ST. JOSEPH PARENT SCHOOL COUNCIL MINUTES

November 12, 2007

Revised

 

 

Board Members Present:  Kerri Bendele, Angi Bunn, Mari Jo Eisler, Krista Hallead, Teresa Kaczmarek, Deb Kohagen, Christy Kosnik, Krista Lehner, Juanita McCann, Sheryl Middleton, Cheryl Nodarse, Sara Nurenberg, Janelle Paksi, Tomi Ann Schultheiss, Laura Skriba, Lisa Suidgeest, Bridgette Voisinet

 

Teacher Rep:  Nancy Goerge

Board Members Absent:  Denice Fedewa (excused), Dawn Lawless (excused)

Visitors:  Tori Steingreber

 

Call to Order:  President, Bridgette Voisinet called the meeting to order at 6:34 with the Our Father

 

Approval of the Minutes:  A motion was made by Cheryl Nodarse to approve the October minutes as printed.  It was seconded by Teresa Kaczmarek. MPC

 

Additions to the Agenda:  Under New Business, Add: F. 3 on 3 Tournament.

 

Treasurers Report:  Bridgette Voisinet distributed the Treasurer’s Report.

A motion was made by Cheryl Nodarse to approve treasurer’s report as presented. It was seconded by Deb Kohagen. MPC

 

OLD BUSINESS

  1. Carnival

1.      Financial Report:  Lisa Suidgeest handed out the financial report showing a net profit for the carnival of $23,293.07. Most Carnival revenue streams were down, however, significantly increased revenue from the Mini-raffle, nearly $2,000, resulted in an overall increase of about $400 from last year.

2.      Games & Country Store:  Lisa Suidgeest reported that approximately 215 more games were played this year than last year though it’s difficult to compare because of changes to games, for example the last year’s haunted house required 4 tickets. Game ticket sales decreased from the previous year by $383. It was reported that the games that were incorporated this year were very well received. Feedback indicated that the Frog Flop game may need another lily pad to make the game easier for younger kids to play. Lisa commented that she doesn’t expect significant changes to games next year. The Country Store went very well and though it started out slow in the first shift, fewer workers may be needed for that shift, the pace picked up and patrons were very pleased with the new location and its ease of access.

3.      Kitchen:  Kitchen went well. New item, baked potatoes, was well received, but many extra remained. Will review with kitchen coordinator next year to determine any necessary changes.

4.      Redemption Center:  Krista Hallead reported that everything went great and she doesn’t anticipate any major changes for next year. The adjusted location, farther down the front hallway, worked well and provided plenty of room. It was noted that more redemption center prizes than usual were leftover from 2006 holding prize costs down. This helped offset slightly decreased game ticket sales this year.

5.      Publicity:  Teresa Kaczmarek reported that she would be getting a thank you published when prize donor lists are provided.

6.      Mini-Raffle:  Bridgette Voisinet reported that sales were up significantly this year, a direct result of the higher quality of the raffle items. Comments were made that ticket sales after all masses one week prior to carnival was received very positively, and should be considered for next year.

7.      Large Raffle:  Sheryl Middleton reported that ticket sales were down about $1,300 from last year. A few potential changes to next year’s large raffle, primarily with regard to providing additional incentives to parents and students throughout the sales period, were briefly discussed. These issues will be pursued prior to next year’s carnival, so that changes can be made as necessary. No problems were encountered with the change in ticket prices, and the price change is not presumed to have resulted in the depressed ticket sales. A request was made to refer to the name of the cash prize raffle, in carnival documents, as the Large Raffle, rather than Big Money Raffle, to prevent confusion with the spring cash raffle.

8.      Theme:  Krista Hallead will suggest options for next year’s carnival theme. Students may be given an opportunity to vote as they were this year. The date for next year’s carnival is likely to be November 8, since the first Saturday in November is the day after Halloween.

9.      Photos:  The success of the photo booth was discussed. Concern was expressed that not a lot of people took advantage of it. A number of suggestions were made to improve traffic next year, if Ortman is still willing to participate. Some of these suggestions included, moving the photo booth into the gym so that it gets more traffic, shortening the time available to be less of a commitment for Ortmans, and making the background more neutral so that pictures might be useful for Christmas cards. Bridgette will contact Jim Ortman to determine his thoughts for next year.

10.  Carnival Survey:  Discussion also took place about the possibility of conducting a survey of school parents regarding the carnival. The general consensus was that it might be helpful to get more direct feedback regarding items such as raffle(s), concessions, staffing, timing and games/special events (specifically as it relates to Halloween), though caution was expressed that we structure questions with a specific aim towards improvement and not just open ended suggestions. Questions such as changing Large Raffle tickets to $5 each and mini raffle tickets to $1 each, quantity, quality and food prices were suggested. The timing of the survey was flexible, though sooner after carnival would probably be better than later, and if we wait until prior to next years carnival it may be difficult to implement suggestions. Bridgette agreed to draft a survey which includes one or two key questions from each Carnival area, to be reviewed by key PSC members prior to dissemination.

 

NEW BUSINESS

A.    Appalachia Shoeboxes – It was reported that shoeboxes for Appalachia are due in to school on November 19th. A comment was made that Rodger Dersham and the Knights of Columbus are providing for transportation and costs to get the boxes to their destination.

 

  1. St. Joe Jots – Teresa Kaczmarek asked for ideas for the next St. Joe Jots. Suggestions included: girls basketball results, honor roll, 3rd/4th grade Christmas tree project, Carnival results, upcoming assemblies and/or a calendar of events.

 

  1. Christmas Musical Thank You’s – It was reported that suggestions to give something other than wreaths to Musical coordinators had been received. Lisa reported that she had received very positive feedback from coordinators regarding the wreaths. Following discussion it was determined that Lisa Suidgeest would arrange to have wreaths purchased within the budgeted amount (they have come via Dawn Lawless and the SJP band boosters in the past).

 

  1. Christmas gifts for teachers – The group was reminded that $1,800 was allocated in the budget for “Teacher Christmas Gifts”. In the past this budget item has provided $100 gifts for full time teachers/administrators and $50 for part time teachers, as well as a card and small item for each of them. Discussion took place regarding other school employees and the possibility of providing them a Christmas gift as well. It was reasoned that not only do these other employees contribute to the great environment at school, but also that a gift might help support the people in these positions. A motion was made by Kerri Bendele to give $100 to full time teachers (13) and administrators (2), $50 for part time library and music teachers (2) and $25 for playground (3), janitorial (2) and kitchen (3) staff. It was clarified that all gifts would be given as cash. The motion was seconded by Cheryl Nodarse. MPC. It was determined that as treasurer, Denice Fedewa could coordinate these cash gifts. If funds remain within the budgeted amount, cards and perhaps a small item can also be purchased.

 

  1. December & January meetings – A holiday celebration with dinner and an optional white elephant gift exchange at T-Bones will take place in lieu of the next scheduled meeting date on December 10th. The next regular meeting will be held January 14th.

 

  1. 3 on 3 tournament – There is a meeting on November 14 at 6:30 for anyone interested.

 

Principal’s Report

Tomi Ann Schultheiss commented on the carnival success and the great season had by the girl’s basketball team.

 

Teachers Report

Nancy Goerge gave the council thanks. 

 

The meeting was adjourned with the Hail Mary at 8:15.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Deb Kohagen, Secretary/Bridgette Voisinet