Washington High School PTA
Meeting Minutes
January 13, 2004
Vice President Tracy McPartland called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. Thirty-two people were in attendance.
Secretary – The minutes of the December 9 meeting were approved as circulated
Treasurer – Judy Baird circulated the monthly treasury report and itemized last month's expenses.
Mr. Dave Coates , Director of Guidance, noted a great turnout for the 8 th grade meetings last night. Meetings with 10 th and 11 th graders to plan schedules for next year begin this week. Volunteers are needed to enter data for scheduling on Jan 21-22 and Feb. 29. Contact Janelle Parks, Volunteer Coordinator, if interested. The ITED awards assembly will be held Jan. 29. Senior planning meetings with juniors and their parents are starting. Contact the Counseling Office to schedule an appointment. ACT registration deadlines are: Feb. 22 for the April 3 test and May 7 for the June 12 test. SAT deadlines are: Feb. 20 for the Mar. 27 test and April 30 for the June 5 test.
Dr. Ralph Plagman , Principal, asked for feedback regarding dropping the “Warrior Word” publication and replacing it with additional issues of the stapled Washington newsletter that is sent home to parents approximately quarterly. This would save money and staff time. No one present had any objections. He also noted for the record that all restrooms now have soap and requested help from PTA in cleaning several academic and athletic display cases. Janelle Parks agreed to contact Julie Ekland who has handled this in the past. The Debate team is having another outstanding year, recently winning the IHS state tournament.
Cookie Sales –Sorina Abernathy reported the next cookie sale will be February 11. A sign-up was circulated. The December sale went well. Some ideas were discussed for increasing publicity.
Foreign Exchange —Lynn Dennis reported this committee got off to a slow start but is now planning some activities for the 6 exchange students at WHS this year. Larry Simons is the staff contact person.
Hospitality – Pam Westrom thanked everyone for their generous contributions of holiday treats in December which resulted in many nice gift trays for school staff and Bethany Lutheran Church . Snacks will be provided for staff during conferences on Monday January 19. Volunteers are needed to help provide food.
Blue Chip – Pam Johnson reported Blue Chip donations have reached $19,000 (including matching funds)—an all-time record. A list of contributors will appear in the ITED assembly program.
Post Prom —Mary Meisterling gave an overview of the event which will be held at the Cedar Rapids Bowl from midnight to 4 a.m. prom night (May 15). Last year they had 90% participation. The steering committee will meet Jan. 25 to get things going. Parents were encouraged to support this positive, safe event.
Conference Scheduling —Sara Clark reported post cards were mailed yesterday with conference schedules. Most people got their top 3 choices. The logistics of getting the cards mailed sooner were discussed.
• WHS Web Site – Lynn Dennis report the PTA link on the site should appear soon. Lisa Thirnbeck has been working with students to complete. Officers and committee chairs' names, phone numbers, and email addresses will appear on the site unless they request otherwise.
• Pam Westrom will check into getting a new refrigerator for the teachers lounge.
• MoShow Show Choir Competition will be held at WHS on March 13. More than 30 area choirs will be attending. Many volunteers are needed. Contact Betsy Kigin to help.
• Data Entry Position – A person is needed to fill this position for PTA next fall to update and maintain the database created by Judy Baird. Lynn Comreid volunteered.
• The Iowa PTA is requesting parents express concerns to their legislators about funding for education. Information and links to congressional delegates are available at www.iowapta.org . There will be a rally on the state capitol steps on Jan. 27. Dr. Plagman added that even if the 2% allowable growth proposed budget passes, it will translate to a $2-3 million cut for our district. He anticipates being asked to cut 3-5 teaching positions at WHS.
• Nominating Committee —Lynn Dennis will be deciding soon whether or not to step down from the presidency based on her husband's health. If she does, Tracy McPartland will officially assume the presidency and a new vice president will need to be selected next month. Contact Lynn or Tracy if you are interested in serving on a Nominating Committee which will also be preparing a slate of officers for next year to be presented at the March meeting.
• Surveyor —Subscriptions are now available for $10 (for the remainder of the school year). Issues will be mailed to subscribers. Order forms were distributed. Contact Ellen Fredberg to subscribe.
• Target Card Update —Laura Mattison reported 94 new Target cards have been designated for WHS this year (for a total of 1343). We currently have $1158 in our fund to be distributed. This is a great no-cost fundraiser for WHS.
The meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m. followed by Dr. Plagman's program on Advanced Placement courses at Washington and some additional information on No Child Left Behind indications. Questions and answers followed.
Jade Hart for LaNae Ceryanec, Secretary