Friends of CAHS PTA Minutes
November 6, 2007
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 in room 128 at the school. We had 19 members present.
Principal's Report: Mrs. Powell began with a thank you to Penny Winkle and Chuck Zalac and all who worked so hard to make the Candidates' Night such a great success. The plan is to repeat this event for future elections.
A proposal is in the works to deal with Credit Recovery concerns.
l The first step is that repeat 9th graders are reporting to the school on Wednesdays for Credit Recovery. The teachers have worked out a schedule to work with the students for the whole day. There are 24 students involved. These students cannot take the OGT if they do not pass to the 10th grade status.
l Seniors – 30 of 137 are taking Credit Recovery after school. Pacing of the program is being determined by the staff. The hope is to insert some of the CAHS curriculum into the Credit Recovery program – examples being Humanities and Brit Lit. This would involve an essay to be graded by CAHS teachers.
l The school has asked for a smaller ratio for Credit Recovery. The district ratio is 1:25. They are asking for a ratio of 2:25 and then they could divide the students by curriculum – humanities teacher with students working on humanities related Credit Recovery, etc.
l They are also going to ask to average the students' grades with the credit recovery.
A Recitation period is still being worked out. No new material would be introduced during this time. The staff is trying to work out the schedule. There would be a pull-out for jazz and chorale.
Mrs. Powell is working on a project to get the CAHS program published in a professional journal. We are one of 12 schools being considered. Observers are coming in December to look at the school.
After a discussion about Student Senate and the lack of any freshman representatives, Mrs. Powell said she would look into the issue.
Ssecretary's Report: The minutes of the October meeting were presented. A motion to approve by Gerry Brevoort and seconded by Johann Cozart.
Membership Report: Edna reported that we currently have 81 members.
Treasurer's Report: Trish Geoghegan
The September report was presented. Gail Sech made a motion it be filed for audit. Seconded by Johann Cozart.
l The October report was unavailable and will be presented for approval in December.
l We received a quarterly check for $500.00 from Meals on Wheels. Thank you to Toni Dodge. Any parent who would like to help with this volunteer/fund-raiser please let us know.
l All Kroger card proceeds will go into the PTA general fund.
l PTA will manage the Chess Club funds.
Hospitality Report: Gail Sech Staff Appreciation Breakfasts are going well.
Friends of CAHS Letterhead – Thanks to Gail Sech for designing the new letterhead. Penny will get some made.
Grant Writing Report: Stephanie Ludwig
l Two applications are in process for the Civil Rights Tour for Dr. Murray. (Target, Ingram)
l A Lowe's grant is in process for the theater.
l We are still looking for a company to work with the school.
Fundraising Report: Kim Montague
l The No-Phone-a-thon mailing was sent out today.
Thank you notes were read from Mrs. Elder for money to pay the accompanists for the Chorale, and from Ms. Cordy for all that PTA does for the school.
Publicity Report: Gerry Brevoort
Publicity has been submitted to cover CAHS as a School of Promise, Candidates Night, the Fall Play
and the Chess Team. She is working on the Stratford trip, Art Show, and more on the Chess Team.
Activities Coordinator: Carolyn Rhodes
Carolyn thanked those who donated for the bake sale. She also presented a form she uses to record her volunteer hours.
Candidates Night Evaluation: Members were very impressed with the event – very professional,
great moderator, student participants were terrific. Over 80 people attended. Mrs. Powell reported that she plans for the event to continue during future elections. The Dispatch and Suburban News had been called.
CAHS Website: Mrs. Robinson, the librarian, has taken over. Julie Lovett volunteered to help.
Meeting with Dr. Harris: Members discussed concerns and the majority of members in attendance would like another meeting to be scheduled. Penny will work with Mrs. Powell.
Alumni Association: Edna reported that the committee is meeting Thursday, Nov. 8th at MLK Library. An information letter was sent with the No-phone-a-thon mailing. It was decided that we should try to get an article in the paper prior to paying to put an ad in the paper. It was also suggested that a radio ad might be tried.
PTA By-Laws: These need to be revised every two years. Ann Hoke, Stephanie Ludwig, Julie Otten and Johann Cozart will work on this.
Mentoring Program for minority students for IB and AP: After discussion with Mrs. Powell, it was determined that the teachers will target students and pair them up with experienced IB/AP students and parents will work with parents. A suggestion was made that sophomores be invited to join IB field trips, speakers, etc.
Talent Show: Mrs. Powell explained her decision not to permit a talent show. She based the decision on events from her past experience that involved too many repercussions.
Middle Schools: Penny asked for volunteers to talk to PTAs at middle schools to promote CAHS to prospective students.
Proposal to Mrs. Powell: After discussion, it was decided that Penny would send a letter to Mrs. Powell requesting that no movies be shown in study halls.
Next meeting December 4 at South High Library, 3540 S. High Street.
Respectfully submitted,
Edna Reed, Secretary
