Mrs. MacDonald opened the meeting with a prayer at 7:15pm.

President Pat Hassett welcomed everyone and asked Mrs. MacDonald to comment on the principal’s report.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

• Enrollment current enrollment is 199 students, two lost since last meeting.
• National Reading Day
  • Last week school celebrated National young readers week. 8^th grade students and a few adults participated in reading to children in grades pre-k thru grade 5. It was a great success. The students enjoyed hearing the stories read to them. Father Reilly used the bible to read to the 5^th grade followed by a discussion on the message of the story; it was a wonderful morning for all who participated.
• Field trips Students enjoyed recent fall trips. Kindergarten & Grade 1 went to Symphony Hall to see Magic School Bus. Grade 7 - went to Massasoit Indian Museum Grade 8 – went to the Genetics lab at Baystate Medical Center.
• Accreditation process ongoing at present time. The mission statement is complete.
• Enchanted circle was enjoyed by all, great success!

NEW BUSINESS

• Pat Hassett Apologized for a few items that developed after the last meeting, which required voting on prior to this meeting. Information was clearly documented & distributed during meeting for discussion. The officers of the Parent association made the following allocation:
  • $400 to purchase gift Certificate for staff birthday gifts and birthday cards. (On his or her birthday each staff member receives a $20 gift card to the Holyoke Mall.)
  • $100 for the welcome Reception for Mrs. MacDonald that was held on 10/20/04.
  • $82.50 this payment is a deposit for Mad Science Show to be presented during Catholic School week. The cost of the program is $345.00. 45 min. program for children.
• Mary Paprocki Reported on magazine drive. Net income $9000 (Amount is less than last year.)
• Pat Hassett commented on status of checking account being low + need to reevaluate our Spring Fundraiser. Treasure Denise Bolduc reported available fund $5,065.
• Family frolics were a very successful event. Deposit of $400 given back to acct. thanks to all for your time & commitment!
• Secret Santa – Celeste Orszulak reported committee still buying gifts. Requested assistance from all who wish to volunteer their time in capacity. She had a Specific request for assistance on Friday Nov.26 to purchase for bicycles at Wal-mart. Denise Bolduc graciously offered to help.
• Coffee Maker – Pat noted the need for a new coffee maker. To inquire on prices. If funds available at end of year to purchase. Mrs. MacDonald commented that the Mary Women’s guild has one available. Pat stressed that if the Parent Association were to purchase item – it would be stored and careful with its’ use.

CATHOLIC SCHOOL WEEK

• Movie Day Friday Feb 4, Pat welcome suggestions for G rated movie to be shown. Joan mentioned that the "buddies" are the caretakers for the children. Room parents and volunteers are needed to assist.
• At present Brother Bear was an option. Christine Sarkis noted Finding Nemo shown last year was too long and children were not able to see entire film. Start at 1 pm. Kit Dennis has offered to provide projector.

Faculty and Principal to decide on movie and report at next meeting.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

• To be discussed in more detail at next meeting.
• Pat asked if anyone has a contact to notify her ASAP.
• Mrs. Lewis has possible connection at Hood.

FIELD DAY

• May 31, 2005 Chris Sarkis advised to call the police & fire Dept early this year. Children able to explore vehicles Pat Hassett to call public relations Dept to confirmed date.

SPRING FUNDRAISER

• Pat encouraged all to begin thinking of ideas. In past have done AVON. Chris Sarkis commented on ease of process. Last year raised $1700. Chris Sarkis stated last year, the funds were placed in the Technology Fund. Now that goal is obtained, she recommended Spring Fundraiser funds should now go into the general funds account. Pat has catalog for Pampered Chef and Tupperware; distributed for all to browse.
• Celeste Orszulak suggested "Cash for Cash" Big y/ Stop ‘n’ shop. Purchase gift card for = value
• Celeste to inquire with Ludlow High School as to process.
• Pat Hassett pointed out possible large undertaking as? Labor intensive, problems with accounting. Large amount of money involved.
• Mrs. Mattie stated that her sister in law in Stratford Conn. Has been involved with similar fundraiser – "Script" successful fundraiser >$50,000 website. Script. Com.
• Mrs. MacDonald recommended the fundraiser committee discuss and possible get underway next year. Joan welcome anyone interested in becoming a chairperson/ form committee to see Joan.
• Pat announced that spring Fundraiser will be confirmed at next meeting Jan 2005.

ALLOCATIONS

Mad Science $345(dep. previously authorized) All in favor

Teacher Appreciation Day $300 All in favor

Movie Day $100 All in favor

Ice Cream Sundae Social $ 275 All in favor

Christmas concert $100 All in favor

Secret Santa Room (4Bikes) $500 All in favor

Staff Christmas Luncheon $350 All in favor

Principal Day Flowers $50 All in favor

TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY – Feb 3 (Thurs) 12pm-1pm

• Christine Sarkis volunteered to chair event again this year. (Organize food). Mary Paprocki, Pat Hassett and Kim Fish will help in the classrooms.
• Room Parents have meeting Fri 11/14 @8:15am to discuss responsibilities (and also to discuss Christmas collection for staff).

MOVIE DAY Feb 4, 2005

• Pat to gather items
• Popcorn (to check number of bags needed)
• Water, juice and candy for all.

Ice Cream Social

• To occur in February during Valentines’ week

Christmas Concert - Dec 23, 2004

• Pattie Ovitt chairperson of the hospitality committee is requesting volunteers to bake for the event.
• $20 of $100 allocation to be used for surprise gift for children

CANDY BAR SALE

• Joan MacDonald reminded all of candy bar sale to take place end of Jan.

SPRING FAMILY FROLICS

• Jennifer Collins questioned if this year we could have party at Cyr Arena instead of Interstate 91. Pat stated that the deposit had already been made to book event scheduled April 24, 2005.
• Chris Sarkis offered her experienced observation to closely scrutinize allocation for books, etc, as budget is down.
• Pat Hassett closed the meeting expressing gratitude for all support and commitment. Reminders to all who have yet to pay $12 / family dues to bring to school ASAP. (Checks payable to Parent Association)

The next meeting will be on Wednesday, January 19, 2005.

Respectively Submitted,

Diane Lemke

Secretary