Northwestern Middle School
PTA Board/General/ Election Meeting and
Appreciation Luncheon
April 18th, 2006

-Please see the Attendance Roster for those present.
-The meeting was called to order at 10:35am.
-Bonnie welcomed everyone and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
-The minutes of the March 14, 2006 Board meeting were approved as written.

Principal's Report
Counselor Watch Program- Mr. Fraser explained how difficult it is to know which students are struggling until after 9 weeks when report cards come out. This puts help on hold until after the grading period. It would be helpful to know from the previous year that a student is struggling in a certain area. In this program 6th grade teachers would work with 5th grade counselors to know how students preformed the pervious year so problems can be identified sooner. Mr. Fraser noted that if it works well with rising 6th graders then the program could be expanded to serve 7th/8th graders.

Northwestern along with Crabapple will be enrolling the largest number of NCLB students in North Fulton next year. Mr. Fraser would like to have a "Welcome/Information" night for these students so they can become more familiar with Northwestern and feel a greater sense of belonging to their school.

Mr. Fraser explained the 8th Grade writing assessment results: On Meet or Exceed Standards Northwestern achieved a result of 100%. Northwestern is the only middle school out of the 19 in North Fulton to achieve this level.

Mr. Fraser showed a video he made of Northwestern's adopted school, Buras, in Louisiana and it's surrounding area. The video showed how hard hit the area was and the large amount of destruction that remains. He plans to show the students this video on Monday so they can see whom Northwestern is helping and why.

Elections/Induction of 2006/2007 PTA Officers
The members of the Nominating Committee were asked to stand and the Board thanked them for their hard work.
Sally Hildebrant, Nominating Committee Chair, presented the following slate of nominees and explained what would happen if their was no nomination from the floor for President (Per GA PTA Bonnie and Lisa would serve another term if agreeable, both accepted):

Co-Presidents: Open
1st VP-Communications Charlotte Owens
2nd Co-VP-Ways and Means Lynn Brandus
Cheryl Neer
3rd VP-Educational Enrichment Linda Jones
4th VP-Community Relations Sue Derene
5th Co-VP-Student Services Bonnie Kitay
Lisa Stammer
6th Co-VP Special Events Joan Ginn
Nancy Fogerty
Recording Secretary Melanie McNaughton
Corresponding Secretary Sara Burks
Treasurer Joyce Byrd

Adrianna Marchese nominated Lisa Romm and Norma Khayat to the positions of Co-Presidents. The slate, including Lisa Romm and Norma Khayat, was approved unanimously. Mr. Fraser then installed the officers.

Treasurer's Report
The current balance stands at $12, 558.38. Lisa Stammer reminded the Board to turn in a Delayed Expense forms to Joyce for any committee who still has bills to be paid as books must be closed June 30th.

Legislative Update
Sue reported that Fulton County's proposed budget cuts would be finalized in June. She encouraged everyone to attend all meetings and hearings to voice concern for programs slated to be cut. Sue reminded everyone that our county includes North and South Fulton and while one side of the county may be in favor of increased taxes for programs other parts of the county may not. Proposed cuts and meetings/hearings dates can be accessed on Fulton County's website. Bonnie told everyone about the meeting tonight at Dunwoody Springs -Usher and the Indigo Girls will be there in support of "Save the Music" campaign. Meeting information will also be going in the Newsletter.

The vote on SPLOST III will probably not occur until next March. A line item will be needed in next year's budget for SPLOST and volunteers are needed from each neighborhood and school in the cluster.

Plans for "Old Milton": A vote this Thursday is likely to allow Independence High School, an alternative school somewhat like the planned Connected Academy, to move into the Old Milton campus and share space, resources with the Connected Academy (once it is in place and open). These schools will remain separate, as they will both have their own principals. Another school, Crossroads, will remain where it is and expand as it serves students who are at the "end of the discipline line" and have been removed from their home school.

Old Business

Teacher of the Year Breakfast- the breakfast went very well and Bonnie and Lisa thanked the Board for the food provided.

Renaissance- the assembly was cancelled to accommodate the GA School of Excellence program. Renaissance cards were passed out in homeroom.

Georgia Heritage Days- went well and had good weather.

New Business

8th Grade Dance- Volunteers are still needed this Wednesday night from 6:30-8:30pm and on May 5th from 12-6pm to decorate.

PTA Luncheon- please get your invitation before leaving. The Luncheon will be on Tuesday, May 9th at Bonnie's house. It is for the outgoing and incoming Boards. RSVP to Lisa Stammer.

7th Grade Career Day- everything is ready to go on May 10th.

Staff Appreciation Luncheon- scheduled for May 12th.

TAG Breakfast- scheduled for April 28th, volunteers are needed and a sign up sheet was passed around.

The Newsletter article deadline is tomorrow, April 19th. Email submissions to hepburn@comcast.net.

Lisa reminded the Board to turn in their notebooks, once updated they will be distributed at the scheduled meetings with VPs and the Co-Presidents.

Pam Tolbert asked for pictures to go in the Scrapbook.

The next PTA Board meeting will be in August, date/time to be announced.

Tracy Heider showed the Board Spiritwear items to be sold at Open House. These items include T-shirts (boys and girls), sweatshirts, pajama pants, and athletic bags. The Board agreed to raise the price of most items, as profit was very low last year.

The Board was invited to attend the luncheon honoring them immediately after the meeting.

Meeting was adjourned at 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.