Meeting Minutes February 16, 2006

Arbor Heights PTSA
General Meeting Minutes
February 16, 2006


Opening/Minutes Approval:
President Joe Sharp called to order the general meeting of the Arbor Heights PTSA at 7:05 p.m., February 16, 2006 in the school cafeteria. Anna George moved to pass the January minutes and Benita Buchanan seconded the motion. The minutes were approved.

Arbor Heights Principal Report-Dr. Coram:
Today was the 100th day of school. The next coffee house reading at Tully’s will be on Feb 28th from 6:30-7:30. There will be two more in April and May.

The last day of Kindergarten tours did very well and parents were impressed with the writing curriculum. They were also very happy about the coffee house readings and Monday Morning meetings.

We will receive the budget allotment predicting next year’s enrollment on Friday. Many schools may have lower enrollment district wide due to the fact that more families are moving out of the district.

Macy’s downtown will host a luncheon to recognize students for their hard work and effort in school.

Flight schools: The Seattle District is working to bring together High schools, middle schools and elementary schools (Sealth, Denny, Arbor Heights, etc…) to build a community of teachers and parents. Staff members will do home visits to parents to help bridge the gap between family and schools. Some concern was expressed over the district mandating home visits. Arbor Heights is working to conform this to fit our own community. A union representative will come out soon to speak and answer questions.

Classroom attendance was taken and Ms. Long's classroom with get the popcorn party.

PTSA Treasurer Report: Joe Sharp (speaking for Curt Knox): Doing Fine!

PTSA Fundraising: Friday March 3rd is Arbor Heights Bingo at 6:30.

Art Auction is April 20th. April PTSA meeting will be April 27th. The question was brought up in regards to when the deadline is for donating art to the auction.

Plant sale is coming up in March through April.

Absence False Alarms: This has happened a few times and has been brought up in staff meetings. If a student comes late to the classroom, the student needs to go to the office to get a late pass. The teacher must be asked to make sure that the student is not there. If this happens again, make sure to talk to Dr. Coram.

Play Court and Street improvement: Dr. Coram has talked to Fred Stevens at the district regarding the play court. A company called Bird Busters will be putting bird screening up to keep the birds from nesting and landing.

Street improvement: This is not a line item on our budget. The board will propose a budget change to mandate $1500 for the use of placing barriers in the street. A vote to place this in the budget as a line item was taken and the vote passed unanimously.

New Business: Dr. Coram spoke about the problem of students going home with other students after school with out the permission or knowledge of the parents. A student went home with another person with out the permission of the other parent and this caused a panic. For a few hours, a mom did not know where her child was. Dr. Coram stressed how important good communication between parents and the school regarding this issue. An announcement will be placed in the bulletin.

No I/pods or game boys should be brought to school because of problems with kids being robbed.

Lost and found, could there be a better place for this? Can we use some of the clothes in lost and found for our emergency kit?

Emergency containers may need new water and food.

Grassy knoll will need mulch.

Closing: The general meeting of the Arbor Heights PTSA wrapped up at 8:30.
8:30 Meeting Adjourned-Joe Sharp.