Lakewood Montessori Minutes
Thursday, March 12, 2009, 6:00 PM

Financial Report

The beginning balance on 2/12/2009 was $2,481.10. One deposit of $292.50 from the funds raised from Ashby Photography was made.  Expenses included $102.64 for teacher appreciation, $1000 for the playground renovation, and $300.99 for the filing of the IRS 501.3c status.  The ending balance as of 3/12/2009 was $1,371.06.  

Cookbook Update

Only 17 recipes were received as of 3/12/2009.  The deadline for recipe donations was 3/20/2009.  The cost of the book is yet to be determined.  A donation basket will be available for anyone who would like to make a donation towards the renovation of the playground.  

501.3c Update

The application was completed and sent on 3/13/2009 at a cost of $300.  

Kiln Status

The PTO is still committed to purchasing a kiln for a cost of $400 to $700.  The Boise Pottery Center had a used one available for $900.  Skutt and L&L are popular brands.  Craigslist and other avenues will be investigated.  

Global Picnic

We are in the process of securing entertainment for the event.  We are also NEED TO FINISH SENTENCE OR DELETE(?)

Playground Update

The playground is closed through Friday, April 10th.  Bark and curbing has been installed. Certain areas will be reseeded with grass seed.  

Teacher Lounge Makeover

The PTO would like to improve the appearance of the teacher’s lounge with some paint, tables and tablecloths.  We are considering pursuing this

project during teacher appreciation week in May.  A budget will be determined soon.  

Lakewood Yard Sale

The Lakewood Community Yard Sale is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2009.  The idea of a one-hour-long Children’s Swap Table followed by a yard sale was proposed.  A committee head for this project will need to be requested in the next newsletter.  

Spanish Program Presentation by Lilya

Lilya presented her teaching background and philosophy.  She attended college at University of Madrid and graduated from Boise State.  Lilya taught at St. Joseph’s, the Children’s School, and opened and managed the Boise Elementary Spanish Program.  Her philosophy of Spanish instruction is that children learn by speaking, especially in the early years.  She teaches a half-day every Tuesday.  A typical session with Lilya includes the Good Morning song, a selection of Spanish children’s literature related to the lesson objective, review, repetition, supporting activities, and the Goodbye Song.  Thank you Lilya for your presentation.  We are so excited to have you teaching our children your beautiful language!

Boise School District Montessori Program Status

Next school year, the pilot program at Liberty Elementary School will be in its third year.  Thirty applicants were turned away from the program for the next school year.  The BSD would like various types of data supporting the interest of potentially opening other Montessori classrooms in the district.   Challenges include finding state certified Montessori-trained teachers, BSD budgets, etc. More information will be presented in future meetings.

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 16th, 2009

Thank you!