October 21, 2008

Meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m. In attendance, Kathy Miller, Traci Phillips, Jacque Moorefield, Michelle, McCoy, Melody Welsh, Tammy Marcelja, Joanna Parks (Chair- Butter Braids), Kristin Barnet (Chair- Campbell’s Soup Labels), Cara Hawkins (Parent).

Michelle McCoy opened the meeting, and a round table introduction progressed.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

In the technology department, the team of 8^th grade teachers received eight laptops for their classrooms. In August, 2008, all of the 6^th grade teachers had laptops, and over Fall Break, all 7^th grade teachers received their laptops. The district is investigating the need for exploratory teachers need for laptops, as well. This could create flexible work stations in the classroom. This upgrade in technology was funded by prior year’s bond elections. Currently, all six middle schools have laptops in all classrooms. Our District has gone national with what can be done with laptops in the classroom.

The Auto-calling system was used for testing today. All families who have numbers listed with the District were sent an automated message for testing the system. Altadena had a need to use the Auto Calling system last week for a true message to all Altadena families.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Escrip from Safeway is rising. We are currently seeing higher numbers. Also, we have changed banks to Desert Schools Federal Credit Union, so a new column will be added to the Treasurer’s Financial Report. The new category will be “interest income” as we will now be receiving interest for our ongoing checking/savings account balance.

Tammy mentioned that the taxes have been completed and filed with IRS. Papa John’s still has an outstanding receivable, but should be received within the next few weeks. The Entertainment Book Fundraiser fell below anticipated numbers, but Kathy reminded us that the enrollment numbers are down about 60 students from last year. Tammy also mentioned that we contributed $100 toward the Kyrene Community Fund sponsored by the District to award teacher’s will incentives and awards.

We discussed the Preserve Kyrene election, and the possibility of contributing to their campaign. Michelle McCoy initiated a vote against the PTC financially supporting Preserve Kyrene, and Joanna Parks (and others) seconded the vote. We decided to PERSONALLY contribute if warranted, but not as a PTC. There will be a forum at the Fire Station on Chandler Blvd. on October 24, to discuss the initiative for unification.

VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Teacher’s Conferences are set for October 29, 2008. Joey Warner will be getting the meal donation from Macaroni Grill. Kathy asked that the meal be set up by 4:30, so that the teachers can eat before their conference if they need to. Traci will send out an email to Joey asking her to be at the school by 4:15, and any volunteers can come and help her set up. We once again stressed our THANKS to Joey for getting such wonderful food items completed donated to PTC.

November’s Family Dinner night will tentatively be scheduled for November 18^th at Red Robin Restaurant. Melody will follow up with Jean Harmsen to confirm. The October Family Dinner night is to be determined.

Joanna Parks discussed the ongoing Butter Braid sale that began on October 21^st. It is being announced on the morning announcements although some of the Board Members do not remember seeing the order form. We discussed the possibility of extending the sale by one week to allow for more orders. Joanna will discuss with Butter Braids of a potential extension. If it can be extended, she will contact the Board. At this point, all orders are due in to Joanna by October 27^th and will be delivered on November 6^th. Traci will send out an email requesting volunteers to assist with the distribution. We will work in shifts: 1-3p.m. and 3-6p.m. Joanna has ordered extra Butter Braids just in case there are walk in buyers.

Hema Werner could not be in attendance, but she forwarded an email that Traci read to the group. According to Hema, the district is still in the process of updating their data. Elizabeth is expecting to have the disc this week. Elizabeth will be DELETING the addresses of those who do NOT wish to be in the Directory. If we get the disc by October 27^th, we expect the Directory to go the printer by November 4^th. After it gets printed, we hope to distribute the Directory during the week of November 10^th. About 60 people have placed orders for the Directory and we have a couple of pieces of artwork for the cover page. We further discussed perhaps NOT doing a DIRECTORY next year due to the lack of response, as well as the new District rules and regulations for Directories.

OLD BUSINESS

The September Meeting Minutes were approved by the Board. Laurie DeMarr was not present, but sent an email with information on Scrip. Laurie mentions that the Cool Cash program is down. Only 34 cards have been registered so far this school year. We currently have a little over $15,000 spending so far with almost six months to go. We need at least $50,000 in spending to reach the minimum $500 payout from Fry’s. Laurie had no new information to report from Simplified Scrip, but we will add it to next month’s Agenda. Tammy and Michelle also confirmed that the new bank account at Desert Schools Federal Credit Union is open. We will save a minimum of $25 per month on maintenance fees. DSFCU only requires that we maintain a $25 balance in a combined savings/checking account. We spent about $25 to purchase new checks, endorsement stamp, etc., but the savings in fees will far exceed these start-up costs.

NEW BUSINESS

Traci will contact Ashley S. to discuss a partnership with Athletics to sell Jamba Juice at athletic events. Also, Michelle will contact the representative from XI Electronics to ask him to come and present his program for a computer recycling fundraiser.

PSC- Tammy provided an update from the PSC Meeting from this afternoon. We currently have over 3400 students who come from open enrollment opportunities. This accounts for about $16.8 million for the District. The District is discussing a structured English Immersion Program, which would allow non-English speaking students at least 2 hours of day in English instruction. Also, Kyrene has opened discussion for adopting the new school calendar for 2009-10. Options A & B are on the Kyrene District website. In addition, Traci sent out an email to all CMS families asking for their input.

The Kyrene Foundation has fundraising goals of $500,000 over the next two years. This Foundation helps fund Alcohol and Drug Prevention Programs, Family Resource Center, Teacher Mini Grants, Scholarships for Student Enrichment and Employee Recognition, among other things.

Arizona Business and Education Coalition (ABEC) helps members of the Business and Education communities to work together to focus on public policy to support and improve K-12 public education. For more information, there is this website www.azbec.org.

Next PTC meeting will be an Executive Board Meeting Tuesday, November 18^th at 4:00 p.m. in the conference room.

Meeting adjourned at 7:10p.m.