Northwestern Middle School
PTA Board Meeting
October 10, 2006


The meeting was called to order at 10:03am.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
The minutes of the September 12th   PTA Board meeting were approved as written.

Principal's Report
-Northwestern received Fulton County's Silver Award again this year.  A school must achieve 96% in meet/exceed expectations in testing with 25% at the exceed level.  Mr. Fraser sent a letter home with students outlining the distinction last week.
-Mr. Fraser suggested a possible program for the Board to organize called Lunch and Learn.  This would take place once a month and would be a luncheon for parents to attend and learn about a contemporary topic.
-"A Taste of Northwestern" is another suggestion Mr. Fraser offered that would raise money and bring the community into the school.  Partners and area restaurants could be approached to participate.
-Mr. Fraser is reaching out to area homeowner associations to meet and discuss community and school related topics.
-Mr. Fraser asked the PTA to provide $1000.00 in financial assistance to send 11 staff members to a conference in Nashville.
-The crosswalk at Birmingham and Kinsington Farms neighborhood where students cross is very dangerous as cars are not yielding to children in the cross walk.  Northwestern and Milton are reviewing different options to make the crosswalk safer.  Some options include Milton Explorers (under the supervision of the police) acting as crossing guards and Kinsington Farms paying for a crossing guard.
-Mr. Fraser clarified the Intramural/Extramural program.  The Intramural program takes place in the afternoon and the activities change each month.  These activities are "pick up" games and anyone can participate.  The Extramural program is for 7th and 8th graders only.  They must try out for the teams.  All activities are supervised by teachers and Coach Wortman oversees the programs.  Additional information on these programs can be found on the website.
-The first Learning Matters Day went well with minimal transportation problems.  Mr. Barchi entertained students who stayed after early release with stories from the Civil War, then they wrote their own stories, had gym time and a snack.  Teachers received training in the Middle School concept, Teaming and Advisory.

PRIDE Update
-The committee had their first Coffee and Conversation event with teachers.  All staff received an invitation.  The goal of the get together was to provide teachers time to interact with one another as well as have refreshments which Dunkin Donuts donated.  Approximately half the teachers attended and leftover refreshments went to the teacher planning rooms.
-Pamela Holliday reviewed PRIDE nominations:  Each teacher will nominate one student every nine week period for one of the following categories, All Time High (significant improvement), Altruism (citizenship) and Arts/Athletics.  Nominations for this semester are due next week and the PRIDE recognition will take place October 31st.  Those nominated will receive a certificate, breakfast and a coupon for a cookie in the cafeteria.  They will also get to sign their name on a paw print in the Wildcat Den.  Students with high academic performance will have their names on the Academic Bulletin Board in the main hallway.  This Board will display Honor Roll, Principal's List and perfect Attendance. Concerns were raised that this program does not give enough recognition to high achieving students.  Pamela will take these concerns to Sandy Owens and Mr. Fraser.

President's Report
-Lisa thanked Chickee McGee for stepping in at the last minute to execute the 6th Grade Fun Night at Big Air.  Students had a great time.
-Board members were reminded to pick up their nametags in the PTA drawer in the front office.
-8th Grade Career Day remains an open position.  Anyone knowing someone interested is asked to contact Lisa or Norma.
-Charlotte Owens made a motion to give $1000.00 toward expenses for Northwestern teachers to attend the conference in Nashville.  The motion was seconded and passed.
-Georgia PTA requires "Plans of Works" from each PTA committee.  Forms were passed out along with sample plans.  Those committee chairs not present will get the forms from their Vice Presidents.  Plans should be returned at the next PTA Board meeting as they are due November 29th.

Treasurer's Report
Copies of the Budget Report and the Profit and Loss Statement will be filed as written.

Legislative Report
The following information is from the recent Katie Reeves' community meeting:
-The Connected Academy will open next fall with 250 students at the Milton center.  Students attending will be high achieving but not motivated in the traditional setting.
-The next Katie Reeves meeting will be held at Manning Oaks Tuesday, October 17th at 9:30am.
-Fulton County has purchased SAM software.  This software is designed to give teachers immediate feedback of tested material.  It will show areas of mastery and deficiency so teachers know where more instruction is needed.  Parents will also be able to access results.  The software will be available next year and use will begin in elementary schools. Over time this software will be mandatory throughout the county. 
-In an effort to crack down on proof of residency the following actions have been taken: a Residency Verification Officer job description has been written, there is a hotline to report violators and next year in Open House parents will be required to fill out a packet that authenticates residency.
-Band instruments will now be replaced every seven years.
-Alpharetta high School has an International Baccalaureate Program.
-SPLOST III Update:
1. A group in North Fulton is unhappy about the location of a new high school and is organizing a Just Vote No for SPLOST campaign. 
2. The City of Atlanta is now on the fence regarding SPLOST due to a change in the Beltway Project and increases in taxes.
3. SPLOST II projects at Alpharetta Elementary have been completed.

-The November 14th Katie Reeves meeting will be held at Northwestern Middle School and will overlap with the PTA Board meeting.  Therefore the Board meeting will begin at 8:30am and be shortened to allow everyone to attend Katie's meeting at 9:30am in the Media Center.  Melanie will email a notice of this change to the Board.

Old Business
Membership- receives 2-3 new memberships each week.  The Enrichment Fund currently stands at $19,460.

New Business
Directory-All information has been collected and no other forms can be accepted.  The directory goes to the printer this week and should be distributed at the beginning of November.  The cost is estimated to be less than last year.
Staff Appreciation- will be held on October 25th on the Learning Matters Day.
Spruce Up Our Campus Day- will be held on November 4th.  Information will be put in the Newsletter, a flyer will go home and the Board will be reminded via email.  Around the band room landscape is planned.  Beds will be cleaned up and pine straw will be put out. 
-The concrete table benches given to the school by the PTA outside the Cafe are not currently attached at the bases and tops.  To prevent injury the tops of the benches will be cement glued to the bases.
-Mr. Chinn needs parents to volunteer time to read with students who need additional practice.  A sign up sheet was sent around.
-New color coded check request and deposit forms are available in the front office.  Check request forms are green and deposit forms are yellow.
Reflections-102 entries were received and 12 will be forwarded on to Council.
-Concerns about school security were raised in light of recent news events.  Access into the school remains an issue.  These concerns will be taken to the LSAC meeting.
-Feedback was requested for Mr. Fraser's suggestion of "A Taste of Northwestern".  Board members want more information and student input.

Announcements
10/13 Newsletter Deadline
10/16-20 Book Fair
10/16 Past Words
10/19 Music Showcase 8:15am
10/25 Early Release/Staff Appreciation
11/4 Spruce Up Our Campus Day
11/7 No School-Election Day

The meeting was adjourned at 11:23am.
Minutes submitted by Melanie McNaughton, Recording Secretary.

Those unable to attend today's meeting are asked to email volunteer hours (not recorded on TRAXX) to pmhaney@mindspring.com