Northwestern Middle School
PTA Board Meeting
September 12, 2006

-Please see Attendance Roster for those present.
-The meeting was called to order at 10:07am.
-The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
-The minutes of the August 8th, 2006 PTA Board meeting were approved as written.

Principal's Report
-Mr. Fraser noted that signs at the front entrance of the school have been removed and one sign with Northwestern's Vision Statement has been installed.  There is also new landscaping around the sign.
- The 8th grade overnight field trip is on. In response to last year's transportation issues, Northwestern has changed tour companies and policies to be proactive with any possible problems this year.
-Northwestern has received complaints about unsupervised middle school students at Milton High School football games.  Mr. Fraser plans to discuss the problem with LSAC and resource officers.
-Curriculum Nights went well.  Northwestern is looking at possible changes for next year that will give parents more time with teachers.  Some suggestions given include leaving out connection classes (with the exception of P.E., Health, Band and Orchestra) and holding TAG curriculum on a separate night.
-The first Learning Matters early release day is coming up on September 28th.  As the schedule stands each class will be 25 minutes long that day.  Mr. Fraser is looking at ways to change the schedule to allow more instruction time.  Information on these changes and a reminder about this day will go out to parents.  Opportunities are being planned for NCLB students who must stay at school after early release because of transportation.  Staff will be working on Advisory education at this month's Learning Matters day.
-Mr. Fraser is seeking help painting Northwestern's vision statement around the Atrium.
-Mr. Fraser reminded everyone not to park at the loading dock as this is a traffic violation.
-Northwestern has issued 20 parking spots to Milton students who have paid $100 each for their permit.
-Mr. Fraser reminded everyone about Fulton County's fundraiser, Fundlink, an online shopping mall.  Northwestern receives a percentage of every purchase.  All stores are appropriate for family shopping.
-Staff PTA membership is at 60%.  Mr. Fraser is encouraging all teachers to join.

Presidents Report
-Every PTA Board member has a new name tag as Lisa was able to purchase reusable ones at a good price.
-Norma and Lisa thanked all who worked on Information Day, especially the Chairs and the Hospitality Committee for the Welcome Back Teacher Breakfast. 
-PTA is looking for someone to paint a mural as well as the vision statement in Northwestern's hallways.  See Lisa or Norma if interested.
-The date for 6th Grade Fun Night has been changed to October 6th due to a calendar conflict.
-The Newsletter submission deadline is this Friday, September 15th.  Email articles to Cassondra Hepburn at hepburn@comcast.net

Treasurer's Report
-The 2006-07 PTA budget has been exceeded.  The current balance stands at $22,557.26.
-New Check Request, Deposit and Itemized Check Register forms are available for use.
-Checks will now be issued on the 1st and 15th of every month.  All requests should be turned in before these dates.
-Joyce can be emailed with and questions or concerns.

Legislative Report
Melissa Jurgens/Sue Derene reporting
-SPLOST III will be up for renewal vote in March.  Help is needed in neighborhoods to distribute flyers, post entrance signs and submit newsletter articles.  Most of the work will be done in January and February.  A sign up sheet was passed around.
-Katie Reeves August Community meeting update: Annexation issues in South Fulton County have been resolved so as to not negatively impact SPLOSTIII.  Students attending Fulton County Schools must reside in and pay taxes in Fulton County as the county pays approximately $8,000 per student for education.  Stronger enforcement of this issue can be expected.  The next two community meetings are scheduled for 9:30am, September 19th at Webb Bridge and October 17th at Manning Oaks.
-Sue warned everyone that SPLOST III has received inaccurate negative attention in the Atlanta Journal Constitution; specifically the AJC reported that Atlanta Public Schools will not support SPLOST III.  The Atlanta Public School System denies this report and does plan to support SPLOST III.
-Fulton County Schools are under enrolled this year, giving the school system an approximate 28 million dollar overage.  It is important to follow where these funds will be used.
-All SPLOST II projects must be completed before SPLOST III can be voted on in March.  Alpharetta Elementary currently has 6 of 19 projects completed and the unfinished projects will be worked on rapidly.  A list of schools with unfinished projects can be accessed online.
-Sue reminded everyone to register to vote before the November election.

Old Business
-Information Day-went very well.  A change for next year will be to post a sign at the front doors explaining everyone must go to the Gym first to pay for their locker prior to going to classes.
-Membership-membership stands at 83%.  All board members who have not joined are reminded to do so.
-Spiritwear-sales went great at Open House.  Everything left over will yield 100% profit when sold.  More inventory will arrive today including the preordered tote bags.  Tracy encouraged everyone to but spiritwear.

New Business
-Music Showcase-will be held the third Thursday morning of every month and will showcase a different musical group each time.  Thursday September 21st will feature the Milton Pep Band.  Marie, Mr. Sykes (Milton Band instructor) and Mr. Fraser will decide start time on the 21st to ensure Milton students are finished in time for their classes.  February's showcase will feature the Steel Drum Band.  Marie still has openings for groups; please contact her with your ideas.
-6th Grade Fun Night-the date change has been well publicized.  Chaperones may be needed that night; anyone interested can contact Nancy Fogerty.
-Reflections-materials have gone out.
-Directory-forms have gone out with good response.  The committee is accepting bids from publishing companies.  Adelaide has done a great job with ad sales.
-PRIDE-wildcat paw prints are being painted to display PRIDE categories.
-Staff Appreciation-the date has been changed to October 25th .  Snack will be provided for Learning Matters day.
-Past Words-is a two week literary celebration tat begins October 16th and runs until October 27th.  Bulletin boards will highlight different authors and special guests will read excerpts from different types of literature.
-Lisa introduced Grounds Co-Chair, Lauri Enyart.  The next grounds work day will be held on a Saturday-date to be determined as original date conflicted with Milton's Band Competition.
-Lisa introduced the new Website Chair, Cindy Rice.
-VIPS-Mary asked that everyone list their "at home hours" on the log passed around.
-Box Tops for Education-Leigh Ann reminded everyone to send in box tops.
-Lisa reminded all board members to check their folders in the front office regularly.


Announcements
9/15 Newsletter Deadline
9/18-22 ITBS Testing 8th Grade
9/21 Music Showcase
10/6 6th Grade Fun Night 7-9pm
10/9 Teacher Workday
10/10 PTA Board Meeting 10am
10/16-20 Book Fair
10/16 Past Words
10/19 Music Showcase
10/25 Early Release/Staff Snack

The meeting was adjourned at 10:50am
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 pmhaney@mindspring.com