PTSA Minutes

(For archived minutes from previous meetings, click here)

Tremper PTSA Meeting Minutes
September 17, 2007

Attendance:  Jodie Zarletti, Terry Harold, Patti Ault, Sharon Corso, Sandy Rende, Renee Blise, Patty Mahoney, Jordon Hildebrandt, Gene Mathias, Deb Bornhuetter, Tracie Kenney, Linda Coopland, Damon Weiss, Jody Bloyer, Jay Marinan, Jan Brandes, Aimee Arreguin, Keith Corse, and Carol Kok

Mr. Dopke is scheduled to have knee surgery next week.

Roberta Akalin, assistant principal, is responsible for student services, master scheduling, and counseling.

Special Guests:
Mr. Jay Marinan: new assistant principal is responsible for student learning, testing, data analysis, and staff development.

Mr. Marinan reported on the computer program Zangle.  By January, parents should be able to access student grades, attendance, and lunch count via computer. There have been some difficulties with the start of this new program. This is largely due to putting a four block schedule into an eight period computer program.  Some staff development time has been used for instruction on the Zangle system.

He would like to implement an inventory for a centralized system to account for classroom books.

Strategic Planning Update:
Parents are welcome to continue working on the various committees within the strategic planning process.
There are five tactics within the strategic plan.  Every student will meet state requirements, graduation requirements, and possess ethic behavior toward a meaningful career by 2010.  This is a more aggressive goal than, “No Child Left Behind.”

Teachers are encouraged to participate in peer observations and evaluations.

There has been some concern regarding Intervention.  The children who need it are not always staying for it and those that are not mandated to attend leave early from school.  A suggestion was made for the classroom teachers to encourage students to come to Intervention for extra help and with any questions, regardless of their current grades.  Another suggestion was made to have the teachers coordinate Intervention times with each other so that a student who is mandated in more than one class is accountable for attending Intervention with each teacher involved.

An academic achievement goal is to increase ACT scores by 1 point and provide proper preparation within the core courses.  An ACT prep test instruction class has been proposed for either October or November.  The Class would be held on a Saturday.

Tremper would also like to includes a pacing schedule for each subject, so that all section teachers are able to cover all the material needed for the class.  Study guides have also been proposed to outline content goals for the teachers.

Ms. Jody Bloyer assistant principal is responsible for discipline, security, and safety for the climate and culture of the building.

There are forty new staff members. Ms Bloyer suggested that we invite them to our meetings.

The Live Intruder Invasion Drill will take place next summer.  Tremper is working with the sheriffs department and the drama club to complete a full mock invasion utilizing 60 students and 20 staff members. The county dogs may also be used in this program. A care package for each classroom in the case of an emergency is also being discussed along with possibly re-keying the school.  Having a master key for all rooms in the building would be helpful in a crisis situation, but would be very costly.

The new dress code and wearing of student ID’s is going very smoothly.   All the administrators present were proud of the cooperation demonstrated by both the students and the staff with the dress code guidelines.

Tremper window clings will be sold at conferences and football games for a mere $3 each.  That is a true bargain!!

Renee Blise presented the treasurer’s report and the proposed budget for 07-08 school year.  A motion to approve the budget as written was passed.  (K. Corso/Patti Ault)

Fundraiser cookout on Oct 9th was discussed.  Sandy Rende volunteered to organize it and Patty Mahoney will help her.  We are still looking for volunteers to help man the grill and sell the items. 

Secretary’s report will be posted on the website.  Carol will get the minutes to Mr. Romano to be posted on website and to Sharon Corso to send out to the membership.

Next newsletter will go out in October.  Anyone who has info that needs to go in it, should email it to Sharon Corso. 

Student of the Month for October was drawn.
Leandra Gonzales
Phillip Mock
Julie Zarletti

September winners were:
Nicole Blise
Evan Johnson
David Albrecht

Patty Mahoney will review bylaws and bring suggestions to the next executive board meeting @ 6:30 prior to the next PTSA meeting.  Patty will also update the PTSA bulletin board.

Student Government Report was given by Patty Mahoney for her daughter Katie.  New advisors this year, so many adjustments have to be made.  They are working to improve school spirit, and working on Homecoming.  There will be fireworks this year.  Freshman night was paid for by a grant from AODA. 

Terri Harold gave a brief overview of the reflections program. 

New Business:
Sharon will send out an email for coat check volunteers.  Mr. Weiss also asked for parents who would be willing to chaperone the Homecoming dance.
Volunteers are also needed for the bake sale at Conferences Oct 11th and donations for baked goods should be dropped off in the main office.
Member concerns regarding the cancellation of the career fair, why the round tables aren’t in the cafeteria and parent conferences being held in the new gym were discussed.  Intervention will begin Sept. 25th on Tuesday & Thursday only.

Meeting Adjourned.

Respectfully submitted by,
Carol Kok