MUIRLANDS MIDDLE SCHOOL

PTA MEETING

December 1, 2005

The meeting was called to order at 1:05 PM.

The minutes from the November 3, 2005 PTA meeting were reviewed by three readers, finalized, and then posted on the website. 

President’s Report—Linda Dowley

• New members were welcomed.
• The Hospitality Committee was thanked for lunch.
• Important upcoming dates were announced including two dates that were recently changed on the school schedule.  School will resume after winter break on Tuesday, January 3, 2006 (not Monday, January 2).  February 10 is no longer a staff development day—it is a regular school day for students.
• The January 5, 2006 PTA meeting will be held in the evening from 7:00 – 8:00 PM.  Dessert and coffee will be served.
• There will be a band concert on December 14.  Everyone is welcome to attend.
• Western Day for 8th graders will be held on December 16.
• Teacher Rob Tindall is setting up a trip to tour Spain, France and Italy this summer.  This is not a school event, but is open to Muirlands students.  Contact rtindall@sandi.net for more information. 
• The school family directory has been mailed to every family.  An addendum will be printed.  It will be emailed to the “eblast list” and available to pick up.  Forms are available if you have changes to be made.  Additional directories are available from the Finance office for $6.
• January 4 is a minimum day.
• A shared staff development day between Muirlands and La Jolla High School will be held on January 4.  Let Linda know if you are able to provide cookies for the meeting. 

Treasurer’s Report – Cheryl McCarthy

• The Treasurer’s Report was presented.  The balance in the account is $23,030.00.  The checks below were presented for approval.  Sarah Schrier made a motion to approve the checks.  Sharon Christianson seconded the motion, and it carried.

Check Recipient Amount Purpose
1230                  PTA Council                  $108.00                  Dues
1231                  Cheryl McCarthy           126.00                  Quick Books 2006
1232                  Ellen Sacks                      79.87                  Hospitality
1233                  Amazing Science            280.00                  Assemby
1234                  Dreamshapers            300.00                  Western Day

Officer and Committee Chair Reports

Programs – Sarah Schrier

• Sarah asked the group to consider leadership positions on the PTA next year.  There are opportunities in a variety of jobs.  The job descriptions for each position are being reviewed and revised, and will be available in February.  A nominating committee will be formed for the April elections.

8th Grade Western Day – Barbara Daitch

• The co-chair is Pat Robbins. 
• The charge for students to participate is $5.
• Volunteers are needed to serve food during the BBQ and provide drinks, cookies or chips.
• Barbara mentioned that she would like to use some of the money in the 8th grade promotions budget for other activities, such as line dancing at Western Day.

Membership – Tina Greenberg

• There are 494 members (compared to a total of 468 for the entire year last year).  The goal was 400.

Money Books – Teri Newlee

• Money Books have been sold out.
• 239 were sold and one was donated to the office.

Parliamentarian – Linda Dowley for Renee Savage

• The Executive Board approved the proposed changes to the bylaws.  Next, the changes will be presented to the San Diego Unified PTA Council for approval.  Finally, the changes will be presented to the PTA members for approval.

DAC/GATE – Linda Dowley for Melanie Gold

• The Muirlands GATE meeting was held on Nov. 9.  The feedback regarding the information was that it was useful to parents. 
• There will be another GATE meeting held in the spring.

Governance – Margaret Ohara

• The November meeting was held last week.
• Library computer lab use has increased.
• The library will soon be open additional hours.
• The new computer tech’s time is in demand.  There was some discussion about prioritizing his time.
• The committee discussed science fair research writing and who is responsible for teaching it – Science or English.
• Timely communication guidelines were discussed.  It was decided that teachers and administrators should respond to a parent’s phone or email message within 48 hours.
• An open house will be held on May 18.  The format has not yet been decided.

Foundation and ASB– Dorie Gayner

• A Valentine’s Day dance will be held in February and another dance in the spring.
• Some game tables may be added to the auditorium.
• The school clubs are going well and meeting the goals of the Foundation.  New clubs will be added next time.
• The Foundation is pursuing some grant money, including from Las Patronas.
• The next round of tiles is due on December 5.
• Sweatshirts are still available for purchase.
• A pizza/fish taco sale will held on the next minimum day – December 7.  About 10 volunteers are needed.
• March 4 will be the Casino night at La Jolla Country Club.  The Foundation is looking for auction items.
• At the open house, the band teacher will be doing a performance like he did last year.

Hospitality – Sharon Christianson

• The holiday thank you for teachers was discussed.  Instead of a breakfast, teachers will be given a gift certificate to Girard Gourmet.  It will be for a sandwich, beverage and cookie. 
• There is a drop off in the office for Box Tops for Education.  This program is an easy way to earn extra money for the school.

Newsletter – Anna Marie Cameron

• The deadline for the next newsletter is January 6.
• An email message will be sent inviting parents to participate in the newsletter mailing activity. 

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT – CHRIS HARGRAVE

• The new library assistant comes highly recommended from the La Mesa/Spring Valley School District.  The library should be open every day beginning December 6.
• All of the 8th graders went to the Museum of Tolerance in the Los Angeles area and had an excellent experience.  The field trip was very well received by students and the school hopes to continue to do it in the future. 
• Mrs. Hargrave will suggest to teachers that they limit the amount of homework given during the winter break.
• Mrs. Hargrave believes all the duplicate sets of books have been ordered, but will check into it.
• Based on a request, Mrs. Hargrave will make some parenting book suggestions for parents.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:10 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Lisa Kay.