Minutes

General PTA Meeting (approx. 26 members in attendance)

September 13, 2004

Cindy Davis

· called the meeting to order. Introduced the current Executive Board members, Mr. Jackson, and Eric Cole (2003-2004 PTA President).

· shared the purpose of PTA (read from by-laws) and announced that the main business of the meeting was to discuss the 2004-2005 PTA budget.

Mr. Jackson

· welcomed the attendees and read a passage from “All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.”

· Reported that Petroglyph’s enrollment has been strange this year (which is typical for Westside schools), higher in some areas and lower than expected in others. The new boundaries have meant that the elementary enrollment numbers are fairly evenly distributed among Westside schools (about 750-780 students). Mr. Jackson stated that, overall, Petroglyph this fall is disbanding one small kindergarten class (Ms. Debbie Black’s) and is gaining a second-grade class (Ms. Black will teach), a fourth-grade class and one first-grade Educational Assistant (EA) to be shared by all of the first-grade teachers. ChildFind will get 1 1/2 EA’s within a week or so, then the school will be fully staffed. All enrollment and other info. will be published in the Macaw.

· explained that the negative press in the newspapers was erroneous & Petroglyph should not be listed (and will not be listed) as not meeting standards for standardized testing under “No Child Left Behind.” [The school was listed after errors were made in reporting the percentage of students present to take the test--a required 95% in each demographic group.] Mr. Jackson has notified APS of the error and a correction will be printed in the newspapers noting Petroglyph’s good standing.

· reported that Terra Nova testing is gone and the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders will take another standardized test (both fall pre-test and spring post-test), Assess to Learn.

· reinforced that Petroglyph is a GREAT school, thanked parent volunteers, encouraged parents to contact him via phone, e-mail, or “open door” policy

· put in a “plug” for PTA monies to go toward a new 6’ - 7’ marquee

Eric Cole

· explained that, even after changing the PTA by-laws last year, PTA failed to amend Article 6, Section 9 which defines those people who may make motions, debate, and vote on PTA business as PTA members of more than 30 days who have paid their dues.

· requested a motion to strike the passage re: “and who have been members at least 30 days” and leave “members who are present and whose dues are paid.”

· presided as the motion was made, seconded, and passed unanimously, thereby allowing the attendees to vote (9/13) on the 2004-2005 budget.

Heather Bailey

· presented the 2004-2005 budget

· described the starting balance of $7,800, explained the purpose of select line-items (e.g., Art in the School, clothing bank, Family Nights, Spirit Store, Cherrydale Farms, etc.), and highlighted budgetary changes from last year (drop BOGO/peeler cards, no longer pay 1/2 of Technology Coordinator salary, try to purchase sunshades with help of Denise Gianopoulos’s grant monies, etc.)

· Eric Cole presided while a motion was made, seconded, and unanimously passed to accept the 2004-2005 budget

Kathy Cole

· announced this year’s Fall Book Fair will run Sept. 27th - Oct. 1st with a “Read, White, and Blue” theme

· asked for 10 or more volunteers to help set-up, monitor class visits, etc.

· reported that last Thursday’s Domino’s Dough Raising night earned $142 (Ms. Thornton’s class won)

Amy Keller

· stated that the Fall Open House will be Wed., Sept 29th from 6:00 - 7:30 pm

· announced volunteers are needed in two, one-hour increments (5:45-6:45 or 6:45-7:45) to help set-up, sell pizza and drink tickets, and clean-up

· reported that volunteers are needed for many upcoming events and those interested should contact Amy at 897-5921 or mdkalbq@hotmail.com

Cindy Davis

· described the Cherrydale Farms Fundraiser which will run Oct. 6th - Oct. 22nd. Volunteers are needed to check that money in order envelope matches the amount listed on the order

Gary Cherniak

· as the American Teachers’ Federation (ATF) representative, reminded attendees that the ATF is frustrated with the unfunded mandates under “No Child Left Behind,” that teachers still are working without a contract due to an impasse in negotiations, and that teachers still have not received a raise. The AFT filed a motion and a vote of no confidence regarding the problematic APS and NM Legislature budgetary issues.

· the 13-year-old homework hotline that ATF runs, Dial-a-Teacher will receive partial funding from KOA-TV Channel & and will be a United Way designated charity (check APS Foundation box and list Dial-a-Teacher)

Eric Cole

· reminded attendees that PTA still is looking for a 2004-2005 President (not a huge, but is, a time commitment)

Floor

· asked question re: standardized testing for primary grades (Mr. Jackson responded)

Cindy Davis

· closed meeting at 8:00 pm with no unfinished business