Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Co-President Karen Saulsbery.
Program: Dr. Ron Davis welcomed the new faculty and staff members. See attachment for a list of names.
Minutes: The minutes from the May 14, 2008 meeting were approved as presented.
Treasurer’s Report: Annette Luchini reported the income and expenses in the PTSA account over the summer. The balance as of August 31, 2008 was $7,252.61. The treasurer’s report will be filed for audit.
Audit Report: Adria Banko reported on the audit of the PTSA account that was conducted over the summer. There were no unusual findings, and the records appear to accurately reflect the activity of the prior year.
President’s Report: Karen Saulsbery reported that directories not picked at Open House were distributed to teachers’ mailboxes Monday morning. She thanked Denise Dempsey for her work on the Faculty-Staff Breakfast and the Newcomers’ reception to be held September 19 and Chris Needles for her work on the Directory. Everyone is encouraged to sign up for Just Between Friends in order to receive email blasts from the PTSA, to be contacted for volunteer opportunities and to receive the newsletter. Everyone should also contact the School Board and express their opinions on the high school renovation. The PTA had a strong voice with the commissioners this summer to keep a police officer from being reassigned to Keystone Oaks, but the issue may not be over. Many parents in the community are involved with Commissioner Dale Colby’s community caring initiative. The League of Women Voters is sponsoring a forum between Matt Smith and John Pippy on Wednesday, October 22 in the Little Theatre. PTA Council will host a flu shot clinic in late October or early November. Outreach is a prevention education organization which works with individuals before a major crisis occurs. They are offering their six week parenting classes again. Drew Haberberger, the MLEA representative and MLHS physics teacher, wants parents to encourage their students to speak with teachers before hiring tutors to let them know what points students are not understanding. The Reflections deadline is November 15th. Karen discussed the accomplishments of the Vision Screening committee. SAT flashcards are available for purchase through the high school web page.
Principal’s Report: Dr. Davis reported on the progress of single source recycling throughout the high school; the Abitibi dumpster will still be available for the community. The intent of the September school board meeting is to select a construction manager. That manager will have 30 to 45 days to validate the numbers for each of the design proposals. A design option should be selected at the November or December board meeting; construction will start 18 months later and the project will be finished in another 2 to 4 years. Building tours were conducted on Saturday and are available by contacting Dr. Davis. Dr. Davis discussed efforts to insert educational concepts into the renovation discussion. He also reported on the status of the Middle States Accreditation and noted that a visitation team will be at the high school in March to validate the progress. Grant money from Classrooms for the Future will be used this year for 115 laptop computers and six storage carts for student use. Dr. Davis also gave an update on fulfilling the related CE requirements. The Moving Forward initiative is continuing and the first activity was held on Tuesday. He concluded by thanking the PTSA for their support for the school.
4th Vice President: Mary Birks noted that volunteer opportunities are on JBF. Committees which need volunteers but are not on JBF should contact her.
Teacher Representative: Dr. Rosen reported on students’ efforts for the first show for MTLSN. Students who did PA announcements at Open House received community service.
Membership: Lisa Dorn reported that 770 directories have been sold. We have 853 members to date which include 49 faculty and have collected $8,196.
Directory: Karen Saulsbery thanked Chris Needles and Jerome for their work on the directory.
Human Relations: Denise Dempsey reported on the Newcomer’s Reception to be held on the19th. There are 75 new families at the high school.
Student Activities: Betsy Henderson reported. The new student officers have been working all summer and have a goal of meeting with all 81 homerooms within the first 100 hours of school to encourage students to get involved. Student council elections were held. Activities Day is on the 24th, and new clubs are starting. The Community Service Fair is on the 25th. The Spirit Assembly and Homecoming parade are on October 3rd, and the assembly will again have teams by elementary school. Seven alumni will be recognized at the Great Alumni Awards luncheon on September 19th and at the football game that night. She concluded by thanking the PTSA for their help.
Old Business: Annette Luchini presented the 2008-2009 budget. A motion to approve the budget was made and seconded and a voice vote carried.
New Business: Karen Saulsbery asked PTSA members to attend the October school board meetings.
Other: Beth Evans discussed the German students’ arrival on September 19th, and Ruby Kang discussed the Teen Screen program.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:55.
Respectfully submitted,
Adria Banko
Recording Secretary
