Deborah Stoll, co-president called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
Translation Equipment Guidelines
1. Nancy Newton noted that the equipment was shared with the faculty and is
in the possession of Mr. Gainous in his office. It was suggested that the
guidelines be taped on the equipment and an announcement be put in each
teacher's mailbox or through Linda Wanner and the e-mail teacher system.
Rosa Sanchez has been the main translator but there needs to be a list of
people who can be rotated.
2. Because money came from the Carol Freeman Foundation a report needs to be
made as to its use.
Nominating Committee Ron McClain
1. Elections are in May
2. The nominations will be announced at the April 18, 2006 meeting.
3. A co-president is very important because the job is just too big for one
person.
Subjects for April and May meetings
1. Elections in May
2. Internet Safety--Kids are using school computers inappropriately. Face
books and myspace have become issues of privacy and danger.
3. June--end of year party, June 5 graduation.
Pedestrian and Vehicular Safety Sam Stokes
1. Sam is waiting to talk with transportation about the new plan for
University Boulevard's drop off in the morning. It will require cones,
signage and a few security people to make it work. First, there must be an
information campaign.
2. Sally Stokes is talking to Mr. Green the new Transportation person for
Montgomery County about other potential pedestrian safety possibilities.
Membership Carolyn Lichtenstien
1. Back to School Night in 2005 was problematic because of the weather and
a major accident on University Boulevard which make people late and
exacerbated the parking situation. We had SAC tables but perhaps having
some outside if the weather was good would work. It was suggested that a
form with an addressed envelope on each desk in first period might do the
trick.
2. Magnet and Cap families need to be encouraged and cajoled into seeing
themselves as part of the school and the solution to its issues. Perhaps
school teacher leaders could speak to parents about joining the PTSA and
what's in it for them and the school.
3. Incentives. Right now if you give $50, you get a t-shirt, a reflector
for $40 and everyone gets a calendar.
4. Reinforce what the PTSA does either on the form or in an added flyer.
5. On line membership. Barry Johnson will talk about on line membership on
April 18.
6. The form itself is overwhelming. Perhaps there should be a separate form for volunteering.
7. Back to School night should be for Ben sign up and listserv sign up.
8. There needs to be a plan of action and Carolyn needs help in order to do it. Her goal is to have a data base for all members.
Extracurricular Activities Ron McClain
1. Ron reported that there will be field hearings on the artificial turf. Park and Planning is deciding which fields will get the artificial turf first. At the present time Blair's fields are undermaintained.
2. Ron reminded the board that the drug and alcohol policies are athletes seem only to be for athletes. Shouldn't they be school wide?
Silent Auction
1. The silent auction committee has asked the executive board to come up with a basket idea.
Academic Vice President Bonnie Malkin
1. There was some confusion about the National Honor Society and how it works. Questions and answers went out on the listserv. In the handbook and the Blazer, there will be an explanation. The issue should be a part of the counseling office.
2. The high school assessments are graded by the same people who grade the SATs. Since the SATs were misgraded this year, how the HSAs are graded is being investigated.
3. Bonnie is looking into a mentoring programs and met with Mr. Gainous about this. From 1988-2001 there was a program where truant students were identified, family visits were made and their needs assessed. Referrals were then made in the community to help them. The program was co-sponsored by the Y. This program definitely made a difference.
Upcoming events
1. NAACP April 22, Up count and Down County meetings taking place simultaneously.
2. BPOP Dance and Spring Fling April 21st. The Dance is for the students and the Spring Fling, which is on April 29th is for grown ups.
3. Conquista dos Suenos Joe Bellino, a Blair Esol teacher is very involved and it is going well.
4. Media policy, MCPS's new policy on movies. No R rated movies, not matter what. The PTA has come out as feeling that the policy is too restrictive.
Deborah Stoll reported on an Instructional Leadership Team meeting she went to.
1. This particular meeting included heads of departments, administration, and a student panel of school leadership. They were asked to prepare what they saw as issues for the school and the students.
2. They prepared impressively and came up with the following concerns:
1. Academics--they would like to see more personal relationships formed with the teachers.
2. Discipline and Safety--they are concerned about bathrooms being locked and unavailable
3. ID use--they would like to be able to show the ID at the beginning of the day and not have to show it again.
3. The students were thoughtful, respectful and were fabulous.
David Ottalini moved that another rule be added to the existing Netiquette rules. It reads #14. It is not appropriate to name a teacher or staff person with whom you are having issues with your student. You MAY talk in general terms about classwork, expectations, etc. But if you have issues with a particular teacher, please deal with that teacher directly. Beth Martin seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
