Minutes of PTSA Meeting
Arcadia High School
Thursday, March 6, 2008
President Kay Kinsler called the meeting to order at 9:45 a.m. in the Apache Pit.
Terry Leahy led the flag salute.
President Kay welcomed all those in attendance at our new location for the remainder of this year.
A motion was made by Terry Leahy and seconded by Lori Phillipi to accept the day’s agenda as amended. The motion carried.
Clipboards being circulated today include PTA Council volunteer hours; PTSA Chairmen signups for 2008-2009; Convention sign ups; Sadie’s Dance volunteers needed; Traffic Safety Week volunteer signups; and Chapter PTA volunteers needed.
Legislation Chair, Lori Phillipi Lori handed out a sheet with sample statements to send your legislator regarding planned statewide budget cuts. The proposal would cut our budget from 2.3 to 17 million for the 08-09 school year. She encouraged everyone to write a postcard or letter and send to each of your congressmen. Letters to the editor of our local newspaper is also very important to do. A comment was made that it might be good to make this topic a letter writing contest for students at AHS.
Principal, David Vannasdall David added to Lori’s comments on the budget and need to write letters. When a school’s budget is personnel, budget cuts can include people and cutting people cuts programs. When teachers are cut because of budget restraints, the earliest hired, very often the most creative, enthusiastic people have to be let go. With new teachers, the district and sites have invested money and time in mentoring, BTSA, and classes; the new teachers leave taking all that training with them.
10% is being cut across the board with some areas taking a larger cut.
Politicians will feel the pressure when constituents write, and they will be inclined to look for cuts elsewhere.
We have completed two late start days for professional development this semester. David thanked SSLT for taking this step allowing very valuable time for teacher conversations and promoting great forward strides.
David attended the Social Science Department meeting this week. He listened as one teacher spoke about targeting two students in the class for AP possibility. The teacher spoke with and encouraged these students to sign up for an AP class and offered them help throughout the year if they needed it. Each department will be developing common assessment tools in each subject area.
Reflection and analyzing what is being done has never been built into teacher schedules. These conversations are generally unavailable to teachers; having this professional development time is extremely valuable to the staff.
Surveys will be sent to staff, students and parents regarding the Professional Development Days and we encourage everyone to fill out and turn in those surveys.
We all know that construction can be a painful process and it isn’t any different here at AHS. We thank everyone for their flexibility and patience during these next six years! David was very complimentary of our new Facilities Manager, Kathy Patterson, whose humanity, compassion and efficiency are key elements during these transition phases. Our primary concern is the safety of our students and Kathy is our point person for all these issues.
Assistant Principal, Catherine Merel We are in the midst of programming at AHS.
The Curriculum Guide is printed and ready for distribution to all students as they meet with the counselors in groups to begin the programming process. A huge thank you to Ophelia Ha who graciously agreed to proof read the Curriculum Guide before we sent it to print!
CAHSEE for all sophomores will be administered on March 11 and 12 with a special bell schedule to accommodate the testing. The first three periods will be 75 minutes each during the morning of both test days, with the last three periods shortened. As a result, day 1 will be first through sixth, and day two will be sixth through first (in reverse order).
AP sales have ended and we will be administering over 1900 Advanced Placement tests this spring. We ask that you consider volunteering as a test proctor as we will be needing lots of help!
March 20 will be the English Learners Advisory Committee meeting. In April there will be a district ELA Committee and it is important that we have our high school representatives attend the district level meeting.
Progress reports will be mailed out the week of March 10.
SSLT is addressing the question “How can AHS open access to Honors and AP classes” in preparation for this discussion, two committees were set up to visit several SGV high schools. The visits were very informative and eye-opening. Reports will be given at the next SSLT meeting.
Parent Question: Do Honors and AP teachers take part in the Professional Development times? Answer, yes, all teachers are part of it.
Parent Question: If students miss a day or more, are teachers required to allow time for make-up? Answer, yes, if the student is out for an excused absence, they should be allowed to make up missed work upon their return to class. One of the ongoing discussions among teachers is homework. We are working toward conversations that will benefit students with consistent grading procedures including the extent to which homework impacts a student’s grade.
Parent Question: Will AP Mandarin tests be given next year? Answer, yes, as long as we provide the course, the AP test for that course will be offered. AHS is compelled to administer AP tests to all of our students who are enrolled in an AP course and choose to take the exam.
Parent Question: Does Summer School Curriculum offer AP classes? Answer, not ordinarily. Teachers believe that it would be extremely difficult for students to have to complete a year of AP coursework in six or seven weeks.
Parent Comment: We appreciate the opportunity that AHS provides for students to sign up and take a variety of AP classes; however, do teachers recognize the fact that not all students want to be AP students? It appears that some teachers teach and grade their classes as if they were AP courses. For some students, this is not desirable.
Counseling Kathy Rapkin spoke for the Counseling Department and reported that we have begun the season of 08-09 Programming with students. A huge thank you goes out to all of the parents who have helped in the Career Center during the programming assemblies. In order to meet with the classes, then with individual students, counselors will be working through mid May to complete the process.
When your student brings home the programming worksheet and curriculum guide, please take time to go over the course selections and guide your students to classes that suit his/her ability.
The latest SPARC is located on the ahs website. It is a description of the support team at AHS and reports on work completed during the 06-07 school year. Surveys have been sent out to both students and parents. We look at what we have done and based on the survey responses we build what next year’s focus should be for the Counseling Department.
We worked with ROP to put together a booklet of information for students, outlining class progression for a variety of subjects.
This year, counselors will be meeting individually with all at risk students in grades 9 – 12.
Laurie McQuaid, College and Career Counselor, has developed a school-wide email blast which is sent to all students who have indicated interest in particular colleges or career information.
Activities Director John Tung shared a myriad of events going on throughout the month of March. He asked for volunteers to chaperone the Sadie’s Dance on March 15 in the North Gym.
The Red Cross annual blood drive will be held on March 13,
There will be a Toilet Drive fundraiser coming up on April 19, 2008. The Upper San Gabriel Valley Water District will give residents up to two new toilets in exchange for the old toilet(s) one month later. All you need with you to pick up the toilet will be a water bill to prove that you are part of the USGVWD territory.
The new toilets have a two flush feature and are retailed for about $400.00 each. Once you install the new toilet(s), you will bring the old one back on May 2 and turn them in. ASB will make $10.00 per toilet returned on May 2.
There will be a senior parent meeting on March 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the school Library to outline all senior activities as well as graduation and grad night. All senior parents are encouraged to attend.
Apache Days Registration is scheduled for August 19, seniors; August 20, juniors; August 21, sophomores; August 22, freshmen; and make up day the morning of August 25 for all grades. The packets will not be mailed this year as forms will be online. Packets may be made available for new student enrollments and for back-up for those who cannot go online. Computers will be set up for parents during the registration process so that they can download forms during registration.
Mr. Tung is working with the clubs on campus to adopt –a-hallway in an effort to keep AHS campus clean. So far, thirty clubs have signed up to help for a two week period throughout the remainder of this school year.
ASB Elections parent / candidate mandatory meeting will be held on April 2.
The Prom is scheduled for May 17 this year.
Volunteers are needed to help with the Senior Assembly to pass out information packets.
There are a lot of activities and most are available on the website with not only the events listed, but also the results.
Did you know that you can go on www.highschoolsports.net and choose calendar to find any athletic contests scheduled for Arcadia High School. It is continually updated.
The ASB continues to do Birthday grams. They go out every day during period 4 to deliver a card, balloons and a song, for a fee.
Recording Secretary
Copies of the February minutes are on the entry table at this meeting and after some corrections have been approved by a committee. If you would like to receive the minutes and do not currently get them via e-mail, please let Terry Schreiner know tschreiner@ausd.net
Treasurer Sherry Liang reported that as of February 7 the balance in our account was $16,002.65; there have been no receipts this month and with one check disbursement for $23.72 for the Staff Appreciation Luncheon, the current balance is $15,987.93. A motion was made by Terry Leahy and seconded by Teresa Liem to ratify check #1071 for the luncheon, the motion carried.
Kay shared that each year, Arcadia Council PTA sells all school memberships and a small portion of the proceeds come back to each school PTA. This year that amounts to $8.80. In past years the checks have not been cashed creating havoc on the treasurer closing out the Council PTA books.
Should we donate the overage of $8.80 to Arcadia Council PTA rather than refunding it from our membership fund? Terry Leahy made a motion to so donate, it was seconded by Lori Phillipi and carried.
Parliamentarian Lisa Lucas read the by-laws regarding the process of PTA elections, Article 5, sections 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 12. Then, chairman, Kathy Yamane read the slate of officers:
President Kay Kinsler
EVP Ruth Lagace
VP Legislation Ophelia Ha
VP Programs Carla Heer
VP Publicity Lisa Fairbanks
VP Membership Stephanie Harvey and Assistant, Suwanee Chew
VP Ways & Means Karen Tom
VP Newsletter Suzanne Davis
VP Hospitality Theresa Liem
Recording Secretary Beth Gerber
Corresponding Secretary Margie Heacock
Treasurer Sherry Liang
Financial Secretary Mei Tan
Auditor Vicky Stewart
Historian Karen Wong
Parliamentarian Lisa Lucas
All present, stood up as names were called, and Kay stated that in accordance with the AHS PTSA By-Laws, nominations were requested from the floor; hearing none, the election was conducted by voice vote: all in favor, state aye, all opposed, state no (none heard) the AHS PTSA Board of Officers for the 2008-2009 school year has been elected.
President Kay reminded everyone that they are welcome to sign up for any one of the many chairmanships available for next year.
Kay thanked everyone who helped the counselors with computer input for past few weeks. She thanked Theresa and her committee for the refreshments for today’s meeting. The Chinese New Year Party was a complete success and great fun for everyone who attended.
Be sure to check out the PTSA calendar on our website.
The Small Book of Big Issues has been mailed to all parents this month. It was developed some years ago, has been expanded, and is being underwritten by the AEF.
Convention is coming up from May 1-4 this year in Long Beach. Kay would love to have a variety of people attend the many workshops. She needs names of those who will be going so that you can be registered.
CA State PTA offers a position of student rep to the board and the application will be passed to the junior counselors to encourage some of our students to apply.
Apache Days dates have been selected for 2008. They are on the PTSA calendar. Please save these important dates.
The Council PTA Installation Luncheon will be May 13 rather than the earlier date of May 6. If you would like to attend, please contact Kay.
Kay mentioned that the most recent water bill had a very interesting insert from Dr. Hennessy about planning for the “big one.” The district is looking for people with expertise in medical fields and ham radio operation in case of a debilitating earthquake who could be counted on in an emergency. If you know of one, please have them contact the AUSD District Office.
The 2008-2009 school year calendars are on the district website at www.ausd.net.
SCRIP Tina Chiu reminded everyone to buy SCRIP! We have made over $15,000.00 the past two years and that money will be donated to Arcadia High School very soon.
Terry Leahy and Liz Westphal reminded us that the next GRAD NIGHT meeting will be held on Monday April 14 at 7:00 p.m. in the Apache Pit. Call either Terry or Liz Westphal if you'd like to help. The theme for Grad Night is “California Dreamin” and there will be decorated areas depicting California, i.e. Venice Beach, Hollywood, and Palm Springs. Hint: buy a ticket to Grad Night for your student as a graduation gift!
Staff Appreciation Luncheon Alice Chan told us that the luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, March 12 and we need donations of salads and desserts to be dropped off that morning before 10:30 a.m. to the Little Theater. She has plenty of main dishes.
Music Club Liaison It was reported that the Band Vertical Concert will be tonight at PHS; the Color Guard will have their spring competition at AHS; both JV Percussion Teams will be competing in Phoenix, AZ this weekend, and the percussion teams will also perform at the upcoming Spring Show at AHS.
Athletic Boosters Liaison Ruth Legace mentioned that along with the many spring sports ongoing, the 5k Derby Days will be held on April 5 and our students work the event. The Arcadia Invitational Track Meet will be held from April 10-12 at AHS. This is a big event, drawing competitors from across the nation and some even travel from other countries. We will need lots of volunteers to work the Snack Stand during this event.
Remember that the Gold Tournament is coming up at Santa Anita Golf Course on May 2. This is the major fundraiser for the Athletic Boosters.
CPBC Liaison Ophelia Ha said that they will be hosting a professor from Occidental College who will talk about the options for students who are pursuing further studies. They are looking forward to his second visit with the Booster Club.
Hispanic Booster Liaison Myrna Dekker reported that she is working on a Conference for young Latina women. It will be held on Saturday, April 19 and they anticipate over 3,000 young ladies to attend. Student from Sand Diego to Northern CA will be attending. Over 70 volunteers are needed to put this event on, and you are welcome to contact Myrna if you are interested in helping.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:22 a.m. with a reminder that lunch today will be at Matt Denney’s after the meeting. All are welcome to attend the no-host event!
Respectfully submitted,
Terry Schreiner
Recording Secretary
Next Meeting: Thursday, April 3, at 9:30 a.m. in the Arcadia City Council Chambers
widget.hideFooter();
widget.hideButton("Comments");
widget.hideButton("Edit page");
widget.hideButton("New page");
widget.hideButton("Files");
widget.hideButton("Add features");
widget.hideButton("Help");
Comments (0)
You don't have permission to comment on this page.