Montgomery Blair High School PTSA

Minutes of PTSA Executive Committee Meeting --- February 5, 2007

February 5, 2007
PTSA Executive Board Meeting

Present: Debra Reed-Gillette, Deborah Stoll, Dave Ottalini, Ray Scannell, Bonnie Malkin, Diane Vidutis, Miriam Szapiro, Anne Kaiser, Carol Smalls, Nancy Newton, Barbara Tobias, Sam Stokes, Beth Martin, Ed Zoz

Facilitator: Deborah Stoll
Time Keeper: Dave Ottalini
Recorder: Debra Reed-Gillette

Deb called the meeting to order at 7:35 pm.

Executive Board minutes from January were approved as posted. All members are reminded to CLEARLY write their name on the sign-in sheet for each meeting.

Treasurer: Nancy reported that there is approximately $43,000 in income to date, and planned expenses are approximately $54,000. Nancy will examine projected expenses and see whether or not thy will occur. One item to potentially add to the budget is the purchase of additional channels for more languages for the translation equipment. Nancy will have a better sense of the spending and the overall budget by the next general meeting and will be able to propose levels of spending at that time.

Graduation Venue: Miriam would like to think about how we can thank the law firm who helped us to change the graduation venue, in particular Gene Schar and Andrew Nichols. It was determined that we would write a letter of appreciation and Bonnie Malkin would create framed certificates of appreciation. In addition, we would recognize the law firm’s assistance in the Blazer. A concert by InTonation for the firm was also suggested but was not possible to obtain. Letters to the BOE members supporting our cause would also be sent and published in the Blazer. A thank you gift of flowers was sent to Jericho City of Praise in appreciation of their flexibility in the matter and their generosity.

Blair Education Foundation: The Blair Education Foundation will be meeting with Dave Ottalini and Mr. Gainous to discuss the $15,000 currently sitting in the foundation account. The foundation is currently not operating and would have to be reconstituted. It is suggested that $5000 of the foundation money could be used for mini-grants to the school. The remaining funds could be used to move or recreate the Blair coat of arms currently at SSIMS at the old Blair site. Discussions will need to occur with Blair Lee who provided the majority of the money for the foundation in support of Blair.

Programming: The February 20 meeting will be primarily a business meeting unless other ideas are generated. In March or April, it is proposed that the Athletic Boosters with the PTSA hold an informational presentation/ program on Sports Scholarships and the difference between Division I, II, and III schools. During this timeframe, the 11th grade parents meeting will also be held to provide information about the college application process and after high school planning. Ideas for topics/programs for the PTSA meetings are needed. Please contact Deb or Dave to provide topics and speakers.

Grading and Reporting: Bonnie’s testimony to the Board of Education (BOE) has been posted. This testimony addresses the issue of testing students on material they have not been taught. This is an ongoing issue, and is not just concerning the Physics First Final Exam issue.

Cluster: There will be a meet and greet at Ray Scannell’s home on February 14 with Valerie Ervin, Mark Elrich, and George Leventhal. Blair was only 1 of 2 schools who brought letters of support to the Budget Testimony.

Pedestrian Safety: Sam Stokes reported that the new drop off site was approved for the beginning of the 3rd marking period. Currently additional cones are on order and parents and students will be notified via the listserve, flyers handed out in the parking lots, and also via Silver Chips and the Blazer. Robodial may also be used. Signage is still an issue being addressed, as are overgrown areas of plantings, graffiti, and the homeless center by the back wall near the beltway. Crossing guards at the major intersection are still being sought.

After Prom: The After Prom committee will be having a spring plant sale and may also schedule additional plant sales for the fall. You will be able to purchase plants for your home use as well as donate purchased plants to the Blair Beautification Committee.

Painless Fundraising: Sniders receipts are currently being tallied and approximately $700 should be raised for Blair. Blair received two $1000 checks from the Westfield program. Approximately $3700 from Giant has been sent directly to the school. The eScrip fundraiser is still ongoing and that money will go to the PTSA.

Silent Auction: The Silent Auction will be held on April 20 during the Blair Fair. It will be coordinated with Mr/Ms Blazer and the other SGA sponsored activities so that they don’t conflict.

Nominating Committee: The nominating committee has been constituted. Names are being requested for Co-President and many committee heads.

By-laws Committee: The by-laws committee is currently working on the new template for the by-laws, which also requires incorporation. Volunteers to help with this activity are requested to contact Carol Smalls.

Athletic Boosters: Athletic Boosters is a club for parents of athletes. New members are needed, as currently there are only a few parents who do the majority of the work, such as run the concession stands, etc. A meeting was held with Mr. Short and Mr. Gainous to raise the profile of the Athletic Boosters. The perception is that sports are not supported within the school and the community. Mr. Gainous does not attend sports awards nights, which sends a discouraging message.

The goals for the Boosters at this time are to:

1. Get better academic support for athletes and perspective athletes
2. Get information out to students about college athletics
3. Increase involvement with the administration
4. Create a better infrastructure for communications between the coaches, administration, and the parents/athletes.
5. Locate a president for the Boosters for next year.

Blazer: The Blazer has been trimmed to 8 pages. Due to turn around time, the Blazer has been unable to get Spanish translation done in time for it to go to print.

Announcements:

* Volunteers are needed for the Climate workgroup. This group meets Wednesdays at 3pm.
* The Blair It’s Academic Team has won and will move to the next round.
* Interested in a position? Blair PTSA has openings for officers and committee chairs.

The Executive Board Meeting was adjourned at 9:30 pm

Dates to remember:

4/17 – PTSA Membership Meeting, 7:30 pm in the Media Center

5/7 – PTSA Executive Board Meeting, 7:30 pm in the Staff Lounge

5/15 – PTSA Membership Meeting, 7:30 pm in the Media Center

*6/4 – PTSA Executive Board and Membership Meeting, 7:30 pm in the Staff Lounge

4/20 – Blair Fair/Silent Auction

5/27 – After Prom

* Date subject to change due to new graduation date