HOLY ANGELS PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL (HAPAC)
Minutes
Monday, March 10, 2008 - 7:00PM
Science Building
Present: Principal, Sr. Leonarda Montealto, O.P. Officers: Gina Morabe, Chairman (8), Val Mandapat, Past Chairman (7), May Cepriano, Secretary (2), Catherine Fuerte, Assistant Secretary (K). Representatives: Chona Menchavez (K), Elwin Cajuguiran (1), Rida Cruz (2), Luther Mercado (3), Lorelyn Clemente (4), Rosalie Encenzo (5), Grace Abad (5), Roberto Rivera (5) Maria De La Cruz (6), Kim Cordano (7), Emy Nicdao (8)
Absent: Dexter and Queenie Vitug, Vice-Chair (3), Romeo and Maryann Natan (1), Sonia & Ely Tangonan (3), Sam and Cathy Yapching (4), Ron and Rosanna Martin (6), Jeannie Cabatic (7)
Chairman Gina Morabe called the meeting to order at 7:17 PM.
Sr. Leonarda led the opening prayer.
Gina brought up several items that need to be corrected in the February 11 minutes. Gina will give Catherine a hard copy of the corrections to the minutes so Catherine can update the minutes on the website. Sister Leonarda explained to the group that there were problems encountered as the minutes were passed on electronically between her and Gina. The minutes were approved by the group through the motion of Maria and seconded by May.
Third Grade Mass: Gina told the group that the Mass and reception went very well. There was a change of venue because the Lagomarsino family needed the parish hall. Gina said the weather was beautiful and the food was great. She thanked all parents who volunteered and brought food. She made special mention of the delicious ube cake that Nathan's grandma made.
Sister Leonarda distributed the following handouts to the group: Candy Sale Results, Valentines Dance Recap, Fundraisers update. She reported that the income for the candy sale is $18,590. The expenses amounted to $9,921.57. The profit is $8,668.43. There are 6 more cases of candy in the office to sell. Chona will take all cases. Sister Leonarda continued with the summary of the Valentines Dance. She stated that the income for this event is $4,248. The expenses amounted to $1,998.84. The profit is $2,249.16. Chona said she still owes the school $20 for childcare. Rosalie said she has expenses to report but lost the receipt(s). Sister Leonarda advised her to talk to Mrs. Reich.
Sister Leonarda referred the group to the fundraisers update handout. She pointed out how most of the recently concluded fundraisers did not meet the projected goal. The gift wrap sale did not do well. The fall fundraiser, valentine dance and walk/jog-a-thon made less than projected. Grace asked what the basis was for the 2007-2008 fundraiser projections. Sister Leonarda said the projections are the same as last year. For the benefit of HAPAC members who are new to the school, Sister mentioned that a survey was conducted last year regarding fundraisers. Parents were asked what they want to do as far as fundraisers are concerned. Majority said they prefer to keep everything the way it is right now. Sister Leonarda stated that it is important to keep fundraising events because it brings community together. Maria mentioned that some schools make it mandatory for parents to earn points. She asked the group why this can't be done at Holy Angels. She also noted that fundraising events are not getting full participation from some grade levels. Grace agreed stating that it is always the same people supporting or helping out and this is very disappointing. She asked, how do you expect participation without making events mandatory. Val said that a past HAPAC chairperson gave up the word "mandatory" and used "encourage" instead. Val said the word "mandatory" is usually not taken well. He also said that when mandatory fundraisers were brought up with Mrs. Reich, she said we don't build a community if everything is made mandatory. Sister Leonarda also told the group that parents have different reasons why they couldn't participate. Some parents work 3 jobs so they have no time. Sister Leonarda reminded the group that some fundraisers are mandatory like the walk/jog-a-thon and spring celebration. She said that if parents can't make payments, she meets with the parents to make a payment plan. Lorie suggested that we take a portion of our fundraising budget and make it mandatory like what some other schools do. Sister Leonarda said we are already doing that. The walk/jog-a-thon and spring celebration are mandatory fundraisers. Lorie said that the mandatory amount should be in addition to these. She said parents will have the choice to pay or help with the fundraisers. She also suggested that we ask parents their opinion about this. Kim said a survey has already been done last year. Emy said that the reason why we have fundraisers is to keep tuition low. If we make portion of our budget mandatory and make parents pay for it, then it will be like making a pledge. Sister Leonarda reminded the group that parents do have a choice: pay $1000 more in tuition or help sell.
Catherine suggested that a fundraiser update or report be sent home to parents, with a reminder that fundraisers help keep tuition low. She said that maybe if parents see that we are not meeting our goals then they will be encouraged to participate or help out with the fundraising. Sister Leonarda said that updates are sent home to parents. Catherine said that updates that go home are for individual fundraisers. A summary of all fundraising events should be sent home to parents so they can see the big picture. Catherine also stated that in the past some parents complained about fundraising because it was not clear what the goal was, how much we needed to raise and where we are now. Gina suggested something visual, like a chart, should be available for parents to see, similar to the church annual appeal. Catherine said she can post the information on the web but it should also be sent home via the Family Envelope because some parents do not visit the website. Grace said it is a good idea to let the parents know how much we still need to fund raise to help keep tuition increase minimal. Val said our fall fundraiser has not been doing well. He asked for suggestions from the group for another kind of fundraiser. Catherine told Sister Leonarda that she should consider making Scrip mandatory like in other schools. Sister Leonarda said she will think about it -- maybe make $1000 mandatory. Gina asked if there is a way to get some vendors popular with our families, like Costco, added in the Scrip list. Catherine said that the list of participating merchants is in the Scrip website, she will also ask the school Scrip coordinators, Mrs. Nordman and Mrs. Caro. Sister Leonarda told the group that there are other ways to help the school such as the Target and Office Depot programs where donations are made to the school based on participating parents' spending.
OLD BUSINESS
SPRING CELEBRATION : Sister Leonarda asked each grade level for a progress report. Kindergarten is still looking for games for their game booth. First grade has Dr. Darrow as a booth sponsor. According to Elwin, Romy was able to talk to Q-Cup to supply the breakfast and they will give the school a discount. Second grade: May said El Faro would sponsor only the cost. She also said they will add games to their booth and Mrs. Gutierrez will still do the flowers. Third grade: Gina will follow up with Queenie regarding donations. Fourth grade: Lorie will rent a big slide. Grace recommended one of our new parents, Ana Laura Zelaya-Mendoza, who has a jumper business. Lorie said she still has to talk to Aly regarding the churros. Fifth grade: Roberto said they are doing spin the wheel for fish. Grace suggested the game where one tries to shoot a ping-pong ball in a fish bowl. Roberto suggested sport challenges with the Sisters and teachers. The group suggested that this be incorporated in the program. Sixth grade will do jail and sell ice cream. Seventh grade will do art. Sister Leonarda said that the rummage sale last year was discouraging--the school ends up with a lot of junk and the rummage sale does not do well in terms of profit. It was suggested that the rummage sale be replaced with something else. Val asked for suggestions. Gina told the group that Mr. Ed Gomez is willing to loan the school his red Ferrari. People will pay a certain number of tickets to take a picture with the car as background. Val said he will talk to Mr. Gomez but asked the group for other suggestions. Elwin suggested a photo booth. Sister Leonarda told Elwin that it is a good booth to have. She asked Elwin to find out more about it. Kim will do the silent auction. Grace suggested that class pictures with student signatures might be good auction items. Mrs. Armas will be in charge of the alumni booth. This booth usually has ice cream and 'pabunot.'
Sister Leonarda and Kim reported on the publicity for the spring celebration. Flyers will be sent out to preschools, the event will be advertised in the Catholic San Francisco Datebook, church bulletin and Asian Journal. Sister Leonarda said that flyers should also be available in our school family businesses like the clinics of Dr. Morales and Dr. Joves. Catherine created a flyer for the CCD students and preschools. As suggested by the marketing committee, a coupon has been added to the flyer. The coupon will be for 2 free tickets instead of the original free popcorn. Gina brought up a concern regarding photocopying the flyer. It was agreed upon that there will be a stamp at the back of the coupon to avoid photocopies.
Sister went over the spring festival schedule. At 9:00 AM, ticket booth will open, breakfast will be available, and students will be in their classrooms by 9:30 am. The program begins at 10.00. Sister Leonarda distributed copies of the tentative program and went over it. She asked for suggestions for other performances. Emy suggested that student performances be divided into groups so that parents will stay longer. Sister Leonarda said she will talk to Miss Manalo about this. Gina told the group that our students should showcase their other talents, like playing an instrument. Sister Leonarda said that Miss Manalo is working on this with the students. Sister Leonarda also said that it is Father Manuel Curso's birthday on the day of the festival. She assigned Gina to take care of the presentation for him. Senator Leland Yee was invited by Gina to make a presentation during the festival also.
Sister Leonarda asked for help to look for sponsors for prizes. She reminded the group to keep looking for ad and booth sponsors. Parents will be asked to make donations for other raffle prizes. Every $25 worth of donation will be equivalent to 1 point.
Sister Leonarda reminded everyone that each class is responsible for organizing volunteers. A letter for sign up will come from the office. Mrs. Reich will give each class rep the responses as they come in. Booth sign up sheets should be submitted to the office at the end of the festival day. Sister Leonarda reminded new parents that parents need to sign in and sign out when they do volunteer work. Two points will be awarded for every hour worked in the booth. Parents who volunteer to set up and clean up will get 2 pts per hour worked. Setup coordinator will be Carlito Panganiban, Noel Reyes, and Mr. Jose. Ted Cordano is the clean up coordinator. Mrs. Reich will make arrangements for garbage pick up. Mr. Jose will take care of recycling. Sister asked if the parish will be included in the booth assignments. There will be a total of 14 to 15 tents. Dr. Darrow, the chiropractor, will bring his own tent and will provide free massage services. Mr. Ed Gomez will provide welcoming tent for Gina. May said that festival t-shirts should be pre-ordered.
Sister Leonarda decided to schedule the mandatory parent meeting regarding tuition and finances on April 2 nd from 7 to 8 PM. In this meeting Sister will give parents an update on fundraisers. The first 30 minutes will be in the parish hall and then parents will go to the classrooms. HAPAC reps will use this time to talk about the class booths for the spring festival.
Sister Leonarda reminded everyone that each booth will be responsible for their own decorations. Kim will get the helium tank. Each class will bring their own balloons. Chona gave Kim a Party City discount card for Holy Angels.
Catherine stated that the third issue of the newspaper will be dedicated to the spring festival. Instead of going home with the report card, it will come out the week of the festival. She needs all the camera-ready ads for donors and booth sponsors by April 9 th . Gina will create a page thanking supporters of Holy Angels such as Chevron, the office of the governor, City Tours, etc.
• Lorie said that she has contact information for a free field trip for the entire school at the Tech Museum in San Jose.
• Gina gave a slideshow presentation of the 3 rd grade field trip to San Francisco. She also passed around an album of the 8 th grade field trip to Sacramento.
• Gina thanked all parents who helped during the Valentine Dance. Special mention were Mr. Paulino, Mr. Ponce, the 8 th graders who were pulled out of their classes to help, and especially Jeannie and Alvin.
• Gina stated that more people are looking at the bulletin board in front of the third grade classroom. Sister Leonarda said it was Gina's idea to display the pictures of the Student of the Month outside instead of inside the office.
Next HAPAC meeting will be on Monday, April 7 th at 7 PM in the Science Lab.
Sister Leonarda led the closing prayer.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:03 PM.
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Minutes prepared by Catherine Fuerte (March 11, 2008)