Washington High School PTA
Meeting Minutes
December 12, 2006
President Candy Vance called the meeting to order at 9:01 a.m. Thirty people were in attendance. The program for the meeting was given by Kim Hilby from ASAC on the topic of keg registration legislation.
Inserted into the meeting at a later time was the introduction of four new teachers. Jacquelyn Bunnell is certified in ELL and reading and will teach reading skills for 9 th grade; Joe Taylor, a science teacher will teach Biology and Earth Science; Willis Harte returned to teach Math and coaches cross-country and is assistant coach for men's track; Jaclyn Richmond has a part- time position teaching Spanish.
Executive Committee Reports
Secretary – The minutes of the November meeting were circulated and approved.
Treasurer – Lisa Thirnbeck reported that Blue Chip and matching funds are still being solicited and accepted. A line item will be made to show the matching funds brought in even though they do not go through our account. An inquiry was made as to the cookie bill and a School Cents check was also reported.
President – Candy thanked members for bringing cookies for the meeting and for the staff.
Staff Comments
Mrs. McDermott, Director of Guidance, reported that many junior conferences have already taken place or been scheduled. Counselors will evaluate whether or not this early start is a good idea. To date 373 college transcripts have been processed. Those that need them by Jan. 1 need to have them submitted by Dec. 15 th . Juniors will register for senior year on January 10 th and 11 th . Freshmen will register on Jan. 16, 17, and18. Parents of freshmen can attend the planning session on Jan. 8 at 5 or 7 pm for information on scheduling and sophomore parents can attend a session on Jan. 22 at 5:30 prior to the scheduling of classes on Jan. 24, 25, and 26. The Senior Financial Aid Session on Dec. 5 th was well attended. The FAFSA needs to be submitted in order to receive most forms of financial aid and it should be submitted in time to meet the earliest priority deadline of the colleges to which a student is applying. Check the Wash counseling web page to get a link to the FAFSA web site and to find other scholarship information. Second trimester progress reports will be out on Jan. 4 th .
Dr. Peggy Hardesty, Faculty Liaison and 9 th grade Counselor, thanked for the cookies. She is checking on the incoming 9 th grade rosters and getting schedules out to the middle schools. Feb. 1 st is freshmen orientation night for incoming students and parents and Feb. 5 th will be the activities orientation for students.
Dr. Ralph Plagman, Principal, thanked the PTA for all that is being done. He mentioned the Gazette coverage of the Madrigal dinner and the “Amahl” production. The 50 th anniversary video will be shown before each “Amahl” show and the art gallery will be opened during a reception after each show. Debaters won first place in their latest tournament. The girl's basketball team will go to a prestigious tournament in Sioux City - they are very honored to be invited and are one of 8 teams invited from around the country. Dr. Plagman also shared ITED results noting significant improvements in proficiency rate of low SES eleventh graders and African American eleventh graders. He also noted, among other things, that the percentage of students scoring at the 90 th NPR or above remained stable at 25%. On another topic, Dr. Plagman shared that from the PSAT results, Wash has 13-15 National Merit recognized students - the highest # in years.
Committee Reports
Academic Support - no report
Cookie Sales - Sara Sauter re-circulated the sign-up sheet for Dec. 18 th . Volunteers are asked to bring some seasonal candies to decorate the cookies.
Fundraising - A reminder was made about matching funds. School Cents is still in progress and Judy Baird thanked all who have been shopping and turning in their receipts.
Grounds – no report
Health Ed – The RAP seniors spoke to the 10 th graders. The nurses spoke to 11 th graders last week about healthy relationships, STI's, and birth control. From the survey of 10 th graders, 81% recommend the presentation for next year's 10 th graders. ELL students had presentations by the nurses and the nurses reported that it went very well. The under age drinking task force is continuing to meet. A poster campaign has been started. Rights were purchased for the refrigerator poster so it can be used in a variety of ways. A Surveyor as was purchased to go in before Christmas. The Partners for Charity idea is still in the works.
Hospitality – Bobbie Pearson thanked for all the cookies that were brought in. She also noted that January 15 th is the next conference dinner for staff.
Volunteer Coordinator - Jade Hart said that things are pretty quiet for now and that progress is being made on the post-graduate tracking list.
Old Business - none
New Business - Founder's Night Award recipients for this year will be Lynn Dennis and Judy Baird. Founder's night will be held on Feb. 5 th beginning at 6:30 at Kennedy High School .
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 AM followed by Q & A with Dr. Plagman.
Sorina Abernathey, Secretary