PTA
Parent Teacher Association
48 Sullivan Way, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
[email protected]
www.ebnet.org
Identification:
Lawrence Brook School PTA
General Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
Lawrence Brook School
February 8, 2016
Present:
Sheri Baldelli, Jennifer Campanella, Maria Carbone, Hillary Corburn, Vera
Cravo, Aimee Hagan, Leslie Jusinski, Yasna Nasir, Lisa Nesser, Linda Pereira,
Jen Post, and Andrianni Viscariello and Rachel Weitzenkorn.
Excused/Absent:
Mandavi Kapoor, and John Palmer
CALL TO ORDER
President Jennifer Campanella called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Jennifer Campanella noted that the approval of both the January and February minutes would take
place at the next PTA meeting.
OFFICER’S REPORTS
President’s Report: Jennifer Campanella, president, discussed the Laser Show and stated that it was
fun to see. She mentioned that the form to self-identify as a PTA Nominating Committee Member
was distributed to PTA members. Ms. Campanella also encouraged PTA members to attend and help
with Tricky Tray wrapping sessions.
President Elect’s Report: John Palmer, president-elect, was absent. Ms. Campanella noted that there
was nothing new to report on Mr. Palmer’s behalf.
Treasurer’s Report: Vera Cravo, treasurer, reviewed January’s closing numbers. Ms. Cravo reviewed
budget activity that has taken place since the last meeting. Copies of the January budget were given
to the president as well as the recording secretary for filing.
Ms. Cravo reported the following dollar figures for the end of the January budget:
 There is a total of $24,083.03 in the combined 3 PTA accounts.
 There is $16,886.74 in the Checking Account; $2,239.87 in the Tricky Tray Account; $4,956.42
in the Money Market Account.
Membership Report: Maria Carbone, vice president of membership, noted there were 205 PTA
members signed up for the school year; 52 of the members are teachers.
PTA Minutes from General Meeting
February 8, 2016
Ms. Carbone noted that she would need someone to take over for Membership position, possibly
Natalie DeRose, as well as Box Tops next year, possibly Jennifer Post.
Ms. Carbone is working on Teacher Appreciation and also mentioned that we should be received
$878.04 from LORS who took class pictures this year.
Fundraising Report: Linda Pereira congratulated Yasna Nasir on the success of the Laser Show. She
noted that the first group in attendance enjoyed the show so much that they were sad to leave for the
second show, which was intended for the older children. She stated that it was lots of fun.
Ms. Pereira shared that Bingo Night was next Friday and that she was currently collecting prizes. She
also reminded everyone that Tricky Tray was coming up.
Ms. Pereira noted that she is looking at some fundraisers for the end of the year, although nothing
definitive yet. She is also looking into events to host during conference week. She mentioned the
following as possible fundraisers: Philly Pretzel, karate, bowling, or roller skating.
Sherri Baldelli noted that Dining to Donate was a success and that she was waiting to receive a check.
The restaurant did not tell us how much we made from the event.
Cultural Arts Report: Ms. Nasir, vice president of cultural arts, announced the author Sara
Pennypacker will be coming to Lawrence Brook on March 28th. She will be sending book order
forms out to families in mid-February.
Regarding the Yearbook Committee, Ms. Nasir thanked Linda Pereira, Maria Carbone, and Sherri
Baldelli for helping out. She also recommended that next year PTA members try to capture as many
pictures as they can during classroom party days when most of the children are in class. Ms. Nasir
explained that committee members had to come back to school too many times to try and ensure they
captured photos of every child.
Recording Secretary’s Report: Andrianni Viscariello, recording secretary, had no report.
Corresponding Secretary’s Report: Leslie Jusinski, corresponding secretary, noted that the PTA
received thank you notes from the Lawrence Brook staff for their holiday gifts. She also mentioned
that Anne Marie from the front office a get well gift as she is out of the office on medical leave.
Principal’s Report: Mrs. Corburn opened her remarks with information about “One School, One
Book,” which involves having the entire school reach one book over the course of a 3-4 week period.
The school is currently filming different teachers and guests reading different chapters, which will be
posted on the school’s website for families to access. There will be a kickoff assembly on February
17th. A Family Literary Night is planned for the evening of March 16th from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Mrs.
Corburn asked the PTA for its help with supervising the food area and provide decorations as needed.
She and the teachers are very excited about “One School, One Book.”
PAARC dates have not changed. They will begin with grade 3.
Mrs. Corburn pointed out the square boxes in the Media Center. She explained they provide Wi-Fi
connection and their goal was to get them into every classroom. The Wi-Fi connections in the 3-5
grade classrooms are being completed now. Over the summer, the K-2 classrooms will be equipped
PTA Minutes from General Meeting
February 8, 2016
with the Wi-Fi connection. Mrs. Corburn mentioned this would allow students to use the Chrome
Book Carts in every classroom.
In regards to the upcoming Tricky Tray event, Mrs. Corburn is putting together at least one table with
teachers so the school is represented at the event.
Teacher Liaison Reports: Ms. Hagan and Ms. Weitzenkorn conveyed that January was Character
Education month and the school conducted the Great Kindness Challenge. Throughout one a week,
children were able to show their spirit in different way. There was also a marvelous assembly that
presented different, creative ways to present conflict resolution. The school also hosted the “Souper”
Bowl where the students donated more than 200 cans of food. The success of the food drive, Ms.
Weitzenkorn stated, was very telling of how big our students hearts are.
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Room Parent Coordinator Report: Lisa Nesser, coordinator, reminded everyone that the Valentine’s
Day snack was approaching and that she would be sending out reminders soon.
Yearbook Chair Report: Mandavi Kapoor, chair, was absent. Ms. Nasir presented information on the
Yearbook Committee in her remarks (see above).
5th Grade Committee: Ms. Periera discussed the various fundraising activities scheduled for the 5th
grade class such as the Valentine’s Day Sale, Valentine’s Day Dance, which would take place
immediately after school, as well as the 5th grade vs. teachers basketball game, which is scheduled to
take place on April 15th at Churchill School. Ms. Pereira reported that the fifth grade trip would be on
June 6 and that they are going to Lakeview. Free lunch will be included for the students attending the
trip.
Tricky Tray: Jennifer Post, chair, stated that the Tricky Tray, which is the PTA’s biggest fundraiser
of the year, will take place on March 11. Ms. Post stated that she will need volunteers to help wrap
baskets. Volunteers are needed throughout the month of February on Tuesday, Wednesday, and
Thursday evenings from 7-9 p.m. She feels that we are currently on target with the baskets, but there
are upwards of 400 baskets that need wrapping. As a result, there will be 2 additional wrapping
basket sessions from 1-3 p.m.
In person solicitation training would take place this Thursday at 7 p.m. Vendors will also be divvied
up among volunteer solicitors at that time.
ADJOURNMENT
President Jennifer Campanella adjourned the meeting at 7:57 p.m.
Approved, Signed, and Filed
Approved: __________________________________________ dated _________________ .
Andrianni Vollas Viscariello