MUIRLANDS MIDDLE SCHOOL
PTA MEETING
January 5, 2006

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM.

The minutes from the December 1, 2005 PTA meeting were reviewed by three readers, finalized, and then posted on the website. 

President’s Report—Linda Dowley

• A number of volunteers were thanked—Jill Berg, Cultural Arts, Ellen Sacks and Sharon Christianson, Hospitality, Barbara Daitch, 8th Grade Western Day, and Sarah Schrier, Programs.
• Important upcoming dates were announced.  February 10 is no longer a staff development day—it is a regular school day for students.

Treasurer’s Report – Cheryl McCarthy

• The Treasurer’s Report was presented.  The balance in the account is $21,891.50.  The check below was presented for approval.  Sarah Schrier made a motion to approve the check.  Mary Rose Schwartz seconded the motion, and it carried.

Check Recipient Amount Purpose
1235                  PJ Barnes                  $2390.00                  Moneybooks

Officer and Committee Chair Reports

Membership – Tina Greenberg

• There are approximately 500 PTA 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.
• The school hopes to sell Off the Wall tickets for La Jolla High School’s fundraiser again this year.  Muirlands gets about $5 per ticket sold.

Parliamentarian –  Renee Savage

• The Executive Board approved the proposed changes to the bylaws.  The changes have been presented to the San Diego Unified PTA Council for approval.  After that, the changes will be presented to the PTA members for approval.
• In February, a slate of members for the nominating committee for next year’s PTA positions will be formed.  The requirements to be on this nominating committee are PTA membership and not to have served on this committee last year.  The committee is a February through April commitment. 

Governance – Margaret Ohara

• No meeting was held in December.
• Minutes of the meetings are posted on the school website.
• There was a discussion regarding the 8th grade science curriculum and whether or not students are prepared for high school science.  Margaret will follow up on this topic at the next Governance meeting. 

Foundation and ASB– Dorie Gayner

• A dance will be held in February 10.
• The Foundation meets the first Tuesday of every month.
• There are escrip forms in the office.
• Club sign-ups for the upcoming session are available before school and during lunchtime.  Some new clubs have been added.
• March 4 will be the Casino night at La Jolla Country Club.  A golf tournament will be held in conjunction with this event.
• The Foundation recently funded some mini grants, including Science and English enrichment programs.
• General beautification of the school is taking place with plants and murals.

Hospitality – Ellen Sacks

• The holiday thank you for teachers was discussed.  Instead of a breakfast, teachers were given a gift certificate to Girard Gourmet.  It was for a sandwich, beverage and cookie.  It seemed well received.

Newsletter – Anna Marie Cameron

• The deadline for the next newsletter is February 5.
• An email message will be sent inviting parents to participate in the newsletter mailing activity. 

COUNSELORS – TERRY SCHWARTZ AND PAT HINZ

• A presentation was given to the group regarding bullying.  The counselors recently attended a training given by Izzy Kalman on dealing with the issue of bullying.  The focus was on helping the victim of a bully, as opposed to dealing with the bully.
• Several books relevant to middle school students were recommended to parents.  A list of those books will be provided in the next newsletter.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Lisa Kay.