An independent, non-profit community based organization.

Next Regular Meeting Date

Folsom Educational Foundation – November 3, 2008 

Members present:  Danyele Passalaqua, MaryBeth Spiegel, Dina Abbamondi, Jean Rishel, Megan Scheer, Janet Worrell, Joanne Wiessner, Rita Howell, Trish Arena, Peggy Ingemi, Linda Thomas, Alicia Pickul, Sue Chille, and Jennifer Cirillo.

The meeting was called to order at 4:00 PM.

A photograph of the foundation was taken for the yearbook by Jen Cirillo.

Joanne motioned to approve the minutes from the September 15, 2008 meeting and Janet seconded the motion.  Jean clarified the confusion regarding the new state policies for funding food at special events.  The new regulations prevent the BOE from paying for food at staff events only.  At this time, the Home and School Association is able to cover the cost of food items (breakfast) on staff training days.   No assistance is necessary from the Foundation.  The motion to approve the minutes was then approved.

Treasurer’s Report:

MaryBeth reviewed the Foundation’s finances. To date, the balance in the Commerce Checking account is $25,391.58 (thanks to the GL Scrip deposit).  The Money Market account has $22,917.84 available, and the Folsom Hunting and Fishing Scholarship account has a balance of $3,712.02. Janet motioned to approve the financial report and Rita seconded the motion.  The financial report was approved.

MaryBeth indicated that the check for the GL Scrip fundraiser will be cut and mailed this week.  Jean asked if the Foundation had paid for the Stokes Trip ($2,150).  In the past, the bill for Stokes would be paid directly to NJ School of Conservation and it would be paid well after the trip has occurred.  Due to changes in student fund accounts procedures, Jean requested checking with the Business Office and that the bill be paid as soon as possible.

Old Business:

Great Lakes (GL) Scrip Report:

The GL Scrip (gift card) fundraiser was open to staff, foundation members and parents. The gift card sale ran from October 8, 2008 to October 29, 2008.  Sixty-two orders were received with 23 coming from parents and 35 coming from staff and/or staff family members.  The fundraiser sold a total of $21,919.50 in gift cards.  A check in the amount of $20,568.42 which includes shipping ($11.50) will be mailed to GL Scrip this week.  Trish and Dina inputted the orders online on October 30, 2008.  We expect the gift cards to be received during the week of November 17^th.   Trish and Dina will meet to sort the orders.  A notice will be sent home with students letting families know the cards are available for pickup.  Orders will be left in the main office.  Some considerations for future orders:  hold closer to the holidays, coordinate classroom incentive, send home a report to families, and send out a ConnectED message.

Grants Report:

At the Comedy Night committee meeting, several teacher grants were approved:

• 6^th Grade:  Stokes State Forest ($2,150)
• 5^th Grade:  Ride the Ducks in Philadelphia ($425)
• 1^st Grade:  Bus expenses for “If You Give a Pig a Pancake” Field Trip (not to exceed $500)

 New Business:

 Comedy Night:

The Foundation will hold its 3^rd Annual Comedy Night on January 24, 2009.  A committee meeting was held on October 20, 2008.  The committee reported the following:

• A letter will be submitted to the BOE at the November meeting for facilities use
• Cost of the comedian will remain $1,000 as long as the same amount of tickets are sold
• Ticket cost will remain $15 in advance/$20 at door
• Time Change:  6:30 PM doors open/7:30 PM showtime
• Door prizes will be announced before the show
• Use pre printed tickets for entry
• Raffle:  Kacey will coordinate Chinese Auction.  Each classroom will have a theme and other groups will have a theme for a minimum of 19 baskets.  Some business solicitation will take place. A special sheet will be used with pull off tickets ($10 per sheet/$20 for 3 sheets).  Megan offered shredded paper for basket stuffing.
• Cash Drawings:  Instead of holding a 50/50, two cash drawings will be offered.  These drawings will use the regular raffle tickets ($5 for 10 tickets/$1 for 1 ticket)
• Food:  Refreshments will be offered at no charge for ticket holders.  This year the admission ticket will be punched after items have been received.  Donations are starting to be coordinated:  Stockup (Water/soda), Herr’s Chips, Shoprite (Water), Pretzels, Pepperidge Farms donation, etc. Danyele will touch base with the kitchen regarding incidentals like napkins, ice, mustard, etc.
• Promotion:  Dina will update the flyer.  Rita, MaryBeth, and Sue will post flyers and help promote the event.  Mr. Michelini has offered to set up the blinking sign at the corner of Rt. 54 and Mays Landing Rd.
• Other items:  Danyele will contact Town Hall to register the raffle.  Danyele will talk to Dina will check on tickets and creating the template. Alicia will help send out request letters for donations and Rita will contact Betty Giralo at WalMart for a possible donation.
• A planning meeting will be set for November to finalize tickets, donation plan, and flyers.

School Assemblies:

Danyele requested appointing an Assembly Chair/Committee.  Megan and Jen will review the school assemblies and will report back on the possibilities: 

• Ace your Test – Test Taking Strategies
• Math Assembly – Craig Collis Program
• Dome Theater – Science
• Classics and Opera
• Philadelphia Zoo
• Social Studies Sing-a-long

Jean suggested planning an assembly date for late May/early June after the NJ ASK.

Other Business:

Jean would like to write a grant for an Artist in Residency program to promote the arts.  It would cost about $5,000 and support from the Foundation would be extremely helpful.

The next scheduled meeting will be on Monday, January 5, 2009 at 4:00 PM.
 

Dina presented a motion to adjourn and Peggy seconded the motion. The motion was approved. The meeting adjourned at 4:37 PM.

Next meeting topics:

• Comedy Night
• School Assemblies
• Grant Committee
• Winter/Spring GL Scrip Fundraiser