BoyceMiddle SchoolPTA Meeting
Minutes
May 11, 2011 ~ 9:30 A.M.
Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance – The meeting began at 9:39 a.m. with 16 members in attendance.
Reading and Approval of Agenda and Minutes – There were no additions or corrections to the April meeting minutes or today’s Agenda, therefore they were approved as read.
Statement of Treasurer – Jenn Slagle reported a beginning balance on 4/13/11 of $101,033.02 and an ending balance on 5/10/2011 of $88,832.32. A full report is available upon request. Stacie de la Parra made the first motion to pay the bills. The motion was seconded by Collette LeKachman and all present were in favor.
Correspondence – Two items of correspondence were read by Denise Ivol (standing in for Kristy Lee). Mrs. Hedy Pitcairn and Mrs. Irene Koestner both sent notes of gratitude to the PTA for the luncheon and gifts that
they enjoyed during Administrative Assistants Day in April.
Special Guest – School Board Representative Amy Billerbeckreported that the construction continues to go very well. She relayed the appreciation of the Board and the District for all of the efforts made by the students, school officials and families for all of their assistance in helping the construction process to go smoothly. The School Board members toured FortCouchMiddle School last week as part of the Board Breakfasts program. Part of the program was to learn about the rich history of the Middle School Program in Upper St. Clair. It was also mentioned that FortCouchMiddle School was a contributing school in the renowned Donald Eichorn Middle School Philosophy that focuses on meeting the needs of students at the middle school adolescent level. The Board voted to approve the Fort Couch Field and drainage system although the vote was not unanimous. They have also voted to create the infer-structure for further improvements.
Most of the Bond Fund has been used. The news regarding the General Budget is grim. There is talk of not replacing the 5 retiring staff members as a possible partial solution. Losing such a great amount of funding is going to present many challenges. It was also stated that the Boyce Guidance Counselor Amy Antonio will be taking a sabbatical next year and that one of the Guidance Counselors from the High School might possibly be borrowed to fill her position while she is absent.
- The School Board will be meeting with State Representative John Maher on Friday to voice their concerns about the new budget. Ms. Billerbeck strongly recommends that those who are concerned with the consequences that the new budget might have on the quality of education in our district voice their opinions to both State Representative John Maher and Senator John Pippy so that they are getting feedback from both sides of the issue.
State Representative John Maher –
District Office: 711 Summerfield Commons
2547 Washington Road
USC, PA15241
Senator John Pippy -
This is a very interactive website that allows you to write a letter directlyto the Senator. Other contact information is also available on this website.
Reports
Teacher Representative – Justin Gremba did not present a report.
Executive Committee
President – Connie Urban again stressed the importance conveyed to her by Superintendent O’Toole of concerned citizens expressing their opinions on the budget decreases to Representative Maher and Senator John Pippy.
There will be 10 staff members retiring this year with a probability of 4 being replaced. Two of these staff member are from Boyce. Gratitude was expressed to the PTA members and especially to her fellow Committee Members, Missy Moore, Mrs. Karen Brown, Jenn Slagle and Kristy Lee for all of their ongoing support throughout the year. It was also stated that in her position as Advisor next year she will do all that she can to help with continued success. Everyone was thanked for all of their hard work and for a job well done!
1st Vice President – Missy Moore had no report but thanked everyone for all of their help and dedication.
2nd Vice President – Karen Brown spoke up the upcoming LeadershipAcademy available this summer to incoming 6th and 8th grade students as well as at the High School level. The program helps to instill leadership qualities in students, who, in turn will be able to pass these characteristics on to their fellow students by example. The program has received rave reviews. A slight drawback is the $175 cost which is necessary to maintain the self-sustaining nature of the program. Those who have participated say that it has been well worth the cost. There is still time to register.
Please do not request teachers for next year, it is not yet known what teachers will be teaching in what grades or in what pairs.
There has been a rise in the incidents of “cutting”. . . .
Cutting Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
“Self-injury is the act of deliberately harming your own body, such as cutting or burning yourself. It's not meant as a suicide attempt. Rather, self-injury is an unhealthy way to cope with emotional pain, intense anger and frustration. While self-injury may bring a momentary sense of calm and a release of tension, it's usually followed by guilt and shame and the return of painful emotions. And with self-injury comes the possibility of inflicting serious and even fatal injuries.”
Mrs. Antonio is working with School Psychologist Shannon Dressler to create an informational meeting about this issue for 6th graders before the end of the school year.
The renovation is still going very well. The 6th grade celebration is being organized and USC hats have been ordered to give “hats off to 6th grade”. In the fall there will be a re-dedication of the school in which the new 6th graders will play a large part. All portables are gone as of last Monday. It is still too dangerous (nails, etc.) for the students to utilize the courtyards. The gym is “down to the dirt” so the students need to stay inside despite the good weather to preserve their safety. Once the gym is restored it is not possible to hold recess there during in climate weather because that would require canceling scheduled gym classes for 2 hours. Classrooms will be utilized on those days similarly to the elementary schools. Next year outdoor recess will take place next to the gym and outdoor seating will also be available.
Standing and Reporting Committees/Reporting Organizations
Apples for Students – No report. Please continue to register at Giant Eagle over the summer.
Band Parents – Karen Austin/Ann Walsh – No report. Next concert upcoming during 1st week of June.
Box Tops – Julie Halpner - Final contest starts this Monday, 5th vs. 6th grade. Prize will be a movie party.
CALL – Missy Moore had no report.
Celebration of Learning- The reallocation of monies no longer allows for both drinks and snack/cookies to be provided. The alternative of asking for donations was discussed but ultimately decided against. It was decided to follow the protocol of many other USC schools and eliminate this use of funds in the spirit of frugality with the challenges of the reduced budget.
Chorus Parents- Laura Jones - The concert/parking went very well. Everyone was accommodated in the theater. The theater holds 425 people and is available for rental. There was a surplus budget which will be used to provide Rita’s Ice and watch a video of the performance.
Field Day – Laura Jones – Field Day will take place on June 14th. A Constant Contact will go out requesting volunteers. Students will be bussed to the RecCenter. Parent Volunteers should meet students at RecCenter.
Memory Book – Lori Houy – The Memory Book has been ordered and will be distributed in the fall. A supplement for autographs will be supplied before the end of the year.
Mini Bulletin – Lori Houy – This Friday, May 13th is the deadline for submissions. Please submit additions to Lori Houy or Connie Urban.
Orchestra – Next performance is June 1st at the High School at 7:00 pm.
Outreach – Alysia Keating/Lora Rutowski – no report.
Panther’s Paw - Susan Rosati/Laura Harrison – They are currently working on their last issue of the year.
Science Extravaganza – Chrissy Sileo – Will take place on June 9th. Many exciting things planned!
Spirit Wear – Holly Spina/Cathy LaRocco – Orders have been placed and should be arriving soon.
Staff Appreciation – Marjan Toosi – Will take place May 31st through June 3rd for approximately 80 staff members. They do not have enough help as of now. They currently have about 30 gift cards and need around 50 more. Donations for dessert are also needed. Students can bake desserts for IB hours. Breakfast will be the most costly portion of the week.
6th Grade Graduation – Lynne Amatangelo/Felicia Musillo – Will take place on June 3rd from 7:00 until 9:00 pm. There will be a D.J., pizza, snacks and drinks. The gym will be unavailable but the LGI can be utilized (no balls are allowed). Suggestions for age appropriate games are needed. The invite was sent home last week. Please RSVP by May 20th. Extra chaperones are needed due to the fact that the LGI is upstairs (hall monitoring, etc.). All students need to be signed in and out for safety reasons.
Unfinished Business
1st Vice President Missy Moore stated that Civil War day will take place on May 20th regardless of weather. Volunteers are needed.
New Business
Chess Club – Chair Person Needed – The PTA will be handling the Chess Club next year. The amount of money collected from participants will be the same amount that is spent on the program. Someone is needed to oversee the program. A chess expert is brought in so NO CHESS EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY TO OVERSEE THE PROGRAM. It will entail scheduling, purchasing prizes, etc. The maximum capacity is 40 members and it always fills up. There are fall and winter sessions that take place on Tuesdays from 3:15 to 4:15. Please contact Missy Moore if you are interested.
2011 -2012 Budget – The Garden Club has been given $150 for whatever they might decide to plan taking the new construction into consideration. The income is budgeted on the lower side in case of shortfalls. The budget has been trimmed by $2,000 from last year. Student dues estimate has been reduced slightly because the current 5th grade class is smaller. 90% isanticipated for student dues, anything above that is surplus. Julie Halpern made the first motion, Felicia Musillo made the second motion, all in attendance voted yes to vote in the new budget.
Vote of Increase for 6th Grade Graduation Party – The amount of $500 was suggested to help offset the costs of parent donations of refreshments. This is to encourage more parents to volunteer since there will be no request for donations. Erica Goodman made the first motion; Felicia Musillo made the second motion, all in attendance voted yes in favor of the $500 increase.
Vote of Gift to School for New Technology – The current designated amount is $1,250. The amount would be increased by $7,500. Some possible options are for acti-votes and projectors. Time will tell what is actually needed to improve technology. Donna Evans made the first motion;Collette LeKachman made the second motion, all in attendance voted in favor of the increase.
Vote of New Slate – Stacie de la Parra installed the incoming officers of the Boyce PTA.
President – Missy MooreVice President – Amanda Beggy
2nd Vice President – Karen BrownTreasurer – Sharon Heilman
Secretary – Denise Ivol
Mini–Bulletin – E-mail submissions are being accepted by Lori Houy at by May 13 for the June and final Mini-Bulletin.
Adjournment
Dates to Remember:
May 13Kennywood Ticket Sales
May 205th Grade Civil War Day
May 23PTAChangeover Luncheon
May 26Early Dismissal
May 26Celebration of Learning
May 30 No School
June 1 String a Thon at 7 PM at H.S.
June 9 Science Extravaganza
June 9 Ingoing 7th grade Parent meeting at Fort Couch
June 14 Field Day
June 16 Last Day of School
June 20 Kennywood Day
June 29 Year End Report Cards
Important Websites
- Upper St. ClairSchool District –
- Boyce Middle School PTA – Go to School District website (above); click on “Boyce” in “Schools” drop-down menu in upper left hand corner; click on “PTA” on menu bar at top
- Receiving PTA/PTSO Constant Contact emails – from Boyce PTA page (above), click on “Constant Contact email registration” in left column; or, from School District website (above), click on “Organizations” (top right on menu bar); click “PTA Council”; click “Constant Contact PTA Email list sign-up” on left column
- State PTA –
- National PTA –
- GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) email group – send an email to
- USC Community Foundation – (email news to )
REMINDERS
Please renew your magazine subscriptions online at Click on “online store- open 24 hours”; enter the Boyce account number (597302); follow directions. 40% of sales will go to Boyce!
Register your Giant Eagle Advantage Card for the Apples for Students Program. Boyce will receive educational supplies based on the number of sales credited to our account. Go to Go to “my account”; click on “apples for students” to update your account. If you were registered last year for Boyce, you will automatically be assigned to Boyce again this year. If you are a NEW SUPPORTER, please visit the website above; enter your email address under the NEW USER REGISTRATION tab on the right hand side of the page; follow the on-screen instructions. Our school code is 0107. Please ask relatives to help us by registering their Giant Eagle Advantage Cards with our code.
If you are shopping at Office Depot, please remember to credit your sale to BoyceMiddle School, so that our school can receive 5% of the sale.
Please save your BoxTops for Boyce. There is a Box Tops Marketplace. You can earn up to 15% (most offers are 2-4%) by shopping online through the Box Tops Marketplace at over 70 stores, e.g. Sears (2%), Pottery Barn (3%), Old Navy (2%), Office Depot (3%), Land’s End (3.5%), Kohl’s (2%), Justice (5%), Hearthsong (4%), Gapkids (2%), BlueNile (2.5%), Barnes & Noble (8%), and Aeropostale (3%).
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