Hanes PTSA General Membership Meeting Minutes
September 14, 2010
PTSA President Suzanne Cooke called the September General Membership Meeting to order at 6:30. Clemmons Elementary third grader, Ronnie, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Principal Melita Wise welcomed all those attending. The school year has gotten off to a great start, with nearly 1100 students enrolled. Hanes is a School of Distinction and has received High Growth Honors due to its sustained academic growth. Teachers are hard at work continuing this trend toward academic excellence. Ms. Wise thanked the PTSA for its work so far this year, noting that it plays a tremendous role in providing time, resources, and energy to the school
Quorum Call – At least 30 members were present, allowing official business to be conducted.
All are urged to join the Hanes PTSA, including students, parents, and grandparents.
Suzanne reviewed the PTSA goals:
•Enhance the student experience at Hanes
• Support & encourage teaching excellence at Hanes
• Be a powerful voice for all children
• Be a relevant resource for families and communities
• Be a strong advocate for the education and well-being of every child
• Steward PTSA finances well, and successfully conduct fundraising activities to support gifts, programs, direct and administrative expenses, and capital improvements
• Improve efficiency & effectiveness of the Hanes PTSA
A question arose from the membership regarding class size. Ms. Wise noted that staff is based on enrollment. If enrollment goes up, staff is increased. Suzanne added that the PTSA has representation on the Parent Advisory Council, whichmeets monthly to discuss issues relevant to parents and schools with Superintendent Don Martin. The School Improvement Team at Hanes also has PTSA representation.
Treasurer Danny Freeman presented the 2010-2011budget. The budget proposes an income of $59,195 and expenses of $63,797. The difference between the income and the expenses is covered by money that carried over from last year. The budget was approved by the membership.
Jeremy Burnett introduced the Direct Donations campaign. The Direct Donations Drive is the PTSA’s primary fundraiser and we are asking each family to consider contributing. Last year, only 20% of Hanes families contributed to the Direct Donation campaign, and our goal is to increase that number this year.
Funds raised through Direct Donations are used for
-Afterschool programs, like Battle of the Books, the Team America Rocketry Challenge and Fitness Club.
-PTSA committee and administrative expenses, including Open House, Newsletters and 8th Grade Awards.
In addition, this year the library has an opportunity to receive a $10,000 Library Services and Technology Act Grant awarded by the state. This grant would allow Mrs. Curtis to update the Geography and History sections in the Media Center for Hanes students and teachers to use in Social Studies classes, and for projects and research. All we have to do to receive this $10,000 grant is provide $2,500 in matching funds. We plan to raise these funds partially through the Direct Donation contributions.
Amy Colona assured everyone that if you have already completed a volunteer application online, it can be transferred to another school. You do not need to fill out an online form unless you have never volunteered at another school. Level 1 and 2 volunteers can be transferred. Please only fill out the Level 2 form if you need to be a Level 2, i.e., going on field trips, direct contact with students. Level 0 volunteers are for those who send things it to school, but do not actually come to the campus. Please sign the volunteer notebook whenever you come to the school. Also, please keep up with your volunteer hours and record them in the Volunteer Notebook or send them to Amy. Volunteer hours are an important component of grant applications.
Suzanne Cooke also noted that the Hanes website is being converted as part of the district-wide website system conversion that took place this summer. Brian Smith, our new Technology Coordinator, will be working to get the website up and running with current information about the PTSA, academics, athletics, clubs, activities, etc.
DeLane Devine announced the Reflections arts program theme of “Together We Can”. Students may submit work in the areas of dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography, and visual arts. Entries must be original work by a single student. The deadline for entries is October 7. Winners advance to district, state, and eventually national competition. For more information, please see the website: ww.ptareflections.org
The meeting was adjourned at 7:03 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy McLeanSuzanne Cooke
SecretaryPresident