December Meeting

December 8, 2009 PPSA Minutes:

Don't forget the Chili Open is coming up on January 29th and 30th. We are still looking for sponsorships. They start as low as $300.00. We have raised $3,000 so far but still need $2000 more in sponsorships. Remember, this money will come back to Pingree, PLUS more. If interested please contact Laurel Ingham.
Also, we can still use items for our baskets for the Chili Open. If you have anything to donate, please bring it to the school and put it in Dawn Armstrong's office. We would like to get as much of the stuff collected as we can before Christmas break.
Chili Open raffle tickets are still available. They are 6 for $10.00 or $2.00 a piece. Please pick some up to buy or sell to others. All the money raised from the tickets comes right back to the school and is matched by the rotary!
And, as part of the Chili Open this year there will be a Family Winter Festival on January 30th at Wheeler Farm. Tickets will be $25.00 for a family of 5 and should be available soon. We would love to have as many Pingree parents there as possible to show how much we appreciate the rotary! Please plan on coming to this family friendly event!

The Holiday Boutique at Pingree was a success! We raised $850.00! Thanks to all the parents who came and for all the people who bought booths.
Parking for U of U football games this year was a big success! Thanks for all the parents who participated in this great fundraiser!

Dates to Remember:
*Santa will be at school this Thursday, December 10th from 10 till 12:20. Ask your child's teacher when Santa plans on being at your child's class.
*Teacher Luncheon is December 16th and will be a salad bar. If you can bring in a salad topping, please contact Melissa Christensen.
*Christmas program will be December 17th at 1:00 pm with class parties following! Come experience this wonderful event!

Some Autism Council News from Cheryl Smith:
*There will be an Autism Night at the U of U gymnastics on January 15th. Free tickets are available for this event
*The council as received a grant to make a Faith training DVD to help various religions understand more about autism and how they can help.
*There will be a Parent night for Legislative Updates sometime in January. The autism preschool, registry, supportive employment, and Carson Smith Scholarship are all in big trouble this year! Parents need to get involved by writing and emailing their legislatures and attending the legislature when it is in session. A phone tree will be created for Pingree parents so we can get as many parents up there as able! We need everyones participation to help save our resources!!

Other News: A new Reflection House is being built and you can purchase an engraved brick for the Fire Pit for $100.00 This program is part of Valley Mental Health and help gets adults into the work force and provides them an opportunity to work (including adults with autism). This could make a great Christmas present, but can also be purchased after Christmas to about March. There are forms in the Pingree office or you can contact Laural Ingham if you are interested.

Next PPSA meeting is January 12th at 9:30 am. Hope to see you there!