January 14, 2016 General Membership Meeting Minutes
General Membership Meeting January 14, 2016
In attendance: Paula Allen, Mary Babbitt, Cathy Chavez, Monika Gloesslein, Gabrielle Gonzales, Christine Harland, Ginger Hunt, Christina Maher, Andrea Mainman, Bonnie Morf, Cathy Rosenberg, Julie Sherrill, Lori Sumberg, Laura Swenson, Sarajane Trier, Nicole Westmoreland, Patti Wisnom, Angela Vande Mheen
The meeting was called to order at 8:50 a.m. by FA Co-President Christina Maher. She began with a welcome and said she hoped all had great holidays with two weeks off of school. She introduced herself and began introductions around the room. Minutes from November 2015 meeting were available digitally for those in attendance to review. A motion was made and passed to approve the minutes from the November meeting.
Christina Maher gave the Treasurer's report on behalf of Valerie Deitch. Another $75 was collected in dues, Fine Arts donated $240, and $3674.74 was collected for Staff Appreciation Holiday Gifting. The Executive Committee gave Student Council $750 for Gregory Day. Fine Arts had expenses of $311.40 and Staff Appreciation had expenses of $3654.74.
Staff Appreciation-Co-chair Andrea Mainman reported that for December, the committee hosted an Oregano's lunch and gave every staff member a crisp $50 dollar bill. The money was solicited via e-mail from parents. It was decided that this would be more appreciated than a cookie exchange. The staff has sent the committee many thanks. 10th grade hosted a soup lunch after the meeting. 5th and 6th grade will host a lunch on February 11th, largely due to the generosity of Saffron Indian Bistro. Thank you to Reema Jaggi for coordinating.
Sip-Chair Andrea Mainman reported that tickets are on sale and can be purchased on-line. Sponsorships packs and auction donation forms are also available on the website. Everyone can also register with Give Smart to bid on Auction Items. The committee is well into planning. There was a meeting January 15th. The committee is looking for someone to be in charge of decorations. This would entail researching and coordinating with party company to professionally decorate. The Sip will take place in El Mirador Gymnasium on March 2nd, 2016 from 5-8 p.m. and will include wine tastings with specialty food pairings and a silent Auction to benefit The Gregory School Scholarship Fund. Tickets are $40 for general admission and $30 for Alumni. A question arose over the origins of the naming of the SIP. Dr. Sherrill said it is steeped in school tradition and at a recent conference she attended, there was discussion about how private schools are becoming the center of families' community. Community events at school are important to host. There was some discussion of re-naming it in the future.
Upper School Parent Reps- The Senior Grad Night 4th Avenue Street Fair Car Parking Fundraiser made about $1300. The Saturday was incredibly cold, but the Sunday was successful. The parent reps did not do the Senior Countdown and are currently working on Grad Night plans. Other grades are planning events.
Middle School Parent Reps-5th grade Parent Rep, Ginger Hunt, reported that 5th grade had a snow-themed holiday party with games, treats, and a white elephant book exchange. She gave a special thanks to Illene Quander for stepping in and organizing such a wonderful holiday party. 5th grade also had a read-in with winter themed science experiments that week. They harvested from the garden plot and made homemade soup and are working on science projects in class for the science fair. Other grade are planning events for the Spring. Planning for the 5th/6th Teacher Appreciation Luncheon on Feb. 11th is underway. If you would like to help, please e-mail Paula Allen at pcallen4@gmail.com. An on-line sign-up will be sent out in the next couple of weeks.
Winter Formal-Chair Christina Maher announced that the Winter Formal theme is the Snowball. It is taking place at MOCA on January 17th and there will be chaperones and 2 security guards. Tickets are $45 each. Some students are going with dates, but most are going with friends. Satire Entertainment will provide the music/entertainment. To encourage students, the committee hosted a hot chocolate, marshmallows and powdered donut stand at lunch. This was well received and enjoyed by all students. There was a special raffle for the students who bought tickets first.
Fine Arts-Chair Cathy Rosenberg reported that there will be a Middle School play during Rotation 3 on Friday, February 12th. The Spring Musical, Jesus Christ, Superstar, will have three performances starting on Friday, April 15th and ending with a matinee on Sunday, April 17th. Although it is a whole school musical, it is mostly regarded as an Upper School musical with opportunities to participate for middle school students. Middle school students will have opportunities to be involved through Friday Rotations, if their schedules do not allow them to attend after school rehearsals. The Upper School Arts Festival will be on April 27th. There will be entertainment and baked goods. So far this school year, the committee has realized it is best to try to involve parents whose children will be involved,to plan events. The pre-show entertainment and professionally catered food have been the biggest hits. The cookie contest at the Middle School Expo night was also a huge success.
Athletics- Gabrielle Gonzales reminded everyone that every team gets $100 (teams of 14 or less) to $125 (teams larger than 14) for end-of-season parties. These funds come from the Family Association. It is a good time to start planning for Winter sports parties. It is helpful for parents to plan these parties on behalf of busy coaches. Please collect receipts and submit them to the FA for reimbursement.
Board of Trustees member, Andrea Mainman, reported that the Board of Trustees will be meeting next week to discuss strategy.
Dr. Sherrill acknowledged and celebrated the accomplishments of Sarjane Trier, Director of School Advancement. She has created a new Viewbook and published TGS Matters which will be distributed twice a year in both hard copy and electronic formats. She also helped assure we were part of the Winter Edition of Biz Tucson. This includes 2000 copies of a pull out that The Gregory School can use in the community and recruitment. Dr. Sherrill, once again, thanked Gabrielle Gonzales for introducing this opportunity. Finally, Ms. Trier is connecting with Alumni and telling their stories.
Guest Speaker- Ms. Angela Vande Mheen, Director of Athletics and Physical Education
Dr. Sherrill introduced Ms. Angela Vande Mheen and introduced a new physical fitness/well-being program that is going to begin next school year. Currently, 10th-12th graders have no P.E. requirement. This new program would entail all 10th -12th graders developing a plan with their Advisors on how to incorporate some physical activity. This does not necessarily mean adding P.E. into their schedule. It could be met outside school too. It could be also met through a school sport or met through a new intermural program that will be offered. Students could also develop individual, rather than team, sports skills or work on physical conditioning to meet this requirement. It could also be met through Friday Rotations, as more physical programs will be offered. Fit at the River is currently doing a Friday Rotation now. Overall, the expectation will be about a trimester worth of physical fitness/activity over the course of the school year. This plan was well-received by parents, particularly parents whose older high students do not engage in any physical activity. They also discussed the Spring Sports Banquet set for April 21st. This will reconnect with an old tradition and will celebrate the athletes who dedicate so much time to playing sports at The Gregory School. Finally, Ms. Vande Mheen explained the Hawk Walk. It will take place Sunday, February 14th. This is a fundraiser for the Athletic Department. There will be a 5K race along the river and a 1-mile fun run on campus. Entry fees are $25 for 5K and $20 for 1-mile per person. It includes a T-shirt (if entered by February 4th) and a pancake breakfast. Help is needed on race day and beforehand. Some volunteers are needed for pack pick up on Friday, February 12th from 3:45 to 5:45 p.m. There will be a meeting with pizza on Friday, February 12th from 6-7 p.m. for race day volunteers. Check-in will start at 7:30 a.m on race day. Volunteers will also be needed to stuff goodie bags, prior to race day. Information will be e-mailed to families about the race and volunteer opportunities.
-Mary Babbitt distributed to those in attendance a 2016-17 Calendar preview.
-Amie Bergersen announced that Science Night is Wednesday, February 17th from 5-8:30. The keynote speaker is Climatologist and Noble Peace Prize Winner, Jonathan Overpeck, Ph.D. There will also be breakout sessions with scientists, over 100 student science exhibits, stargazing and Food Trucks for dinner. This evening is open to the public
-Open House is Sunday, January 31st for prospective 5th -11th grade students and families.
-High School Boys Basketball is playing at McKale Stadium on Monday, January 18th. Tickets are $6 per person. Please come and support the Hawks!
The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 a.m.
NEXT FA MEETING: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH at 8:50 a.m
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