EMS Parent Group
Tuesday, September 12, 2006

A regular meeting of the East Middle School Parent Group was called to order by President Jane Jones in the LGI room. Those in attendance were:  Betty Steinke, Kathy Robertson, Angela Beauford, Lori Heiden, Suzanne Romero, Tracey Garcia, Mary Gort, Paula Williams, Linda Clew, Sharon Cressman, Sue Wilcox, Kristen Agee, DJ Holmes, Jane Jones, Jane Buckner, Sandra Alston, Kathryn Fecher, Sue Reynolds, Kari Acker, Renay Rath, Laura Olson, Todd Pokryfky, Latreace Watkins, Karen Butler, Shawn Butler,Lynn Carlson, Ellen Watts, Julie Zatsick, Carol Snodgrass, Judy Culbertson, Ken Sanders, and Linda Fox.

Minutes from the June meeting were read and approved as submitted.  Executive board was introduced 

Principal’s Report—Parents were notified of the Open House via the List Serve.  Those families without computer access will receive a hard copy of Titan Times.  Please let the office know if you need one.  Open House was not well attended.  Action—Parents asked for a link from the List Serve for Titan Times Newsletter. Picture Day is Wednesday, September 13^th.  Order form and money due at that time.  Meap tests will be starting October 9^th.  Make sure your child has a good breakfast and a good night’s sleep.

Action—If you are interested in coordinating volunteers for Meap snacks, or if you would like to donate snacks, please contact Jane Jones..  Entertainment books are on sale now.  Proceeds pay for the student planner.  Books cost $20 with over $20,000 in coupons.  Parents can help by selling at work.  First Skate Party is October 4^th at Bonaventure from 6:30 to 8:30pm.  Cost is $7 per skater. We need 150 skaters to break even.  The next skating party is Monday, March 18, 2007.  Family members are welcome to come.  It is family night, not neighbor night.  Magazine sales will begin after Meap testing is complete.  October 3^rd is the first dance.  It is after school from 2:30 to 4:00pm.  Action—Please contact Angela Beauford if you can help volunteer during the dance.  EMS’s Art Program has a project this year called  Bringing the world Together Piece by “Peace”.  Each student will make a tile with her or his name on it.  Mrs. Iatrou is asking for a $10 donation from each student to help defray costs.  Businesses may also have a tile for a $50 donation. All donations are tax deductible.  The tiles will be mounted on the wall in the lobby by the front door.  The Washington D.C. trip is scheduled for November 4-8.  Cost is approximately $550.  Money is due soon.  Students will be able to fundraise to help pay for the trip.  Encourage your 8^th grader to go.  Each bus will need parent volunteers.  Action—Please see Mr. Toth or Mr. Vermullen if you are able to chaperone this trip.

Assistant Principal’s Report—Pay to Play athletics are underway.  Football, Cross Country, and Girls Basketball.  Intramurals are free.  We are in a new league with West Bloomfield.

Committee Reports—Two parent representatives are needed to attend the PTA Council meetings.  Meetings are held quarterly at the Maxfield Training Center.  Reps will be asked to gather information and report back at our next scheduled parent meeting.  Action—Please see Jane Jones, Mr. Sanders, or one of the board members if you are interested in being a representative.  Heritage Festival is this Sunday from 12:30 -5:30pm  Spiritwear orders are due Friday, September 15^th.  If anyone has questions about getting signed up with Family Access, please call Ms. Davis in the office.  EMS parents Lori Heiden and Larry Cannell will be presenting at the first Community Forum of the school year.  The topic is  about internet safety and is titled “It’s a Whole New World”.  The Forum will be held at the Maxfield Training Center on September 25 at 7:00pm.