Juniper Park PTC
Information Packet
2008-2009

juniperparkptc@yahoo.com
http://www.k12.westfield.ma.us/jp/index.htm
715 Western Ave
Westfield, MA 01085
413-572-8280

Welcome
Welcome to a new school year at Juniper Park. A special welcome to new families, new students, faculty and staff. The PTC and its committees are already hard at work planning a fun-filled year.

SAVE this packet. It provides valuable information that you will need throughout the school year.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PTC and why does Juniper Park have one?
The PTC stands for Parent – Teacher – Cooperative. We work with the faculty to coordinate, organize, manage, and in some cases, implement activities that enrich our students’ lives. We host family socials, help coordinate the Parkathlon, honor our teachers, help purchase additional supplies and capital expenses, and yes, we fundraise.

Why does the PTC do so much fundraising, and what do we spend the money on?
Unfortunately, with ongoing budget cuts, our school no longer receives the money it needs to provide basic supplies and enrichment programs. The PTC’s ENTIRE budget is based on monies raised through fundraising. We have once again decreased our fundraising goals understanding that most families are trying to make their own ends meet. But, with that decrease in fundraising goals, comes a decrease in our ability to help fund additional programs. The money that we raise ALL goes directly to programs and supplies that contribute towards enhancing your child’s education and Juniper Park School. We subsidize one field trip a year, for every student in the building. We buy supplies, books, 100% of the art supplies for every student, maintain an emergency fund for children at JP in need and many other items. Please attend a PTC meeting for more details. All financial records are maintained by the PTC treasurer and given to an accountant at the end of our fiscal year for tax filing purposes.

Why does the fundraising start so early in the school year?
The fundraising starts early because we need the money. The PTC carries over very little money from the previous school year, and without an early start to fundraising, we would not be able to host programs, sponsor fall field trips, and so on.

Do I need to get involved?
Yes and No. Yes, we would like every parent or guardian to get to know us, and your child’s school. By coming to just one meeting, or volunteering for just one event, you are considered a part of the PTC. No, you DON’T have to come to every meeting, be on a committee, or commit to hours and hours of work.
We would like to see every parent/guardian give just one hour of time, for anything during the course of the school year! You will make new friends, feel involved, and get a good sense of the wonderful community of Juniper Park.
All volunteers must stop in the front office and fill out a CORI form. Your child’s safety is important to us!

How do I get involved with the PTC?
There are a few ways you can get involved. First, you can come to our 3rd annual Family Picnic/Information night on Thursday, October 2nd. This year we are adding some carnival games and hope to have an enthusiastic turnout! Secondly, you can ask a friend or neighbor who is already involved in a school event. Third, you can call or email the contact person when your child brings home a flyer for an event that interests you. Lastly, you can call or email any of the PTC Board Members.

PTC Executive Board

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PTC Meetings

PTC Meeting Dates: All meetings begin at 7pm and are held in the school library unless otherwise indicated. Meeting dates are subject to change. We will try to give as much notice we can but that is not always possible. Please check the front doors, as well as the PTC bulletin board outside the front office for meeting cancellations and changes.

We hope that you will also support us by attending the events that we have planned. All events are family oriented. Please note that events held after school hours, sponsored by the PTC, require parental supervision unless otherwise noted. All events that are planned after school hours are optional and at the discretion of the parent/guardian. The PTC does not accept responsibility for supervising your children during activities, raffles, snacks, crafts etc. Please review the details of all events prior to attending.
A calendar of all planned PTC events is listed on the last page of this booklet for your reference. We recommend tearing it out and placing it in the center of your refrigerator for easy reference so you don’t miss out on any of the great things we have planned! Contact information for each chairperson is also listed on this form.

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Upcoming FALL/WINTER
2008-09 Events
SAVE THESE DATES

September

• Genevieve’s Fundraiser-Thursday, September 11th-Friday,September 22nd
  This is our biggest fundraiser of the year. This year we need to raise $10,000.00. If we meet this goal, based on the parent feedback the past few years, we will be able to scale back on our winter fundraiser. Orders will be delivered by early November. Our Genevieve’s representative gave a presentation to the PTC last spring that was well received by the parent group not only in regards to selection, price and quality, but because of the fact that most of the product is manufactured in New England as opposed to another country. Genevieves has also offered us, a 1-800 number with each order so that customers can contact them directly with any issues. Also new this year, based on your feedback, we have cut back on some of the “junky” incentive prizes and instead, Genevieves has worked with local business’s Extra Innings in Agawam and Big Adventures in Westfield to provide obtainable incentives while supporting our local economy.

Many families will ask if they can make a cash donation directly to the PTC in lieu of participating in the fundraiser. The answer is yes, we will accept your donation. We do, however, strongly encourage families to participate in the fundraiser as this has been shown to yield a higher profit. The prize incentives are based on catalog sales.

Money and order counters are needed on Friday, September 26th at 9am in the JP cafeteria. Please call or email either Julie Phillips or Sharon Beauchemin. Our contact information is listed on the last page.

We need your support. If we are not able to make our goal, we will need to adjust our budget thus affecting all of the programs we have planned throughout the year. We do not want to run multiple small fundraisers throughout the year and if we come out of the gates hard and fast on this one, we won’t have to!

The PTC STRONGLY recommends that you send in payments for ALL fundraisers & field trips in check form. We can NOT be responsible for lost cash.

October

• Family Picnic/Info night-Thursday, October 2 @ 6-8 pm
  Back by popular demand! This is your first chance to see what’s on tap for the entire school year. This is a family event! For the 3rd year running, we will listen and dance to the tunes of local band, and Juniper Family, Corey and the Knightsmen. Rumor has it there may also be a possible guest appearance by a JP celeb! Families should bring their own picnic, blankets, bug spray and a treat to share on the refreshment table. NEW THIS YEAR: Dunk the Principal! This event will require the purchase of tickets available the evening of the event. Depending on how many volunteers we have, we will also be running relay races, tug of wars and some other great “fair” activities! For everyone that used to volunteer at Field Day, this is the event you’ve been waiting for! In addition, parents and guardians will be able to sign up to volunteer at Juniper Park, become informed, get involved and have fun too!

• Winter Apparel Collection – October 1st through November 30th, 2008
  We help families in our school and in our community by donating new and gently used warm winter jackets, hats, mittens/gloves and scarves. Please make sure the size is appropriate for elementary school children (sizes 7-18). Boxes will be located in the main hall of the school during that time. Questions, contact Cathy Frye at 572-8284.
• Open House – October 7th for Grades K-2; October 8th for grades 3-5
  Be sure to look by each of your children’s classrooms to grab a wish from your teacher’s wish list. Please also take a minute to sign up for the PTC directory. Anyone interested in helping with refreshments for either evening, please contact Laurie Millikan at 562-0065 or at smilli2069@aol.com.
  In addition, representatives from Wilderness Experiences Unlimited will be on hand to talk to 4th and 5th grade parents about the annual Scuba Experience for 5th graders, and the Day and Overnight Outdoor Education Experiences for the 4th and 5th grades.
• PTC Meeting – Wednesday, October 22nd at 7pm
  This is the first full business meeting of the school year. This meeting will include our budget proposal and approval. All PTC meetings include great “state of the school” reports by Mr. Kane, our principal and Mr. Manfredi, our Vice-Principal. In addition, an update on what’s happening throughout the district is given by our W.H.I.P.S. (Westfield Helps It’s Public Schools –formerly CAC) representative. Brief reports are given by committee chairs, the Executive Board and current business is also conducted.
• Springfield Falcons School Spirit Nights – See the event calendar
  We will once again have access to discounted blocks of tickets. Plan a fun family and friend’s night! Look for order forms to come home with your child. A few of these events will offer special incentives.

November

• Coins for Kids – November 3rd through November 14th
  Children bring in coins and fill jars that are placed in their classrooms. Monies raised go directly toward purchasing hats, mittens and essentials for Juniper Park Families in need. PENNIES CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Anyone wishing to help collect, count or roll for this very special program, please contact Michelle Bonini at 562-5842 or at boninim@comcast.net.
• Election Day Bake Sale – Tuesday, November 4th
  This is has become a very popular and large fundraiser for JP! We will be looking for Bakers and Table Helpers from 8am to poll closing time. If you would like to help, with either, please contact Cindy Sullivan at 568-5684 or Elli Toomey at 575-4589.
• Turkey Bowl – Tuesday, November 25th
  This is the annual 5th grade against the faculty football game held on a brisk November day before Thanksgiving. The entire school watches from the sidelines to cheer on the players. A few volunteers will be needed to help bag and distribute popcorn.
• Harvest Festival Vendor and Craft Fair: Saturday, November 22nd
  Our first event held last year had a great turn out with over 50 tables. We are in the planning stages and starting to contact potential vendors and crafters. In addition, many activities will be offered to the children throughout the day including a movie in the studio. Vendors, crafters and volunteers are needed for this event. If you would like information regarding the “vendor/crafter” portion of the event, please contact Nancy LaFlamme at 572-9861. If you would like to help with the “Festival” portion of the event, please contact Kelly Baker at 572-3912 or Cassandra Vergnani at 562-2159.

December

• 3rd Annual Donuts with Dads – Friday, December 5th 7:45am – 9am
  This is a morning where “Dads” bring their children to school, enjoy a donut and drink together and then walk their child to class. “Mom” volunteers will be needed to help set up, serve and clean up. If you would like to help out, contact Sharon Beauchemin at 568-4931 or yellow809@msn.com.

January

• Great American Magazine Drive – Tentative kick off January 28th
  This has historically been our second BIG fundraiser of the year. Please save your magazine renewals until this time. Our budget goal for this fundraiser will be determined after the Genevieves Fall Fundraiser.
  Help is always needed to count orders and money. Any questions, please contact Caroline Fortier at 562-3392 or Julie Altman at 572-1137. For more information on this company, go to www.gafundraising.com.

• Family Movie Night – February 6th
  Bring your blanket and spread out with your kids on the gym floor to watch a movie on the “Big Screen” provided by WSC. Volunteers will be needed to help pop popcorn, collect tickets and serve drinks.

• Family Skating Night – Tentatively planned in April 2009.
  This is another FREE family event. Juniper Park students and their families skate free at Amelia Park. Skate rental is an additional fee.

May

• Spring into Summer Reading Family Reading Night and Book Swap – May 7th
  Save your gently loved literary favorites and trade them in for new ones! Community leaders come in and read their favorite stories. Children swap books and play games like “Who wants to be a JP Millionaire?” and “Are You Smarter than a JP 5th Grader?” We also have raffles, crafts, refreshments and summer reading resource tables. If you would like to help with this event, please contact Kathy Pitoniak at 568-3529 or at pitoniak@comcast.net.

June

• Juniper Parkathlon – Thursday, June 11th. Rain date – Friday, June 12th.
  Only 20 volunteers will be needed for this event this year and will be chosen from a lottery system and contacted in May. Only volunteers who are available BOTH FULL DAYS will be chosen. Please, we encourage you to get involved with one or more of the many other events held throughout the school year. We love the enthusiastic responses we receive and want parents/guardians to be involved. But, for the safety of the children and to ensure the smooth running of the day, volunteers MUST be limited.
  

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On Going Events

• 4th and 5th grade fundraising
  The 4th and 5th grade classes traditionally do some of their own fundraising to help defray the cost of their outdoor education experiences. The 4th grade will do a day-long adventure trip. The 5th grade will do a SCUBA experience as well as a 2 day overnight adventure trip. If you are interested in helping with 4th or 5th grade fundraising, or would like to know more information about these adventures, please contact Sharon Beauchemin (5th grade) 568-4931 yellow809@msn.com or Mary Benjamin (4th grade) at 572-4019 bboopcakes73@comcast.net.
• Sox Tops for Kids – Hood Milk Caps
  This is a program sponsored by local dairy distributor, HP HOOD. For each Hood milk cap we turn in, they will give us 5 cents IN CASH. In addition, we have a chance at winning a visit from the Boston Red Sox! For more information on this program, go to: http//www.hphood.com/promos/SoxTops/
• Stop & Shop A+ Bonus Bucks
  Last year JP was the winning community school with less than 200 people participating. Our local Stop & Shop presented the PTC with a check for over $3000.00! This is one of those easy no-brainer fundraisers that YOU can help make a difference with, without spending any extra money. All you need to do is buy groceries! The program runs October through the beginning of May. Customers can help Juniper Park earn money each time they use their Stop & Shop card. IT REALLY IS THAT EASY! The key is getting your friends, families and neighbors to sign up. This must be done over again each year. So, if you signed up last year, you will need to sign up again this year. A form will be sent home with your child to fill out with your Stop & Shop 13 digit number on the back of the card. Imagine if every student recruited just 5 participants, JP could easily be awarded 5 times the amount we received last spring! For more information on this program or to sign up, go to www.stopandshop.com/aplus. A letter will be sent home with more information on this program and representatives from Stop & Shop will be available at both Open House evenings.
• Big Y Education Express
  Big Y is once again running the Education Express program that helps our school acquire much needed equipment and supplies. The program begins October 2nd. Use your Big Y savings card and each time you purchase items with the designated Education Express logo, JP will earn points towards purchasing supplies. The last time Big Y ran this program, JP was the winning school! Sign up at your favorite Big Y!
• Box Tops for Education
  This is an ongoing fundraiser. For those who are not familiar with the program, this is another “no cost to you but greatly benefits our school” fundraiser. General Mills, Pillsbury and Betty Crocker are just 3 of the 100’s of brand name manufacturers who offer a .10 “school coupon” on their packaging. All you have to do is clip those coupons and send them into school with your student. We mail them in and receive a check in return! Last year we raised over $1000.00 sending in those little .10 cent coupons! If every student brought in just 10 Box Tops each month over the course of the year, we COULD raise over $4000.00! So please, get in the habit of saving those box tops! Stop by the school and see our very own Box Tops School House! The more our school house fills up, the less we have to worry about running additional fundraisers!
  For more information on this program, go to www.boxtopsforeducaion.com or contact Michelle Bonini at 562-5842or at boninim@comcast.net.
  *We do NOT collect Betty Crocker Points or Campbell Soup Labels. Please feel free to donate them elsewhere. *
• Recycle Technology
  Mrs. McQuade’s technology recycling program continues to be a success. We can recycle ink jet cartridges, laser toner cartridges and cell phones. The Funding Factory awards points to get free items for the school. Please ask your employer if you can collect those items at work too! If you have any questions, please contact Deb McQuade, Technology Specialist 572-1761 or visit www.fundingfactory.com.
• Teacher Wish List
  In an effort to help teachers and staff acquire all the things they need, once in a while we publish a Teacher Wish List in our monthly PTC newsletter. Here, they will post their wishes, in hopes that someone from the Juniper Park community will have what they need. Many of us have “stuff” that we would love to donate, (like books or educational games). Please look and see if there is something you would like to donate. For example, do you have an old rocking chair that you want to give away? Do you work for a company that will donate pens or paints? Your trash or your contacts could be a teacher’s treasure! Also remember to check the hallways during open house to see what is needed.

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Other Important Information

• Juniper Park Web Site
  Check out our website at http://www.k12.westfield.ma.us/jp/index.htm. Our website is maintained by Juniper Park parent and Highland School Technology Specialist, Kristen Koziol. Teachers will also use this site to give updates on their classroom activities. If you have any school related business you need posted to the site, please contact Kristen at k.koziol@schoolsofwestfield.org
• CORI Forms
  Effective as of the 2003 -04 school year, the policy of the Westfield Public Schools requires all volunteers who come in contact with children must be CORI’ed. (Criminal Offender Record Information) If you plan to volunteer for any upcoming events or in the classroom and have not yet filled out a CORI form, please contact the school office at 572-8280.
• PTC Bulletin Board
  The PTC will post information, activities and schedule changes etc. on the board outside the front office. Please check this and our website frequently for meeting time changes or cancellations.
• PTC Directory
  The PTC directory is a directory produced by the PTC for its committees. The PTC directory is NOT distributed to the school community at large and is ONLY accessed by the PTC Executive Board Members. It is a compilation of student names, along with their parents’/guardians’ names and contact information. This information is ONLY used to contact families regarding PTC matters. It is helpful for us to have this information, in case we need to contact you about a fundraising form that we can’t read, or to remind you that you have signed up to bake for the bake sale, and other such matters.
  
  We also use this information to notify you of upcoming events or any schedule changes. Often we will hear from a parent “I didn’t get the flyer home until today. Is it too late to sign up?” or “I wish I had known about this event sooner”. Every event we host will be emailed out prior to the flyer being sent home. It is the fast way to get knowledge regarding PTC events. We want to keep you in the loop!
  We regard this information as PRIVATE and NEVER give it to outside sources. PLEASE, sign your name to the directory during Open House and when the forms come home! Lastly, we are very excited about the up coming year and getting to know your families! Our goal is to increase communication and involvement. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to become involved and feel welcomed. While we all have full time commitments in addition to our volunteer work for the PTC, we will do our very best to keep the lines of communication open.

If you have any questions regarding any of the activities of the PTC, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Each one of us is here for the same reason - we love our children and want them to have the very best Elementary School experiences possible. With your help, that is sure to be a reality!

We sincerely look forward to working with you,
Sharon, Julie, Mary, Carla & Sharon