DSA PTSA EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING

Media Center, DSA

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

In Attendance Lyleen Collins, Trudy Wensell, Shirley Violand-Jones, Jill Lowery, David Hawks, Kateri Hoekstra, Earle Manhertz, Jacqueline Bryant, Sarah Jane Huber

Call to Order President Lyleen Collins called the meeting to order at 5:35 pm.

Review of Minutes Minutes of the DSA PTSA Executive Board meeting of September 10, 2008 and the DSA PTSA General Meeting of September 23, 2008 were reviewed. Shirley Violand-Jones made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Earle Manhertz, and the motion carried unanimously by voice vote.

Introductions Ms. Collins introduced Sarah Jane Huber, DSA 11^th grade student who will serve as student representative to the PTSA.

Site Based School Improvement Team (SBSIT) Report Earle Manhertz reported that the first meeting of the school year was held on Wednesday, September 17, 2008. The SBSIT will track where DSA students go after graduation. It was noted that the Guidance website was run by a guidance counselor who has moved to Hillside and therefore the website is no longer available. The Choice Fair is coming up on November 15, 2008 at Hillside High School. The SBSIT is considering ways to supplement mentorship for students who may become first generation college students. The SBSIT discussed starting a committee for health awareness to be consistent with the DPS School Board Wellness Policy.

Staff Appreciation Report Teresa McBennett submitted the following written report: On September 10, 2008 at 4:00 pm the PTSA provided apples, granola/chewy bars and bottled water for the staff. This event cost $106.70. The budget for the year is $1700, and we have spent $439.99 with $1260.01 remaining.

PTSA Grants Awarded in Fall 2008 Lyleen Collins reported that the autism students took a field trip to Ganyard Farms with the help of a PTSA grant. The teacher reported that the trip was very successful. The PTSA approved by email vote up to $100 to help cover the cost of a trip to the Nasher Art Museum by Mr. Thompson’s photography class. Kateri Hoekstra made a motion to release funds (up to $150) set aside for the Literary Arts Festival trip for students of Ms. Van Dis. The motion was seconded by Earle Manhertz and carried unanimously by voice vote.

Principal’s Report Mr. David Hawks reported that he is pleased that we have a Student Representative to the PTSA. The play “Oliver” will be performed by DSA students in November, and Student Council elections will be held next week. A pep rally is planned for later this month for all sports. Report cards will go home on October 31, 2008. Ms. Lamay is covering for Ms. Kraft, who is out with an illness, in 8^th grade science, and the school is searching for a certified replacement. Ms. Kraft may recover and return by December. The school is also searching for a PE teacher.

Treasurer’s Report Shirley Violand-Jones circulated the monthly bank statement for review and initialing by PTSA Board Members. Ms. Violand-Jones reviewed the attached DSA PTSA budget report dated October 8, 2008. Overall expenses YTD is $1,312.26. The total income YTD is $2,364.83.

Fall Fundraiser Lyleen Collins and Kateri Hoekstra reported that letters (1401) requesting donations were mailed to DSA families on Monday, October 5, 2008. The letters went out in both English and Spanish.

Membership Report Jacqueline Bryant reported that she will be working with Ms. Violand-Jones to take on Membership duties.

Book Fair/Media Center Report Trudy Wensell reported that the Book Fair is going well. There have been approximately 85 people who attend Wednesday morning tutoring.

DPS Kitchen Table Conversation Lyleen Collins attended the session at Shepard Middle School on October 7, 2008 and received the draft of the DPS Parent Involvement Policy. She distributed copies for the information of the Board members.

Belk Fall Charity Days The PTSA will sign up for the Belk Fall Charity event on November 15, 2008.

Reflections Art Contest Ms. Collins and Jeff Goll attended the Reflections Training last week.

Parent Information Night On October 20, 2008 a representative from Cricket Communications will give a presentation to help parents understand abbreviations used by students when texting. Ms. Larson will then present on the media technology available for use by students at DSA. The event will take place at 6:30 pm in the Media Center.

DPS School Board Visit The DPS school board has the goal of visiting PTSA meetings of all schools before the end of the year. Ms. Collins has submitted the date of the next PTSA Executive Board Meeting and will let us know when this is scheduled.

Durham Council of PTAs DSA can nominate one volunteer for the Volunteer of the Year Award. The Durham Council of PTAs is starting an online newsletter and Board members can submit their email addresses if they so choose.

Non PTSA Grants Kateri Hoekstra reported that a parent talked with her about working on a grant with Ms. Larson – the PTSA would need to pledge $2500 to the Media Center to potentially get $10,000 for Media Center enhancement. A parent who was successful in obtaining the grant at Club Boulevard is interested in working on it here. The deadline is after the end of the year.

The meeting was adjourned by President Collins at 6:25 pm.

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at 5:30 pm in the Community Lounge.

Respectfully submitted by Jill Lowery, Secretary