Sunday, December 21, 2014

Minutes from the December all-PGO Meeting with District Staff

ARPS PGO Meeting,  12/16/2014
Facilitator: Marta Guevara                                                              
Recorder: Kimberly Stender

Participants: Lynn Hayes ARHS;  Victoria Cliché  ARMS; Laura Wear ARMS; Tracy Zafian CF; Liz Larson  FR; Becky Schneider FR     
Sean Mangano; ARPS Finance Director; Leah Carver, ARPS Asst Finance Director 

1.      Intros/Review of Agenda & Norms: Kim welcomed everyone and reviewed the agenda.

2.      Dialogues/Discussions

A. Victoria thanked Becky Demling for moving the 501(c)3 process along successfully and for her Valley Gives efforts. Leah Carver and Sean Mangano answered questions from PGO members relating to field trip grants, Stop & Shop funds, school photo monies, principals account lines, Amherst Cultural Council grants, classroom school supply requests from teachers, food requests for non-district school events, PGO purchases for school equipment, etc.   Leah explained the intricacies of the grant process involving ACC and field trips. Marta will remind Dr. Rhonda Cohen (Director of Teaching & Learning) to confer with principals regarding curriculum-based field trips. Marta and Kim offered to review grant requests for school supplies on behalf of PGOs, principals and admin. Sean explained the appropriated budget and a potential financial schedule impacting PGO yearly planning. Sean will work with principals to align building practices and remind teachers not to ask PGOs for supplies, etc. Sean advised the PGOs meet together to discuss and align financial practices for consistency. Sean and Leah are available to answer questions or clarify financial issues via email. They can be reached at manganos@arps.org or carverl@arps.org. Sean reminded PGOs that the Business Office can help somewhat but cannot devote a great deal of time to assisting non-profits due to state mandates.  Sean and Leah will attend the March 23 meeting. Victoria asked if ARPS could fund a grant writer. 

B.     The Warm Winter Clothing Drive was very successful with many families receiving appropriately-sized jackets, boots, etc at each school. There is always a great need for snow pants, boots and gloves. The PSA should be taped earlier and an earlier start date (mid-October 2015) should be considered. School guidance counselors should be more proactive and the ARPS Family Center could be more aligned and help with distribution.

C.     Athletic Equipment Swap was discussed with a target date of March 2015 (between winter and spring seasons). Ideas were initiated and it was decide that a planning group meet in early January. Kim sent 2 dates (Jan 6 & Jan 8) and is awaiting replies before confirming the planning meeting. Rich Ferro and PE teachers support this event which could be scheduled at ARMS.

NEXT ALL PGO MEETING: March 23, 2015  1pm-2pm    Supt’s Conference Room