Willoughby-Eastlake Association for the Gifted and Talented WEAGT

Meeting Minutes 10.9.07

WEAGT membership meeting, October 9, 2007

In attendance:  Tim Higgins, Sue Luck, Annette Thompson, Carol Bergeron, Marty Shingler, Dave Fiebig, Mrs. Stevens, Cliff and Sandy Foltz, Tonya Mihalek, Lori Wylie, Lynann Panchula, Amy Soltesz, Stephanie Perusek, Kristy Horrocks

Tim called the meeting to order at 8:05.  The Pledge of Allegiance was said.

Sue Luck reported that the PTA donated Tshirts for prizes to be awarded to winners of the summer reading program.  Other prizes include reading related items with the top prizes being coupons towards Scholastic book purchases.  PTA’s donation of Tshirts kept the project under budget.  Students competed in two different age groups, grades K-2 and grades 3-5.

Tim and Annette shared that Progress With Chess (formerly Chess for Success) will be offering classes again this year.  A flier is being put together.  Last year thirty children signed up at each of two sessions.  Mrs. Stevens urges that a parent help the chess instructor with each class.  Trixie Higgins will be coordinating parent volunteers.  

Marty distributed the balance sheet and budget.  Discussion ensued.

Kristy Horrocks reports that the picnic was successful and that Zeppes Pizza of Willoughby Hills donated a generous amount of pizza.  Also, the McDonalds on Euclid Avenue in Willoughby (manager is Nick) donated a cooler of Fruitopia.  Marty said his family was able to stop at Zeppe's to say thanks to the manager, and he urges us to take a moment and do the same. 

Dina reports that the Auction Committee kick off meeting will be at Garfield school later this month.  The solicitation letter for items and services to be auctioned will be discussed, with a mailing date of mid November planned.  Dina also shared that two clay classes and two other fine arts classes will be offered this year- this is an increase from last year’s offering of three classes. 

Mrs. Stevens reminded us that October 15 is the first day of the new student pick up and drop off procedures.  Student safety is the number one reason for the change.  Parents and other adults will no longer be coming into the lobby before and after school.  

Amy Soltesz, PTA president, stated that the fall fundraiser netted half of the projected revenue.  Since this fundraiser is instrumental in funding PTA, a sale of Our Town and All Around coupon books is offered.  This book provides more moderately priced restaurants than other coupon books, and offers a good balance of east side and west side venues.  PTA is selling the books for $25.  PTA is also looking into selling theme baskets.

Texas Roadhouse will offer another family night to benefit Washington school on Wednesday, October 17.  Twelve percent of each family’s bill comes back to Washington.  This offer is good for both dine in and take out.  

Hosting a Family Fun Night in winter was mentioned.  Annette and Sue discussed the idea of having varying themes in different rooms.  One room could be a science offering, another a karate offering, a third an art project etc.  Sue mentioned letting local businesses subtly showcase their offerings.  Carol mentioned that this would both interest local businesses and provide follow up information for families wishing to pursue a given interest.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:00.