UNF - CDRC Parent Organization Meeting Minutes
February 8, 2007
The Parent/Teacher seminar on " How to prevent power struggles with your child" was held on Saturday, February 3 rd and was a great success. Ginny Luther, the seminar speaker, presented material in a highly interactive, informative and entertaining manner. Pam Bell asked parents who attended the seminar to share any positive or negative comments about the seminar. Parents commented that there was not enough time to really focus and work on the "right things" to do in order to get out of the power struggles. There was too much focus on "what not to do" and too little time on "what to do". A parent commented on how she appreciated the seminar's discussion about routines to help children transition. Pam Bell commented that some of the teachers who have attended conscious discipline seminars in the past have implemented some of the techniques and have seen vast improvements in the behavior of some children. Overall, parents indicated the seminar was a success and would like to see the CDRC host another conscious discipline seminar in the future.
Pam Bell reminded attendees of the Parent's Night Out on Valentine's Day. She commented that no one has signed up so far. Question was asked how to advertise "Parent's Night Out" to the general student body and faculty of UNF. Heather Corsetti suggested that the CDRC use One Stop to help advertise the program to the UNF population.
Discussions were held regarding Teacher Appreciation at the Spring Play. The CDRC agreed to supply the T-shirts, while the Parents Organization would arrange to get fabric paints so the children could put their hand prints on their respective Teacher's t-shirt. We discussed how we could get the children's hand prints on the shirts without the teachers knowing about our activities. Suggested we ask parents bring their child to the office prior to taking them to class and have him/her quickly put their hand prints on the shirts. Additionally, it was agreed that the Parent's Organization would ask parents to donate some money for a gift for the teachers as well as the teaching assistants. T-shirts will be given to the teachers and mugs will be given to the assistants. A flyer requesting donations will be emailed to parents as well as flyers placed in sealed envelopes in the children's swing folders. It was agreed that donations should be made in the form of a check or parents could leave their signature on a line marked "bill my UNF account."
Artwalk is still scheduled for March 7 th . Agreed it would be a good idea to get maps for the Artwalk in advance to be distributed at the Subway at Hemming Plaza. Mattie agreed she would get the maps.
Heather Corsetti suggested that the Parent's Organization sponsor a Field Day for the children and their families to be held at the end of the school year. The event would have interactive activities for the children and their parents and would also encourage interaction between families with team activities. Activities would include events such as one-legged races and passing eggs with spoons. It was also suggested that t-shirts could be made available for sale for everyone to wear in the competitions and would offer a great way to raise money for CDRC. After the activities, food would be provided by the Parent's Organization. Parents agreed that the Field Day should occur on a Friday at 4pm on May 4 th . Parent's Organization would provide the food: Publix's Sub Sandwiches, hot dogs and would ask for donations for any additional foods such as chips and drinks. After the picnic, Field Day would conclude with a nature walk on the UNF trails.
Mattie Davis suggested that a promotion/graduation ceremony be held for those going on to kindergarten next year. It was agreed that a ceremony should be held and it was agreed that it would be held on Field Day. A special activity/ceremony would be held for those leaving the VPK program. The activity has yet to be determined. It was asked whether the kids would be wearing cap and gowns and Pam said it would be too difficult since some of the younger children would feel left out.
Attendees were reminded of the following upcoming events for parents:
Night Program The hours are from 6pm-9pm, Monday thru Thursday.
February 14 is a "parent night out". Go out on a date while your child enjoys playing here with other children at CDRC. St. Johns Town Center is 3 minutes away with lots of great restaurants. We will be ordering pizza for those children who sign up ahead of time. The cost is $15 for one child and $35 for two or more children. The pizza is included in that price.
March 1 Night Walk at the UNF Trails at 7pm. Pizza will be provided from 6 to 7. Signup for Pizza will be in the classrooms.
March 7 ' Artwalk' and ' Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art (JMOCA) . Parents are going to meet at the Subway close to Hemming Plaza at 5:30 then go on the Art walk down town starting at 6PM. This will give you the opportunity to feed your family if you are coming straight from work. Maps will be given out at Subway. The walk is free to the parents.
April 18 Wednesday at 6PM is the CDRC Spring Play
May 4 Field Day will start at 4pm. This is a wonderful interactive event for CDRC families and their children. A variety of fun filled activities will be held. A promotion ceremony will be held for graduation VPK children; picnic food will be provided and a nature walk will conclude the day's activities.
CDRC is collecting Campbell Soup and Tyson Foods Labels . We are about to order items from all the soup labels that have been turned in, we will let you know what we get. Tyson gives us $25 dollars for every 100 labels we collect. We are saving toward a special "live music event" for the children and inviting the "Reptile Man". More information is available in the office. Thanks to all of you who contribute.
Next Parent Organization Meetings are 6PM on :
Thursday, March 1 st
Thursday, April 12 th
We look forward to seeing you there and getting your input on what kinds of family activities you would like to see at CDRC. YOU are why this school is the wonderful place it is for your children.