St. Monica School Parents’ Club 2011 - 2012

St. Monica Parent’s Club Meeting Minutes
January 11, 2012 2:00 p.m.

In Attendance:  Diana S, Allison S,  Pam D, Jill H, Heather F, Ann W (Queen Ann Catering)

Social and Welcome                                       Diana / All                                           2:00

Opening Prayer                                              Pam / All                                             2:05

Hot Lunch                                                       Ann                                                     2:10
 

Information was provided by Ann Wenzel regarding the current school hot lunch program provided by Queen Ann Catering.

Ann provided a sheet outlining their hot lunch services and highlighted specific items.

Ann's New Information comments:

• Ann said she is currently working on adding an easy same-day hot lunch online ordering feature on their website. She asked the group for their thoughts. All felt that the current in-classroom hot lunch ordering procedure works well and that not many would take time to order hot lunch online from home.

• Ann introduced a new item she developed called the Recess Bar. She read all of the ingredients and specified that it does not contain nuts. Ann said that Recess Bars are sold at her other schools for $1.00 and asked if our school would be interested. She provided samples to the group. Pam suggested providing product information on the school website and asking for feedback from parents. Jill suggested offering a pack of 10 bars to be sold to families so that they can put them in their children’s backpacks for snacks.

Questions and Answers regarding 2nd helpings

• Pam asked if there are a certain percentage of extra fruits and vegetables prepared in order to accommodate students who prefer second helpings. Ann said that they do not have an exact quantity provided, but they estimate the student demand for fruits/vegetables so as to eliminate waste.

• Heather asked about second helpings of hot lunch and how quantities of second helpings are determined. Ann said that second helpings are offered only if students purchase them. She added that a second entrée can be ordered for half the cost of regular-priced hot lunch. Heather added that some parents/students feel not enough food is offered to satisfy hunger. Ann emphasized that students can have as much fruit/vegetables as they want. She added that there is no problem offering the purchase of second entrée helpings to older students, but that she would need permission from parents of younger students to purchase second helpings.

• Diana said that students might not be comfortable asking for second helpings of fruit/vegetables. Pam suggested making a sign that communicates to students that additional fruit/vegetables are available for free. Diana suggested providing pre-made containers of fruit/vegetables that students can take easily.

Requests for specific item:

• Diana asked if Popcorn Chicken will be offered again, as it is a very popular item for students. Ann said that cost is a factor with this item. When Popcorn Chicken is provided, students do not eat anything but the chicken and therefore their appetites are not satisfied and the side dishes go to waste. Ann said the Chicken Burger has replaced Popcorn Chicken as an entrée.

Overall Suggestions:

• Jill recommended that Ann observe the lunch operation at school to see where improvements can be made.

• Allison suggested providing an online survey for parents to gain feedback on the hot lunch program.

• Pam recommended making a list of requests to submit to Brenda and Ann that will improve the hot lunch experience at school. She set to set February as a deadline to have requests met.

• Music                                                  Angie Foster                                                   2:35
  
  The 6^th Grade Bell Choir performed one song.

• The 4^th Grade class performed one song using their recorders

Volunteer Registration                                   Allison S, Diana S                                           2:40

• Allison and Diana will revisit the parent volunteer forms for the 2012-2013 registration packets and make any changes. Pam said the forms need to be given to Ruth as soon as possible.

• Diana noted that class fees increased by $1.00 last year.

• All in attendance agreed to increase classroom fees by $3 next year which will provide each student with a yearbook. The school will generously cover the additional cost of each book.

New Playground                                 Allison S                                                          2:45

• Allison said that there are some parents who are concerned over their contributions to the fund-a-need playground item. She said that parents of older students who contributed to the playground cost were disappointed to learn that older students will not be allowed to use the new structure. Allison added that currently, only students younger than 3^rd grade are allowed on the structure during recess.

• Pam said that she was unaware that older students were not permitted to use the current playground equipment. She emphasized the new playground will be for everyone and should be ready to use for the upcoming school year.

• Pam added that perhaps because of the current structure being old and well-used that teachers are keeping older students off of it for safety reasons.

Parent Club Meetings                         Diana S                                                           2:50

• Diana addressed the low attendance at afternoon parent club meetings. Jill said that morning meetings might be easier for working parents so they can attend right after drop-off. She added that evening meetings are difficult since many families live off-island.

• Allison said they should re-think the next Parent Club meeting scheduled for March 22^nd at 7:00 p.m.

Meeting Close                                                 All                                                       2:55

Minutes posted by Heather F, who apologizes in advance for any errors or omissions.