PTSA Minutes

(For archived minutes from previous meetings, click here)

Tremper PTSA Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2008

Attendance:  Renee Blise, Patty Mahoney, Janet Schoettler, Suzie Hildebrandt, Sandy Rende, Dick Aiello, Patti Ault, Dorian Nedd, Linda Coopland, Tracy Larson, Gene Mathias, Jennifer Santler, Michelle Riley, Peg Concannon, Eileen Sobin, Melissa Sobin, Bonnie Langwher, Bob and Kirsten Yoiko, Chris Thomsen, Deb Bornhuetter, Heidi Landree, Brittney Dzbinski, Doug and Karen Spaeth, Mark Boatwright, Carolyn Feldt, Anne Regazzim, Nancy Patton, Brad DeThorne, Andrea Bovdreau, Laurie Stoebe, Karin Riccio, Gloria Schock, Marcia Fuhrer, Rachel Nyberg, Sandy Ogen, Rebekah Nedd, and Carol Kok

Treasurer’s Report:  Presented by Janet Schoettler.
Rene Blise proposed one change for the Student of the month line item from $160 to $360. This would cover three students per month instead of one.
The treasurer’s report was approved (Ault, P. / Blise, R.)

Secretary’s report:    The minutes were written by Carol Kok and approved (Rende, S/Blise, R). Carol will get the minutes to Mr. Romano to be posted on the website.

President Report: Patty Mahoney

Legislative Report: Patty asked for a representative for this sub committee.

Reflections Committee: Patty asked for a representative for this sub committee.
This is an open ended project that is entered into a state contest. The theme is “Wow”. However anyone chooses to interpret that is fine. This could be an art project, photograph, song, poem, etc. A packet is provided by the state and the deadline is in January.

Vice President Report: Renee Blise
No new report

Communication Report: Sandy Rende
Sandy has been sending emails to each member with the agenda and minutes to the meeting. She is looking for a volunteer to help with the newsletter and updating the website.

Membership Committee: Patti Ault
There are 250 members

Students of the Month           The first name pulled gets the $10 gift certificate to the Home Court and the preferred parking pass, and the next two names chosen each get a $15 gift certificate to the Home Court.
September.
Jaclyn Yeary
Sara Mahoney
Gabriela Garcia
October.
Jennifer Babcock
Ginny Slana
Sara Paz

Student Government Report
2008 Student Government Members present:
President:                                 Tony Pappenfus
VP Community Services:          Melissa Sobin

Melissa spoke regarding:
Applications: There is an induction night planned for new members and freshman. Each quarter new applications will be allowed if current applicants are not showing up or properly participating.
Activities Fair: September 19th - Students can sign up for clubs and sports.
Homecoming Activities:
October 3rd Assembly
October 6th Spirit Day
October 7th Powder Puff Game
October 9th Spirit Day
October 10th Homecoming Parade is at 4 or 5pm from Lincoln Park to Ameche Field.
October 11th Homecoming Dance Tickets are $16 each           

Special Guest
Dick Aiello-Principal

Mr. Aiello gave a detailed introduction. His past teaching and administrative experience include: taught Biology at Lincoln, coached basketball and football, was the Tremper interim Assistant Principal, Washington assistant interim principal, Lincoln Elementary principal, Indian Trail Academy principal, and now Principal at Tremper.

Goals:
Mr. Aiello’s goals are to continue to enhance the strong educational system. The population and demographics are changing so we need to enhance the social, emotional, academic, and culture at Tremper.

Tremper has an experienced administrative team:
Maria Kotz: Student Leadership
Ken Dopke: Student Support
Margaret Modory: Teaching and Learning

Mr. Aiello likes to be a presence in the school and spend time listening and watching the students throughout the day.

Some areas in need of improvement:
*The main office is not welcoming and conducive to confidentiality, so a new attendance window with a security entrance is in the plans.

*9th Grade Students need extra attention and assistance with the adjustment to high school.

*4th Assistant Principal has been approved in the budget for the 2nd semester.

*Enhance programs for all Honors, AP, Y.O.P., tech, electives, and disengaged students.

Principal’s Report:
Safety Concerns:
*The Superintendent has asked to take the lead regarding the recent traffic accident. He is talking to the city and the police department about possible solutions.
*There is a new position for a gang prevention parent liaison-Juan Cruz.

Zangle (Parent Connection) should be up and running in December.

Conferences: there is a concern of parents waiting too long.

Collaboration of Staff is a concern and Mr. Aiello would like to see more of it. A possible proposal would be to have the student start at 9am every other Wednesday to provide this time for the teachers.

Indian Trail Academy Comprehensive should be completed by 2011-2012. Tremper seniors have the choice to stay once the boundaries are set.

Counselors are too busy in August and September to handle all of the student needs before school starts.

New Business:
October 9th Conferences
October 10th 10:45 Dismissal
PTSA is looking for volunteers to help with:
Conferences, Bake Sale, Reflections, Legislative Committee, Homecoming coat check, and Communications
Conferences help will include: distributing goody bags, and passing out progress reports.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:55pm.
Motion made and approved (Ault, P./Kok, C.)
Respectfully submitted by,
Carol Kok