Washington High School PTA
Meeting Minutes
November 11, 2003
[The November program was Adastra, WHS's chapter of the National Honor Society, presented by Tom Schnoebelen, Adastra Advisor]
Vice President Tracy McPartland called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and welcomed everyone. Thirty-four people were in attendance. Introductions were made.
Secretary – The minutes of the October 14 th meeting were approved as circulated.
Treasurer – Judy Baird circulated the monthly treasury report. We will remove the Blue Chip Matching Funds revenue line item from the budget to reflect the fact that matching funds are typically made payable to the school and not to the PTA. The matching funds amount of $500 will be added to the Blue Chip Donations line. However, PTA will continue to be responsible for the distribution of those matching funds amount at the end of the year.
Dr. Ralph Plagman , Principal, highlighted WHS's impressive fall term of events and activities. He also pointed out the Gazette's coverage of our fall musical as well as the AP Scholar article that listed many Washington students.
Mr. Dave Coates , Director of Guidance and 10 th -12 th grade Counselor, thanked the parents who volunteer their time in the counseling office to organize the college materials. Mr. Coates reported on a very successful college visit trip to North Carolina . In addition to acquiring knowledge about several campuses, he felt the colleges they visited were impressed with our extensive AP program at Washington .
Dr. Peggy Hardesty , Faculty Liaison and 9 th grade Counselor, reported that she is in the process of working with the freshman class on schedule changes for the upcoming term. Mock trial has begun.
Hospitality – Pam Westrom thanked all for their generous contributions for the October 15 th staff meal. She asked that anyone attending next month's PTA meeting please bring 3 dozen Christmas cookies. These will then be used to make cookie trays for the staff and our neighborhood church.
Cookie Sales – The Halloween cookie sale was a big success. 36 dozen cookies were sold bringing in a record profit of $297. The next sale will be December 16 th . A sign up was distributed. Contact 1971gtx@mchsi.com or iowacorn@aol.com with questions.
Surveyor Ads – If anyone has a suggestion for PTA ads in the future please let Julie Gasway or Tracy McPartland know.
Fundraising – Those in attendance were reminded about the School Cents program at Lindale. Remember that receipts saved from the Lindale Hy-Vee also apply towards our total. Be sure to denote Cedar Rapids Washington H.S.
Grounds – Sue Winegarden reported that the Trees Forever organization will be hosting a kick off celebration and media event for the use of the funds to be spent in Cedar Rapids in response to the storms on November 13 th at Noelridge Park (this includes the tree planting that the Junior class is spearheading at WHS).
• 9/10 Leadership Retreat – a record number of students took part this year
• Surveyor Subscription – information will be coming soon regarding parent subscriptions
• PTA on the WHS Web site – Lisa Thirnbeck volunteered to help funnel pertinent PTA information to the webmaster.
• PTA Founder's Night – If you would like to nominate a PTA member for this award please contact a PTA board member.
• Sara Clark asked if PTA would be able to help financially with the replacement of the blue and red tablecloths that have been used for events at Wash for years. The total cost will be $320. Since other groups use these tablecloths we will contact Athletic Club to see if they will agree to share the expense.
The meeting adjourned at 11:15 a.m. followed by questions and answers with Dr. Plagman.
LaNae Ceryanec, Secretary