Friends of CAHS PTA
Tuesday, February 3, 2010
Location: CAHS, Room 128
Introductions: President Stephanie Ludwig started the meeting by introducing herself and each PTA member introduced themselves and the name of their child and grade level.
REPORTS:
Principal's Report: Talisa Dixon
FOCAHS PTA President Stephanie Ludwig’s son Brian Ludwig won the CAHS Poetry Out Loud competition. The students raised [REDACTED] and they decided to donate all proceeds to Haiti relief. The Student Senate started an initiative for February called Hearts for Haiti, to assist in the Haiti efforts. The Honor Roll incentive was held February 2 and all the students’ (141) grades were A’s or B’s. There was pizza, entertainment, and poetry reading by Ben Leach and Tosh.
Course interest sheets were given to the students for possible classes next year. Dr. Dixon asked the staff what are some of the courses they would like to offer and then surveyed the students. On Monday, students will take home, and review the choices of new courses (Trigonometry, Anatomy/Physiology, AP Environmental, Science, African-American Literature, Writers’ Seminar, Personal Finance, Aerobic Fitness, and Sports Fitness). The courses will be tallied and those will be some of the courses offered. The voted on the new schedule and with the schedule, they are able to offer more classes (electives at more times) and less study halls. The new schedule will allow more elective courses allow for more flexibility and more options for students. Some of the most popular classes are the African-American Literature, Anatomy/Physiology, and Personal Finance. The State of Ohio is now requiring more health related courses for students as a part of the Health Initiative.
President’s Report: Stephanie Ludwig
The President thanked everyone for helping with Kaleidoscope, the open house for the perspective new freshmen students. Mark Hill and Stephanie attended the Lottery Fair. There was a student and the building administrators from CAHS. Stephanie also thanked everyone that helped with the Parent-Teacher conference. FOCAHS still has the anonymous donation that is partially to be used for struggling students. She will schedule a meeting with Mrs. Banks and Mrs. Webster to discuss possibilities, if anyone wants to discuss contact Stephanie. Several students and friends on Facebook lead by Jacob Manser got together and contributed items and gift cards for [REDACTED] and her family. The last known news is the family is trying to be placed into an apartment. The shelter only allows so many items due to space.
The new school schedule for next year is in the packet, with examples. Mr. Kaufmann and Mr. Johnston were instrumental in getting all the details out. They are going to try to eliminate the bells next year so as not to interfere with the proposed schedule, the combining of the periods and mods. The new schedule was sent downtown so the union advisory would review and approve to ensure the union policies are addressed. Dr. Dixon thinks the changes will be approved (teacher lead changes); any changes have to be submitted downtown.
The question was asked if students would schedule in the spring for fall classes and communicated to students. Dr. Dixon explained the plan is for students to have their schedule for next year before they leave this year. Scheduling began yesterday for next year. Ideally scheduling will be available near Spring Break and then parents can come in May for adjustments.
Secretary's Report: Tracy Taylor
The January meeting minutes will be presented at next month’s meeting. A motion was made to vote to approve the minutes next month when received. The motion was seconded and passed.
Treasurer's Report: Toni Dodge
The current account balance is [REDACTED]. More checks were received tonight. There is a [REDACTED] cash drawer. The savings account as [REDACTED], included in this total is [REDACTED] for No-Phone-A-Thon deposits.
Audit Report: Jeff Sherman: No report this month.
The review was scheduled for last Saturday (Jan. 30).
Activity Coordinator: Carolyn Rhodes
Jeff Sherman reported the Robotics team raised [REDACTED] during the bake sale. Most of the funds are raised after lunch. The team and the PTA members donated many items.
There are several motions offered in connection with bake sales:
- What do we do with the proceeds when there are student organizations involved? A motion was made to pay the [REDACTED] (already deposited in the General Fund) raised at the February Bake Sale to the Robotics Team. The motion was seconded and passed.
- It has been requested that FOCAHS PTA match [REDACTED] funds raised by the Robotics Team. The motion was seconded and passed.
- For any CAHS student group that helps with any FOCAHS PTA bake sale, the proceeds from that bake sale will be given to that group provided members of the group take full responsibility to contribute 1. Advertisement; 2. Significant baked goods (along with FOCAHS); 3. Tables and chairs are available outside of the cafeteria before school, 15 mins after lunch, and before the end of school; 4. Securing the items when not being sold, and 5. Assisting the Activities Coordinator or any other advisor with staffing selling and clean up. The motion was seconded. There was discussion around whether the organizations are approved. Dr. Dixon suggested adding “Approved” to the motion. Approved groups have to have an advisor according to Dr. Dixon. Stephanie suggested that if funds were to be matched it would need to be added to this motion. Dr. Dixon stated there has to be a purpose (a rational) for the matching of funds. It is important to know what the funds will be used for in general. A member clarified there should be a formal rational available. Another suggested the decision to match the funds should be decided on a case-by-case basis. What happens if the organization disbands? What happens if two groups come together to raise funds? The motion should be amended to say case-by-case basis.
The motion was voted on to say:
For any approved CAHS student group that helps with any FOCAHS PTA bake sale, the proceeds from that bake sale will be given to that group provided members of the group take full responsibility to contribute 1. Advertisement, 2. Significant baked goods (along with FOCAHS) and 3. Tables and chairs are available outside of the cafeteria before school, 15 mins after lunch, and before the end of school; 4. Securing the items when not being sold; 5. Assisting the Activities Coordinator or any other advisor with staffing selling and clean up. The motion passed.
Another motion was presented that matching funds would be approved on a case-by-case based on the previously approved motion and the adopting organization’s proposal. The motion was seconded. The motion passed.
There is a motion for In the Know to host the February bake sale. There was a discussion as to why host February. Toni Dodge stated the sale would help with the purchase of matching shirts for a spring tournament. The date is not know at this time. A suggestion was made maybe the sale should be for the Dempsey family. Dr. Dixon suggested waiting to March because there is three organizations planning something in February.
The motion was amended to move an In the Know co-sponsored bake sale fundraiser to March 19 for t-shirts/shirts and there will be no February bake sale. Motion was seconded. The motion passed.
Jeff Sherman will draft a form to give to teachers (advisors) to let them know we are doing this.
Author Series Coordinator: No report
Chorale Committee Report: Mary Ellen Sinclair
CAHS Chorale along with 10 other Columbus HS will go to a pre-concert at to hear Fisk University Jubilee perform on Feb. 6, at New Albany performing arts center. Chorale also performed at the honor roll assembly. Chorale is also working on organizing a variety show fund-raiser by selling tickets. They are happy to have the Heroes for Heroes dovetail with their event. There are 12 students performing solos at solo and ensemble competition at the OMEA (Ohio Musical Education Association) conference at Pickerington North HS, February 13.
Columbus Council Representative Report:
A Special Education and a Gifted and Talented meeting will be held on Feb. 19 @ 6:00 PM at CAHS.
Fundraising Committee Report: Trish Geoghegan and Ann Laubach
The total donations for the year for No-Phone-A-Thon are [REDACTED]. There are a few requests from teachers: Ms. Evans has requested several equipment items totaling [REDACTED]. Dr. Dixon will take care of Ms. Evans request, Mr. Jones request, and Ms. Hughes request. She had a discussion with the staff about request for items. Request should be submitted to the office before going to the FOCAHS. There some items that the budget can provide. The items should come through the department chairs or the office.
Mr. Lieberman requested for no more than [REDACTED] for the Bill Cohen Coffeehouse in the spring or maybe in the fall. A motion was made to fund the Bill Cohen Coffeehouse project. There was an open discussion about the project cost and what FOCAHS should pay. Dr. Dixon suggested there needs to a process for requesting funds. There needs to be some accountability. The final motion is to fund up to [REDACTED] for the Bill Cohen Coffeehouse program. The motion passed.
There is an amended motion to remove Mr. Lieberman’s request. Tell him the request is rejected until he provides a rationale to Dr. Dixon including dates, times, exact fees, and purpose of event. The request maybe reconsidered by FOCAHS when the information is provided. The amended motion was seconded and passed.
Mr. Ramsey has requested a [REDACTED] stipend for the IB art exhibit judge, March 29 (oral exams). Dr. David Helm is the chair of the University of Art and Art History, at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. A motion was made to support the payment of a [REDACTED] stipend for Dr. Helm. The motion was seconded.
An amended motion was made to change “stipend” to “honorarium” in the original motion. The motion was seconded and passed. The original motion now states, FOCAHS supports the payment of a [REDACTED] honorarium for Dr. David Helm, chair of the University of Art and Art History at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Grant Writing Committee Report: Toni Dodge
There was no specific information to report. Toni received an email from Grant Makers’ Forum meeting, in March. Stephanie will send the information to the Grant Committee members for anyone who wants to go.
Hospitality Committee Report: Michele Sherman
The Staff Appreciation is scheduled for Feb. 19. A sign-up sheet is being passed around. Michelle also passed out the sign-up sheet for the Chess Tournament this weekend. There is another appreciation breakfast in April and then the luncheon in May during Teacher Appreciation week.
Membership Committee Report: Michele Sherman
There were no new members this past month. There are 111 members and our goal for the year is 120 members.
Publicity Report: No Report
Robotics Report: Ms Bell
The Robotics team raised [REDACTED]. The team is preparing for ship date, Feb. 23. They have the body of the robot together. They are actively soliciting donations. The bake was totally student lead. The students are contacting businesses and have received a donation of [REDACTED]. They are also working on getting the Community Service Award, something they can apply for when going to competition. They have a homework assignment to compose a flyer to invite people to come see them compete in Cleveland. Jeff Sherman is planning to attend. They are inviting State senators, school board members and the superintendent. Everyone on the team has an active role. The team consists of Linden-McKinley and CAHS students. The team name is Pagwires, the joining of Pegasus, a panther, and wire put together. The coordinator of FIRST has stated they want to take the competiveness out and build on the team building and collaboration. They are collaborating with Dublin. They have great mentor from Honda, who is a regional project manager.
Student Recognition Report - Ms. Bell
The Student Recognition Awards (school wide) ceremony is scheduled for May 26. They are working on plans/proposals on what to do. There are two proposals one for the day and one in the evening. The honor roll recognition may include 300 students and the auditorium only holds 400 people. They are working on the logistics.
Alumni Committee Report: No Report
School Board Report:
Lemuel Harrison will report next month.
OLD BUSINESS
Chess Tournament – Michele Sherman
Michele has passed around the sign-up sheets for the tournament for Saturday. There are many donations. Some of the larger items will be purchased. Workers are also needed. There is a major storm on the horizon. Pre-orders can be canceled for the pizzas but not the donuts and bagels. Dr. Dixon is not sure if the tournament would be canceled if the weather were too bad. She will check with Mr. Kaufmann.
Several months ago there was some discuss of what to do with the proceeds from the raised in November and this tournament. However, there was no motion made. A motion was made tonight, to split the profits 50/50 from the November tournament. The motion passed. A motion was made to rescind the previous motion. The motion was seconded and passed.
A new motion was made for the FOCAHS to keep the November chess tournament profits, with no allocations to the Chess Club. The motion was seconded and passed.
It was decided to table the discussion on how to split the profits of the February chess tournament until March.
NEW BUSINESS
Heroes for Heroes – Mark Hill
Mark Hill is proposing a new initiative about fathering (there is a summary in the packet) and the support of CAHS students. A committee came together to get fathers (any parent) involved in mentoring the male students. Mark has come up with an audio message to promote the event to CAHS parents. The committee decided to team up with Chorale for the talent show by offering a hero sandwich, chips, and a drink along with a ticket to the talent show. Mark would like support from FOCAHS to provide funds to help cover the cost of a meal before the talent show. FACAHS would cover the cost of the food. Attendees to the talent show would pay an additional $1.00 to the show ticket for the meal.
Donation to Ohio PTA Scholarship Fund:
A motion was made to donate [REDACTED] to the Ohio PTA Scholarship fund. If you donate $500 you can specify where the money goes, in this case to a CAHS student. The motion was made to donate [REDACTED] to Ohio PTA so a CAHS student will be eligible for the scholarship in May. The motion is seconded and passed.
Special Committee for Pre-Lottery Results Research
A request was made to form a new committee to study the results of the pre-lottery and how it affects CAHS. Contact Mary Ellen Sinclair or Stephanie Ludwig, if you are interested in joining the committee.
Gift Card Drawing Winner: Ann O’Halloran
