Northwestern Middle School
General PTA Meeting
September 6 & 8, 2005

The meetings were called to order at 7:00pm.
Pledge of Allegiance recited.
Bonnie Kitay welcomed all present and introduced the Executive Board.

A motion to approve the April 19, 2005 General PTA meeting minutes was passed.

Treasurer's Report:
Lisa Stammer reviewed the distributed copy of the budget. On Tuesday night she was asked to explain why Middle School budgets seem so much less than Elementary Schools. Lisa answered that NMS has no fund-raisers like Elementary Schools do. Parents also tend to give less in Middle School.

Lisa was also asked about the Renaissance program. She explained the student incentive/recognition program.

A motion to approve the current budget was passed.

Membership:
Northwestern has 934 PTA members to date, putting us at 75%. Our 100% goal is 1237, which includes certified staff. Lisa invited everyone to join at only $6 per member in the Wildcat Den after the meeting.

Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief:
Anyone wishing to donate to the American Red Cross can do so through PTA. Please mark checks as disaster relief. Junior Beta Club is collecting non-perishables and clothing in the portable. Non-perishables will go to the North Fulton Charities Food Bank and the clothing will be set up in portable for families relocated by the hurricane to Northwestern, Milton and surrounding elementary schools. PTA volunteers in 3-hour shifts will man the portable. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Bonnie Kitay. Northwestern has 7 relocated families enrolled. PTA will be providing Welcome Baskets and other supplemental help for these families.

The Tyrone Hill Foundation, through Milton, is serving families relocated to Dunwoody. They have a large need for help with transportation. See Bonnie or Lisa if you are interested in volunteering.

Enrichment Fund:
The enrichment budget of $16,854.00 has been reached. Anything given above this will be donated to the American Red Cross.

Bonnie reminded everyone of the volunteer opportunities available through PTA: Wildcat Days in November, Copy Center, Health Fair, and the General Mills box top program. Students may bring in box tops, as there will be drop boxes provided. Members may visit PTA's website, www2.fultonschools.org/school/northwestern, for more information on volunteering.

Upcoming Events:
9/24- 6th Grade YMCA Night
9/29- Music Showcase
10/1- Grounds Workday 8am-12pm
10/17- Pastwords
10/20-27-Book Fair
10/28-Renissance Assembly

There will be a parent information meeting regarding the new Math Curriculum on Monday 9/19 at 7pm, at Alpharetta High School's auditorium. (Sally Hildebrant presented this information on Thursday night.)

Principal's Report:
Principal Barchi introduced himself and shared his background. He praised the school, students, teachers and parent involvement. Principal Barchi then introduced Assistant Principals, Kindra Smith and Dale Becker as well as other staff present.

Principal Barchi announced that Parent Connect is working and parents should see Susan Ward for ID and password.
The dress code will launch 9/12/05.
Principal Barchi stated that Principal interviews would begin on 9/16/05, there are 46 applicants from inside and outside the system. A decision should be made at the end of the month and Northwestern's new principal should be in place the first week of October.

Dale Becker then explained instructions for Curriculum Night. On Thursday night Coach Tim Godby reviewed Northwestern's P.E. and Health Program.

Both meetings adjourned at 7:25pm.

Minutes submitted by Melanie McNaughton, Recording Secretary.