Northwestern Middle School
PTA Board Meeting
November 8, 2005

-Please see Attendance Roster for those present.
-The meeting was called to order at 10:40am.
-Bonnie welcomed everyone and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
-Minutes of the October 11, 2005 Board Meeting were approved as written.

Principal's Report
Bonnie introduced Mr. Fraser and he expressed gratitude for his warm welcome to NMS. Mr. Fraser reported that Northwestern received two recognition awards from The Governor's Office of Student Achievement: The Platinum level award for greatest gain in Exceeding Expectations and the Silver level award for Highest Percentage in Exceeding Expectations. Mr. Fraser reviewed the criteria necessary to be eligible for these awards and a summary of them can be found on Fulton County's web site: fultonschools.org.

Mr. Fraser also reported the adjustments made to the afternoon carpool procedures. The changes were made for safety reasons and to expedite dismissal. The adjustments are outlined in the Paw Print going out today.

Lisa then invited Board members to ask questions.
Mr. Fraser was asked about his plans for NMS, more specifically any changes he was considering as well as goals. He replied that he is still assessing and has conceptual ideas but no concrete plans at this time. Mr. Fraser did express his belief in the Middle School Concept and greater teacher collaboration. He explained the Middle School concept noting that it focuses on the developmental needs of the adolescent and the value of teacher teams that each student is assigned to.

Mr. Fraser was also asked about the new math curriculum and any feedback that he had been given. He has not gotten the initial feedback from teachers but noted they had a meeting with the county.

Mr. Fraser was next asked about possible changes to the foreign language program due to the fact that 4th and 5th graders are taking introductory languages. He replied the county is looking at accelerating the 7th grade curriculum and also how it will affect the high school curriculum.
Mr. Fraser was then asked about his feelings on Block Scheduling. He believes the disadvantages include not having math everyday for reinforcement, periods are too long to keep students engaged and Milton does not have block scheduling. Board members noted that block scheduling seems to help with homework balance.

The final question posed to Mr. Fraser was regarding who pays for the Science curriculum CD. Mr. Fraser stated that these CD's come with the textbooks and are included in the cost. It was pointed out that the CD is not exactly like the textbook, rather it compliments the textbook. It was also noted that anyone looking for a second set of textbooks might try the following websites: half.com, academicbookservices.com and ebay.

Treasurer's Report- Joyce Byrd reporting.
The current balance stands at $20,685.26. Joyce has the checkbook and can process check requests today.

Legislative Update- Sue Derene reporting.
SPLOST revenue was up last month possibly because of increased gas prices.

The Board of Education is looking at changing their calendar (not school) to include roundtable discussions, community input sessions and votes all in the same day instead of separate meetings. They hope this will help with efficiency however there is criticism that this will keep working parents from attending. The Board of Education can be contacted by email with comments.

Safety continues to be a problem in the morning as no funds have been made available for police officers to direct traffic. Consideration is being given to installing two stop signs to help. Six Hills residents are looking into the problem of students loitering at their sales office then crossing Birmingham Road without using the crosswalk, as this is a great safety issue.

Sue reminded all City of Alpharetta residents to vote, as this is Election Day.

Sue and Sally gave the following update on the "Connected Academy" that will be housed in the Old Milton Campus: the academy is still conceptual, but plans to target the intelligent student who is not utilizing everything High School has to offer. The academy will offer AP courses and a college prep curriculum. It will utilize technology, computer models, and group work and collaborate with the business community. Because of transportation issues, only students in 11th and 12 grade will be eligible to attend. The academy will be a full time school and graduates will receive a diploma. This will be considered a "charter school" so no tuition will be required. Application criteria are being considered and there will be open enrollment with a future goal of 300-400 enrolled students. Extra curricular activities will be an option. The goal is to open 8/06 with a first year enrollment of 70-100 students. The campus will also be used for staff development and adult education-security issues will be taken into consideration. It is believed this will fill a real need in the county and surrounding principals are very excited about it. Parent input is needed in order to market the school properly. Martha Greenway can be emailed at greenway@fultonschools.org.

Old Business
Past Words- the event ran very well. Combining with the book fair and having great speakers and bulletin boards made it a success

Music Showcase- Marie Hudson reporting.
Last month's showcase, the Fiddle Club, was great. December's showcase will feature the Jazz Band on the 1st. Marie has found a PTA Award for NMS to participate in. The award recognizes entries in Performing Arts and awards that include drama, dance and music are given by grade level. The music award is $100.00 cash. Entries must have a 5-minute video or audiotape and a teacher recommendation. Marie will have more information available in the newsletter.

Book Fair- NMS earned approximately 850 in books.

Renaissance- the recent assembly went well. The students enjoyed the message from the Georgia Force. Both a player and cheerleader told of their experience with failure before making teams. The next assembly will be 1/26/06.

-Bonnie thanked everyone who helped with the welcome breakfast for Mr. Fraser.
-The next Parent to Parent workshop will be held after January.

New Business
Reflections- entries are due this Friday the 11th.

Wildcat Days- T-shirt order forms were due last Friday. Contact Ms. Lacey if you missed the deadline. This year's theme is "Helping Katrina Victims" and in addition to this message appearing on the T-shirts bracelets will be sold to raise money. Bracelets will be awarded this year instead of ribbons. The games will be played at Milton and water will be available in the concession stand. Contact Donna Kizer to volunteer for a.m. shifts. The dates are November 18-22.

Decorating help in Guidance Office- Mr. Fraser would like to make the Guidance Office more inviting for students as well as parents. He needs volunteers to paint the entrance area. Lisa took names of those interested.

Holiday Party- pick up your invitations before leaving today, invitations for those absent will be mailed. There will be no December Board meeting.

Upcoming Events
Newsletter Deadline 11/15 (this will be for December and January) hepburn@comcast.net
Reflections due 11/11
Wildcat Days 11/18-22
Music Showcase 12/1
PTA Holiday Party 12/6 6:30-9:00pm
Next Board Mtg. 1/10

Outreach- Holly Anderson reporting.
The Giving Tree will take place the first week of December. Donations will purchase gift cards for needy Northwestern families. Volunteers are needed to count change each morning at 8:45am in the Guidance Office. A sign-up sheet was passed around.

Renaissance update- CiCi's Pizza is a new partner and will host the first reward night December 8th. More information will be in the Newsletter.

Directory- Will go out this Friday-volunteers are needed for distribution. Meet Mary Haney at 8am.

Box Tops-. Leah Ann is taking suggestions on how to market this program in the middle school setting. All rewards will be used for outreach.

Meeting adjourned at 11:47am.
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 Kristin Levert at K_levert@comcast.net