East PTSA Minutes
Monday, November 7, 2005

Meeting was called to order by President Wanda Morrison at 12:45 pm. Those in attendance were: Carol Snodgrass, Margaret Talton-Williams, Lori Heiden, DJ Holmes, Ken Sanders, Linda Fox, Pam Shapiro, Betty Steinke, Wanda Morrison, Tracy Peterson, and Cheryl Swaim.

Minutes from previous meeting were read and approved.

Principal’s Report—Parent/Teacher conferences will be held Thursday, Nov. 10 and Wednesday, Nov. 16. Sucker grams will be sold again. Looking for volunteers from PTSA, Student Council, or NJHS. Book Fair begins Thursday, Nov. 10 and runs all next week in the LGI room. Let DJ Holmes know if you are available to help. Reflections reception will be held Monday, Nov. 21st. The entry numbers are down this year. There is a different award for each winner. We will have Wednesday, Nov. 23 off for the Thanksgiving break. Results of the Student Council officer elections will be Wednesday, Nov. 9th. Student Council Dance dates are February 16 and April 6, 2006. The Eighth grade dance will be held on June 8, 2006. Entertainment Book sales were down this year. Normally we raise $11,000 that pays for student planners as well as the Outstanding Citizens field trips. This year we raised $6,000. Magazines sales are also down this year.

Assistant Principal’s Report—Boys basketball tryout starts Nov. 7th. First game will be Nov. 29. Intramurals will be held in the gym from 2:30-4:00 during basketball season. There is a survey coming out concerning early release. Looking for Noon-aid subs during lunch. The hours are from 10:15-12:45.

Legislative—Cheryl Swaim reported that she has 180 names on the Parent Network email list. This Thursday, Nov. 10, there is a committee forum on Learn to Earn. Post secondary education is not relevant to career. High school graduation requirements by law require only one semester of Civics. Next Tuesday, Nov. 15, recommendations will be made by the State that will affect students presently in middle school. A vote will be taken at the December meeting at the State level. Farmington Schools will meet or exceed whatever the board decides. FPS District Website: New items on this site include the change to the Unlimited Family Pass. The Pass is $120. If you previously purchased a limited pass and want to purchase the Unlimited Family Pass, the cost of that pass will be applied to the unlimited pass fee. On Nov. 29th, proposals will be made concerning block scheduling. There will be a public forum held January 5, 2006 before final recommendations are made. Cheryl has noticed and is encouraged by the number of parent-to-parent emails being translated into the native language by the families receiving them.

Treasurer’s Report—DJ is looking for parent help with magazines orders. Students receive a free “Ozzie” with 4 or more orders. Volunteers will work from 10:30-12:30 during lunch outside the cafeteria. Other good prizes are awarded for good orders. Placed another Spirit Wear order and replaced the last order. Plan to sell Spirit Wear at conferences. There is a 2 to 3 week turnaround for each order placed. There is a $15 setup fee per design. We need to review our prices. We will have a Spirit Wear meeting in the next day or so. Insurance needs to be renewed. General liability is $95. Property is $100. Officer’s liability is $50. DJ mentioned that we could get embezzlement ins. for $85. After discussion, Mr. Sanders made a motion that we renew the insurance for the previous amount. Traci Peterson seconded. Motion carried.

Reflections Committee—Pam Shapiro reported that she had received 12 entries to date. Lower number of entries from last year. Everyone is invited to attend the reception on Monday, Nov. 21 at 7:00pm. in the lobby.

Membership-$1918.00 received to date.

Nominating Committee—Tracy Peterson has accepted the position of chairperson.

PTSA Council Rep—Margaret Talton-Williams has accepted this position and was welcomed to the meeting. The next meeting date for the council will be held January 6.

Website Administrator—Lori Heiden has updated the website. An overhaul was needed and she received positive feedback on the updated version. Deon Jackson has volunteered to help as well. Lori will contact Ms. Shammami to understand more of the process in regards to updates.

Old Business—Health piece in regards to lunchroom menu. No one stepped up to volunteer/chair a Nutrition Committee. No further action.

New Business—Need to get the PTSA minutes to Jody for the newsletter at least 2 weeks prior to print. April 6, 2006 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. will be 5th grade Parent Orientation. Mr. Sanders asked for a calendar of upcoming meeting dates and times. The next meeting will be held on December 5, at 7:00pm in the LGI room.

Respectfully Submitted,

Betty Steinke, recording secretary