PTO Minutes for 11/07/08
Call to order by Michelle Vanderwater, President, at 1:09 p.m.
Guest Speaker: Mr. Wheat (Johnston Middle School)
o Parker #1 supplier of magnet students.
o Many opportunities for Performing Visual Arts
o 24years of Superior Rating on Orchestra
o Robotics added
o Language program(French, Spanish, Japanese, & Chinese)
o Strong academic program.
Principal’s Report given by Cappy Selig
· Next year’s school calendar (draft calendar) the same as this year’s.
· Marquee sign will be covered by insurance.
· Articles in Houston Chronicle:
o Principal AD HOC committee: transportation for magnet programs possibly cut.
o If transportation is cut, this could affect what your child does for middle or high school.
o Dr. Saavedra is having a meeting on Wed. and will have recommendations by Dec. 1st.
o First cuts will affect transportation outside 10 mile zone.
o Set up a “Park & Ride”.
o Phase out magnet transportation entirely for new students only.
o Equalize funding among magnet schools. Parker might lose some funding
o Meeting on Nov. 12 at 11:30a.m. HISD. & Nov. 20 6p.m. Pershing Middle School.
o Possible closing of Vanguard Magnets, except stand alone Vanguards.
o FunFest: next year’s possibly on Sat. , Oct. 31 (Halloween).
Magnet Coordinator’s Report by Carol Kehlenbrink
· Magnet Awareness changed to Dec. 6. Open House at District. Transportation decision by then.
· Use connections for recruitment for Parker. ( West Methodist, Bellaire Young Mothers)
· Spaghetti Dinner/Book Fair/POPS concert coming up.
· Thanks for Funfest & Alumni Celebration.
· Approval for Tempo
Minutes from Octoberber 16, 2008, meeting presented and approved.
Treasurer’s Report by Robin Bollman
· Sally Foster no invoices to pay.
· School Supply rebate check on the way at end of Nov.
· Pencil machine funds go to school store.
· Motion to approve and seconded. All approved. Motion carried.
Sally Foster by Silena Kennedy for Stephanie Duffey
· Students need to return Entertainment books or send money.
· Still trying to straighten out orders. Ordering the extra items needed.
· No number yet on amount raised.
Fun Fest by Melanie Rosen.
· Everyone had lots of fun with activities and all food finished.
· Saturday was more enjoyable, a better day for Fun Fest.
· Have more volunteers on Sat.
Book Fair by Melanie Rosen
· Will be a Scholastics book fair again.
· Teachers will provide a wish list.
· Spaghetti Night is on Thurs.
o Need desserts.
Landscaping
· $5,200.00 spent on landscape.
· Austin Landscape donated $4,000 plants and labor
· Schedule future monthly work day.
Spring Auction by Autumn Jamison
· Picture of Board rescheduled.
· In April 2009, committees forming for Publicity & Trying to secure venue.
· 60 volunteers needed; watch for flyers to sign up
Old Business/New Business by Michelle Vanderwater
· Ms. Benne’s music for toddlers approved.
· Ms. Smith: help out teachers by paying for CPR class.(teacher allocated)
· CPR class for two days: next Fri. & following Mon. from 4-6p.m.
· James: POPS work day will be on the 22nd all day beginning at 9a.m.
o Contact him if you can help and if you have equipment (pressure washer, etc.)
· Nedra: PTO membership total at $10,092.99, exceeded budget by $1,092.99
o This year 400 members (44.6%).
o Old alumnis joined and donated $25.00 at Funfest
o Popsicle parties for winning class of each grade level.
o Faculty joined at a higher rate this year.
Call to adjourn at 2:14 p.m. by Michelle Vanderwater