CSPN Board Meeting      March 15, 2006

In Attendance: The meeting was called to order at 1:35 p.m. with Amy Mulroy, Dr. Susan Copeland, Mary O’Kelly and Lee Meyers in attendance. CSPN Board President Melissa Pearce was unavoidably detained and arrived at 2:10 p.m. Tammy Vanderhook also attended part of the meeting.

Bank Statement: Secretary Lee Meyers opened, briefly reviewed and initialed the Regions Bank statement of February 28 and then handed the statement to Treasurer Mary O’Kelly.

February Minutes: The February board minutes were approved as submitted.

Treasurer’s Report: Mary reported that there were no major fundraising activities in February, but CSPN still has achieved a net profit of $18,927 for the school year to date. Some planned expenditures were made for the school copier, logo shirts and the newsletter. Mary also reported that funds raised for Adopt-A-Book were spent on books for the library in accordance with the guidelines for that program. She also noted that we received a check for $108 from Target.

CiCi’s Pizza Night: The first Campus School CiCi’s pizza night was a success, raising $120 in store credit. The board agreed that it would be good to have a second CiCi’s pizza night before the end of the school year, so Amy will check April 27 and April 18 as possible dates [NOTE: After this meeting, April 20 was selected as the date].

Golf Tournament: The event co-chairs and Melissa have not yet met to discuss budget and other details, so the board agreed it would be best to delay this event until next year. Amy will advise the co-chairs of this decision.

Adopt-A-Book: This program has been more successful than anticipated and with a net of nearly $700 so far this school year, Melissa suggested a challenge goal of $1,000.

Art Show Reception: Susan reported that Ms. Larrick is planning a student art show and reception on Thursday, April 20 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Next Parent Meeting: The group agreed that it would be best to hold the next CSPN Parent Meeting just prior to the P.E. Demo, which is scheduled for April 27. Amy will let Ms. Coleman know so they can reserve a room for that purpose.

Educational Growth Plan: Susan provided a Technology and Quality Environment Request that included the following items:

8 DVD-VCRs with MP# capacity - $125 each $1000
8 S video cables - $35 each $280
Speakers for 16 SmartBoards - $30 each $480
20 Good quality pencil sharpeners - $18 each $360
1 Scanner $80
Digital camera $350
8 Remote CD players - $100 each $800
Smart Projector $1000
8 World maps/US maps (pull down) $4000

Technology Plan
Replace 5 computers every year $6000


Susan will also update requests from all Campus teachers for one “Quality Environment” item each and she’ll get price quotes on each item. Once that list is complete, we’ll have the entire request for the Educational Growth Plan.

Susan also reported that 5 new computers have been ordered as planned as well as printers.

Play Yard: Halvert McNeary, General Foreman, Grounds, for Memphis City Schools, and David Jones from Mid-South Recreation came to Campus and added enough pine bark to bring the play yard up to code. They also removed the slide. All railroad ties have been taken away, and all edges are now rounded for safety. The board decided it was not appropriate to spend $112,000 to pour concrete topped with rubber pads since our current set up is in compliance. The board considered some purchases CSPN might make to upgrade the play yard, including a climbing wall and exercise stations. Susan will review the items the board recommends with Diane Coleman before a final decision is made. The board voted to authorize purchase of the climbing wall, pending pricing of the teacher wish list items. [Note: Following the meeting, Campus Physical Education Specialist Diane Coleman submitted a letter in support of this purchase. The letter is attached.]

Destination Imagination: The DI leaders report that they now have what they need, but Susan will check about replacement of their cabinet. Consideration will be given as to whether it would be best to buy a cabinet or to ask Physical Plant to build one.

Storage: Melissa talked to Jim Hellums about putting shelves in the old “School Box” room. This space could be used by CSPN and possibly DI and others to store materials. The “Schoolhouse” building on the play yard also needs some organization, so we will consider putting shelves in there too.

Balanced Calendar: Three U of M researchers are now working with Campus on the Balanced Calendar concept, including Dr. McNeil, head of the Leadership Department, and Drs. Floyd and Cohen from the Psychology Department. Mary Larrick has been named head of Intercession Studies and she is looking at many options. The next committee meeting will be held on March 27 at 6:00 p.m., and it is open to anyone who would like to attend. To make the meeting as productive as possible, rules of order will apply.

Website: Melissa will call Milton to check on the status of website updates.

Book Fair: The board agreed to approve an initial outgo of funds for upfront expenses for event chair Tammy Vanderhook. Tammy reported that preparations for the event are going smoothly, but she still needs someone to be in charge of food. Lee will contact Stephanie Cole to see if she would be interested in taking on this role.

Upcoming Events: Melissa reported that the Retro Prom, an event that will benefit Campus, will be held on April 7. She also noted that University District, Inc. will hold an International Festival on April 1. This event includes international foods and activities. Family events will be held from 11 to 5.

Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:45 p.m. The next CSPN board meeting will be held on April 12 at 1:30 p.m.

Climbing Wall Playground Equipment:


This is in reference to and support of the Climbing Wall playground equipment that is being considered for purchase by CSPN (Parent Organization) of The University of Memphis Campus School. The equipment appears, by looking at the catalog, that it is age appropriate for the students at the Campus School. The height and size should be appropriate for all children to engage in climbing activities safely provided an adequate safety surface is placed beneath and around the equipment. This equipment will be useful in developing upper body strength, body management, and agility skills. This equipment could be used to supplement the Physical Education program as well as encourage more activity at recess.



Diane Coleman
Physical Education Specialist
The University of Memphis Campus School