PTA meeting minutes for April 10, 2018
Meeting called to order at 6:35pm by Melanie White.  All said the Pledge of Allegience and took a moment of silence. 
Board members present: Melanie White, Tracy Boggs, Kristin Pitirri, Courtney Maliki, Kim Evertt, Helen Senese, Linda Dansa
BLT report - Mrs. Palmer & Mrs. Dansa
 The team met today and several topics were discussed.  Plans for spring planting of the community garden are underway.  Mrs. Dansa has a list of volunteers to help with the garden.  The service club will be preparing the garden beds for planting after the Memorial Day holiday.  Students will be starting plants from seeds in their classrooms.  The 3 beds will be divided by grade level, into a K-1 bed, 2-3 bed, and 4-5 bed.  The students will have more input on which plants to grow in their bed and will be more hands on this year.  
The Sweet Blasdell Rocks project, where students will be painting rocks, will be starting soon in art class.  The older students will be going on walking field trips to place their painted rocks around the community.  The younger students will be creating a mosaic on the school grounds with their rocks.  
Service club is still collecting box tops.  
With the success of the Pennies for Pasta fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma society, the school received a $150 Amazon gift card.  This was used to purchase the books for Character Club.  
The auditorium will be receiving a much needed "face lift" over the summer as part of the capital improvements.  New seating will be installed throughout the auditorium.  New flooring will be laid in the orchestra pit and the room will be painted.  
Keep an eye out for a survey from Mrs. Dansa, either on social media or through Remind, looking for input on fall events for next year like Open House.  
Principal's report - Mrs. Dansa
Students in 3 - 5 grades will be taking the NYS ELA assessment tests this week.  Students have no school on 4/20 to allow for test scoring.  Math assessments are coming up in May. 
Kindergarten screening and orientation are coming up in the next few months.
Teacher Report - Mrs. Senese
Mrs. Senese read a thank you note from Mrs. Jakubowski's class to the PTA for the books they received from the Book Fair for the classroom.
Council report - Kim Evertt
No meeting was held last month.
Treasurer's report - Melanie White
Melissa McGrath was not able to be here tonight.  2 deposits were made, $130 from Buffalo Collective fundraiser and $465 from student banking.
Old Business
Membership - Tracy Boggs
No change in membership numbers.  All current members are paid in full, so we are in good standing.
Spring Bee Apparel sale - Olivia Schwarzott
Orders were received before April break, and should be in within the next 2 weeks.  The PTA also ordered the t-shirts for the incoming kindergarten classes that they receive at orientation. 
Yearbook - Dawn Carcione & Brandi Fanning
The yearbook has been finalized.  Thank you to Dawn & Brandi for all your hard work!
New Business
Me & My Gal Game Night - Kim Evertt
This event for Blasdell boys and their special gal is coming up on Thursday, April 19th, from 6-730pm.  Bingo will be played in the cafeteria, there will be a photo area, and a craft to take home as a memento.  There will also be kareoke in the gym.  Volunteers are needed to help with the event. 
Ice Cream Social - Brandi Fanning
The Ice Cream social will be held on Weds, May 9th, during the spring concert and school art show.  Ice cream cups will be available for pre-purchase.  Information will be coming home in a few weeks.
Teacher Appreciation Week - Melanie White & Kristin Pitirri
Teacher Appreciation week is coming up on May 7 - 11th.  Ideas and volunteers are welcome!
Staff Appreciation Luncheon - Kim Evertt
We thank and celebrate all the hardworking staff of Blasdell Elementary with a catered luncheon on Weds, June 21st.  Kim will need volunteers to make some desserts, and will also need volunteers to help set up, serve, and clean up.  
Spring Fundraisers - Melanie White
Dawn Rowell has been in contact with Yankee Candle to organize a spring fundraiser.  Look for information to come home soon.  
Melanie contacted Cheers to Monet about a spring fundraiser.  She will be posting a survey on social media and Remind about dates of the event. 
Nominations for 2018-2019 Board
Melanie distributed nomination forms for the 2018-2019 PTA Board.  You are welcome to nominate yourself or a friend.  Melanie will be contacting any nominees.  Current board members are available for questions about the positions.  

Melanie motioned to adjourn the meeting; Tracy Boggs seconded the motion.  The meeting was adjourned at 6:54pm.  

Respectfully submitted, 
Kristin Pitirri, Recording Secretary