Washington High School PTA
Meeting Minutes
April 12, 2005
Prior to the regular meeting, Peggy Hardesty introduced Judge John Jarvey and the WHS Mock Trial team. They gave a brief presentation regarding this year's case that was created by the Iowa Bar Association. The team began working with coaches in November and spent many hours each week preparing. Their season just ended with a successful performance at the state competition.
The business meeting was called to order at 9:30AM. Twenty-eight people were in attendance.
Secretary – The minutes of the March meeting were read and approved.
Treasurer – Judy Baird reported that the year was winding down. There was another contribution to the Blue Chip Fund. Net cookie sales were $260. PPA agreed to share the cost of the late summer school mailing. We should have around $5000 at the end of the year and would like to carry over $2000-$3000. Judy reminded committee heads to turn in any outstanding expenses as soon as possible. An audit committee of three will need to begin after July 31 st . Let Judy or Tracy know if you would like to volunteer.
Mr. Dave Coates , Director of Guidance, announced that many colleges are making spring visits to WHS. Students need to look at phone or email messages. Announcements of visits are on the website. The college planning committee will be setting up the panel over the next six weeks. Teacher request forms are due this week. A student can request up to five teachers. Volunteers are needed to enter the data next week. ACT and SAT remaining dates were mentioned. Adastra acceptance should be out the end of April. There has been more interest in the social studies medallion received after four years of AP social studies. Mr. Coates also asked for a volunteer to continue the handbook of college connections that the counseling office uses. It keeps track of students going out of state and has a five-year history of schools and majors organized.
Dr. Peggy Hardesty , Faculty Liaison and 9 th grade Counselor, thanked the PTA for asking the Mock Trial team to present this morning. She also reported that she would be visiting McKinley and Franklin to pass out information about the PACT program. Mr. Sprouse will also give out debate information.
Dr. Ralph Plagman , Principal, reported that three teachers will be retiring or resigning at the end of the school year. He then asked for the opinion of members regarding the placement of an ATM in the school. Discussion followed as to the pros and cons with no decision being made at this point. He also reported that the FYI report has been used in place of the Warrior Word and is put out six times per year. 590 AP tests have been sold surpassing his goal of 550. That is 60% of the enrollment in the AP classes. Dr. Plagman showed pictures of the Grant Wood mural shown at the pre campaign reception for the 50 th WHS anniversary. Letters will be going out soon asking for donations.
Post Prom – Sorina Abernathey reported that all volunteer spots are filled except for two, bowling supervisor and casino dealer. Donations are still being taken. Door prizes are still being accepted also.
Reflections – Sorina Abernathey reported that out of the four entries WHS has one state winner. Lucy Cook won in the visual arts category and her entry is going to national.
Hospitality – Bobbie Pearson reported that May 4 th is Teacher Appreciation Day and they will be serving 150 staff members lunch. A sign-up sheet will be passed around for salads, etc.
Volunteer Coordinator – Janelle Parks asked us to remind any senior citizens to attend a free dress rehearsal of KHS Music Man on April 20 th at 1:30 and JHS Once Upon A Mattress on May 11 th at 12:30. Marcia Hughes extends her thanks to all the WHS volunteers in appreciation of Volunteer Appreciation Week April 17-23.
Cookie Sales – Next cookie sale will be May 18 th . The theme will be red and blue candy. A sign-up sheet was passed around.
No old business pending at this time.
• Approval of 2005-2006 Officers.
Sara Clark, President
Candy Vance, Vice President
Sorina Abernathey, Secretary
Lisa Thirnbeck, Treasurer
- Spencer Walrath, a WHS student wrote a letter to PTA regarding the documentary Super Size Me and our cafeteria food. Volunteers are needed to look into this issue.
Committee chairs please write up final summary reports.
Next month, the PTA meeting will be at 10:00AM. It is a salad luncheon at the home of Judy Baird, 549 Knollwood Dr. SE. Please bring a salad to share.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:25AM followed by Q & A with Dr. Plagman.
Sara Clark, substituting for
LaNae Ceryanec , Secretary.