Minutes from the CDRC Parent Organization Meeting November 6, 2007
Fundraising
There was renewed discussion concerning ideas for fundraising for the Center. We discussed ideas to include a garage sale, a read-a-thon, bake sale and t-shirt sale. Pam mentioned that the Center has many t-shirts left over from a fundraiser a couple of years ago. Pam thought that there were so many t-shirts left over because they were not really marketed. They started t-shirt Fridays at the Center and sold the t-shirts for $10.00. It was decided that we would go for the t-shirt sales as a .fundraiser. It was suggested that we inventory what we have and go from there.
It was suggested that coordinate with Ollie Koala’s to see if the would sponsor the CDRC one Friday night giving the CDRC a percentage of the sales from CDRC guests. Jessica mentioned that she would call to see about getting a date after the holidays (January or February).
We also discussed Teacher Appreciation week. It was mentioned that the teacher’s have their own wish lists, so maybe we could see what it is they want/need and apply the money we raise towards their lists.
Last year, the children participated in Holiday House at the CDRC. The same event is planned again for the first week in December.
Family Fest
Pam reported that the event was a great success despite the
weather. The CDRC made approximately
$780. The Center was given a grant for
$1200 to put the event on. Pam indicated
that there has been some discussion concerning whether the event should be an
indoor or outdoor event for future dates.
Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Marketing to the gir/boy scouts was a great idea. The scouts are able to get patches for the
scavenger hunt and canoeing. The opera
singer was very successful. There was a
good attendance from the congregation attending church services at the
Upcoming Events
We discussed the upcoming Trike-A-Thon and the need for additional volunteers. There is a need for lap counters, trail monitors, gate monitors, volunteers to assist the children on and off their bikes. Scooters will be allowed for the event. Parents were encouraged to bring extra helmets or bikes if they could. The Trike-A-Thon is a not only a fundraiser for the Center, the children are also taught bike safety and receive a drivers license at the end of the event.
The December meeting will be Wednesday, December 5th. The group discussed ideas for the December
event to include: the
Miscellaneous
An anonymous contribution in the amount of $400 was made to the Center and the Children. The group was asked if they approved of the contribution going towards new playground equipment for the children. The group approved the applying the money in this manner. The board will send a thank you to the family that donated the money.
There was a discussion to see whether anyone would be interested in participating in a Thanksgiving Food Drive. There were different ideas thrown around and it was suggested that Help & Hope Ministries would be a great place for such donations. It was asked of Pam whether there were any needy families in the CDRC. Pam advised that there are 15 on a wait list for a Pell Grant, but that we would have to do for all 15 families. We discussed the idea of adopting a CDRC family for Christmas, but there was concern about privacy, etc. Pam commented that she really did not have a good feel for those families who are in need. Jessica thought we should focus on a Christmas food drive at our next meeting.
The parents were reminded of all the wonderful reference resources housed in the library at the Center. The books are available to all parents, so take advantage of the free resource!
Conscious
Discipline
Pam presented Module 2 – Positive Discipline “Worry They are Watching You.”
In this lesson, we learned that adults are accountable as models. What you value, they will value. Adults can inadvertently do things that send children mixed messages. The child processes information based on his/her experiences and observation which are far more powerful than what he or she is told. Examples of this might be, grabbing a toy from two fighting children while saying, “You are not to take your sisters toy!” Another example would be screaming at an out of control child, “You just need to get yourself together!” We should identify the source of our behavior and start there.
It’s important to know your own hot buttons and knowing that you have choices. When a child is angry and calls you names, provide the child with useful information such as; “I understand you are angry that I will not let you go outside. It is a beautiful day, but you have to pick up your room.” It’s okay to feel angry but not to use hurtful words. When you feel angry I want you to tell me you feel mad. Parents should practice this.
We also discussed the chemistry of control. When we feel threatened or fearful, two things automatically happen chemically in our bodies; our adrenal system kicks in throughout the body which results in a fight or flight response. Fighting teaches aggression and flight teaches withdrawal. Without realizing it, you teach the very behavior that you are trying to avoid. It’s not easy taking responsibility for our own behavior, but it is essential in managing child behavior.
Begin positive discipline through changing just one interaction from negative to positive and celebrate your success. Practice being a S.T.A.R. When you feel upset S.T.A.R.
S = Smile (or Stop)
T = Take a deep breath
A = And
R = Relax
For more information or questions concerning Module 2 –
Positive Discipline, please contact Pam Bell, Director, Child Development
Research Center.