 |
Attending: Mary Jo Romano, Rita Kruk, Sally Holzinger, Maryellen Frank, Lori Hashizume, Eleanor Meredith Monroe, Carol Wilson, Bonnie Hirschfeld, Wendy Nixon, Brooke McIlvaine, Alison Lew, Molly McGrath, Lynne McAlevey, Lisa Rintoul, Elizabeth Duffy, Betty Quigley, Monica McNally, Hannah Young, Tracey Cirillo, Jenifer Woodson, Aksenia Mace, Kristen Nimr, Jennifer D’Agostino, Mary Jean Koster
The first order of business was to approve the January minutes which were unanimously approved.
Alison Lew, Treasurer, said there were no new updates since January. She reminded committee chairs that since there are a lot of Spring events coming up, they need to get their expenses in shortly after the event is over.
Elizabeth Duffy reported on Eyes Wide Open. The speaker on Wednesday, April 14 is Dr. Michael Thompson. He is a renowned child psychologist who has written many books, including NY Times Bestseller, ‘Raising Cain: the Emotional Life of Boys’. His topic for GFA wil be based on his recent book, ‘The Pressured Child: Helping your Child Achieve Success in School and in Life’. Some issues he will discuss include what he views as the three most important things to a child: connection, recognition, and a sense of power. Prior to the evening talk he will conduct a teacher’s workshop. He has appeared on numerous talk shows. This event will be open to the public.
Kristen Nimr and Nicki D’Agostino had the Beachside Blues serenade as an introduction to the Java Jam event they are planning on Saturday, April 17. Java Jam is only held every 4-5 years and it brings back alumni and their college a cappella groups. This is the 4th Java Jam and will include Brown, Connecticut College, Northeastern, Princeton, Skidmore, and the U. of Rochester. You can buy a sponsor table or order tickets on-line. All proceeds will go to faculty enrichment.
Monica McNally spoke about Spring Market Day. It is on Friday, May 7 and it is mainly a plant sale. You can pre-order and there will be people there helping to arrange planters. There will also be a food table so that you can buy a pre-made dinner to bring home to feed the family while you attend the evening Playhouse event. The bookstore sets up a table with sale items. The lower school sells planters painted by the students.
Alison Lew said the Evite for the Playhouse event on May 7 went out. The have committed to 100 tickets but can get up to 200. The show is ‘She Loves Me’. Tickets are $100 per person. They have found a very good caterer for the pre-event in the barn at the Playhouse.
Carol Wilson discussed planning for the Spring into Spring Race. It is on May 23 this year which is later than usual and hopefully will have better weather. They are having alumni involved. Also having activities on the field for younger children. They are trying to get more upper school participation and, to that end, they will have cross country runners from upper school involved. They may pay for a professional race course coordinator to get ideas for future races. The radio station 96.7, The Coast, will be there and will promote the event a month in advance. Also will have a sorbet company at the race providing treats. They are approaching potential sponsors earlier this year. The proceeds of this event fund financial aid for GFA.
Bonnie spoke about last week’s Valentine Day Cookie Exchange. It is the third one. She thanked Joy Hoffman, Aili diBonaventura, Susan Doelp, Jenifer Woodson for all their help. Over 50 parents baked and the event was well attended. They made $3800. The proceeds go to the PA.
Lori Hashizume mentioned that tomorrow, Friday, February 19 is a potluck dinner in the Cafeteria. It is sponsored by the Diversity Forum. There will be six speakers; 5 parents and 1 faculty member. They will share stories of their cultural backgrounds and how it shapes their world views. It is intended to showcase the diversity of the school. The event is intended to be an idea exchange to learn more about the community so that every family feels part of the school. If you are interested in attending, e-mail Teresa Furegno.
Molly McGrath mentioned that the PA continues to work on being ‘green’. She encouraged committees to use e-notes for their communication. We are trying to minimize paper. Also, at events we are trying to minimize plastic bottles. A suggestion was made that if plastic bottles are to be used, a large container labeled ‘recyclables’ should be put nearby. Another suggestion was made to use the large water dispensers and paper cups as an alternative.
Brooke McIlvaine is working on Grandparents Day with Berkeley Soper. It is on April 23 at 10:00. It is for the Lower School and there will be middle school guides. Instead of lunch, there will be a coffee. Grandparents attending will be given an insulated GFA bag. They are still looking for volunteers.
Molly mentioned that the class ring program started again this year. It is headed by Kim Rummelsburg. About 20 students ordered rings last month.
Wendy Nixon spoke about the school store and the book swap. She has initiated a book swap for the first time this year as an alternative to the MBS book buy-back. If you donate a book, you can buy books at a reduced price. It will probably by June 4 and 5. All money for this will go to financial aid. The school store has a 20% off one item after the PA meeting. They will have lots on sale at Spring Market Day. They have ordered uniform skirts from a womens’ cooperative in Uganda and are waiting for them to come in.
There will be no PA meeting in March; the next one will be April 15.
Submitted by Mary Jean Koster