Mr. Shirvinski thanked everyone for all their work to make the opening of the school year  run smoothly.  He also asked for some feedback from kindergarten orientation.  Jen Dunkleberger gave some feedback along with Michele Williams.  He then discussed the Hartman Helpers program, which is a long term volunteer program. He said there are lots of places that could use helpers such as library or art. Also the volunteer needs to have their clearances along with TB Test.  Information would be coming home shortly.   Next Mr. Shirvinski went over his Activities account and what funds it.  School pictures were $1,000, Giant rewards program $1,255.07, Box tops $2,719.  This account pays for things like Grandparents Day and PSSA Breakfast along with many others.  Next he announced that “Pennies for our Playground” is getting $5,000 from this account toward their total and all incoming box top money was going to go to that fund.  Sherry mentioned that with this contribution, pennies committee is at a total of $18,732.34.  Grandparent’s day is September 18 & 19^th.  Meet and greet is also coming up.

Library got some improvements over the summer to make it more kid-friendly.  Also 1^st floor has been repainted and the carpet in the area before LGA got removed.  Hopefully next year the downstairs will get a face lift.

Next, Mr. Shirvinski had something very hard to say which was that he is leaving the district for a new position at Cumberland Valley.  His position starts there September 30^th.  After 17years with our district, he said he has been a big decision.  He thanked everyone for their support over the last 8 years.  He mentioned that a letter would be coming home shortly.  

Mr. Shirvinski next talked about the new process with kindergarten orientation.  Mr. Shirvinski said he felt it is good but could be better.  Some of the changes included a parent orientation without the students and then one with students.  They also cut out the bus ride that is usually included.  And this year the first day of school only half the kindergarten attend then the 2^nd day the second half then on the 3^rd day everyone attended.  Mr.  Shirvinski asked for some feedback.  Jen Dunkleberger liked the orientation and classroom separation but she was concerned with those that would have to take time out of their workday to attend.  She was disappointed with there being no bus ride. And she also mentioned how she could see that the split day for starting could be an inconvenience for some parents.   Some parents mentioned that they were unaware of the changes but Mr. Shirvinski said a “save the date” was given ahead of time.  Michele Williams also gave some input.  She thought the parents only was a good idea and worked well.  But that this is her only school aged child.  She also mentioned that her child had come to the school with her preschool but there was an issue with transportation. And that the start day could be confusing.  Mr. Shirvinski mentioned that it was good feedback.  And that our District is all for the kids and what is best for the child.  He also mentioned that we have one of the best kindergarten teams. 

1) Review of Budget

Mrs. Weaver asked about the increase to fundraising due to the low classroom funds.  Linda mentioned that the AR is for 2years and that’s why it reflects a negative number.  First motion Burkland and a second from Angela Charnosky

2) a.  Mr. Shirvinski explained a little about AR and how it works for the new parents in attendance. There isn’t any information for this year yet.  But that Dauna Knoebel does a fantastic job.

b. Stephanie Maynernick sent home letter about Labels for Education.  So far with this program we have purchased reading centers that are in some classrooms.

c. Box Tops were discussed as a new contest will start this year with more information to come home soon. 

d. 13,732.34 is the current total of Pennies Committee.  Mr. Shirvinski is giving $5,000 from activates fund. The total they are working toward is $28,000.  Sherry also gave some totals from fundraising was $363 from Ralpho, and that sat there is a bake sale in Danville from 9-5 at the learning center.  She also Thanked Mr. Deeter for his help with the dunk tank at the All homes day event.  Their first meeting will be Monday at 6:30. Some ideas for this year are Brewsers night, Bus trip and bake sales. Linda asked about the cook book.  Sherry said this is at a stand still as she hasn’t gotten many recipes.  And talk of a December bus trip and then one for the cherry blossoms. 

3.  Meet and Greet Night 9/12

4. Hat Day 9/10

5. Grandparents Day 9/18-k-1, 9/19 2-4

6. Flip Flop Friday 9/20

7. In Service Day- No School- 9/26

8. Bloomsburg fair – No School- 9/27

9. Harvest festival. Sue mentioned that there is need for a chair for this event and volunteers. Also the Officers have talked about having the Hartman Hustle together with the festival this year.  Sherry mentioned extending the Hustle to a Friday night game.  Sue asked the attendees what their thoughts were. There was a motion to have it in the fall.  First motion from Diane Mack and a 2^nd from Michelle Conway.

Mrs. Moncavage asked about parents donating a $1 and walking with their children.

10. Fall Book Fair Update- Mr. Shirvinski had nothing to report and the person in charge was not in attendance. More news to come.

11. Mid marking period—9/30

12. Fundraisers for fall. 

1. Terry gave a brief on a BINGO that the officers came up with in hopes of fundraising.  $25 at door $20 in advance.  Mostly kid prizes Diane Mack offered to contact the fire hall about Bingo equipment and caller. 
2. b. Script cards info to come
3. Hartman Hustle- Possible date

13. Fundraisers for spring.

a. Discussion about Gertrude Hawk for Easter.  There will be a need for a spring fundraiser.

14.  School Board Meetings 9/9 and 9/16 at 7:30

Meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm will and motion from Diane Mack and a second from Sherry Humphreys.

September HART News

Dates to Remember

September 2^nd Labor Day

September 3^rd-6^th- DIBELS Fall Benchmark 1^st- 4^th

September 4^th HART Meeting

September 10^th Hat Day

September 12^th Meet n greet Night

September 18^th Grandparents Day k-1

September 19^th Grandparents Day 2nd-4^th

September 20^th Flip Flop Friday

September 26^th Teacher in Service NO SCHOOL

September 27^th Bloomsburg Fair Day- NO SCHOOL
September 30^th Mid Marking period

Thank you to everyone who came out to our first HART meeting of the school year!!!  It was well attended and we truly value all the input we receive at the meeting.

Thank you to all those who have volunteered your time with helping at Kindergarten lunches!!! We really appreciate it, as do the students!!!

Mr. Shirvinski announced that he will be leaving the district very soon and we wish him all the best and thank him so much for all his commitment to HART and the district.  Good luck on your new endeavor.

Next month we will be picking homeroom parents.

Our next HART meeting will be held October 2^nd  in the elementary library at 6:30pm. So please plan on joining us.  We welcome new Kindergarten parents as well as all returning parents and are so grateful for all the input and ideas shared at these meetinsg.  Hope to see you all then!!!

Sincerely,

Amy Snyder

HART Secretary