PTA New York Congress 17-311

“RECOVERIES 111 TOTAL 111”

“Follies talent show other expenses 120 movie night (snack sales) other expenses 598 expenses insurance 275 parp reading program 46 bounced check fees 60 bank fees 72 box tops expense 73 fire safety 199 hospitality 74 bounced checks 95 business membership 108 reflections arts pgm 249 pta council dues 275 kindergarten folders 294 ice cream social 308 student council 423 supplies/postage/paper 425 science fair 436 moving up ceremony 464 family game night 645 field day 881 winter workshop 886 conferences/training 1,045 grade level fund 1,186 staff appreciation 3,595 programs (arts/science) 12,511 total 25,343”

“Inventory not recorded 569”

“Inventories for sale or use 0 569 total 0 569”

“The vail farm elementary pta's mission, in common with that of the national pta and new york state pta, is: a. To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship. B. To raise the standards of home life. C. To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth. D. To bring into closer relation the home and the school, that parents and teacher may cooperate intelligently in the education of children and youth. E. To develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social, and spiritual education.”

“Arts in education: professional educators of the arts are hired to spend 5 -6 days at the school teaching unique, arts-based lessons and activities that focus on a variety of cultures. Each grade is assigned an artist who works with each class for 45 minutes per day on art programs that are specifically designed to align with the grade level curriculum. Each week culminates with a class performance. Kindergarten: students listen to and participate in musical stories, songs, and dances. Students learn about the variety of instruments that are played as they perform. Number of students participating: 93 first grade: students learn about children's lives in japan by listening to and telling folktales, singing songs, and making art. The program includes lessons on japan's geography, family, school life, national festivals, holidays. Students create artwork that coincides with folktales, and that is displayed at a performance where they recite folktales. Number of students participating: 83 second grade: an instructor of "hip-hop" dance teaches the students to get up, move and dance, as they learn about body language and the subtle cues that make up most of human communication. Number of students participating: 95 third grade: students learn about and participate in dances from around the world. Students research certain countries and then make comparisons to the dances they learn and perform. Number of students participating: 118 fourth grade: students perform a play, the theme of which is related to the fourth grade social studies curriculum. Students bring new york's history to life on stage as they explore their own talents and interests in theatre. Number of students participating: 126 fifth grade: students learn about and participate in choral speaking. Together in small groups, students interpret and recite poetry using various voice combinations and contrasts to enrich their performance. A video recording of this performance is shared with families at the 5th grade moving up event. Number of students participating: 137 storyteller: in addition to the above, pta funded a visit from a storyteller who met with all grades (666 students in all) to show students how to use storytelling as a tool to develop imagination and how to explore it as a source of inspiration.”

“Staff appreciation: staff appreciation week at vail farm elementary is an opportunity for the pta, parents, and students to express gratitude toward all 127 vfe staff members for their commitment to the safety, education and well-being of the students. The pta provides a buffet breakfast, a hot luncheon, and a dessert reception all served on different days of the week by pta volunteers. Families are invited to donate gift cards and/or homemade gifts that are given away in free, random drawings. Students are encouraged to submit hand written notes of thanks, expressing their appreciation of a particular staff member. Each of the 127 staff members receives a small gift as a token of appreciation.”

“Author visit - pta invited children's author, courtney sheinmel, to visit with and discuss storytelling, writing, and her journey to becoming an author. Approximately 666 students attended an assembly by grade, and had the opportunity to purchase a book from her series of children's books at the pta cost price. Beautification - three times per year, pta members decorate windows and bulletin boards of the school lobby to create a welcoming environment. Themes include: "welcome back to school", "winter wonderland", and think spring". Decorating is also done for parp month. Book purchases: each year the vail farm elementary principal selects a certain book, the theme of which becomes the basis for a month long event called "pick a reading partner" (parp). The pta purchases this book for each of the school's 35 classrooms, its library, and its reading room making it a resource available to each of the school's 666 students. The pta also purchases grade level books and, during parp, each student is invited to select a book of their choice to keep. Along with their book selection, each student is given a book mark. In 2015-2016 the pta made an additional book purchase for each student. Each student received the same book, and was assigned reading goals by page so that every student was on same the page of the book at the same time. The objective was to build a community of readers who could find a common interest and hold discussions about the book regardless of age, grade, or reading level. Fireman's breakfast - the pta provides a continental breakfast and cafeteria lunch for the local fire department that comes to the school and presents fire safety lessons and activities to all students. Follies - school talent show, where all students are welcome to showcase their talents in front of an audience of friends, families, and teachers. Participation ranges from 30-50 students, with a few performing in multiple acts. The pta organizes parent volunteers and a stage crew to handle lighting and props, holds a flower and bake sale, and creates programs. Frozen treats and dj beats - teachers and staff members help scoop ice cream for students and family who come to enjoy an evening together outdoors socializing and listening to music. Attendance is approximately 900 people. Math madness - a two hour evening event where students, families, and teachers gather to play math- related games. Moving up - fifth graders, families, and teachers come together to celebrate the completion of elementary school and the upcoming move to middle school. The pta hosts a two-hour dessert reception for the "graduates- and their families (approximately 420 people). Parp (pick a reading partner) - a month long event where students are encouraged to read aloud with someone for 20 minutes each evening. Students and families are invited to attend 2 reading nights at school to hear a teacher read 3 stories. Pta also hosts a "read-in" where students and families bring their favorite books to school and enjoy an evening of reading together. Pta purchases a book that ties into the parp theme for each classroom (approximately 40 books). Reflections - this is national pta arts program encourages students to explore and get involved in the arts. Approximately 25 students submitted projects, with a few having multiple entries. The pta creates an exhibit of the entries which is then displayed for students, teachers and families during an award ceremony and dessert reception. Science fair - students put their scientific skills to the test as they hypothesize and test theories with well thought-out science projects. Parents and teachers serve as listeners to approximately 100 student participants who explain their creative displays. Pta also hires the mad science group to perform a science-themed show that is both educational and enjoyable for all ages. Science fair is open to all students and families. Attendance is approximately 400 people. Welcome back to school - the obj”