February 2, 2006

The meeting was called to order at 12:35 PM.

The minutes from the January 5, 2006 PTA meeting were reviewed by three readers, finalized, and then posted on the website.

President’s Report—Linda Dowley

The school’s counselors were thanked for speaking to the PTA last month and extra copies of handouts were provided.
The State PTA convention is coming up May 10-13 in Anaheim.
February is the month the founding of the PTA is celebrated.

Treasurer’s Report – Cheryl McCarthy

The Treasurer’s Report was presented. The balance in the account is $22,059.50. The check below was presented for approval. Margaret Ohara made a motion to approve the check. Teri Newlee seconded the motion, and it carried.

Check Recipient Amount Purpose

1237 PTA Council $27.00 Memberships

Officer and Committee Chair Reports

Parliamentarian – Renee Savage

The nominating committee for next year’s PTA positions has been formed: Sarah Schrier, Andrea Brown, Deann Andrews, Laurie Allen and Kim Ayoub. Kathy Broekema and Ellen Rice are the alternates.

A motion to approve this committee was made, seconded and carried.

Cultural Arts – Jill Berg (not in attendance)

There have recently been assemblies for all grades: 6^th – internet safety, 7^th – science and 8^th – Western Day.
The budget is running out and they are currently looking for sources for money to continue assemblies.

8^th Grade – Barbara Daitch

8^th grade Western Day went well. Donations for the event were generous. Therefore, the extra money will be used for promotion.
The last day of school will be Tuesday, June 20. The promotion will be at 8:30 over at La Jolla High School.
Monday, June 12 will be the trip to Knotts Berry Farm on a bus.
Friday, June 16 will be annual signing.

GATE Report – Natalie Mann for Melanie Gold

The GATE committee has identified some areas in the science curriculum that can be enriched.
The goal is to have some of these enrichment opportunities in place for next school year.
The committee has done outreach to the scientific community to partner with them in an effort to improve the science program offered at Muirlands.
The English Department is also partnering with people in their field, such as author John Ritter, to provide programs for the students.
Anyone who has contacts for businesses that may be interested in partnering with the school should contact Natalie Mann.
These initiatives are coming from the GATE task force, but the programs benefit all students.

Foundation and ASB– Dorie Gayner

An after-school writers’ workshop with author John Ritter will be held in March. A flyer will be sent home with students
March 4 will be the Casino night at La Jolla Country Club. A pitch and putt golf tournament will be held at 5:00. There are volunteer opportunities available. Tickets will be sold at school. The wine cellar still needs donations.
General beautification of the school is taking place with plants and murals.
A dance will be held on February 10.
The band club is still open to students. Students can attend every Thursday for the rest of the year. The cost is $20. No prior musical experience is necessary.
Tiles are still for sale
The taco/pizza Wednesday is going well.
T-shirts, tank tops and sweatshirts are still for sale.

Newsletter – Anna Marie Cameron

The deadline for the next newsletter is February 8.
The deadline for the May/June newsletter is April 6
An email message will be sent inviting parents to participate in the newsletter mailing activity.

Governance – Jennifer Eve

The computer literacy requirement for students was discussed. An option that is available to students is to take an after-school class with Rich Gray. Sign-ups are currently available, and 8^th graders will be given priority.
An Open House will be held on May 18 for students and parents.

Principal – Chris Hargraves

The semester ends on Feb. 3 and grades will be mailed home on Feb. 9. Mistakes are possible, so if there are any questions, contact the counselors. Conferences will be scheduled with students at risk for not making grade level standards. 8^th grade students must have a 2.0 to participate in fall sports at the high school.
The new schedule will be distributed on the first day of the new semester. Most students will not have any changes.
The staff is currently trying to come up with ways to help students who are getting a D or F in a foreign language, because the credit will not count toward high school.
In January, a joint meeting was held with La Jolla High School and Muirlands teachers. It was a productive session. They conveyed what they expect to see from an incoming 9^th grade student. Discussions and cross-site visits will continue.
During the next PTA meeting, two science teachers will be speaking about the science program.
The California state standards for classes at each grade level was discussed. Parents can access this information at www.cde.edu
French will be offered next year if there is enough interest.
The trips are coming up for each grade. 8^th graders go to Boston/New York the week before Spring break. There are 130 students attending, so no lottery was needed. The citizenship grade point requirement was raised to 3.333. Approximately 40 7^th graders will go to Yosemite in May. 6^th graders will go to Sacramento and San Francisco in May.
A talent show is being held today after school. A Valentine’s dance will be held on February 10.
A meeting for 8^th grade parents will be held on February 28 at 6:30 to discuss which classes are offered at the high school.
The Foundation has secured local writer John Ritter to do 3 assemblies – one for each grade. Teachers will encourage students to read his books. Mr. Ritter will work with students in the 7^th grade English classes.
Dr. Cohen, the new Superintendent, recently visited classes at Muirlands.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:05 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Lisa Kay.