This evening's meeting was called to order at 7:03pm by President Jennifer Wolf with 25 people in attendance. The meeting adjourned at 8:45pm.

Business:

The October 2009 minutes were reviewed and approved. There was a motion to approve the October minutes by Maureen Hughes, and seconded by Paige Talbott.

Beth Ganley reported the 2009-2010 PTA Budget updates. There were a funding request for NES computer speakers by Jill Healy for $111.80 There was a motion to approve the funding request by Allison Wollen, and seconded by Paige Talbott.

Upcoming Events:

Pie Fundraiser- Paige Talbott is looking for volunteers to help distribute pies on November 23, and pick up is one day only.

Holiday Bazaar- Beth Ganley is looking for volunteers to help at the Holiday Bazaar on December 5.

Scholastic Book Fair-to be held at Balmer the week of January 25^th. Claudine Spencer is looking for volunteers.

Membership Review:

Rebecca LeBrasseur reviewed the PTA membership sign-up to date, and between the families at Balmer and NES, there were 216 members. This number increased from the previous month by 17 members.

School Rep Updates:

W.E. Balmer Elementary School: On November 16-20 there will be a food drive.

Northbridge Elementary School: Carol Stearns discussed the “Gift of Reading” program that will be on December 4 & 11. The PTA is responsible for allowing every student to get 2 free books per year. She needs volunteers on the two days, and classes come in every 15 minutes.

The 1^st graders worked on a unit by Tommie DiPaola, and Kindergarten ended their “Fairytale Parade” unit. On November 18, Deb Hudgens will be doing a music demonstration, and on November 30, there will be an author's visit to the school.

Scrip orders are due on November 10.

Box Tops: To date, NES has $825, and Balmer has $1200.

Guest Speakers: Mr. Zywien, Mrs. Gorky, and Mrs. Spitulnik made an MCAS presentation, and allowed a question and answer session. The presentation started at 7:10, and ended at 8:15 pm. It was very informative, and included sample questions, results, how scores are reported, and Administrations plan for improving the scores.

Announcements: We discussed new fundraiser/event ideas. Chrissy Connolly mentioned a fundraiser idea called “Touch-a-Truck” which involves local fire, police, and construction trucks to gather in one parking lot. An entrance fee is charged, but it allows children and families to look inside the trucks, take pictures, etc. There could also be food/vendor tables, teeshirts for sale, etc.

Other ideas included: movie night, Dads Night, family dance, game night, and a cookbook sale.

Reminders:

Please check the sign-up sheets for the upcoming events.

Our next meeting will be held on January 6, 2010 at 7:00 pm

This evening's meeting was called to order at 7:02pm by President Jennifer Wolf with 26 people in attendance. The meeting adjourned at 7:45pm.

Business:

The September 2009 minutes were reviewed and approved. There was a motion to approve the September minutes by Carol Stearns, and seconded by Paige Talbott.

Beth Ganley reviewed the 2009-2010 PTA Budget. There were funding requests for Shelving for the Gym at Balmer, the 4^th Grade Field Trip for $1000, and Pumpernickel Puppets. There was a motion to approve the funding requests by Wendy Riordan, and seconded by Carol Stearns.

The budget was reviewed and approved. There was a motion to approve the 2009-2010 PTA Budget by Carol Stearns, and seconded by Paige Talbott.

Upcoming Events:

Harlem Wizards basketball game- Jen Wolf made an announcement of the Roster

Pie Sale

Holiday Bazaar-now to be held at Balmer on December 5^th

Scholastic Book Fair-to be held at Balmer the week of January 25th

Membership Review:

Rebecca LeBrasseur reviewed the PTA membership sign-up to date, and between the familes at Balmer and NES, there were 199 members so far.

School Rep Updates:

W.E. Balmer Elementary School: Grandparents Day was very successful. Thanks to everyone who helped it run smoothly! The idea to participate in “Adopt-a-Platoon” was discussed. Children will write letters, and non-persishables will be collected.

Northbridge Elementary School: The Family Singalong was a great success. Lisa Ducharme especially thanked Wendy Riordan for all of her hard work. Thanks to everyone who made the day so wonderful!

Preschool News: Carol Stearns discussed the upcoming Fall Family get-together at the end of October for the Preschool, as well as the Fairy Tale parade that was held on October 30^th.

School Council:
Kate Dansereau and Linda D'Amato met on September 14^th with the School Council.

Guest Speakers:
Mrs. Healy spoke and was pleased to say that she has had a smooth start to 2009-2010 school year. She acknowledged the teachers in attendance: Mrs. Riordan, Mrs. Averka, Mrs. Simoneau, Ms. Brown, Mrs. D'Amato, Mrs. Gosselin, Mrs. Hamilton, Mrs. Racicot, and Mrs. Stone.

Mrs. Riordan spoke about the music program at Balmer and NES. She also mentioned the new “Friends of Music” program formed to help build the music and arts program in town. Mrs. Riordan also encouraged people to attend the October 15^th concert at the Middle School.

Mrs. Simoneau spoke about the Art program. One of her goals for the Art program within the next 2 years is to purchase a Kiln for students to share between both elementary schools. She also mentioned that she would like to have a related-arts night where students can showcase their artwork. She also spoke about a “Heart” sale during the month of February, where students can make something heart-related, and either give the proceeds to charity, or donate it back to the Arts Program.

Announcements:

Beth Ganley spoke about the Holiday Bazaar to be held on December 5^th at Balmer Elementary from 10-2pm. This event will have crafts, 3rd-party vendor items for sale, and food/baked items. There are also vendor tables available for rent. If you are interested in helping out that day, please see Beth Ganley!

Maureen Hughes gave updates on the Harlem Wizards. She spoke about the ticket prices available for purchase in advance, compared to the cost for purchase at the door. There were questions about setting a maximum ticket price per family so it could be more affordable, but the ticket prices are set by the Harlem Wizards.

Carmela Semonelli/Jean Chianese showed a sample of the new Northbridge Rams tote bags available for purchase. The prices were set at 2 bags for $5.00, or $3 each.

Reminders:

Please check the sign-up sheets for the upcoming events.

Our next meeting will be held on November 4, 2009 at 7:00 pm

This evening's meeting was called to order at 7:05pm by President Jennifer Wolf with 54 people in attendance. The meeting adjourned at 8:10pm.

The 2009-2010 Executive Board was introduced:

President: Jennifer Wolf

Vice President: Paige Talbott

Secretary: Rebecca LeBrasseur

Treasurer: Beth Ganley

Communications: Jen Haas

W.E. Balmer Elementary School Reps: Donna Briand and Tara Zanella

Northbridge Elementary School Reps: Lisa Ducharme and Carol Stearns

Past President for 2008-2009 School Year: Maureen Hughes

Business:
Beth Ganley reviewed the 2009-2010 School Budget: Last year's income from Fundraisers during 2008-2009 school year totalled $41,200. Budgeted expenses for 2009-2010 is expected to be $39,035. The proposed gain is $2,165.

Upcoming Events:
Fall Fundraiser 9/8/09-9/22/09. This is the biggest fundraiser that we do.

Back to School Pizza Party: 9/18 from 6-8pm at Balmer

Fall Pie Sales: in October, and the delivery will be on 11/23 (the Monday before Thanksgiving)

Harlem Wizards Basketball game: 10/23/09 at Northbridge High School

Holiday Bazaar: 12/5/09 at Northbridge High School

Scholastic Book Fair: the week of 1/25/10 at Balmer

School Rep Updates:
Donna Briand for W.E. Balmer Elementary School: Grandparents Day is on Thursday 9/24, with the raindate on Friday 9/25 from 9:30-10:45 am. We will be requesting canned-goods to be donated to a food shelter. Grandparents and Special Persons will be able to wear labels/tags that will have rooms numbers and teachers names on them.

Need donations of paper goods and baked goods

Northbridge Police will be on detail to help direct traffic

Balmer Open House will be on 9/30, and the PTA will have a sign-up table

Carol Stearns and Lisa Ducharme for Northbridge Elementary School: Open House is on Thursday, 9/24. There will be a table for PTA membership.

Family Sing-a-long will be held on Wednesday 9/30 from 9-10am for grades Kindergarten and 1^st grade.

Preschool News:
There was an adjustment in the Preschool music budget: the program received a grant, and the program cost will be $940.

Preschool trip to Foppema Farm doubled in cost this year. The bus company agreed to reduce the cost by half.

Announcements:
Jen Wolf acknowledged the teachers and administration at the meeting: Mrs. Strid, Mrs. Pinheiro, Ms. Brown, Mrs. Lariviere, Mr. Zywien, and Mrs. Gorky.

NPTA Updates:
People/businesses can advertise on the PTA website for $30/month.

A “community” section will be added to the newsletter

Tshirts will be sold this year, along with re-usable cloth shopping bags that will have a Northbridge- inspired logo. A big thanks to Carmela Semonelli!

Guest Speakers:
Mr. Zywien and Mrs. Gorky spoke about the upcoming school year, and about what the School Council entails.

Both Mr. Zywien and Mrs. Gorky were very enthusiastic about the upcoming school year. Mrs. Gorky encouraged all to complete the Superintendent's Survey.

School Council:
School Council Nominations were held, and the School Council Members are:
W.E. Balmer School: Kate Dansereau, Jen Haas, Sheri Loring, Heather Mawn, Melissa Meryweather, TJ Wollen and Alternate Eileen Pinoos.

Northbridge Elementary School:
Chrissy Connolly, Caryn Gagner, Cynthia Kinahan, Jenn Oswitt, Megan Rogozenski, and Alternate Deborah Doiron.

Reminders:
Please check the sign-up sheets for the upcoming events.
Our next meeting will be held on October 7, 2009 at 7:00 pm

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Family Fun

A look back at 2008-2009, more fun events like these will be scheduled for this year:

March 19th Ice Cream Social and Book Swap
At Balmer ES, 6:30-8:30PM. Bring a book to swap, enjoy an ice cream...an exciting evening to hang out with friends.

If you would like to volunteer, or if you have questions, please contact Maureen Hughes at northbridgepta@gmail.com.

January 17th Winter Gala

At Northbridge Middle School, 5:30-9:00PM

It will be a fun-filled evening with a DJ, crafts and snacks. If you need any additional information or would like to volunteer, please contact Julie Cray at
jbcray@charter.net.

November 14th Harlem Wizards

The Harlem Wizards will play our own local team on November 14th at NHS. The doors open at 6 P.M., the game runs from 7-9
P.M. and the players will sign autographs after the game.

You can purchase your tickets now; and let your family, friends and neighbors know how they can buy tickets for this community-wide event. Advance tickets prices are: children $10 and adults $15.

Sept 19th Family Pizza Night

At Balmer, 6-9PM rain or shine