CSPN Parents Meeting  August 24, 2006


Welcome: President Amy Mulroy called the meeting to order at 6:55 p.m. She thanked everyone for attending and welcomed them to the first CSPN meeting of the year. Amy then introduced this year’s CSPN board members, including Vice President Pam Rose, Treasurer Mary O’Kelly, Secretary Lee Meyers and Assistant Treasurer Senese Duhart.

Dr. Copeland’s Remarks: Dr. Susan Copeland also thanked parents for attending and encouraged them to participate in school activities. She noted that one of her goals is to form a strong Campus School community because that will make the school better and stronger. She introduced all of the teachers and Assistant Director Rebecca Scott. Susan reported that the faculty are working hard to “raise the bar” this year and she has observed that the students are already stepping up their school behavior and performance.

CSPN Goals for This Year: Amy told the group that CSPN’s focus this year will be on fine-tuning the parent network into a group whose members support each other, answer each others’ questions and enjoy camaraderie and fun together. Her hope is that the group will become more cohesive. While CSPN will still work hard to raise funds for important school purchases, she doesn’t want that to be the only area of emphasis.

Info Packet: Amy pointed out that info packets were recently sent home. She noted that the packet included information on how we raise money and how we spend it, and she encouraged parents to review that information. She also asked parents to look at the volunteer form, identify ways they want to be involved and send the form in. The directory forms are also important. CSPN has no access to student records, so the only way we can compile a directory of student contact information is to use the completed forms. On the directory is a place to check if you want to be added to the Campus School listserv. An alternative is to go to www.campusschool.org and sign up for the listserv by following the directions on the site.

Logo Shirts: An order form for Campus logo apparel is in the info packet. Please contact Amy or Steve Mulroy for help with placing apparel orders.

CSPN Support Drive: Susan Roakes, Support Drive Chair, gave an update on this important fundraiser. She pointed out that all Campus parents are automatically members of CSPN, so this is not a membership drive. Instead, it is an opportunity for Campus families to show their support of CSPN by giving an amount that works for them. The funds are used to purchase supplies, art tables, playground equipment and other items that enhance our children’s learning environment. Our goal for the drive, which ends September 22, is to have 100% participation in each class. Families with multiple children can send just one donation and they will get credit for each class in which they have a student. Classes reaching the 100% goal will have a “Blue Jeans Day” where the students can wear jeans to school. All donations are tax deductible and receipts will be provided.

Office Depot Cards: Mary O’Kelly pointed out that Campus receives 5% of purchases made at Office Depot as long as you give our school identification number to the cashier when making your purchase. To make this process easier, Mary provided wallet-sized cards for Campus parents.

Questions/Answers: Amy and Dr. Copeland opened the floor for questions as noted below:
Q: What is the status of the 6th grade?
A: Dr. Copeland reported that we are waiting on the Memphis City Schools to make a curriculum decision. Her plan is to keep a 6th grade at Campus as long as possible. She committed to making a decision by mid-year.
Q: If the 6th grade goes away at the end of this year, will this year’s 5th graders get to participate in the usual end of 6th grade activities, such as the traditional dinner in May?
A: Dr. Copeland indicated that these events would be held for the 5th grade if the decision were made to discontinue 6th grade at Campus.
Q: Is their any truth to the rumor that higher grades will be added to Campus?
A: Dr. Copeland reported that there is a lot of interest in adding a middle school, but as of now there is no money to do so.
Q: What is the status of the Balanced School Calendar?
A: Dr. Copeland stated that the Balanced School Calendar is going through the Memphis City Schools review process.

Dr. Copeland reminded parents about the Family Gathering at 8:00 on Friday mornings and encouraged them to attend the first such gathering on August 25.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.