MINUTES
CDRC Parent Organization Meeting Minutes
August 28, 2008
Agenda for the evening:
- Introduction and mission of the Parent Organization
- Discuss and begin organizing for Family Fest
- Discuss and plan activities for the year
Pam Bell, Director of the CDRC, began the meeting at 6:00PM by introducing herself to the attendees. She then gave a brief description of the center and their mission. Pam described the CDRC as a high intensity environment oriented toward the well-being and growth of the children. Parents are welcomed in the classroom (except during nap time since visitations could be disruptive). The CDRC has a diverse group of children and parents involved at the center. The parent organization was created to help reinforce child-parent bonds and to create communal bonds between CDRC families.
After Pam gave her introduction, she asked attendees to introduce themselves and what they would like to get out of the Parent Organization.
After attendees finished their introductions, Pam turned the meeting over to Jessica Ottie, president of the CDRC Parent Organization. Jessica asked parents to choose a day (or days) that would be most convenient for them to attend the meetings. A sheet was sent around and attendees marked their preferences. The vote was tallied and Tuesday was chosen. So, the parent organization will meet once a month on the 1st Tuesday, with the exception of September. The meeting for September will be on September 16th. The meeting dates for this year will be:
Sept. 16th
Oct. 7th
Nov. 4th (may change this date since it is election day!)
Dec. 9th
Jan. 6th
Feb. 3rd
Mar. 3rd
Apr. 7th
The meetings will begin at 6:00 and end 7:30. The first half will be parent organization agenda and the rest of the time will be dedicated to conscious discipline seminar led by Pam Bell.
The next agenda item Jessica discussed was Family Fest. An official date was not chosen for Family Fest. Pam and Jessica will announce a specific date in the near future. Pam suggested that a separate meeting be held for those who would like to help with Family Fest. This separate group would meet approximately 6 times to help organize and setup Family Fest. Pam asked parents to volunteer as little or as much time as they could. All volunteers would be greatly appreciated. Some of the things to be organized - setup/organize on the day of the festival (setup of tables, crafts, ..etc), food setup (donations from parents or perhaps vendors??), and setup/arrange any special guest appearances. A sign-up sheet was passed around for those who are interested in volunteering. The dates of these meetings will be announced in the near future. A parent asked Pam if it was possible to get food donations from area vendors for Family Fest. Pam said that they would have to check with the University about seeking any donations from specific companies since the University may already be seeking donations from that same company. Pam said it is a possibility and it would be something she would have to work with Student Affairs and "clear any companies" we would seek as donors.
Jessica discussed the family activities that the Parent Organization sponsored last year and welcomed any suggestions for activities this year. Examples of activities we did in previous years include: trips to the Cummer, Artwalk in downtown, and Night Walks on the UNF trail to name a few. Some of the suggestions given at the meeting included: AMC movie night (could be a fund raiser, too), Castaway Island (located b/n Beach and Atlantic), Shelby's at Atlantic Beach on Fridays - eating/dancing, Pottery Works, Jacksonville Zoo, UNF Basketball, Monster Trucks in February, Children's Hands on Museum on Beach, Kids Campus downtown @ Met Park, visit Fire Department, check Jax4Kids for special events and local plays.
Family Activities currently scheduled: (specific time/date/meeting place will be announced in the near future)
September - What your child needs to know for kindergarten - September 23rd
October - Halloween Walk at the UNF dorms
November - Night Walk at the UNF trails
December - Pottery Works (need to contact pottery works to schedule a date soon)
January - Magnet Program presentation
February - Ollie Koala Fundraiser
March - UNF Basketball trip (tentative - need confirmation)
April - Spring Play
Jessica reiterated that the Parent Organization supports both the center and parents and informed parents of the resource library in the rear of the front office. The library contains a wide range of books from "how to" parenting books to children books that help deal with specific situations, such as death or divorce. The resource library not only has books, but also features DVDs and games. Pam informed parents that if there is a resource material that the center does not have and a parent wants it, let the CDRC staff know and they will try to make arrangements to get it. One parent asked if the center had the "Safe Side" dvd, produced by John Walsh and the Baby Einstein creator. Pam said they did not, but would look into getting it for the center.