Washington High School PTA
Meeting Minutes
October 14, 2003
[Prior to today's meeting there was a presentation summarizing the Sexual Health session that will be presented to the freshman and sophomore classes.]
Vice President Tracy McPartland called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. and welcomed everyone. Thirty-six people were in attendance.
Secretary – The minutes of the October 14 th meeting were approved as circulated.
Treasurer – Judy Baird presented the monthly treasury report. She noted that budget adjustments agreed upon at last month's meeting had been made. Remember to utilize the expense reimbursement forms located in the PTA mailbox for your committee expenses.
Mr. Dave Coates , Director of Guidance and 10 th -12 th grade Counselor, said it has been a very busy month at Washington . The PSAT exam will be administered this Saturday. The counselors will be taking their scheduled trip to North Carolina on November 5 th . They are looking forward to visiting several college campuses. The PTA helps to fund these trips. Over the years, WHS counselors have gained insight into potential colleges for WHS students by visiting hundreds of campuses. Remember that colleges are visiting WHS on a regular basis as well. To find out which colleges are scheduled to visit check the WHS website www.crwash.org or students can listen to announcements on Channel 3.
Dr. Peggy Hardesty , Faculty Liaison and 9 th grade Counselor, reported that the Leadership Retreat, organized by Julie Cain, will be explained to all students this coming week in their L.A. classes. 150 students will be allowed to attend. Dr. Hardesty thanked the PTA for the wonderful meals provided on conference days and for the clever gift. If your student is taking the “Street Smart” program in place of Washington 's Driver's Ed class, please let her know.
Dr. Ralph Plagman , Principal, provided information regarding questions from the last PTA meeting. He shared results of an informal email survey of the staff to find out which current courses allow students to leave text books at home and utilize extra classroom copies during class time and/or which course texts have CDrom versions available for students. The report is available in the office. Dr. Plagman also followed up on concern over the amount of time students have for lunch. He circulated a report detailing the lunch counts for the week of 9/22. It showed a large percentage of Washington students are getting through the various lunch lines every day. He feels that the lines are moving more efficiently now and most students have at least 20 minutes to eat lunch. The Academic Numerals Assembly that was held for the sophomore class was a success. Dr. Plagman, staff and counselors felt this assembly gave the deserved recognition of the class's accomplishments at an opportune time. The goal in doing this recognition early and separate from the others was to motivate students early on in their high school career and to help expedite the longer assembly later in the year. The requirements to become a member of Adastra, WHS's chapter of the National Honor Society, were also explained to the sophomore class at the assembly.
Dr. Plagman introduced Steve Strong, math instructor at WHS. Steve has worked with a group of students to build the school's new website, www.crwash.org . The site includes students' homework assignments, links to teachers, activities, etc. Dr. Plagman and the PTA applauded Mr. Strong for his time and effort in working to complete the very thorough site. Mr. Strong spoke to the PTA about a new element he would like to add that would list contact info on students (email and phone only) in a password protected area. It was decided that that information could only be made available after “The List” is published and sold each year. Student permission would need to be attained.
Blue Chip – Barb Protsch reported that the Blue Chip drive has exceeded its budgeted goal. Hand written thank you notes are being mailed out with the PTA membership cards.
Membership – PTA membership stands at 294 members.
College Panel – Judy Baird and Jenny Becker reported the College Planning Night this year was hosted by Kennedy High School . The committee provides dinner for the college reps on the panel. Next year's event will be held at Jefferson .
Hospitality – Pam Westrom and Sara Clark reported that coffee, lemonade and cookies were provided for the Parade of Schools open house. The conference meal for teachers this week was a big hit. Eighty Arbys beef sandwiches were served along with salads and desserts from parents. There will be two more meals at next week's conferences. The new conference room was a nice location for the meal. Pam thanked Ann Hoffman for her help with serving.
Cookie Sales – Sorina Abernathy and Nancy Sullivan-Jacobs had an overwhelming response from volunteers for the first cookie sale, so they will try to expand this first cookie event into other areas of the school to utilize more volunteers. She explained the new shifts. The Halloween cookie sale is Tuesday, October 28. Contact 1971gtx@mchsi.com or iowacorn@aol.com with questions.
Surveyor Ads – Julie Gasway reported that the PTA's next ad in the Surveyor will list the sophomore Academic Numerals recipients. If anyone has a suggestion for PTA ads in the future please let her know.
• Parade of Schools – the event was well attended. There were approximately 100 visitors for the ribbon cutting. PTA provided 8-10 volunteers.
• Underage Drinking Program – Tracy McPartland shared a suggestion that came from the City PTA president Carole Jamieson. She would like our PTA to look into hosting a program in conjunction with McKinley and Franklin Middle Schools that targets underage drinking. It was suggested that we possibly tie the program into our existing Substance Abuse sessions presented by ASAC. The Health Education committee will review the idea and make a recommendation to the PTA.
• Leslie Rambo announced that she is in the process of compiling the details on last year's Seniors for Graduate Follow-up
• Laura Mattison reminded all to use your/apply for a Target Visa card. If you designate Washington High School as your school of choice, WHS will receive 1% of every charge on that card at any location. You can apply at check out, use your new card on the spot, then pay your balance immediately by check on your way out at customer service. It is easy and can earn our school a large sum of money. (Be certain when applying that you designate Cedar Rapids Washington High School )
The meeting adjourned at 11:25 a.m. followed by questions and answers with Dr. Plagman.
LaNae Ceryanec, Secretary