East PTSA Meeting Minutes Monday, April 3, 2006

A regular meeting of the PTSA was called to order by President Jane Jones at 12:45pm in Mrs. Franklin’s room. Those in attendance were: Rosemary Leeb, DJ Holmes, Jane Jones, Cindy Elliott, Lori Schneider, Debby Brauer, Lori Heiden, Sue Reynolds, Jody Schoeps, Sue Coscarelly, Cheryl Swaim, Ken Sanders, and Betty Steinke.

Minutes from the March meeting were read and approved as submitted.

Principal’s Report—Twenty-four candidates will be inducted in to NJHS on Tuesday, April 4, 2006. Fifth grade parent orientation is at 6:00pm on Wednesday. Currently working on merging list-serve names with parent-to-parent and PTSA. School dance is Thursday from 2:30-4:00pm. Theme is tropical. Mr. Toth is currently organizing the 8th grade annual Civil War Day. Battle of the Books semi-finals will be held Thursday morning at 8:00am. Next week is the student/staff basketball game. Monday after Spring break, the 8th grade will be going to court with Judge Brady. Tuesday is the BMX show. Thursday, April 27th is “Take your child to work day”. It is considered a field trip and not an absence. Reflection form (in office) must be filled out and parent must call the office and excuse the student. April 28th is an early release day. Remember to vote on May 2nd. Two unopposed candidates are running for school board and a millage renewal proposal is on the ballot. Official ballot language is legally required to read as an increase. But it is in fact a renewal. Pirates of Penzance will be performed May 3-5 at 7:00pm. All fall schedules should be turned in by now. Track season started last Wednesday. School newsletter is now online.

Treasurer’s Report—Sold Spiritwear last month at conferences totaling $300. A suggestion was made to show Spiritwear to Fifth grade parents at the orientation. Lori Heiden suggested we put pictures on the website. Jane will talk to Kim Heath at Power Middle School about changing colors of the sweatshirts. The skating party cost the PTSA $107 due to a low turnout. We will be selling directories for $5. They can be picked up in the office or by contacting Rosemary Leeb.

Website—Lori Heiden has added a new page to the website for documents. The latest document to be added is High School Requirements. Lori Schneider commented that homework assignments are now available on Family Access by clicking the green tab on the report card page.

Discussion—Mr. Sanders reported that twenty-two teaching positions in the district are being cut. Incentives are being offered for early retirement. Students will still receive the same subject matter. Teachers will not be able to block their time nor will they have the same amount of time to plan or conference with parents. Teachers will teach all seven subjects everyday. No more student aid workers. Class size will not change but the number of teachers teaching them will change. Sue Coscarelly brought a concern about a portion of the sidewalk on school property that is usually under water or ice during the winter. She is concerned about the safety of the children. Mr. Sanders will look in to it. Cindy Elliott is seeking support about a bus transportation issue in her neighborhood. She took a request to add a stop to the route to the transportation department and her request was denied.

A formal announcement was made today that we are proposing to disband as a PTSA and become a Parent Advisory Group. A vote will be taken at the next meeting which will be held on Monday, May 8, 2006. All paid members of the PTSA may vote. Everyone is encouraged to be present.

Meeting adjourned at 2:15pm.

Respectfully,

Betty Steinke, secretary