PTA meeting minutes for September 19, 2017
Meeting called to order at 6:33pm 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
The 2017-2018 board members were introduced.  New members this year include Mrs. Senese, teacher representative, Courtney Maliki, Corresponding Secretary, and Kim Evertt, Council Delegate.  
BLT (Building Level Team) report - Mrs. Dansa
	The first meeting is scheduled for next week Tuesday, Sept. 26th.  
Principal's report - Mrs. Dansa
	Mrs. Dansa welcomed families to another great year at Blasdell.  The year has started off smoothly so far.  There are some new and exciting things at Blasdell this year.  There are 11 new teachers at Blasdell this year.  A new reading program, Readygen, has been adopted this year.  This was the program chosen from 4 pilot programs tested last year.  There are also new initiatives for writing and math.  	
	Thank you to the families that volunteered over the summer to help care for the community garden.  Thank you to Mrs. Millace and Mrs. Check for their help with the garden.  There are herbs, tomatoes, and eggplant currently ready for harvesting.  
	Mrs. Dansa has created a new group, Blasdell Parents 2017-2018, in the Remind system.  This is another way to receive important information.  To join, text the number 81010, and send the message @blasdellpa   
	There is a form in the main office to fill out if you would like to receive a paper copy of your child's report cards.  Otherwise, they will be available online through the Parent Portal. 
	Mrs. Dansa just wanted to remind families that her door is always open for any questions or concerns.  She's looking forward to a great school year!
Teacher report - Mrs. Senese
	Mrs. Senese relayed a "thank you" to the PTA from the new teachers for their Welcome water bottles from the PTA.  Her goal is to have 100% participation from the teachers as PTA members this year.
Council report - Kim Evertt
	The first Council meeting is scheduled for next week, September 27th. 
Treasurer's report - Melissa McGrath
	Melissa was unable to be here for tonight's meeting, but Melanie has copies of this year's PTA budget available for review.  
Old Business
Field Day - Thank you to Dawn Rowell for organizing a great event in June for the students. 
Membership Drive - Tracy Boggs
	This year's membership goal is 215 members, which has increased a little from last year.  We did not meet our membership goal last year, so we encourage parents to sign up!  It's very easy to sign up - simply return the form sent home last week or you can sign up online at nyspta.org.   Congratulations to Stephanie Hellerer, winner of a Tim Horton's gift card, for most closely guessing the number of current PTA members - 124 members!  
School Banking 	
	Congratulations to Joshua Schmitz, who won a Kindle through the school banking summer reading program!  
	Student banking will begin on Tuesday, October 3rd.  If your child has an existing account, you do not need to re-enroll each year.  Younger siblings are able to participate in school banking as well.  Please contact Kim Evertt with questions about school banking or for an application form.
New Business
PTA Remind  - Courtney Maliki 
	Courtney and Tracy will be working together to send out information through Remind.  To sign up for the Blasdell PTA remind notifications, please text 81010 and send the message @c6ebh.  Tracy will also continue to set event notifications on the PTA Facebook page to remind parents of upcoming events, fundraiser due dates, etc.  Courtney will also be sending home a quarterly newsletter with PTA information.  Look for one coming home in October!
Kindergarten Welcome Night - Becky Zdrojewski
	Coming up this Friday, September 22nd from 6-7pm, a night to welcome Blasdell's newest "bees" and their families.  Thank you to Becky for stepping up to chair this event.  
Great American Fundraiser - Dawn Rowell
	Catalogs and envelopes came home today with students.  This is one of our best fundraisers each year, and has allowed the students assemblies with a BMX stunt rider and a Dunk Team.  We have expanded the number of items available for purchase this year, so lots to choose from!  Orders are due Monday October 2nd.  Expected delivery is November 8th.
Fall Apparel Sale - Olivia Schwarzott
	Some Bee apparel has been on display at Parent Information Nights; order forms will be coming home on October 16th, and will be due back by October 25th.  Expected delivery in early November.  Suggestions for items you would like to see will be accepted for the spring apparel sale.
Square 1 Art - Amy Sanders
	Art templates and more information will be coming home in the next few weeks.  These items make great Christmas gifts!
Fall Fest - Donna Gill & Stephanie Petrie
	Fall Fest will be Thursday, October 19th, from 6-730pm.  It will be a similar format as last year, with music, crafts, pizza available for purchase, and mini pumpkins for the kids.  Sign up sheets for volunteers are available.
Fall Book Fair - Jonel Papucci
	Family Night will be Weds, November 15th from 4-8 pm.  This year's theme is "Wild, Wild West".  Sign up sheets for volunteers are available.
Cider and Donuts - Jennifer Silver & Heather Palmer
	On Weds, November 22nd, the day before Thanksgiving, all the students receive cider and doughnuts.  The students and staff look forward to this treat!  
Melanie White reminded parents that children are always welcome at the PTA meetings.  She is coordinating with a new advisor of the Service club at the Middle School for older students to help during the meetings.
Melanie motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:03pm, motion seconded by Tracy Boggs.  

Respectfully submitted, 
Kristin Pitirri, Recording Secretary