Northwestern Middle School
PTA Board Meeting Minutes
March 14, 2006

-Please see Attendance Roster for those present.
- The meeting was called to order at 10:37am.
- Bonnie welcomed everyone and distributed a Mission Statement survey to
be filled out prior to the end of this meeting.
- The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
- The minutes of the February 14, 2006 Board meeting were approved as
written.

Principal's Report
Mr. Fraser reported that Northwestern Middle School was the only North Georgia school and one of only two middle schools in the state to receive the Georgia School of Excellence award from the Department of Education. Mr. Fraser stated to the Alpharetta Review that this distinction is attributed to excellent teachers and parental support.

Fulton County is investigating a fund raising project called FundLink. This is an online shopping option where 400 retailers give discounts to shoppers who purchase online. A portion of sales (60%) go back to a county school selected by the shopper.

The Thrashers Raffle went very well. In addition to the two game tickets raffled NMS partners donated a limo ride, dinner for two at Taco Mac and a signed jersey. The student who won the raffle is a big hockey fan.

The Talent Show was also a success. It raised $1500 for our adopted school in Louisiana. In all programs have raised in excess of $7000 for this school.

Treasurer's Report
The current balance stands at $15,349.15

Legislative/Cluster Report
SPLOST III will be presented March 28, 2006. The referendum is expected in April and a vote in September. Information about SPLOST III will go out over the summer requiring a lot of work. A representative from each school will be needed as a campaign chairman and a representative from every neighborhood will be needed to get information out to homeowners. Let Sue Derene know if you can serve as a representative. SPLOST information should also be provided for Northwestern Information Day. Information on SPLOST III will only explain SPLOST III not tell people how to vote. Fulton County is asking all schools to submit a Master Plan of improvements needed to go into SPLOST III.

Fulton County's budget is off by 70 million dollars and is expected to be less next year due to a decrease in tax revenue collection. Programs that may be affected by this include Elementary Foreign Language and Special Education.

The Connected Academy will most likely not open in the fall. Any one with questions or interest in this project should contact Martha Greenway.

Booster Club policies are under scrutiny. As it stands Booster Clubs currently can raise and spend funds without regulation. There is concern over these clubs arranging for mortgages that will be in place long after the current boards are gone. These policies will be reviewed and changed to have school Principals more involved.

Bills that did not pass in yesterday's vote include:
1045-HOPE Chest no longer including funds for technology.
1345-Religious Organizations involved in state contracts.
An increased time requirement for Physical Education-instead a more detailed plan will be required for Physical Education.

The Learning Matters Initiative was well received at the Fulton County Board Meeting and will be voted on soon.

Old Business
Northwestern has asked the PTA to provide and serve food for the Teacher of the Year Breakfast on March 24th 7:30am- 9:30am. A food sign up list was circulated. Sally Hildebrant asked where volunteer's children could go while they are serving, as students are not allowed in the building before 7:45am. Lisa said they would be allowed in the Media Center-she will also confirm this with Mr. Fraser.

Parent to Parent- Linda is working on dates for the next session. It will be after Spring Break. A flyer will be sent out once dates are confirmed. Linda reported that Northwestern had 7 parents participate last semester.

Winter Gallery- Sally reported that Winter Gallery went well. The Glass Blower was the favorite artist showcased. Improvements Sally suggest are allowing students more time to view artists at work and help in finding students who are also artists as they do not publicize themselves well.

Staff Appreciation Breakfast- PTA provided a very nice breakfast and the teachers were very appreciative.

Nominating Committee- Sally reported that candidates for Co-Presidents are needed. These candidates must be published 10 days prior to the vote. Open positions will be posted in the Newsletter, website and emailed to all Board members.

New Business
8th Grade Dance-volunteers are still needed to make decorations (committee is meeting tonight) and decorate the day of the dance, May 5th 12-6pm. The suggested dress is "business casual"; specifically for boys a suggestion is khaki pants, golf or button shirt.

8th Grade Career Day-the date is Friday, March 17, 2006.

7th Grade Career Day- the date is May 10, 2006.

Georgia Heritage Days- dates are Thursday March 30th and Friday March 31st.

Ms. Tuggle has requested two PTA volunteers to judge her class's Oratorical Contest March 21st from 2:30pm until dismissal. Bonnie and Sally Caudle volunteered.

The Renaissance Assembly date has been changed from March 30th to March 28th. The next Coffee Cart date is not known but will possibly be after Spring Break.

The two previous newsletters are now online and the most recent copy will go online today.

Pam Tolbert needs pictures from all PTA events. Please contact her if you have any.

Upcoming Events
Newsletter Deadline March 15th submit to: hepburn@comcast.net
Music Showcase March 30th
Next PTA Board/
General Meeting/
Volunteer Appreciation
Luncheon April 18th 10:30am in the Media Center

Board was reminded to turn in Mission Statement Surveys.

Meeting was adjourned 11:30am.

Minutes submitted by Melanie McNaughton, Recording Secretary.

Those unable to attend today's meeting are asked to email volunteer hours (not entered on TRAXX) to Kristen Levert at K_levert@comcast.net