PPC Meeting August 29th/30th, 2007   Minutes   J   Welcome/Prayer:  FUMC Preschool Director Julie Bergstrom welcomed the group and opened in prayer. J      Preschool Goals:  Julie explained to the group the main goal/purpose of the preschool – to provide quality learning in a nurturing Christian environment. She explained how proud we all are of the school and discussed the Apple Accreditation received 2 years ago. It was a wonderful, but very involved, process that led to Gold Seal status for the preschool. She explained that last year the preschool went through the Quality Rating System (QRS) process from the local licensing agency and the Broward Schools Readiness Program and received a 4 star rating. While it would be nice for the preschool to have a year “off” from certification, unfortunately the Apple certification is up again in September 2008 and it is a year long process that will begin immediately. Julie indicated that coaches from Family Central will be coming occasionally to help prepare the preschool for evaluation and she emphasized that the PPC (parents) have been very helpful in the past during this process with both prayer and administrative support.   Julie indicated that both the PPC and the school have grown over the past few years and that an active PPC is another goal of the preschool. This year there are 111 in VPK and that all classes are full with a waiting list. She encouraged parents to bring all concerns, questions, or ideas to the teachers, staff or her and that no questions/concerns are too small for their attention. She thanked parents for coming to the PPC and their continued involvement. She then introduced to the group to the Head of the PPC, Dawn Zeschke. J   Purpose of the PPC:  Dawn introduced herself and gave personal testimony regarding the quality of the school and how it prepared her older daughter for kindergarten. She also encouraged parents to become involved with the PPC and the preschool in any way that they can because it can be such a blessing in their lives as well. She explained that the purpose of the Preschool Parent’s Club (PPC) is to support/assist the teachers, classrooms, and preschool and help to plan special events. J     Room Moms:  Dawn directed attention to the Room Mom Responsibilities hand out and let the group know that if they are interested in being one of the room moms for their teacher they can fill out a yellow ballot. The ballots will be collected and then teachers will “draw” names. She introduced Jennifer Carfaro, who will serve as the Room Mom Mentor again this year and let the group know that they should not feel overwhelmed by the prospect of the being a room mom because Jen and other room moms will be here to help. Dawn also drew attention to the Suggestions for Class Volunteer List handout and indicated that room moms will be working with teachers to determine their volunteer needs and then develop the list of parents interested in each area. Jen indicated that she will be distributing a room mom “packet” to help get each room mom started for the year. J     PPC Volunteers:  Dawn asked the group to review the green PPC Volunteers handout. She indicated that we still need an Assistant Head of the PPC, a treasurer, party planners, historians, and help with the newsletter. Cynthia Sanseverino graciously agreed to continue collecting articles, photos, etc. and doing the final layout each month. Julie indicated that the bulletin board outside of the Preschool office will provide general information and PPC notices and is maintained by the PPC. Dawn indicated that anyone interested in helping to maintain/decorate this board should contact her. Nikki Kincaid indicated that while minutes will be posted each month on the new preschool website (www.firstchurchpreschool.net), a paper copy will be posted on this bulletin board as well. J    Volunteer Procedures:  The Four (4) Step procedure for volunteering in the classroom was presented. 1. Clipboard in office to sign in/sign out. 2. Name Badges to be worn at all times during volunteering (provided in the office). 3. Volunteer Form to be filled out and time recorded for licensing purposes. 4. Volunteer Form to be filled out and returned in the office for background check. J      Office Angels:  Dawn described the office administrative needs of the preschool, including: copying, collating handouts, laminating, and the library organization that could be a special project for a very organized individual. She indicated that we need a select few individuals to sign up as office angels. These individuals just need to be willing to stop by the office a few times a week to see what tasks need to be completed. J      School Wish List:  Dawn let the group know that the school does have one large “wish” this year, to help replace shade on the playground lost to Hurricane Wilma. While trees might be an option, the school is investigating the costs of a playground tarp. This will mean a large fundraising activity this year. The group discussed the types of “large” fundraisers done in the past (Luau with silent auction, Children’s Fashion Show). Dawn indicated that during the next meeting we will be breaking into groups/committees and that more specific ideas can be discussed in the Fundraising Committee. One member, Leslee Mecklem, indicated that her husband works with a landscaping company and that this might be a good future connection for the school. Dawn encouraged anyone with specific skills, talents, connections, etc. that could be utilized to benefit the schools to please share at any time.   She let the group know that the Fall Festival will be held on Tuesday, October 30th and Wednesday, October 31st. The group briefly discussed the fun event started last year and Dawn indicated that a Committee will be formed at the next meeting in September to begin planning. J      Other Fundraisers:  The group discussed prior and upcoming fundraisers that the PPC would like to continue this year: 1.    Chuck-E-Cheese – portion of the proceeds for the afternoon go to the preschool. 2.    Square 1 Art - will start September 4th and is an opportunity for children to make artwork into personalized gifts that are great for Christmas. 3.    Mr. Foods No Fuss Meals – 10% of each visit goes to preschool when you use the fundraising code all year long. 4.    Book Fair – will be held November 8th – 9th with a Family Fun Night on the 9th. This will include a character (like Clifford or Curious George), a magician and will help to increase books in the school library and classrooms. J      Missions:  Nikki Kincaid discussed the Nursing Home Ministry, Visiting Angels that occurs the last Thursday of each month at the Harbour Chase Nursing Home at 2975 NW 99 Avenue in Coral Springs (near St. Andrews Catholic Church). This is a time for parents and their children to visit with and bring joy to the residents. Anyone with questions can contact Debbie Chappelle at 954-570-7031. Nikki also discussed the One Body activities that occur at First Church on Wednesday nights, including a new Pioneer Club for children ages 3 to 5th grade from 7-8:30. Information on all the activities can be found in the First Church office.   Cindy Davidson handed out a flier for a new program at the Sawgrass Nature Center. She indicated that the program is geared towards ages 3-5 and is a “Mommy and Me” nature program. The cost is $8.00 for non-members and $5.00 for members. She also indicated that the center provides summer camps and half-day winter camps. Those wanting more information can call 954-752-WILD (9453). J      PPC for Parents:  Dawn discussed the different activities that help PPC parents get to know each other better and benefit parents including:  play dates, Mom’s night out (restaurants, Field of Flowers, bowling), and the Swap Shop (swapping gently used children’s items). She announced that the meetings will be held on Wednesday’s each month (September 12th, October 10th, November 14th, and December 12th) and that childcare will be provided by the church (sign-up in the preschool office before the meeting). Julie mentioned the possibility of having evening programs geared towards parents (TBD). J     Website:  Dawn reminded everyone to check out our new and exciting website at: www.firstchurchpreschool.net  and thanked everyone for attending the first meeting. J     NEXT MEETING:  WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH, 9:15 AM     ANNOUNCEMENTS!!!   J      T-SHIRT ORDERS DUE THIS FRIDAY!! J      SUBMISSIONS FOR NEXT MONTH’S NEWSLETTER BY TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH TO CYNTHIA SANSEVERINO (CSANSEVE@BELLSOUTH.NET)