October Minutes

Lincoln Park Co-op Just Walkers
Parent Meeting
(October 7, 2008)


CALL TO ORDER
The regular business meeting for Lincoln Park Co-op Just Walkers was called to order by VP/Co-chair, Tami Aidlin on October 7th, 2008 at 7:00 pm.

ATTENDANCE
Deyette Swegle, Laurel Taylor, Julie Pietsch, Karrie Riemer, Tiffany Colman, Dawna Dennis, Julie Zoellner, Katie Kowal, Dulce Carrillo, Jennifer Hedge, Stuart Bloomfield, Eric Newman, Cami MacDonald, Tami Aidlin, Connie Hofstad, Sara Carter

Parent education Topic presented

Connie passed out a BINGO icebreaker game for us to complete. Connie talked about the importance of the Positive Discipline approach to parenting.

Connie then passed out the following handouts:
Ages & Stages 12-18 months
Ages & Stages 18-24 months
Meeting the Toddlers Need to be Independent
Developing Relationships with Children According to the Dimensions of Kindness and Firmness (Positive Discipline).

MINUTES

The September minutes were approved with the change that Julie Zoellner also has CPR/First Aid certification.

It was also approved that we dispense with reading of the minutes at our Parent Meetings and that each member will read the minutes before the meeting.

TEACHER’S REPORT

Sara gave us a tour of the earthquake kit and showed us where the keys are located. One key is in the teacher supply room and the other key is hidden on the earthquake kit.

Teacher Sara emailed and passed out the October curriculum. It was decided that Sara will just email the curriculum from now on. She said that the kids are adjusting well and that the parents are doing a good job of getting down to our children’s’ level. She asked if we have any questions about clean-up and where everything belongs. She suggested that we wash the paint supplies in the Men’s bathroom since they have a large sink.

Sara emphasized that when talking to our kids, use words that say what you want to see happen. For example, instead of saying “don’t pour the water out of the table” say, “pour the water in the red cup” and then “see me pour the water in the red cup.”

Also, it is important to talk them through play with others. For example, if Carson is grabbing a doll from Molly, you can say, “Carson would like a turn with the doll”.

Co-Chair’s Report

Meeting Schedule
We discussed the meeting schedule for the year. The majority agreed that the first Tuesday of the month was the best day to meet. It was approved that we change the November meeting date to Monday, November 3rd so that we won’t interfere with voting on Tuesday, November 4th.

Discussion Groups
We will discuss when to start discussion groups at our November 3rd meeting. Also think about how you want the discussion groups split. For example, would it be by age of the child or alphabetical order, etc.

Teacher substitute List
If anyone is interested on being on the teacher substitute list, please let Tami know. Connie, mentioned that she will always be here to help.

Teacher In-service Day, November 19th
Sara will email out a list of tasks for parents to volunteer to do while she is gone on November 19th.

Emails vs. Phone Calls
It was approved that reminders can be handled via email, unless it is a true emergency, for example, school is closed. Then Julie Pietsch will also make phone calls.

Blog
It was approved that Laurel will create a Lincoln Park Just Walkers blog. We will use this as a central location to post minutes, meeting reminders, curriculum, various parenting handouts, etc. The blog is just for our group. Make sure you look there for new information.

Pit Bull
Tami mentioned that they didn’t have any new information about the Pit Bull attack. Luckily, it was just a nip. We are not sure where the owner lives, but was walking down the alley by the church.

Parking
The owner of the house on the corner across for the church would appreciate it if we did not park in front of her house or her car.




REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

PAC
Natalie said they are meeting October 13th. The winter quarter scholarship deadline is November 25th.

Fundraising
Jen and Kate met with the Ways and Means committee to discuss fundraising ideas. Fundraising money applies directly to Lincoln Park Co-op’s budget. Chinook books are currently on sale for $20 and we receive $10 for ever book sold. We will also be selling Wreaths this Fall and in the Spring time, there is an auction. Other fundraising ideas mentioned were selling T-shirts, grocery bags, having a consignment sale, children’s artwork on mugs, etc.

Site Report
Connie had nothing to report. She will look into replacing the light bulbs on the Exit sign.

Assistant Treasurer Report
Laurel reminded everyone to pay the $56 for October if they hadn’t already. Tuition is due in her box by the 15th of the month. After the 15th a late fee will be applied. You can also pay for the year or do electronic transfer for November through April. If you do electronic transfer, the money comes out of your account on the 1st of the month. If anyone would have a problem with that timing, talk to Laurel. All you need to do is to complete the Electronic Transfer form (email Laurel for it) and include a voided check.

Scholastic Book Order
Cami passed out the scholastic book order forms and the deadline is October 15th. Please put your child’s name on the order form. Checks are made out to Scholastic Books. The turn around for the orders are approximately two to three weeks. She will be distributing the order forms every other month.

Photographer
Karrie asked the group if we would like professional pictures taken of our kids in the Fall and Spring. Currently we have professional pictures taken in the Spring. The group voted for professional pictures taken just in the Spring.

Reminders
Teacher Sara reminded us that we can bring photos of our kids and family to put on the Just Walker’s family tree that is located in the music room.

Important Dates
October 15th—Scholastic book orders due
November 3rd— Next Parent Meeting
November 19--Teacher in-service day, we will have class but not Teacher Sara
November 25th--Scholarship deadline