Montgomery Blair High School PTSA

Minutes of the Blair PTSA meeting March 11, 2008

Present: Dave Ottalini, Bob Gillette, Sam Stokes, Carol Smalls, Nancy Newton, Katya & Andrew Partan, Kathleen Bryan, Margo Kabel, Sally Taber, Chih Chow, Patsy Hedrick, Linda Simon, Jeannie Philbin, Lisa Gabriel, Elissa Lichtenstein, Sumih Chih, Rosanne Hurwitz

Facilitator: Dave Ottalini
Timekeeper: Bob Gillette
Recorder: Linda Simon

Minutes from the February PTSA meeting were approved.

Ms. Wanner awarded the “Blair bear” to the SGA.

Nancy Newton presented the Treasurer’s report.
February was a slow month; some money came in from the eScrip program. We filed taxes. Many mini-grant recipients never picked up their grant money, including all of the student clubs. Sumih will communicate with them about picking up their money, and remind them that we have the right to ask for the money back if it’s not used. There was discussion about building in a better status check.

Mr. Williams gave the Principal’s report, starting off with congratulations for a wonderful production of Beauty and the Beast.
The Magnet convention took place last night and is continuing tonight. District Festival is also taking place this week for both bands. Blair’s volunteers will be recognized next month at the Champions for Children ceremony next month. Blair has been focusing on preparing for the H S A’s, which will be given the week of May 19th. A bridge plan is being developed as an alternative assessment for students who have failed the H S A twice. A modified H S A will also be given for some Special Ed students. AP exams will be given earlier in May. Rosanne Hurwitz asked about staffing projections. We have lost some staff based on projected enrollment; Blair is slated to lose 12 teachers. There will be a Magnet meeting on April 2 which will address any staff cuts. Dr. Morrison and Dennis Heidler will also be present at the meeting. We won’t know about all staff changes for a few months, since teachers haven’t had to decide yet about retirement, and involuntary transfers won’t be set for some time.

Sumih Chih gave the report from the SGA.
April is a very busy month, with the Charity Challenge, activities by the Justice Coalition, Save Darfur, and Make-a-Wish Foundation. SGA is also sponsoring a blood drive on April 19. SMOB elections are coming up. Spring Spirit Week will be the week of April 14-18, ending with an outdoor pep rally, Blair Fair, powder-puff football, and the Sadie Hawkins dance April 19th.

BOE member Chris Barclay was not able to attend the PTSA meeting as planned, so his presentation was cancelled.

Committee reports–

• Carol Smalls, head of painless fundraising, reported that we received an additional $1,000 from Safeway for participation in the eScrip program at a ceremony today.
• Dave Ottalini gave the report for the Silent Auction. Donna Beausoleil and Kathleen Briese report that donations are down this year. All PTSA members were asked to come up with any contacts or family donations. The silent auction is April 18.
• Dave also reported that at an April 15th dinner honoring volunteerism, Blair will be receiving an additional $1000. We’ve logged 1500 volunteer hours in February alone!
• Reflections – Dave reported on behalf of Angela Botzer about the Reflections arts program, which is fairly new at Blair. We didn’t get to States, but participation is definitely growing.
• Dave and Jeannie Philbin gave the cluster report. At the February meeting with BOE members at SSI, they had a chance to discuss needs particular to the Blair cluster with 5 members of the Board. They talked about complex program needs, the need for outreach to families with limited English, and H S A’s. It was a very productive meeting.
• Sally Taber talked about the MCCPTA resolution concerning PSAT’s. Since MCPS has decided to pay for both 10th and 11th graders to take the test (9th graders will take a practice test), the motion has been tabled.
• Patsy Hedrick reported that the Athletic Boosters has hosted the Poms competition, County wrestling tournament, and the basketball divisional playoffs. The winter sports awards ceremony was held on March 10th.
• After-Prom is gearing up. Kate Cook needs volunteers to help make decorations, get donations, etc.

New Business:

• The directory, unfortunately, couldn’t be published for free as it has in the past; it’s been distributed electronically. We may also publish it via Edline.
• There will be no PTSA meeting in April due to a conflict with the Principals and Presidents dinner.
• The end-of-the-school year mixer will take place on June 10th, the night before graduation.
• Ann Collins has agreed to serve as the third member on the nominating committee for next year.

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:50.