Great Start Montcalm

Parent Coalition Minutes

Heritage United Methodist Church

November 24, 2009

Present: Mishawn Zudweg, Susan Sunden, Brenda Greenhoe, Douglas Hevel, Katrina, Corwin, Suzie Batenburg, Debbie MacTavish, Elizabeth MacTavish, Brenda Hall

1.       Welcome, Introductions.

2.       Parent Coalition Surveys:  An ECIC requirement is to have PC member’s complete surveys regarding their Parent Coalition and issues related to its governance and purpose. These were completed by all members.

3.       Sledding Event: December 29^th, 2009, 1-3pm, Tower Park, Greenville, Michigan. PC members discussed organizing a sledding event as a family friendly way to recruit new members, as a team building event, and to increase legislative education. It was discussed that hot chocolate and cookies could be served.  A sled/saucer could be signed and given to Rep. Huckleberry as a gift for his grandkids. The signatures could include support for Early childhood Programming. Collaborative Members would be invited as well as the East Side PC. Katrina Corwin and Suzie Batenburg agreed to co-chair this event. They are looking for volunteers to help them organize and publicize this fun day!

4.       Diaper Drive: A diaper drive that would be connected with a fun food oriented outing was discussed. PC members discussed organizing a diaper drive to benefit county baby pantries. Several suggestions of venue (restaurants) entertainment (engaging a local band), and incentives (bring a pack of diapers, get a free meal), were discussed. Also discussed was the possibility of having family friendly kids activities present at this event. Further discussion is required for planning.

5.       Community Events: PC members (Mishawn Zudweg, Katrina Corwin, Suzie Batenburg and Brenda Hall) volunteered to distribute GSC bags, brochures and sign up forms at 3 events in the next week. Katrina Corwin and Suzie Batenburg, along with another community member, will organize and distribute items at Santa’s Super Sunday, Sunday, December 6, 2009 at Montcalm Community College. Also, that same day a Tri County Middle School Band/Craft Show event will occur where giveaways will be distributed by Katrina Corwin and Suzie Batenburg. Mishawn Zudweg will organize and help deliver items to Brenda Hall, at Heritage United Methodist Church, for their Bazaar. Brenda will assist in distribution of those items. Susan Sunden will attend the Santa Parade and 1073^rd Unit sendoff in Greenville on Friday, December 4^th.

6.       New Resource cards and window clings were distributed and discussed. Resource cards will need to be distributed to all Montcalm elementary school children. These will go out in a packet with the new brochures and PC recruitment letters.

7.       Ideas for Halloween next year: PC members discussed having a presence at the various churches’ “Trunk or Treat” events. PC members could hand out candy as well as recruitment information for parents.

8.       Concerns for Special Needs:  PC members brought up concerns regarding advocacy for families with special needs children. The PAC (Parent Advisory committee) was discussed as the avenue for helping these families.

9.       Review of East Side PC Book Drive.  The East Side PC is currently involved in a book drive that will benefit the Read and Sing Program in Stanton as well as Montcalm County Baby Pantries.

The next West Side PC meeting is January 26, 2010 at Heritage United Methodist Church, 19931 W. Kendaville Rd. Peirson, MI. 49339.

Respectfully Submitted,

 Susan Sunden, M.Ed., CTRS

Parent Liaison, Great Start Montcalm

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231-414-2143