An independent, non-profit community based organization.

Next Regular Meeting Date

Folsom Educational Foundation – June 1, 2009 

Members present:  Danyele Passalaqua, MaryBeth Spiegel, Kacey Storey, Jean Rishel, Megan Scheer, Andrea Derringer, Joanne Wiessner, Rita Howell, Patty DelBene, Peggy Ingemi, Linda Thomas, Alicia Pickul, Marion O’Neill and Jennifer Cirillo. 

The meeting was called to order at 4:03 PM.

Patty motioned to approve the minutes from the March 9, 2009 meeting and Megan seconded the motion.  The motion to approve the minutes was approved.

Treasurer’s Report:

MaryBeth reviewed the Foundation’s finances. To date, the balance in the TD Bank Checking account is $5,673.78.  Recent expenditures include:   Fees to Folsom BOE for school bus trips, People to People Ambassadors for Jake McBrearty (a student ambassador), Broadway Theatre of Pitman (2^nd Grade), Craig Collis and his math assembly, and luncheon costs.  The Money Market account has $28,841.46 available, and the Folsom Hunting and Fishing Scholarship account has a balance of $3,722.07. Kacey motioned to approve the financial report and Peggy seconded the motion.  The financial report was approved.

Correspondence:

Several correspondence items and thank you cards were received by the Foundation.

• Jake McBrearty – Thank you to the FEF for supporting him in the Student Ambassador program with a $500 donation
• Student Activities – Thank you from Mrs. Hoffman who used the donated water, soda and snacks to sell for sports programs
• Folsom Educational Association – Thank you for the National Teacher’s Day luncheon
• Folsom Child Study – Thank you for supporting their grant to purchase therapeutic listening equipment
• 3^rd Grade Class – Each student wrote a thank you to the Foundation for being able to see the play
• Drama Club – Thank you for the donated snacks for play rehearsals
• Graduation – An invitation was given to the Foundation to share with its members – if interested in attending the graduation ceremonies on June 17^th, please contact Linda Pickul as soon as possible

Old Business:

Big Brothers and Big Sisters Bowl-a-Thon:

Although the Foundation did not have a team, Foundation members were able to collect about $700 for this charity. 

School Assembly:

Megan set up a school assembly on mathematics and magic.  It was held on April 24, 2009; one assembly for students in Grades K-3 and one assembly for Grades 4-8. The students seemed to enjoy the program but the teachers wished the program had involved more mathematics.

Teacher’s Luncheon:

The Folsom BOE asked if the Foundation could pay for the National Teacher’s Day luncheon in May.  The Foundation agreed as teachers help with Foundation fundraisers and events.

8^th Grade Graduation Award:

Three essays were received for the 1^st Folsom Educational Foundation award.  All the applications were strong.  The winner will be notified of this award at Graduation on June 17^th.  Danyele read the winning essay. In the future, it was suggested not to have a word count/limitation for the essay. 

Two Hunting and Fishing Award applicants were received.  The winner will be recognized at Graduation on June 17^th.  Danyele read the winning essay to the members.

New Business:

Gateway Project:

Folsom Borough sent a letter to the Foundation asking for support of the Gateway Project, an initiative to create a new welcome sign and area to Folsom. The members felt it didn’t directly meet the Foundation’s goals to support students at Folsom.  Members suggested sharing the letter with the Folsom Educational Association and their “Jeans for Charity” donations.  

Miscellaneous News:

Danyele presented several FYIs.  AtlantiCare sent a letter requesting our support of Healthy Kids, but the event had passed.  The Hammonton Educational Foundation sponsored a paper shredding fundraiser.  Rita reported it was extremely successful with little effort.  The State Educational Foundation hosted its first conference this past winter.  Due to late notification, no one was able to attend but perhaps future participation will be possible.

GL Scrip:

If members are interested in this fundraiser, planning will begin at our first meeting in September.

Comedy Night:

Danyele mentioned possibly changing the date of Comedy Night for next year, pushing it back from January to February.  This is a decision to make at the September meeting.

Assembly:

Keep an eye out for educational and entertaining assemblies that would be appropriate for all grade-levels. Jean suggested the “Artist in Education” program with the Foundation matching the funds.

Elections:

An election of officers was held.

President – Danyele Passalaqua (Dina motioned)

Vice President – Kacey Storey (Dina motioned)

Secretary – Dina Abbamondi (Alicia motioned)

Treasurer – Andrea Derringer (Megan motioned)

The members approved the elections.

Other Business:

The next scheduled meeting will be on Monday, September 14, 2009 at 4:00 PM.
The remaining meetings are scheduled for December 7, 2009, March 1, 2010 and June 7, 2010.

Linda presented a motion to adjourn and Joanne seconded the motion. The motion was approved. The meeting adjourned at 4:40 PM.

Next meeting topics:

• GL Scrip
• Comedy Night
• Assembly