MUIRLANDS MIDDLE SCHOOL
PTA MEETING

March 2, 2006

The meeting was called to order at 12:40 PM.

The minutes from the February 2, 2006 PTA meeting were reviewed by three readers, finalized, and then posted on the website. 

President’s Report—Sarah Schrier (for Linda Dowley)

• On March 23, the PTA and Foundation will co-sponsor a parent information coffee in the teachers’ lounge at 9:30
• Upcoming PTA meetings will feature special guests.  In April, a representative from the teen substance abuse program at Scripps Health will speak about early intervention and treatment.   In May, the school nurse will speak about health issues affecting middle schoolers.  In June, Mr. Shelburne, the principal at La Jolla High School, is invited to speak.
• Typically there is no PTA meeting in June, but there will be this year.  The outgoing and incoming PTA board usually has a lunch meeting, which may still happen this year. 
• A principal’s chat is scheduled for May 25.  It will be hosted in someone’s home. 
• Mrs. Halpern will by looking for parent volunteers to assist with the Science Olympiad next year.

Treasurer’s Report – Cheryl McCarthy

• The Treasurer’s Report was presented.  The balance in the account is $20,862.96.  The checks below were presented for approval.  Terri Newlee made a motion to approve the checks.  The motion was seconded, and it carried.

Check Recipient Amount Purpose
1229                  Scholastic Book Fairs         $1715.22                  books
1238                  Barbara Daitch                     150.00                  line dancers
1239                  Post Office                              750.00                  bulk mail
1240                  Sharon Christianson                     307.04                  hospitality
1241                  SDU PTA Council                        4.50                  membership

• The Treasurer’s report was presented for approval.  Margaret Ohara made a motion to approve the report.  Ellen Brice seconded the motion and it carried.

Auditor’s Report – Karen Davis

• Karen Davis presented the Auditor’s Report.    Renee Savage made a motion to approve the report.  Wendy Neri seconded the motion and it carried.

Principal – Chris Hargraves

• There are not expected to be any changes in staff next year.  Teachers have the opportunity during the post/bid time to apply for openings at other schools. 
• Spring open house will be held on May 18.
• 8th graders go on the East Coast Trip April 1-8.  There are 120 students attending, so no lottery was needed. 
• Parents should have received the letter from the District regarding upcoming testing.  March 7 is when 7th graders will be tested on writing skills.  The school uses the results of this test to plan for next year.
• The DRP (Degrees of Reading Power) test will be held on April 17.  The test results should adequately reflect the grade level where children are currently reading.  This test is used a tool to place children in the appropriate class.  At Muirlands, at least 80% of the students are at or above average grade level.
• The California Standards Tests will be administered April 27 – May 8.  Students are strongly encouraged not to miss school during this time.
• The DMT (District Math Test) will be held on May 22 and 23rd.  This is a 10-problem test is an assessment to see if children learned what they were supposed to learn.  It is used to appropriately place children next year and for summer school purposes.
• Some parents have asked if a French or Spanish conversation class could be offered.  Muirlands cannot offer a class unless it is invented and considered as a pilot program.  It probably would not be approved by the District.  Only high school equivalent courses are available.
• Parents have asked some questions about the 8th grade science class.  Muirlands is studying the standards required to make sure students are ready for the science classes at LJHS.  The 8th grade science class does cover some chemistry, but it is not designed to prepare students for chemistry component of Advanced Biology.
• .
• The school is not going to cut teachers.  The librarian position will be reduced from .5 to .3.  Instructional supplies will be cut and students will be asked to bring more of their own supplies next year.  The Building Services Supervisor position will eliminated and replaced with a shift custodian. The administrators will be responsible for ordering supplies.
• The District is considering the issue of adding seminar positions for schools with large numbers of seminar students.  Muirlands is hoping to be able to add seminar student positions in two years.
• The school is looking at GATE students and how to differentiate those students in the Science classes.

Muirlands has to cut the budget by 2.5% next year – about $90,000.  This is in addition to the 5-7% that the budget was reduced two years ago

Officer and Committee Chair Reports

La Jolla High and Muirlands Band Booster President – Mary Fischer

• The bands are looking for more participation from Muirlands.  Mr. Kirk Johnson is the band director for both schools, and he is excellent.  Students are encouraged to join the band and parents are encouraged to join the boosters.  Band students have the opportunity to attend field trips such as the cruise to Ensenada the 7th and 8th graders are taking.  The 6th graders will take a trip to Magical Music Days at Disney. 
• The Band Boosters are selling tickets for a March 29 fundraiser dinner at Pernicano’s for $10.

Legislative Chair LJHS PTA – Mary Fischer

• For those who are interested in more information about what is happening with the PTA on a statewide basis – go to www.capta.org.  The PTA is trying to look at programs that benefit the maximum number of children. 

Foundation and ASB– Dorie Gayner

• A poster machine was purchased by ASB for about $10,000.  The magazine drive brought in about $20,000, so the money was available for the poster machine. 
• The upcoming Casino Night fundraiser for the foundation has been a lot of work.  It is hoped that the effort will result in adequate money being raised.  This fundraiser will be reconsidered next year. 
• New board members are being sought for a number of open positions on the Foundation.
• The painting projects are in process.  The benches are almost finished and the faceless mural will be done next.  A painting party will be scheduled.

Newsletter

• The deadline for the final newsletter of the year is April 6.

Newsletter – Jennifer Eve

• An email message will be sent inviting parents to participate in the newsletter mailing activity. 

GATE – Margaret Ohara

• Author John Ritter will be working with students on March 13.
• A call for parents with Science and English literature skills has been made to provide more enrichment programs for students.

Nominating Committee  - Sarah Schrier

• Thank you to all the members of the committee who worked very hard recruiting and to all of the people who stepped forward to accept PTA positions. 
• The nominating committee has proposed a roster of candidates for PTA positions for next year.  There are only three open positions to be filled.  The election will take place next month.

Box Tops for Education – Sharon Christianson

• This year, Sharon headed up the effort to collect box tops as a way to raise money for the school.  The program is worthwhile and will continue next year.  Anyone interested in volunteering to work on this program should contact Sharon directly.

The Foundation meeting has been changed from March 7 to March 14.

55 parent volunteers are needed for 9th grade registration on August 31 from 7:30 to 12:30. 

The meeting was adjourned at 1:50 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Lisa Kay.