DSHS PTA

MEETING NOTES

Date:  Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Time:          7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

In Attendance

Kathy Magrino, Cathy Farman, Shirley Concolino, Susan K. Nicoll, Sue Irwin, Stacey Black, Susan Hulsizer, Jane Shafer-Kramer, Sheila Smith, Mike Cawley, Madeline Brattesani, Miryam Haghbin, Janet Berry, Riley S., Jessica W., Spencer B., Dorian Signori, Jennifer Sierras, Tyler S., Evan S., Emily J., Amy Schulte, Jean Meyer, Kevin French, Nancy Cole, Tim Taylor.

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 7:34 p.m. by President Kathy Magrino

Welcome and Introductions

Introductions were made all around, including parents in attendance.

Approval of September Minutes   

Minutes from the September meeting were reviewed and approved.

Friendship Day Presentation

Seven members of the student-led DSHS Friendship Committee, which hosts Friendship Days, presented.  The purpose of Friendship Day is to help eliminate cliques at the high school by inviting students to participate in games and other social activities.  The group rents the MPR at Valley Oak and provides food and drink at each event.  They will submit a request for financial support from the PTA.

Student Reports

Riley S. reported on the status of the Homecoming Floats and the Homecoming Parade.  He mentioned that the senior class had been given a sophomore class parent volunteer lists.  On February 13, the Student Body will host an informal dance.  Parent volunteers will be needed.  DSHS Soccer participated in a nationwide tournament and the Boys Water polo team beat Jesuit.

Jessica W. presented for the junior class.  The Junior Prom has been moved from December 13 to December 6. 

Action:  Request parent volunteers for Junior Prom on list server, (DHSPTAmedica@mailman.dcn.org.)  There is a need for adult coordination of parent volunteers.  PTA to send parent volunteer lists directly to Riley and Jessica.

Principal’s Report

Principal Cawley made a PowerPoint presentation of DSHS data.  DSHS’ API went up one (1) point from 854 to 855. 

Vice-Principal’s Report

Vice-Principal Sheila Smith discussed Homecoming game security.  DSHS wants to send a letter to all Junior High Principals via the Junior High list server that they need to supervise their students that attend.  First truant letters have gone out and the office has started meeting with students who have poor attendance.

Action:  PTA to send out Vice-Principal’s statement to Junior High Principals.

Counselor’s Report

Jean Meyer presented.  The counselors will be in the Homecoming parade.  They are also working on truancy.  The counseling department is holding college letters of recommendation workshops for students.  These have been well-attended.  Materials will also be listed on DSHS website under counseling.   The Choices Programs is the base of the 10^th grade counseling program.  Students have a week in the library for career and college exploration.

Teacher Reports

Amy Schulte is the PTA teacher representative.  She is also one of two recycling coordinators.  Their primary goal is to get the kids to use the can/bottle recycling containers. Stacy Black suggested that they put out recycling containers at the Homecoming game.  Ms. Schulte is also requesting approximately 200 plastic dishes to be used at high school events.  October 23 is Mole Day, when DSHS chemistry students gather in the MPR at 6:02 am.

Treasurer’s Report

Stacy Black said we are primarily collecting money now.  Our current level of fundraising (Partners in Education), has come in at approximately $20,000.00 – about $5,000.00 over budget.  There will probably be no need for further fundraising.  The Student Tutoring program will be funded at $1,500.00.  Kathy Magrino suggested that we work the tutoring program with the Honor Society.  Stacy requested a motion to have the tutoring dollars released.  Sue Irwin moved, Susan Nicoll seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

Committee Reports

School Climate:  Jenny stills needs people.

Parent Ed:  Sally Springer will speak on February 22 on the topic of teen self-image.

Ways and Means:  Shirley Concolino has sent out letters to teachers for their grant requests.  Six or seven have been submitted.  The PTA will have a committee to study the requests.  Shirley plans to do a more aggressive Scrip outreach on the list server and in the newsletter. 

New Committee:  Kathy Magrino is going to be the parent rep for this committee.  CNI:  weighting grades.  The counseling department needs to explain in their newsletter what it means when they weight a grade, how grades are weighted, and why they are weighted.

Measure W Presentation

Tim Taylor, Janet Berry, Kevin French, and Nancy Cole presented detailed information regarding Measure W, the parcel tax increase on the upcoming ballot to be voted on November 4.  Janet Berry requested that the PTA endorse Measure W.  Motion was made by Cathy Farman for DSHS PTA to support Measure W.  Joan Crawford seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.

Adjourn:  Kathy Magrino adjourned the meeting at 9:17 pm.

Respectfully submitted by Dorian Signori.