Meeting called to order at approximately 5:45 pm by JAPA president, Rod Clay.
Agenda Items:
Check-in
R. Clay announced that this would be his last meeting as JAPA president, his children will be moving to another school. He welcomed and thanked parents for attending the meeting.
R. Clay introduced and thanked the guest speaker, Djemal Araniti, for being at the meeting and giving of his time.
A. Tavares, (one of the two JAPA Secretaries), gave an update of what happened at the last general meeting: JAPA board members voted in for the new school year; meet and greet of parents, board members, as well as the principal of the schools, D. Crawford, and the CEO of the schools, Dr. M. Sharpe.
T. Segree McLean, (JAPA Events Coordinator), gave an update on the Fall Harvest Festival planned for 12/2/2011; there should be a DJ, face painting, games, and a fun night for friends and family. Classroom parent representatives will be contacting parents for donations.
Presentation by Guest Speaker
Guest Speaker, Djemal Araniti, was introduced by L. Jackson (JAPA Vice President – Elementary School)
Guest speaker provided information on a few ways to save for education
He discussed 5 steps toward achieving savings/investment goals:
‘Where am I today”
Where would I like to be”
“Can I get there”
“How do I get there”
“How can I stay on track”
There was an active question and answer session. Information provided was very useful and parents seemed content with the presentation provided by D. Araniti
D. Araniti’s contact information:
Work: (860) 677-1104
Cell: (860) 573-0384
Email: djemal.aranit@edwardjones.com
Open Discussion
Past Fundraisers - S. George, (JAPA Vice President – Middle School), gave an update on gains from past fundraisers:
Butter Braid – gains of about $2,554
Chuck E Cheeses – gains of about $332
Stop & Shop/Big Y School Drive – R. Clay stressed the importance of parent participation in these programs, as it could significantly benefit the school. One parent informed us that ShopRite also has a similar program and suggested that ShopRite be included as another option. Parents should contact A. Tavares with their card information if not previously provided.
Classroom parent representatives list – list is still incomplete, many teachers do not have reps for their class rooms, and the minimum required is two per class. The hope is to have the list complete by the end of the next week. A. Tavares will provide parent representatives with a list of the responsibilities, but the main ones are:
Interacting with classroom
Assisting teachers with planning parties, etc.
Assisting with trips, i.e. chaperoning or reaching out to other parents to chaperone
Drop off at Artists Collectives for after school activities – parent wanted to know if it would be possible for a drop-off to be coordinated at the Artist Collectives similar to what is currently being done for the Boys and Girls Clubs;
T. Hosendove will research and get back to parents, she suggested getting other parents involved in a petition for the service, she also indicated that Jumoke would not be able to pay for the additional transportation cost
Car-pooling was suggested in the interim
Pink Slip – a parent was concerned that the ‘pink slip process’ was traumatizing students, specifically first and second graders, she suggested that Miss Crawford, (principal of the school), reinforce with students the reason for the pink slip with the hope of making it ‘less traumatizing’. T. Hosendove will speak with Miss Crawford about addressing first and second graders for them to get a better understanding of the process
ZUMBA Fundraiser – Dr. A. Burke (Dean of Language Arts at Jumoke), has offered to organize a ZUMBA fundraiser to help JAPA. Details about the cost and time will be provided later.
Basketball Competition – K. Bell (Enrichment Coordinator at Jumoke, and immediate past president of JAPA), will be organizing competition between parents and teachers and is soliciting parent volunteers. Details will be provided at a later date if there are enough volunteers.
Minutes of JAPA General Meeting – it was suggested that the minutes of the JAPA General Meetings be posted to the school’s website, and the change be communicated in the Jumoke Journal.
JAPA Donations – the donations to the school based on last year’s JAPA fundraisers will become visible soon, e.g. TV in music room.
Individual Development Account (IDA) Match Savings Program – T. Hosendove offered information about this grant program and suggested parents get on board as soon as possible to utilize the ‘grant money’, as needed. Monies available through an application process for:
education (both parents and children),
deposit for purchasing first home/deposit with rental property
starting your own business
The number to call for more details is (860) 236-3617.
Upcoming Events
Fall Harvest Festival – to be held 12/2/2011 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Class room parent representatives will be asked to contact parents for donations.
Next General Meeting
To be held 12/15/2011 @ 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. in the Gym at the Elementary School.
Adjournment
Closing Remarks – R. Clay thanked parents for attending and being so engaged throughout the meeting. He expressed his regret at having to leave the Jumoke community because of his children’s admission into another school, and wished JAPA all the best for the future.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 6:50 p.m. by R. Clay.
Minutes
Jumoke Academy Parents’ Association (JAPA) General Meeting
November 10, 2011