Northwestern Middle School
PTA General/ Board Meeting
February 13, 2007

-The meeting was called to order at 10:10am. 
-Please see the Attendance Roster for those present.
-The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and quorum was established.
-The Minutes of the January 9th 2007 PTA Board meeting were approved as written.
-The following Nominating Committee Slate was presented:
  Sara Burks
  Mary Haney
  Pamela Holliday
  Leigh Ann Maloney
  Maureen Profita
  Susan Susor- Alternate
A motion to approve the slated Nominating Committee was made and seconded.  The motion passed.
-Sally Hildebrant read the SPLOST Resolution, which resolved that Northwestern PTA supports the continued use of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) and urges its members and the community to vote YES on the SPLOST ballot question March, 20 2007.  A motion to adopt the resolution as read was made and seconded.  The motion passed.
Treasurer's Report
The current balance is $22,794.00.  Joyce clarified that the North Fulton dues had been paid.  After discussion, a motion was made to use the $900 from the now cancelled Georgia Heritage Days budget for: a replacement part for the refrigerator in the clinic at a cost of $125.00, an additional $250.00 for 7th Grade Health Fair speaker gifts and $500 for advisory materials as requested by Principal Fraser.  The motion was seconded and passed.
Legislative Report
The next Katie Reeves Community meeting is March 13th at 9:30am.  PTA's position on upcoming state bills can be reviewed on the Georgia PTA website.  Chuck Martin's bill on school calendar days can also be found on the website.
Principal's Report
-6th Grade Dance- went well, approximately 200 students attended.  P.E. has been doing a dance unit in conjunction with the Dance.  The D.J. was great. The 7th/8th Grade Dance is this afternoon.  Money made from the Dance goes to Student Council.
-Cell Phones- Mr. Fraser outlined the letter going out to parents regarding the changes in Northwestern's cell phone policy.  The policy was changed due to inconsistencies in discipline.  The new policy for first time violations states that phones will be confiscated and students will receive a day of detention.  Parents can pick up the cell phones the same day.  Mr. Fraser clarified that multiple offenses will result in revoked field trip privileges.
-Gender Matters- title of an excellent book and the focus of a parent night Mr. Fraser is planning in March.  Details will follow in the Wildcat.
-Northwestern has a new counselor, Ms. Harding, to replace Sandy Owens. Per projections for next year, Mr. Fraser has already hired a third counselor who will start next school year, giving Northwestern a counselor for each grade.
-FYI- Mr. Fraser relayed an event that took place after school this week- a possible abduction attempt after a student had gotten off her school bus.  A detailed account will go in the Newsletter, but Mr. Fraser wanted to warn and remind all to be alert to our children's surroundings.
Old Business
-Volunteers are need for Picture Day, February 21st from 9am-2pm.  Please contact Ruth Lawandales if you can help.
-8th Grade Dance- the committee is meeting every Monday and Wednesday in the PTA portable at 7pm to work on decorations. Volunteers are needed.  If you can't come but are willing to do something at home, please contact Maria or Nancy.  A donation request will be going home to parents.  Lisa reiterated the need for volunteers and Melanie will forward committee updates regard work nights to the entire board.
-Winter Gallery- The dates have been changed to March 5th -9th.  Student artwork is needed- submissions for display can be any kind of artwork.  Please contact Sally Caudle.
-Music Showcase- Milton's Steel Drum Band will be playing this Thursday.  Marie is working on the March showcase.
New Business
-7th Grade Health Fair-Volunteers are needed 8:30-11:30am to introduce speakers and keep them running on time. Breakfast will be provided.  A sign up sheet was sent around.
-Reflections- A breakfast was held last Friday for all participants.  Northwestern had 2 entries go to the State Level in new categories: Film and Dance Choreography.
-8th Grade Career Day- will be changed to a  "Surviving 9th Grade Day".  Current 9th grade students will come and talk to 8th graders on what to expect and survival tips.  A date is pending and help is needed.  See Lisa Romm.
-Ms. Jeffers, the Art Teacher, needs supplies.  Magazines, cardboard, yogurt containers etc. can be brought to her class.
-Mr. Fraser showed a power point presentation for SPLOST III.  The presentation will be shown at the rising 6th grade Parent Night and can be seen online at Fulton County's website.  Click on "Pennies for Progress" link.  Mr. Fraser and Sally Hildebrant encouraged everyone to vote on March 20th and if you know you are not going to be in town- you can get an absentee ballot now.
Questions
Mr. Fraser was asked about the Math materials reviewed for adoption.  There has been no decision yet.  He was also asked about the student surveys and what they showed.  1100 were received and are still being tabulated and trended.
Announcements
2/15 Newsletter Articles due
2/19 No School- Presidents Day
3/1 Early Release
3/13 PTA Board Meeting
The meeting was adjourned at 11:22am.
Minutes submitted by Melanie McNaughton, Recording Secretary.
Those unable to attend today's PTA Meeting are asked to email volunteer hours (not recorded on TRAXX) to pmhaney@mindspring.com