Mears PTSA Meeting Minutes for April 8, 2008

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by Mears PTSA President Mark Hall.  Introductions were made and those in attendance were as follows:

 

Mark Hall                                    President

Gale Hall                                    Treasurer

Michael Perkins                        Principal

Jacque Repp                                    Vice Principal

Shannon Gallagher                        Vice Principal

Renee Robinson                        Vice President

Beth Clayton                                    Parent

Hazim Yunis                                    Parent

Richard Vandermartin                        QSP representative

Cherie Kennedy                        School Store Coordinator

Joyce Carpenter                        Parent

Liz Janezich                                    Secretary

 

The March 4^th minutes were reviewed and approved.

 

Principal’s Report:

Michael Perkins discussed the new “Passport to Learning” enrichment program being offered this summer.  Mears school registration will occur on August 5, 6, &7 from 11am - 7pm.  April 25^th Mears is hosting a career fair for 8^th graders.  April 23^rd is the 6^th grade orientation at 6:30 pm.  On April 29^th Anchorage School District is hosting a reception for all volunteers at 6:30.  Mears will be hosting a luncheon for all the volunteers in May.  Track is going well with 188 kids from Mears participating. 

 

Treasurer’s Report:

Gale Hall presented the Treasurer’s report.  The tax returns are done for the state and federal government.  We may incur a penalty for not filing them on time.  If a penalty occurs, the accountant will write a letter for the PTSA.  A motion was made and approved for $46 to go to gym clothes for the needy.

 

Old Business:

Richard Vandermartin and 6^th grade parent, Beth Clayton, spoke about handling QSP sales at Mears next year.  Prize sheets were passed around and Richard spoke about cumulative prizes being offered.  Beth has coordinated QSP with Richard at Sand Lake for 5-6 years and is willing to coordinate it at Mears next year.

 

The school store remodel is $65,000 - $80,000.  Mr. Perkins would like to invite a facility person from the Ad building to come and speak to the PTSA next month about the remodel.

 

Joyce Carpenter spoke about installing a safe for the school store.  Mr. Perkins would like to talk to his front office about the idea before committing to keeping money anywhere other than the main office.

 

New Business:

Renee Robinson discussed the food cost estimates and how the $300 budget would not cover the costs for an 8^th grade BBQ.  A motion was made and approved to increase the 8^th grade bash budget to $1000.  Jacque Repp passed out the 8^th grade bash and yearbook dispersal schedule.  The number of DVDs to order for the 8^th graders will be determined once the food costs have been determined.

 

Election of officers resulted in Liz Janezich for President, and Lisa Laudon and Hazim Yunis for Vice President.  Election of the Secretary and Treasurer will take place at the May meeting.

 

There being no further business, the meeting ended at 7:40 pm.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Liz Janezich

Mears PTSA Secretary

Mears PTSA Meeting Minutes for March 4, 2008

 

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by Mears PTSA President Mark Hall.  Introductions were made and those in attendance were as follows:

 

Bob VonBirgelen Parent

Jacque Repp                                 Assistant Principal

Renee Robinson                        Vice President

Gale Hall                                     Treasurer

Mark Hall                                   President

Liz Janezich                                 Secretary

 

The February 12 minutes were reviewed, amended and approved.

 

Principal’s Report:

Assistant Principal, Jacque Repp, discussed the upcoming SBA testing in which the 8^th graders have an extra day of testing for science.  Jacque asked if the PTSA could provide funding for snacks for the 900 Mears students during testing.  The PTSA approved spending $500 for snacks during testing.  Jacque mentioned how well Mears did at the wrestling tournament held at Goldenview.  Jacque discussed the upcoming March 20^th duct tape dance and that on Thursday, March 7^th is the Mears talent show.  May 21^st is the 8^th grade bash.  A BBQ is part of the bash.  Dustin Hawes is working on a slide show presentation.  Jacque is thinking of some superlatives for awards.  Like to have outside sports like soccer, basketball, and kickball.  Like to also have music playing indoors while yearbooks are being signed.  The May PTSA meeting changed to May 6^th.

 

Treasurer’s Report:

The treasurer’s report was presented by Gale Hall.

 

Old Business:

Renee Robinson mentioned that our net profits from QSP were $4576.  If we pursue doing QSP next year we need to make sure the prizes are good for the kids.  Renee to invite the QSP representative, Richard Vandermartin, to the April PTSA meeting and ask him to bring along with the Mears profit figures from the past two years.

 

The PTSA ended up spending only $20 per zipper for about 40 jackets thanks to Mears teacher JoEllen Dunning.

 

The PTSA approved spending up to $200 on student recognition awards.

 

New Business:

Jacque Repp reported that the school store thieves were caught.  Jacque was wondering who would know approximately how much was stolen from the store.  Jacque was referred to Cherie Kennedy, the school store coordinator.

 

Jacque to speak to Dustin Hawes about sending out a flyer to the 6^th graders inviting their parents to our April 8^th PTSA meeting.  The flyer could go out with the counselors when they visit the feeder schools after spring break.

 

At the school board meeting, Carol Comeau addressed Wendler PTSA president,Gloria Hanrahan’s, concern of the ASD not having a policy on all students having equal access to food.  Carol Comeau has put together a small task force to look into how many students and schools are affected by students going without lunch.

 

There being no further business, the meeting ended at 7:15 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Liz Janezich

Mears PTSA Secretary

 

Mears PTSA Meeting Minutes for February 12, 2008 

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by PTSA Vice President Renee Robinson.  Introductions were made and those in attendance were as follows:

 

Liz Janezich                                    Secretary

Renee Robinson                        Vice President

Michael Perkins                        Principal

Joyce Carpenter                        Parent

Gale Hall                                    Treasurer

JoEllen Dunning                        Teacher

Jennifer Buck                                    Counselor

Kathi Johnson                                    Parent

 The January 8^th minutes were reviewed and approved.

 Principal’s Report:

Michael Perkins reported that for the fifth year in a row Mears has won for having the most participants at the Career and Technology Conference, that only one student was absent during the Terra Nova testing, and the the Student Based Assessments(SBAs) are April 1-4  this year.  The extra day is for the science portion of the test.  Mears will be choosing new team names next year.  April 1^st there is a school bond so everyone is encouraged to vote.  There is a maintenance bond that calls for our indoor track replacement and $5,000 towards parking.  Parent teacher conferences are being held March 26^th and 27^th this year and once again parents can begin signing up online on February 25^th.

 Treasurer’s Report:

The Treasurer’s Report was presented  by Gale Hall.  Gale mentioned that she was unclear of the net profit made on the magazine sales and wants to be sure we have received all our QSP bills.

 Old Business

March 20^th Dance needs a volunteer coordinator.  Renee to send out an email.

 Memory Book Update given by Gale and Liz.  550 yearbooks have been ordered.  The bulletin board was redone by Jolene and Liz at the front of the school and contains a current list of who has ordered their yearbooks as of January 31^st.  The core teachers will be receiving a current list to post in their classrooms at the end of February.

 Hospitality dinners for teachers on March 26^th and 27^th is being coordinated by Colleen Apello.  Please volunteer to show your appreciation to our wonderful teachers by bringing a dish.

 Treats for staff meetings is coordinated by Laurel Stutzer.  February’s theme is something pink, red, or white. 

 New Business

Track suit request presented by JoEllen Dunning.  Track jacket passed around for the PTSA to review.  Jacket appears in good shape except for the zipper.  Since PTSA approved zipper repair last year, okay for JoEllen to take the 40 or so jackets needing repair in to be repaired.  The $60+ jacket purchase is tabled for now.  Renee to review other bids.

 Side door to office is not to be used as an entry door for the PTSA.  All PTSA members and volunteers need to sign in at the front desk and only use the front doors.

 8^th grade bash scheduled for the day before the last day of school.  Jacque Repp and the team teachers to participate.  Other parent volunteers needed too.  Renee to send out a request to for parent volunteers.

 There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm.  The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3^rd at 6:30 pm.

 

 

Mears PTSA Meeting Minutes for January 8, 2008

 

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by PTSA President Mark Hall.  Those in attendance were as follows:

 Cherie Kennedy                        School Store Coordinator

Gloria Hanrahan                        Wendler PTSA Presdent

Joyce Carpenter                        Parent

Liz Janezich                                    Secretary

Michael Perkins                        Principal

Mark Hall                                    President

Kim O’Meara                                    Parent

Kristin Munson                        Parent

Nicole Cooper                                    Parent

 Principal’s Report:

Principal Michael Perkins reviewed with the PTSA the feedback he received from student, teachers, and parents regarding the Legislative Grant Proposal requests. Based on the feedback received, he itemized Mears’ list of needs to the Legislature.  In order of importance they are to replace the track and field surface at Mears, upgrade technology in the classrooms, replace the desks with tables and chairs, update the computer labs computers, and replace the student lockers.  Mr. Perkins mentioned that the school store at lunch time is not to begin selling food items until the cafeteria doors close, that Mears’ after school activities are at an all time high, and that there are currently over 60 cross country skiers with basketball starting soon.  Mr. Perkins also reported that Mears’ suspensions are the lowest they’ve been in 10 years.  Mr. Perkins cautioned that the 3^rd quarter is usually the hardest quarter as there are no breaks during the quarter.  Mears is having assemblies to remind the students of dress and attitude.  The semi-annual 4.0 continental breakfast is scheduled for February 1^st.  It is for those students who received a 4.0 in either the first or second quarter.

 Treasurer Report:

The Treasurer’s report was presented by Mark Hall for audit.

 New Business

 Wendler PTSA President, Gloria Hanrahan, spoke about putting together a resolution allowing middle school students access to food in the same way as elementary students.  Gloria explained that elementary age kids can receive lunches but at the middle school level kids are expected to bring money for lunches.  The kids that qualify for free lunches are taken care of but those kids needing reduced lunch prices are not taken into account.  Gloria commented that the Wendler PTSA spends 1/5 of their budget on student hardship needs.  Gloria would like to make the policy on accessing food consistent throughout the school district and would like the Mears PTSA to support the resolution.  Since their was not a quorum present, Mark Hall volunteered to coordinate with the board and make a decision on behalf of the Mears PTSA.

 English teacher, Thomas Pease, thanked the Mears PTSA for funding the Step Up To Writing class that he and a handful of other teachers attended.  Mr. Pease spoke on how impressed he was with the structure and factual approach to expository writing presented in the Step Up To Writing class.  He explained the color coding of green for the topic sentence, yellow for the supporting sentences or the detailed fact sentences, red for the further explanation sentences, and green again for the restatement of the topic sentence at the end.  He went on to explain that the same color coding for writing could be used in the student’s reading program as well.  The paragraph form could easily be expanded into an essay form.  Mr. Pease was very excited about implementing the writing style right away in all the English classes.

 Old Business  

Dance:

Laurel Stutzer is coordinating the decorations, contest, and prizes for the sports theme dance scheduled for January 23rd.  Michael Perkins commented that the last dance Laurel coordinated was the best dance he had been to in his 20 years of education.

 Memory Book:

Liz Janezich reported that the phone calls home from Mr. Perkins and the morning announcements of buying your yearbook before the price increased helped to sell 100 yearbooks in the short month of December.  The PTSA discussed and agreed on purchasing 550 yearbooks based on 400 yearbooks already being sold.

 Tax Return:

Mark Hall reported that the accountant for the Mears PTSA is still working on the PTSA tax return.

 The next Mears PTSA meeting is scheduled for February 12^th at 6:30 pm.  There being no further business to consider the meeting adjourned at 7:45 pm.

 Respectfully submitted,

 Elizabeth A. Janezich

Mears PTSA Secretary

Mears PTSA Meeting Minutes for December 4, 2007 

The meeting was called to order at 6: 30 pm by Secretary Liz Janezich.  Those in attendance were as follows: 

Joyce Carpenter                        Parent

Gale Hall                                    Treasurer

Brian Hilmes                                    Principal intern

Michael Perkins                        Principal

Kim O’Meara                                    Parent

Liz Janezich                                    Secretary

 

The November minutes were reviewed and approved.  Introductions were made. 

Principal’s Report:

Michael Perkins reported that participation in student lead parent teacher conferences at Mears was at 86%.  Mears and Mirror Lake lead the Middles Schools in the highest attendance rates.  Mr. Perkins asked Liz Janezich to send an email out to all the PTSA members asking them to rank and/or add projects to Mr. Perkins Legislative Grant requests. 

Treasurer’s Report:

The Treasurer’s report was presented by Gale Hall for audit.  Gale mentioned that the QSP data is not yet availabe, that the memory book income reflects 291 books sold,  that the Holiday Bazaar net income was $1459, and that the accountant is still working on completing our taxes.  Kim O’Meara suggested that the Treasurer report include a year to date column beside the budget column so we can review at a glance the amount budgeted, what was spent or earned in the previous month, and what has been spent or earned year to date.  Gale agreed to revise her Treasurer report as Kim suggests.

Old Business:

Dance:

Laurel Stutzer and Kathi Johnson did a great job involving the students and parents with decorating and having prizes for the student dancers.  Gale made a motion to approve $125 for the January 23^rd dance to go towards decorations and prizes, the motion passed unanimously. 

Hospitality:

Liz Janezich mentioned that the number of teacher and staff PTSA members has increased over 6 times what it was last year due to Michael Perkins asking the teachers and staff to join the PTSA, to Laurel Stutzer arranging treats for the teachers at their monthly staff meetings, and to Colleen Apello arranging the two days of dinners for the teachers.  Michael Perkins commented that the teachers are really feeling the PTSA appreciation this year.

Holiday Bazaar:

Sue Todd sent her report in with Liz Janezich since she could not make the meeting.  Sue loved the entertainment and would like for it to begin at 9 or 10 am and last until 5 pm  next year (This year the entertainment started at 11 am and ended at 2pm). 
Sue would also like to ensure that the Bazaar is held on the same day as Cornerstone Church holds their Bazaar.  For the price of $125, Sue did not feel that banners were an effective way to advertise the Bazaar.  Kim O’Meara suggested looking at Warning Lights of Alaska for signs. Michael Perkins asked Liz to please have Sue let him know by the end of the year what date she was looking at for the Bazaar in the Fall so he can reserve the date with the Anchorage School District.

New Business:

Escript:

Liz Janezich reported that West High School’s Treasurer informed her that they earn $40,000 per year on escript.  Liz also learned from the Goldenview’s Treasurer that they earn $700 per month and that the bookkeeping is nothing.  Mears is currently earning about $500 per month on escript.  Liz proposed that we set up a table at registration and at the open house along with a form that we make up to help us gain more escript customers.

January Dance: 

Michael Perkins reported that the Mears school dance is set for January 23^rd as that is the only day that week the DJ has available that week.  The dance theme is a Sports Theme.

Mears Yearbooks:

Liz Janezich reported that the team core teachers have been sent the list of who has purchased yearbooks on their team and have been asked to post the list in their classroom.  A new list will be sent out at the end of every month.  In January the price of yearbooks goes up to $35 per yearbook.  Michael Perkins is going to send out a voice mail letting the parents know this is the last month to purchase yearbooks for $30.

Quarterly Student Recognition Awards:

Gale Hall reported that her husband Mark Hall was considering buying a digital camera for the quarterly student recognition award.  Gale mentioned that the quarterly student recognition awards are not an approved budget item but are a great way to recognize students for their good behavior.  Kim O’Meara suggested checking into a digital frame also.

Joyce Carpenter commented that the future PTSA meeting dates should be included in the meeting minutes.  The meeting dates are Tuesdays on January 8^th, February 12^th, March 4^th, April 8^th, and May 13^th all at 6:30 pm in the Mears Library.

There being no further business to consider, the meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Joyce Carpenter    

Mears PTSA Meeting Minutes for November 6, 2007

 

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by Mears PTSA Vice President Renee Robinson. The October 2^nd minutes were reviewed and approved.

 Those in attendance were as follows:

 Gale Hall                        Treasurer

Michael Perkins            Principal

Nicole Cooper                        Parent

Brian Hilmes                        Principal intern

Shannon Gallagher            Assistant Principal

Cary Bloomquist            Teacher

Sue Todd                        Holiday Bazaar Coordinator

Kathi Johnson                        Dance Coordinator

Jane VonBirgelen            Parent

Colleen Appelo            Hospitality Coordinator

Tina Arend                        Teacher

Michelle Keller            Counselor

Julie Romo                        Parent

Laurel Stutzer                        Hospitality Coordinator

Dustin Hawes                        Teacher

Renee Robinson            Vice President

Liz Janezich                        Secretary

 

Introductions were made and everyone was informed that they must be a Mears PTSA member in order to make motions or vote on PTSA matters.

 

Principal’s Report:

Michael Perkins introduced Mears’ Assistant Principal Shannon Gallagher to everyone.  Shannon Gallagher is the winner of the Assistant Principal of the Year in Alaska!  Shannon reported on a Title VII Indian Education Association meeting she had just returned from in Hawaii.  One of the topics of the meeting was ways to improve Alaska Native and Native Americans test scores.  Hawaii has started K-12 schools taught all in Hawaiian and their test scores are going up.  Michael Perkins mentioned that on December 6^th at 6:30 GCI is coming to discuss internet safety, cyber bulling, and my space.  Parents will be able to pick up internet brochures the next two days during student lead conferences.  The school dance is scheduled for Wednesday, November 14^th directly following school until 4:30 pm. 

 

Treasurer’s Report:

Gale Hall reported that our income tax returns are at the Altman Rogers CPA firm.  Mears has paid $800 as half of the installment toward the fee charged for completing two years of PTSA income tax returns.  Other CPA firms were not interested in working on our income tax returns.  The treasurer’s report was presented.

Old Business

Holiday Bazaar:

Sue Todd reported that 18 booths committed and 17 booths have already paid.  Friday Sue will be laying out the floor plan for the vendors.  Bake sale goods needed.  Michael Perkins to send out a voice mail regarding the Bazaar and baked goods.  Still need some help with signs going up and being held up by students.  The entertainment for Saturday’s Bazaar is all scheduled.

 

QSP Update:

The QSP contact, Richard Vandermartin, wasn’t showing up timely so the prizes got all messed up and the students were disappointed.  Mears’ total gross profit for QSP was $9,266.  Mears may want to look into doing another type of fundraiser. 

 

PTSA Display Window:

Amber Rude and her yearbook class have filled up the display with old yearbooks.  Check out the yearbooks and see who you recognize!   Amber also had the yearbook cover picture made into a puzzle.   Everyday the window reveals part of the yearbook cover(a new piece is added).  Due to the amount of yearbooks left over from last year and having 130 less students this year, the PTSA will probably only order 500 yearbooks this year.  The PTSA has until early January to make the decision on how many yearbooks to order.

 

Hospitality and Dances:

Laurel Stutzer mentioned that she could get some great tropical balloon decorations for  $80 and Kathi Johnson mentioned she was working on dance contest prizes and probably $50 would cover the prizes.  Laurel Stutzer made a motion and Kathi Johnson seconded the motion to budget $130 towards the dance on November 14^th.  There being no discussion the motion passed.  Laurel Stutzer then mentioned how prompt and generously the PTSA members had responded to her request for pies and to help with the dance.  Laurel also mentioned another nice thing that the PTSA does at Dimond during their teacher in service days is to provide the teachers with chair massages.  Laurel wondered if the PTSA might be willing to do that for the Mears teachers as well.  Kathi Johnson made a motion and Colleen Appelo seconded the motion to alot $500 towards chair massages for the teachers during the teacher in-service days.  The chair massages motion was discussed as to whether or not PTSA funds could be used for that.  The motion then passed with one PTSA member opposing. 

 

New Business

Teacher Grants:

Vice President Renee Robinson presented the teacher grant requests.  Kathi Johnson made a motion and Michael Perkins seconded the motion to approve the grants as presented.  The motion to approve the $46,179 in grant requests passed.   Kathi Johnson made a motion and Colleen Appelo seconded the motion to meet on the second Tuesday of the month starting in January.  The motion passed.  The Mears PTSA meeting was adjourned at 7:40 pm

Mears PTSA Meeting Minutes for September 11, 2007

 

 

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by President Mark Hall.

 

Those in attendance were as follows:

 

Michael Perkins                      Principal

Mark Hall                                President

Renee Robinson                      Vice President

Gale Hall                                 Treasurer

Kathi Johnson                         Parent

Chris Moore                            Parent

Cherie  Kennedy                      Parent

Cary Bloomquist                     Parent

Kim O’Meara                          Parent

Bob VonBirgelen                    Parent

Michelle Keller                        Mears Counselor

Janie Klueber                          Mears Teacher

Brian Hilmes                           Mears Teacher

Cindy Petrovich                      Mears Teacher

Erica Colliander                       Mears Teacher

Jacque Repp                            Assistant Principal

Shannon Gallagher                  Assistant Principal

 

Introductions were made and all parents and teachers were asked to join the PTSA.

 

Principal’s Report:

Michael Perkins thanked the PTSA for the participation and service to the school and community.  He announced that Mears won all cross country running divisions today at their Meet and that they have the largest group of 7^th graders to date.  Michael Perkins spoke about himself and introduced his two assistant principals, Jacque Repp for the 8^th graders and Shannon Gallagher for the 7^th graders.  Mears’ student population is 920.  Mears is working on hiring one more 7^th grade language arts teacher and one more 8^th grade math and science teacher.  Mr. Perkins then passed around a plan for improved traffic flow and invited interested parents to attend the meetings for the project.

 

Treasurer’s Report:

Gale Hall passed around a budget report for everyone to review. Gale notes that the Holiday Bazaar will bring in income.  Sue Todd has volunteered to run the bazaar.  $750 was added to the income for the Holiday Bazaar.  Kathi Johnson made a motion asking that Gale check into raising the school store income and magazine sales income by 5%.  Brian Hilmes seconded the motion and  it was approved.  Shannon Gallagher motioned to raise the good behaviour awards from $250 to $500.   Kim O’Meara seconded the motion and it was approved.  Kim O’Meara motioned that we add $100 item to the budget to allow expenses for gifts for janitors to show appreciation to them after the Holiday Bazaar.  Janie Klueber seconded the motion and it was approved.  Kathi Johnson made a motion to add an additional $300 to expense for a total of $800 for awards.  Chris Moore seconded the motion and it was approved.  Janie Klueber brought up the recycling project that the PTSA funded last year.  Chris Moore volunteered to set up the aluminum can recycling project through the recycling center on Dowling where Mears can get money for their aluminum cans.  Mark asked Janie to get specific costs from the recycling centers for mixed paper and newspapers.  Shanon Gallagher motioned to raise the recycling expense to $1600(from $885).  Chris Moore seconded the motion and it was approved.  Michelle Keller asked for more assistance with the student hardship program.  Kim O’Meara motioned to increase student hardship expenses from $2000 to $4000.  Chris Moore seconded the motion.  The motion was approved.   Gale Hall motioned  to dump a lump sum amount to be determined out of the excess PTSA funds at the next October meeting.  Chris Moore seconded the motion.  The motion was approved.   Renee Robinson motioned for $5000 in expenses to be added to the budget for CPA costs.  Chris Moore seconded the motion.  The motion was approved.  The overall budget with the noted changes was approved.  Gale presented actual income/expenses for July and August 2007 for review.

 

Other Business:

Chris Moore suggested separation of duties for the individual who is signing checks and making deposits. 

 

Mark asked for volunteers for the 2^nd Vice President.  Chris Moore volunteered to be the second Vice President.

 

Kim O’Meara volunteered to review all bank reconciliations for the treasurer.

 

Mike Perkins mentioned that the October newsletter will be sent out soon and a PTSA page can be inserted if received by Friday, September 14^th.

 

Cary Bloomquist motioned that the meeting be adjourned.  Chris Moore seconded the motion and it was approved.

 

The next PTSA meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 2, 2007 at 6:30 pm.

 

 

 

The first PTSA meeting is scheduled for September 11, 2007,

in the Mears Library starting at 6:30 p.m. 

 

All Parents and Students are invited to attend!

 

Please check back to this site after September 11^th for the most recent minutes.