Montgomery Blair High School
PTSA Meeting March 18, 2003
Draft Minutes
Co-President
Marilyn Shoenfeld called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. in the SAC.
Down
County Consortium
Sally
Taber gave an update on the status which included a series of maps depicting
the options available. Copies of her
presentation were available as a handout.
None of the options are ideal because there are too many goals and
challenges to balance. The next
community forum to review and comment on the strategic plan is scheduled in
April. Each PTSA will have the
opportunity to submit a position statement.
For more information, please visit the MCPS website.
Safety
Plan
Mr.
Gainous presented an overview of the County’s Safety Plan. He stated that the experts have inspected the
school and have developed guidelines to be followed in case of an emergency
such as a biological or chemical attack.
Letters will be sent home regarding these procedures. He stressed that in the event of a “Code Blue
(Shelter in Place), parents should refrain from coming to the school to pick up
their children because the school will be locked and as a safety precaution, no
one, except students and staff, will not be allowed in the building. Instead, he stated that parents should stay
tuned to radio broadcasts for information.
Blair is prepared to house students for up to five days in the event of
an emergency. A question and answer
session followed.
War
Protests/Demonstrations
Mr. Gainous stated that there is a planned “walk-out” at 1:00 p.m. on the day the war begins. The Board of Education does allow for peaceful demonstration and he has given approval for the walkout. Teachers and administrators will be allowed to accompany the students to ensure their safety.
University
of Maryland Interns
Interns
are assigned to Blair to aid the Guidance Counselors throughout the year. The interns are interested in creating a
“resource guide” and wanted input from parents.
The resource guide would include contact information for tutors,
community services, etc. The interns
were invited to attend the Guidance Advisory Committee meetings to gain better
knowledge of the committee’s goals. The
interns also asked what topics parents would like counselors to address with
the students. Parents suggested the
following: bullying, sexual harassment,
driving, drugs, stress, and transition from high school to college/work
environment.
Announcements:
·
The SGA is sponsoring a Blood Drive on March 28. Students who are at least 17 can donate blood
with parent’s permission.
·
Staff Appreciation luncheon is on April 1 at 1:30. Volunteers and food are needed.
·
Senior Parent meeting is on April 1 @ 7:30 p.m. in the SAC. Information regarding graduation and prom
will be provided.
·
Silent Auction is on April 25.
Parent donations are needed.
Contact Elsie McGuire for more information.
·
Maryland Day is April 26 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the University
of Maryland.
·
After Prom Celebration is on May 25, from 1:00 to 5:00 a.m. and many
volunteers are needed for a variety of activities. Please contact Diane Foley for more
information.
·
There is a $31 million budget gap.
Parents need to speak out so that funding reductions do not occur at the
educational level.
The
next regularly scheduled PTSA meeting falls during Spring Break. Rescheduled date to be announced..
The
meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Secretary