Northwestern Middle School
PTA Board Meeting
November 14, 2006
 
-The meeting was called to order at 8:33am.
-Please see Attendance Roster for those present.
-The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
-The minutes of the October 10th PTA Board Meeting were approved as written.
 
Treasurer's Report
The balance stands at $20,496.69.  Joyce requested that all checks and check requests be turned in today.
 
Legislative Report
Katie Reeves' Community Meeting will follow the Board meeting at 9:30am in Northwestern's Media Center.  All are encouraged to attend to receive the most updated information.

Old Business
-Reflections Update- entries have been sent to Council and winners will be posted in the next Newsletter.  There will be a celebration party for the winners after the holidays.
-PRIDE Update- Students wrote their names on the PAWS at the first PRIDE Assembly and a separate breakfast was held for high academic achievement.  Concerns were raised that some students were not notified in time to attend the breakfast.  
-Directory Report- there were problems this year with forms being turned in after the publishing deadline.  An insert was included in distribution, but is seems many students were still left out.  Additional inserts will be completed and distributed.  
 
Principal's Report
-Vertical Teaming was the focus of the last Learning Matters Day.  Elementary, Middle and High school teachers participated together. This posed some transportation issues but overall the day went well.
-Twelve teachers from Northwestern attended the conference in Nashville.  Mr. Fraser thanked the PTA for its financial support for the trip.  The teachers who attended will re-deliver information to Northwestern's faculty.
-Thursday, November 16th Mr. Fraser will host his second Student Focus Group where 10-12 students are randomly chosen to give their input and ideas about anything.  (Ideas that have come up are: repeating the Vision Statement at the end of school announcements and 11 of 12 students want to have a traditional schedule at Northwestern because Milton has a traditional schedule.)  Mr. Fraser is currently accepting input regarding the schedule for next year.
-8th Grade ITBS scores were reviewed, results are posted on the website.  Mr. Fraser would like students to review their scores with their Advisory teacher to better understand them, but confidentiality remains a concern.  Discussion followed as many concerns were expressed about confidentiality, embarrassment of those who may not have scored high in areas, and actual need to review scores at school.  Lisa and Norma suggested concerns be taken to Mr. Fraser via neighborhood meetings etc.
 
Old Business Continued
-Past Words Report- the week was very successful and 20 students won books.
-Spruce Up Day Report- pine straw was spread and hard-scape was planted around the Music hallway entrance.  Another work day will be planned.
-Website- the contact list has been updated and fonts, articles and pictures will be changed on the front page.  Any additions or changes can be sent to Cindy at cindy@chaoticlife.net.  Lisa reminded every one to peek at the mural Cindy is working on in the administrative hallway.
-Wildcat Days- the committee is ready to go and shirts will go home this week.
 
New Business
-Staff Appreciation- a Holiday lunch is scheduled for December 8th.
-Outreach- the Giving Tree change drive will take place the week of December 4th.  Students will take their donations to math class where they will be collected and counted each day.  There will be a party for the class with the largest collection.  The Giving Tree will purchase gift cards for 50-60 needy Northwestern families.  Volunteers are needed to count money-a sign up list was passed around.
-8th Grade Dance- The next meeting will be tomorrow morning, Wednesday, November 15th.  The committee needs more volunteers as the turn out at previous meetings has been small.  The committee is considering charging admission to the dance to ensure the budget is met.  Concerns were raised about this and it was suggested that less should be spent on decorations in order to come in on budget and not have to charge students.
 
President's Report
-Lisa and Norma thanked all committee chairs for their "Plan of Works".  Northwestern's plans were impressive at the recent GA PTA meeting.
-Lisa and Norma encouraged committee chairs to copy everything they do and send out to their Vice Presidents in an effort to keep everyone more up to date.
-Business Partners is now a PTA committee and will fall under Community Relations.  A chair is needed.
-8th Grade Career Day-a chair is needed immediately and if one is not found quickly, this program maybe cancelled.
-PTA Board Holiday Brunch-Invitations will be sent out via email- save the date: December 12th at Norma's house.
 
Announcements
11/16 Music Showcase 8:15am
11/17 6th Grade Wildcat Day
11/20 7th Grade Wildcat Day
11/21 8th Grade Wildcat Day
11/22-24                      Thanksgiving Break
11/29 Early Release Day
12/8 Staff Holiday Lunch
12/12 PTA Board Holiday Brunch
12/21 Music Showcase 8:15am
12/22-1/5                      Winter Break
1/8 School Resumes
 
The Meeting was adjourned at 9:33am.
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