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
