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La Tierra Montessori PTA Meeting 11/18/2014

Location: Espanola YMCA Teen Center

LTM PTA Board In attendance: Scott Davis, Lorraine Gray, Lakshmi Khalsa, J. Ortiz, Ben Sandoval,

LTM PTA Board not present: Margaret Lopez, Michelle Peixinho, Renee Lopez

Members: Mark Bibeault, Leona Hillary, Renee Sandoval, Amy May, Suzanne Lynn, Beth Combs

New Members: 0 (since last meeting)

Total Members: 41

New Pledges for 2014-2015 year: 0

Attached: Sign in sheet, Oct 2014 Financial, 11/18/14 Agenda, Agenda Proposal Form, Head Learners Report, Coat Drive press

release, STEM committee 2014-2015 workplan. Facility committee report

Door Prize Winners: Congratulation’s Renee Sandoval & Leona Hillary!!

I. Meeting called to order 6:09pm by President Scott Davis

Business:

II. Determined we do have a quorum (minimum 5 members) III. Mark made a motion to approve today’s agenda (attached). Second by J. Ortiz

Vote: unanimous motion carries. IV. Ben made motion to approve 10/21/14 LTM PTA General Meeting minutes.

Second by J. Ortiz Vote: unanimous motion carries. V. Treasurer’s Report: Reviewed attached report. VI. Head Learner Report – Read her report (See Attached) Some discussion on topics

covered. a. Inquiry made by student what size PVC pipe needed for light float advised to

contact Art Committee Chairperson Renee Lopez. b. Professional Development Day. J, Robin & Lorraine helping students with Battle

of the Books. Students who want to participate from 4th -8th grade will meet an hr a week as a club during lunch hr. Aiming to start week after Thanksgiving.

c. Took PARCC tests encourage parents to take one too at the parcc website. They are computer based tests. Teachers starting to give practice tests to the students. First year these tests used nationwide expecting an adjustment period and students not performing well. Discussed importance of teaching students how to interpret questions. 1st test given in March with written response and 2nd in April multiple choice.

d. Rep from Lexia gave presentation to see if teachers think good fit for LTM. It’s a computer based phonics program to help fill gaps to remediate and keep track of where each student is. More geared towards elementary students. Each time students use it assess and give appropriate work. Real time assessment.

e. Heat still an issue. Ben offered to contact someone at the county to help resolve. f. Discussed at length possibility of LTM PTA selling some type of food at the

showcase event on 12/12. Not sure with food licensing how to do frito pie vs/ popcorn. Popcorn maybe better since it’s not a show but different classes doing different things at different times. In end this becomes a Fundraising event to be handles by that committee. Ben offered the YMCA popcorn maker if the committee decides to go that route. It was mentioned that Santa Claran might donate bottles of water. Ben will reseach with licensing what we can sell/serve.

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VII. Coat Drive –. Explained idea to do a Coat drive sponsored by LTM PTA. Last year

she did it as a lesson with the classes. Reduce reuse recycle. Coats, hats, sweaters etc would be passed out to low income families & homeless at meals hosted by her nonprofit 4 Bridges. Lorraine read press release that if approved would send out to: Radio, rio grande sun, LTM Blackboard. It was suggested to also send to the LA Daily Post. Lorraine made motion to approve LTM PTA community service coat drive project. Second by Leona. Discussed. Motion carried. Suggestionto send follow up communication after event with success story & thank you.

VIII. Committee Reports –

a. Fundraising. Chairperson unable to attend. Beth has ideas. Lakshmi suggested she email them to her and would be forwarded to Margaret. Committee needs to meet and pick 4 events for rest of year.

b. Art Committee – Renee unable to attend sent Scott message: Here are the work dates for the light parade float:

i. Nov.29 to pick up wood. ii. Dec 6th and Dec 7th to work on float

iii. Dec 13th work on lights and line up for parade that night iv. Dec 14th take apart float.

Also still need the 100 for screws and hooks, and extra lights and brackets. Scott motion LTM PTA spend $100 towards materials for the light parade float. Second by Mark. Discussed. Vote: Motion carried. Suggestion made that an email notice about the light parade needs to go out. Not everyone saw the paper one that was sent home with students. And that if $ there to use to buy storage bins to save materials to be used next years light parade. c. STEM Committee – Attached is the STEM Work plan. Items discussed from

work plan – Learned about website called donorschoose where teachers put up projects they need funding for and people donate towards it. In addition the school is getting a STEM grant where each classroom will be getting $$ that could fund some of the STEM Committee projects. If LTM wants to participate in 2015 Roborav in May Ben can loan parts for building robot but need to find someone to head team. Ben can’t as he will be working with the YMCA Teen centers team. Brock Tice was suggested as a parent who might be interested. Also Ben’s son’s are interested in organizing a bike/car show to raise $ for a LTM Roborav team. Ben to check and see if they are still interested. If not it’s a $150 registration fee that could be raised in other ways. More immediately wants to build electric cards with 7/8 & 5/6 and then have them mentor lower grades. Ben made motion made to give STEM committee $100 to use to purchase supplies for electric car parts. Second Mark. Discussed how parts can be reused for other STEM projects. Vote: motion carried. Beth mentioned her father is a electrician and if she has list of parts needed she can ask if he has them.

d. PAC –Looking for nominations for chairperson. Leona Hillary’s name suggested. Decided to meet after this meeting adjourned to discuss and answer questions and give clarity to position. Ben offered to co-chair the committee with Leona as he has done the position before.

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e. Facility Sub-Committee – Michelle Unable to attend today. Scott had received Nov report (see attached).Motion made by Scott to allocate $100 to use for refreshments at new facility work parties. Second by Lorraine. Discussion. Vote called but close. In end decided to table not clear on reason is it a reward for participation? Enticement to draw more volunteers? Or to not loose volunteers who leave to get lunch. At least 3 members stated they would prefer to save $ and bring their own lunches. Scott then introduced that we have to vote to spend $ very specifically and that it was requested that the Facility committee submit a budget so we can approve it all in one vote. But since that wasn’t included in the November report Scott is making a motion out of necessity to allocate $1500 toward the fencing project to include materials and installation at the new facility. Second Mark. Discussed. Question asked when is a procurement process required? Is there a limit? Nothing in bylaws. Vote: Motion carried.

Recap on what the current committees are and who the chairs are. Please contact them if you

would like to be part of any of these committees.

1. Science Committee: Ben Sandoval Email: b_sandoval@live.com

2. Arts in School Committee: Renee Lopez Email: reneelopez4375@yahoo.com

3. Fundraising Committee: Margret Lopez Email: margretlopez34@gmail.com

4. Policy Advisory Committee: OPEN!! ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS

5. Facility Sub Committee: Michelle Peixinho Email: michellep@windstream.net

Open Discussion:

• NOTE – Suzanne returned LTM PTA banner to Lakshmi

• Mark mentioned excited at the new facility the HVAC moved to ground behind school so entire roof available for solar. He is working on utility comparison of current and solar.

• Who to speak to about idea to see about buying or getting the playground equipment at some local schools that are closing (Velarde & Alcalde). This would be Michelle Peixinho facility chairperson and Victor Orange researching specifically playground equipment. Ben to make inquiries with the Espanola Schools superintendent. And Beth offered grant writing skills to get grant for playground equipment. She think important to get info from teachers & students what their needs are to build grant proposal around.

Motion made by Scott and second by Mark to move to adjourn meeting at 7: 50pm. Vote carried.

Future Agenda Items/Discussion with LTM Admin/Things to do before next meeting:

• Get bylaw changes approved by NM PTA

• Post bylaws at school

• Get Spot for bulletin board. Ben can build it.

• Send NM PTA membership dues & report

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Next Meeting has scheduled for December 16th 6:00pm at YMCA Teen Center Espanola

Secretary: Date:

LTM PTA Email: ltmaspta@gmail.com Or the Boards emails: President, Scott Davis

scottdavis1117@gmail.com; Vice President, Lorraine Gray fourbridges@live.com; J. Ortiz

jenrac@hotmail.com and Secretary Lakshmi Khalsa lkkhalsa@gmail.com Also a reminder that

the LTMPTA Executive Committee is committed to serving the students, parents and teachers

of La Tierra Montessori. Should you have any concerns outside of regular PTA business, please

feel free to contact a board member outside regular PTA meetings. Each will do their best to

have your concern addressed as soon as possible

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AGENDA

LTPTA General Membership Meeting

Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at 6:00pm

YMCA

808 Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park Rd

Española, NM 87532

Action Items*

I. 1 min Call meeting to Order

II. 2 min Determine presence of a Quorum (min 5 members present)

III. 3 min Approval of today’s Agenda*

IV. 3 min Approval of minutes from October 21, 2014*

V. 10 min Treasurer’s Report

VI. 10 min Head Learner’s Report

VII. 10 min Coat Drive*

VIII. 50 min Committee Reports

a. 10 min Fundraising

b. 10 min Art*

c. 10 min STEM*

d. 10 min PAC (need chair)

e. 10 min Facilities*

IX. 1 min Adjourn*

Time: 90 min

If there is item you wish to have added to the agenda, please contact Scott Davis.

Scott Davis

719-989-1269

scottdavis1117@gmail.com

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WorkPlanforSTEMCommittee

Primary objective: Support students in developing an interest in the science and technology fields.

Teaching mechanisms:

*LEGO Mindstorms Robotics

*Microscopes

*Rocks and Minerals

*Basic electricity

*Various science projects

The majority of classes or presentations will be conducted with the support of the teachers' academic

plans and curriculum outline. Some classes may be held after hours or during the weekends. Ample

notice will be provided to ensure that students, parents, faculty and others are aware of when the

classes/presentations will take place. All effort will be made to encourage student/parent involvement.

Financial barriers: Minimal cost as most of the supplies are "in kind" contributions.

There may be some fees for involvement in competitions and/or special events.

•There is a possibility of participation in RoboRAVE; a robotics competition in Albuquerque in May,

2015.

a) There is consideration that a fundraiser might be conducted to offset the cost of that event.

Specific fundraising will be conducted by the STEM committee to support this event.

The STEM committee is requesting $100.00 from the PTA to fund supplies to begin an Electric Car

building challenge in the 5-6 classroom and 7-8 classroom. The idea is to encourage older students to

mentor the younger classes to get involved in this project.

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October 2014 Financial Report

Beginning Balance $3232.81

Ending Balance $ 4,410.53

Total Deposits $1425.00

Membership Collected $5.50 (Kim Hooker)

Donations $94.50 (Kim Hooker)

Good Deeds Fundraiser 1125.00

Early Bird Membership Bonus 200.00

Total Payments Out 247.28

Membership to PTA 148.50 (Sept. membership: 26 and 1 scholarship)

Classroom Supplies 98.76 (5/6th Christine Dubois)

Scholarship 5.50

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 19, 2014

La Tierra Montessori PTA in partnership with Four Bridges Traveling Permaculture Institute announces

their 2nd annual Winter Coat Drive. Students of La Tierra Montessori School for Arts & Sciences will be

collecting new and gently used coats, hats, gloves, scarves, winter boots, and blankets to benefit low

income families and homeless people in the Espanola Valley. “The coat drive is a lesson in compassion

and community giving for our students,” explains PTA Vice President, Lorraine Gray, “it also reinforces a

lesson in ‘reduce, reuse, recycle,’ that the students have been exploring since last year.”

The students will be collecting winter items in all sizes, infant to adult from now until their winter break,

which begins on December 19th. Items will be distributed by the Four Bridges Traveling Permaculture

Institute at two community meals on Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day, and by appointment. For

more information about donating items, receiving winter items, or participating in the community meals

contact Lorraine Gray, at 518-332-3156, or by visiting; www.4bridges.org

Skennen (Peace,)

Lorraine Kahneratokwas Gray

Executive Director

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LTMAS PTA Facilities Committee

Report to Parents, Students, and Staff

November 2014

Pictures

A School in progress and some of the renovations management team

Status of Renovations and construction budget:

LTMAS’ Construction team at Avanyu General Contracting has been hard at work moving

through the demolition of some of the school. In the last few weeks this crew and contractors have re-

plumbed the kids’ main bathrooms and the serving kitchen. Electrical work has begun and the new

HVAC units are currently being installed. New walls are framed in the Multi-Purpose room for the

ancillary services and library.

Avanyu reports a few extra challenges along the way but so far so good in completing the

current negotiated contract with the owners within budget and on-time. It is important to remember

that this renovation contract has a few areas not included where we, the LTMAS PTA are working to

offset with our volunteer efforts. Drywall, painting, fencing, flooring and other finishes, and playground

equipment all still need to be fundraised for and labor donated. We are still hoping to be able to do this

over the next few months and around the time that the kids return to school in the new building for the

first time in January.

Pictures

LTMAS Avanyu Crew at work on our new school

Successful Work Parties - October and November:

In order for the PTA to meet its goal of helping complete the school with our volunteer efforts,

we have been sponsoring work parties that have been very successful in increasing labor hours donated

to the project.

Together so far, in October and November, we contributed a total of 72 hours of volunteer labor

towards completing our new school building. All work parties so far have involved parents, teachers and

students.

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Pictures

The first work party was demolition of unwanted framed interior walls in several classrooms here

being done by 7th

and 8th

graders and several parents.

Pictures

Participants in the second PTA sponsored work party where we painted and did yardwork.

Upcoming Workdays:

We have three more scheduled work parties and will be planning other work days for the

installation of the perimeter fencing and drywall. Yardwork is on-going including the eradication of the

existing Elm.

Work parties are scheduled for the following Fridays and Saturdays:

October 3rd (Demolition and clean-up)

November 7th and 8th (Exterior painting and site/yard work)

November 21st and 22nd (Drywall tape/texture, site/yard work and fencing)

December 5th and 6th (Interior painting and playground)

December 19th and 20th (Finishes and moving)

Workdays hours on Fridays are from 9:00am – 2:30pm and on Saturdays from 10:00am – 2:00pm

Please wear long pants, closed shoes, and bring work gloves if you have them

Volunteers and Materials still needed to move in:

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We had a fixed budget for the project dictated by what the school projected it could afford to pay in a lease.

In order to meet that budget, we had to balance it by

reducing scope of work in a few areas: We have 4000 SF of floor finishes in the Multi-purpose room and

ancillary services are that are not in the budget. Secondly, our budget relies on the PTA and community

volunteers to do the drywall installation for all new walls. Also all interior painting needs to be done by

PTA/community volunteers. Any ideas or ability to significantly assist in these areas, please contact Mateo

505-927-4418.

Some of the building materials that we are looking for to be donated are:

Fencing material for 1790 linear feet

Use of a tractor-mounted post-hole digger

Use of painting supplies (drop cloths, rollers, brushes, etc.)

Landscaping materials including shrubs and trees for planting

Forming a Capital Campaign Committee:

The LTMAS PTA, Governing Council, and Staff are working towards creating a working capital campaign

committee to look at a fundraising plan to continue improving the school building over the next few

years. If you are interested in serving on such a committee as a PTA member, please talk to the PTA

president or the Facility Committee Chair.

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Agenda Proposal Form ( APF)

Date:

Name:

Child(rens) Name(s):

Grade:

Agenda Item:

Suggested Solution if applicable:

Proposed Amendment/Motion: