Washington High School PTA
Meeting Minutes
February 8, 2005
Prior to the regular meeting Barb May facilitated an exercise called “the GPA game” which demonstrated the criterion that determine college admission decisions. Thirty people were in attendance. Dr. Plagman's 15-minute question and answer session was next with the business meeting beginning at 9:35 .
Secretary – The minutes of the December meeting were approved. (There was no regular meeting held in January due to a snow day)
Treasurer – Judy Baird summarized the combined treasury report for the months of December and January. Income items for the period include $100 in Blue Chip funds and $264.31 from cookie sales. Expenses include $481.95 for ITED assembly plaques, $32.44 for Health Ed presenter lunches, $300 annual contribution to PTA's Post Prom, and $59 for the Surveyor ad.
Mr. Dave Coates , Director of Guidance, thanked Janelle Parks and those who volunteered to input student schedules. All WHS students should be well notified of the new finals schedule due to snow days. The ZAPS course, ACT and SAT prep, will be held two consecutive days this time instead of over a two-week period. We will see how this method is received. Taking the prep course can potentially improve scores and boost the student's confidence. The counseling staff is continuing to schedule Junior planning conferences.
Dr. Peggy Hardesty , Faculty Liaison and 9 th grade Counselor, thanked PTA hospitality for the cookies in December, the conference meal and for the beverages provided on freshman orientation night. Dr. Hardesty also thanked those who have given input on the freshman orientation presentation and welcomes other comments via email phardesty@cr.k12.ia.us . The co-curricular assembly (show choirs, coaches, clubs, journalism, debate, etc) for incoming freshmen was well received. All middle schools were represented except for Wilson .
Dr. Ralph Plagman , Principal, pointed to key items in his last two FYI publications: Congratulations to Tim Dougall's prestigious and deserved “9 Who Care” honor. Congratulations to those All State musicians recently honored. Thank you to the 26 volunteers, organized by Laurie Doyle, who tutor Washington students. Dr. Plagman also noted the exceptional conference turnout, with 17 teachers scheduling more than 24 conferences. Governor Vilsack visited WHS on January 12 th following his “Condition of the State” message. Several staff members made a presentation to him on our four-year scholar awards.
Dr. Plagman shared the layout diagram of the Grant Wood Gallery. Bids on the project will be coming in soon. The brochure will also be complete soon.
Cookie Sales – There will be no cookie sale for Valentines Day. The next sale will be St Patricks Day. A sign up was passed for volunteers.
Health Ed – Lynn Dennis reported that since winter break, the sexual health presentations by St Luke's nurses were held in the junior and the freshmen classes, and ASAC presented to the sophomore class. Student evaluations continue to show a positive response to the sessions from a majority of the students. The "Life after High School" panel discussion will be held for seniors on March 17 th in the Little Theater. The health ed committee has applied for a grant which would allow for development of peer educators to supplement our existing health education programs.
Post Prom – LaNae Ceryanec reported that the steering committee has been formed and has begun the fundraising and planning process for this year's Post Prom event which is a chaperoned, alcohol-free party for seniors and their guests. It is organized by senior parents and funded by WHS parents and local businesses. The event is held at the Cedar Rapids Bowling Center from midnight until 4am following the prom dance on May 14 th , and includes games, prizes, food, a hypnotist show and is free to all students. Letters will be mailed soon asking for your financial support in providing a safe and enjoyable prom 2005.
Reflections – Sorina Abernathy reported that we received four entries for the Reflections competition. She asked that we recognize those who participated at the March Academic Assembly.
Surveyor Ad – The PTA ad space in February will complete the recognition of the honor roll students. The ads for March and April will be used for Post Prom publicity.
Legislative – Virtual Lobby day is Thursday, Feb 17 th . You may contact your legislators at www.pta.org/lobbyday .
Academic Success – Laurie Doyle is looking for a staff member to head up this project for next year.
Volunteer Coordinator – Janelle Parks thanked the twenty people who provided food and 116 hours towards the conference meal for staff. Janelle also met with the PTA board to select this year's Outstanding Building Volunteer – Brenda Carter.
• Iowa PTA Convention – the WHS PTA can send one PTA member, free of charge, to the convention held April 8-9 in Bettendorf . If you are interested please contact Tracy at tracymcp1@mchsi.com . To find out more: http://www.iowapta.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=iowaPTA.convention
New Business
• Nominating Committee – Bobbie Pearson, Jenny Becker and LaNae Ceryanec will serve as the nominating committee. They will present a slate of officers at next month's meeting. If anyone is interested in serving as an officer please contact the committee.
• Photos refurbished – Laurie Stewart donated her time to reframe some of the awards and photographs in the main office. PTA voted to approve a $35 reimbursement to her for the materials.
• Founder's Night is February 8, 2005, 6:30 pm at Jefferson . WHS is honoring Leslie Rambo and Nancy Sullivan-Jacobs.
The meeting adjourned at 10:50 a.m. followed by Q & A with Dr. Plagman.
LaNae Ceryanec, Secretary