Arrowhead Elementary PTA 6.10.5

February 2015 General Membership Meeting

Arrowhead Elementary PTA 6.10.5

General Membership Meeting

February 10, 2015

Call to Order and Welcome

Cary Westerbeck, and Natalie Bachiri, Co-Presidents called the meeting to order at 6:36 pm in the library. Notice was given and quorum was present. All attendees made brief introductions.

Words from the School

  • Deb Henderson, Staff Liaison, gave highlights from each grade level.
  • Jesse Harrison, Pricipal, gave a brief update on the School Board’s actions regarding discussing new start-times for Northshore schools and boundary discussions in February.
  • Jessie Harrison and Katrina Frye (Assessment Coordinator) spoke about the Smarter Balance Assessment (SBA) coming up. They gave an overview of what SBAis, how it will be different from other tests in the past and gave an opportunity for attendees to compose questions. The handout (yellow) given is included with the minutes.

General Meeting Business

  • Cary Westerbeck presented the minutes from December 2013 General Membership meeting and asked for comments or proposed changes. There was no discussion and the minutes were approved.
  • Amy Smith, Treasurer, spoke on behalf of Elisabeth Jousse, Julie Trott, and David Almond regarding the Financial Review Report. There were 3 outstanding checks from previous years. The report was still being completed and will be discussed at a future meeting.
  • A need for a budget line item increase for Science Club was brought up by Amy Smith. Erin Person made a motion to increase the Club funds to $500.00, which was seconded and approved.
  • Amy Smith presented the treasurer report for January 2015:
  • Cash (checking and savings): $44,322
  • Significant Income: $4348 (from MCT, Fall Fundraiser, Sewing Club, and Popcorn)
  • Significant Expenses: $3826 (for MCT, Science on the ½day, Sewing Club, School Dance, Fall Fundraiser, Directories, Healthy Choices, Hospitality, Science Fair, Staff Funds).
  • Natalie Bachiri presented a progress report on the 2014-2015 PTA goals:
  • Increase membership to 400: as of January 2015 the membership is close to 85%, with 100% of staff being members and 155 families.
  • Increase male participation: there are more men in key positions such as Co-President, Legislation, Pancake Breakfast, School Dance, Science Fair, Hawk Walk, Movie Night, Art Night, Dads & Donuts, Financial Review and E-prep.
  • Cultivate Parent Education Initiatives: Several presentations including Understanding and Planning for your Child’s College Education, Healthy Holiday Snacks, City of Kenmore Target Zero Initiative.
  • Increase partnership with Mid Level Blended Program: communicating with MLB teachers about their needs and integrating SEPAC initiatives into PTA programs and events.
  • Cary Westerbeck discussed the Golden Acorn, Honorary Life Membership, and Outstanding Advocate awards. Submissions are due by April 1, 2015.
  • Cary presented a brief update from the Membership Committee. Current membership is at 85% (328 members out of 383 students).
  • Josh Mastel presented an update from the PTA Focus Day in Olympia on January 19th. The Northshore delegation met with several state legislators and presented the Take 5 post cards.

Committee Reports & Announcements

  • Spring Drama update by Jenny Wang: March 4th for K-2nd grade.
  • Pancake Breakfast update by Josh Mastel and Michael Reagan: March 7th, 8:30am. Volunteers needed!
  • Garden Clean Up update by Cary: March 7th after the Pancake Breakfast.
  • Movie Night update by Ed Smith: March 13th, looking for suggestions for the movie.
  • NW Aerials Fundraiser update by Cary: This is a drop-off event. There was discussion about the student/staff ratio and if it was open to the public.
  • Science on the ½Day update by Angela Cummings: good turnout and fun was had by all.
  • Sewing Club update by April Rose: will possibly reschedule next year to not conflict with MCT and S ½D.
  • Dads & Donuts update from Ed Smith: happening Feb 11th.
  • Nominating Committee update from Angela Cummings: there are still openings for the Executive Team and will take suggestions.
  • Volunteer Positions update by Holly Reed, Co-Vice Pres.: there is someone interested in Chairing the Talent Show and Carnival, but help/volunteers are still needed for the Carnival.
  • Chess Club update by Natalie Bachiri: this new club will start mid-March (after spring break) and will run for 6 weeks. There are 2 companies being reviewed to host the Club.

Other Announcements:

  • Northshore School District Reconfiguration- February 26th meeting. Jesse Harrison gave an update in Words from the School.
  • Cary briefly discussed the March PTA meeting, which will include Northshore School District Changes and Emergency Prep at Arrowhead.
  • Angela Cummings discussed the new Online Binders for Committee Chairs. The goal is to have all information uploaded and available to Chairs via a Google Document. A template will be presented in the March PTA meeting.

Upcoming Events

  • 2/11- Dads & Donuts
  • 2/16-20- Mid Winter Break
  • 3/4 - Drama Club Begins
  • 3/6 -Popcorn Friday
  • 3/7- Pancake Breakfast and Garden Clean-Up
  • 3/10 - PTA Meeting
  • 3/13 - Movie Night
  • 3/20 - Northwest Aerials Fun Night

Thank You/Adjournment

  • Cary and Nataliepresented Thank Yous
  • The meeting was adjourned at 8:04 p.m.