<p>Merritt Elementary and PTA: “Together We Can Build the Future” September 16, 2010 meeting notes:</p><p>Meeting was called to order at 6:01pm by Betsy. </p><p>Welcome back and Introductions: Introductions were made by all present. </p><p>Referendum information presentation: Mr. Klarich was here to discuss the referendum, to give a heads up about the levy in November. Taxes would not likely increase, the levy would the same amount as the past nine years. School board wants to be partnered with the PTA. They like what we are doing with the school. Discussed AYP and the schools, deficiency in SPED reading. Would like PTA input on parental involvement. Discussed issues regarding sharing schools with Virginia. Betsy found information regarding the PTA taking a position on the levy. Mr. Klarich will return to the next meeting with more information. </p><p>Treasurer’s report: 9/30/2010 balances- Money Market Savings: $6,910.15 NOW Account: $2,547.99 Other accounts are reported on quarterly. </p><p>Community calendar recap: Sold 129 calendars, gave out an additional 30+. 178 were ordered, increased to 300. Some were given to staff members. We made $1,400.00 this year on the calendars. Some donated money without buying a calendar. We will revisit this in January- preorders need to be done in February. </p><p>Bullying Presentation Recap: RWA presented to each grade level, about 20 minutes each time. There were some issues about the presentation. New information came from the Sexual Assault Program, with a new educator. A committee will be formed between parents and teachers regarding the bullying situation at the school. We would like to have different speakers throughout the year. Laura Thronson will do Steps to Respect. National Honor Society kids may be an idea. Peer mentors of 5th and 6th graders may be an idea. By October we will have more information on the Sexual Assault program. </p><p>PTA update: - Vote on by-laws: Will be voted on by members through email. </p><p>- Non-profit status: We will be non-profit soon. Spirit Wear: Will try to have spirit wear by homecoming in October, maybe not the order forms but some wear to purchase. Some ideas would be poms, blankets, sweatshirts. clappers, t-shirts, etc. Holly will be going to Swanson’s in the next week or so. </p><p>Fundraiser Planning: We will need to discuss a fundraiser in October, with many options available for discussion. </p><p>DARE: DARE will be this year, and we need the money to support this. We could ask the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association- Sturgeon River chapter for a donation, at $500 a year. We could also receive a donation from the city of Mountain Iron, if we send a letter before the money is spent. Danyell Vessel made a motion to write a letter to the City of Mountain Iron and the Sturgeon River chapter of the MDHA. Lisa Schneider seconds this motion. The PTA voted to approve the motion. Holly has volunteered to coordinate the DARE program this year. We will need to discuss a fundraiser for DARE.</p><p>Pack the Stands on the 16th and 30th. </p><p>School pictures are 8-12 noon on October 7th. We will need 3 parent volunteers for this day. </p><p>Drawing of volunteer forms was done for a family 4-pack of tickets to an MIB home game. The winner is Amanda Autio. She will be notified of this. </p><p>Danyell Vessel made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:02 pm. Lisa Schneider seconds this motion. </p><p>The Merritt PTA Betsy Olivanti, President 735-1013 Holly Holmes, VP 735-1087 Lara McDowell, Secretary 258-8983 Deb Niemi, Treasurer 735-8985</p>