Acorn Minutes for June 7, 2006

Board in Attendance: Michelle, Wendy D., Lordelyn, Jennifer, and Anna

Members of the public/members/staff: Wendy McCully, Marci Messick, Madelyn McGrath, Melissa Harris

Call to order – Meeting opened at 9:10 am

I.Treasury Report

a. Michelle reported the current balance to be $5,426.65. We’ve made the following from fundraising efforts: $1095.00 from Friends and Family fundraiser mailing, $1084.24 from June 3 rummage sale and bake sale. Wendy made a motion to approve the treasury report. Seconded by Lordelyn. Unanimous vote in favor of the motion.

II. First 5 Update

a. First 5 meeting has been moved to June 12.

b. Landslide issue may be an issue we want to bring up with First 5. Because of the landslide/rockslide, we want to make our program a low fee program.

III. Public Relations Efforts

a. We’ve begun a public relations campaign to local and national media to increase awareness and support for Acorn.

b. A report will be available to First 5 regarding media results from Acorn’s First Annual Rummage Sale/Bake Sale media outreach.

c. A media advisory will go out to media by Monday June 12, 2006 inviting the media to a special ceremony for Acorn’s first graduating class.

IV. Fundraising Items

a. Rummage sale – refer to treasury report.

b. Quilt raffle – quilt packages and tickets to be distributed to members on Thursday, June 8. The drawing will be at the first Parent’s meeting. Date TBD/ Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20.

c. Bake sale – refer to treasury report.

d. Kids First Foundation – Jennifer will look into Kids First Foundation, a foundation for Mariposa Schools and see if it is something that Acorn can apply to. Kids First provides about $10,000 to teachers in Mini-Grants each year.

V. Fees for Fall

a. Acorn ran an advertisement for Fall quarter to comply with non-profit requirements.

b. Fees will depend on the funding we have for next year.

c. Families will have an annual fee of $25.00

d. There will be a mandatory parent meeting on August 31, 6:30-8:30 pm.

e. First day of school will most likely be Thursday, September 7.

VI. Anna’s Role as Registrar

a. Anna received cabinet keys. She will take over the following 1) Making sure members turn in the required forms and filing the forms 2) Keeping track of monthly payment of fees. Wendy made a motion to charge a $10.00 late fee if member payment is not received or postmarked by the 5th of each month. Lordelyn seconded the motion. . Unanimous vote in favor of the motion.

b. Anna will collect/record payments and forward checks and list to Michelle by the 15th of each month.

c. Anna will also develop forms and a system to track member fees, to review member paperwork, and to communicate to members when necessary forms (i.e. TB tests) need to be renewed.

VII. Items for Discussion

a. Wendy D. proposed tricycle shed/information to the Board. The Church will need to approve. The next church meeting will be on June 12

b. Pledge of Allegiance – Wendy M. will introduce the Pledge of Allegiance to kids in the context of a theme during the Fall.

c. Water testing policy – The water in the church drinking fountains are fine for the kids to drink. The church has a tank and filtration system. Wendy D will look into the possibility of having the water tested regularly. Bottled water is still available.

d. Snack Ideas – Wendy M would like to try family style eating with kids starting in the Fall. Kids will serve themselves and adults will be there to help.

e. End of Year Celebration – the date is June 15th. We will have a graduation ceremony for the preschool graduates and potluck afterward. Marci will put a sign up sheet in Acorn for the potluck. Madeline will do face painting.

f. Kindermusik next year. Acorn may get the program free again next year if Gail gets a First 5 grant again.

g. Madeline’s songbook idea: Marci will donate ink. The books will go to families and they can make donations to Acorn.

h. Melissa discussed concerns with the Board and teacher regarding enrollment issues and age-appropriate curriculum.

VIII. The Board meetings dates will be as follows during the summer at Darrah Playground:

a. Friday, July 7 at 9 am

b. Wednesday, August 9 at 9 am

c. Friday, September 1 at 9 am.

Meeting adjourned 11:05 am