Meeting Minutes

September 24, 2008

Welcome/Introductions

Jack Goble, PTSA President, called the meeting at 7:03 PM in the Media Center .   A quorum was present.  Introductions were made.  Jack noted that one board position is still open – the NEC Representative.

Secretary’s Minutes

Jack stated that the next item on the agenda was the review of the May 20, 2008. Susan Murphy asked if there were any comments, corrections, additions, or deletions.  There were none.  Jack asked for a motion to approve.

On Motion from the Floor, seconded from the Floor, with all in favor, the James Hubert Blake High School PTSA membership approved the minutes of the PTSA meeting held on May 20, 2008.

Treasurer’s Report

Walter Ligon, PTSA Treasurer, reported that as of the end of August, the Blake PTSA bank account had $3,053.37 and the money market account was worth $15,646.25. 

Accreditation Self Assessment Committees

Moriah Martin and Jeff Newby presented information on the Accreditation Self Assessment Committees that are forming.  The focus of the self-study being conducted this school year (2008-2009) is student performance.  One hundred parents have completed the on-line survey.  The survey was developed by the Middle States Accreditation (MSA).   Moriah and Jeff will provide the PTSA with updated information.   

Reports

SGA – Claire Murphy reported that Homecoming fundraising activities and preparation are complete.  Claire reported that Pennies for Patients, campout for homeless, and field day are upcoming SGA activities.   The SGA is thinking about additional activities, such as a carnival and outdoor movie nights in the Spring.  Claire asked that we advise our students that contact information for SGA representatives is on the Blake website.  This year Blake may not have class representatives (7^th period reps); instead, Blake may have students work on committees. 

Staff – Raquel Marshall reported that interims are coming out soon.  She said that Back to School Night was great and that the teachers enjoyed meeting the parents. 

Organizational Reports

NAACP Parents’ Council – Mimi Browne reported on the “meet and greet” that was held the last week in August.  The Council would like to sponsor at least two activities this school year.  They will be focusing on academics, extracurriculars, and communication.  The Council will meet on the first Wednesday of each month in the media center.

MCCPTA – The delegates meeting is tonight so Bill Halpin is attending while Clara Raju reported that there is nothing yet to report.

Cluster News – Lee Ann Doerflinger reported that the meetings include Sherwood and the schools in the NEC.  Next meeting is in October.  Parents are welcome to attend.  Lee Ann discussed a speaker who had impressed her.  The speaker had talked about diversity and the immigrant experience.  Lee Ann will contact the speaker in the hopes of having her speak with the PTSA Board of Directors. 

Committee Reports

Jack discussed passing the baton and leadership training and diversity.  Many of the parents who are active in the PTSA will be leaving the Blake community and we need to bring 9^th and 10^th grade parents into the PTSA committees for continuity. 

BTSN – Back to School Night was fun, Robina Barlow reported.  She thanked everyone who participated and helped set up. 

Membership – Barbara Werfel reported that membership currently stands at 556 members.  She reported that she is planning a student luncheon for the 74 student members.  Barbara noted that the incentive for staff participation is a luncheon for top 3 divisions.    

Direct Appeal – Barbara reported that direct appeal funds collected so far are a little under $10,000. 

Volunteers – Jack reported that we need more volunteers.

Grading & Reporting – Robina reported that the Grading & Reporting Committee is working on a proposal to provide Edline standard definitions for the notations such as “X,Z,& 0” that we see on Edline. 

Parent Peer Groups – The 9^th and 10^th grade Parent Peer Groups have set the dates for their first meetings.  There was a discussion about the purpose of the Parent Peer Groups. 

Comedy Night – A chair has stepped up for this activity.  Jack said the timeframe for this event is Feb/March. 

Book Sale – Don’t have a date yet.  Donations will be accepted soon.  Other media, such as DVDs and tapes, will be accepted.  We may have a lit week leading up to the Book Sale.  If anyone has contacts/authors who could participate in lit week, contact Robina Barlow. 

Auction/Arts Festival – Jack reported that the PTSA is investigating auction software at the request of the last three chairs of the event.  The event will be held April 17, 2009. 

After Prom – Laura Matusek explained that After-Prom is an all night celebration that is alcohol and drug free and held at Dave and Busters in Bethesda .  It provides Blake Juniors and Seniors and their Prom dates with a safe environment after the Prom.  Fundraising events include pizza sales after school on Tuesdays and an election day bake sale.  Laura reported that After Prom hosted 733 kids last year.

Race for a Dream – Jack reported that the Race for a Dream raises funds for After Prom.

Grocery/eScrip – Jack reported that eScrip has a late start this year.  Giant is not starting until October.

Sign –  Jack reported that the structure for the electronic sign is going up.  Should be completed in a few weeks.  Principal Carole Goodman noted that Blake saved for 3 years for the sign. 

New Business

Budget  - Jack stated that the next item on the agenda was the PTSA budget for the 2008-2009 school year.  Walter Ligon presented the budget and Jack led a discussion on each line item.  Jack asked for a motion to approve.

On Motion from the Floor, seconded from the Floor, with all in favor, the James Hubert Blake High School PTSA membership approved the PTSA budget for the 2008-2009 school year.

Fees – School fees has been a county-wide issue.  Principal Goodman reported that some of the reporting on fees was grossly inaccurate, but it caused Blake to look at the fees that were being charged.  Some fees have been discontinued, such as dance fees, which were left over from prior years when fees paid for costumes.  Carole Goodman reported that Blake is in compliance with the Board’s policy.  The Board is reviewing its policy.

Cookbook - Jack reported that the cookbook is a new fundraiser for this year.

Paypal – Jack asked for a volunteer to research using Paypal for the PTSA.

International Night – Jack reported that the PTSA is supporting this school function.

Candidates Forum -  Jack noted that a candidate for school board is from Blake and that it may be a good idea to host a Candidates Forum.

Principal’s Report

Carole Goodman reported that it is Spirit Week.  On the 21^st day of school, Principal Goodman reported that the tone and the climate this year has been great. In her 35 years, she has not seen a smoother start to a school year.   9th Grade Academy hallway has been eliminated, but 9^th graders have been kept in teams.  It’s Academic, with Blake winning the game, will be televised on October 25. 

Adjournment - The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 PM.