Graham Hill Elementary

Principal’s Report – Chris Morningstar

1. 1. Update on status of IAs and PTA engagement with them. Most of the IA’s are in place, still waiting for Somalia IA. It was asked what is process for engaging IA’s – Chris would like us to go through her. Contact Chris Morningstar for any PTA documents which need translation and she will facilitate through contacting the IAs.
2. 2. Bullying programs/help from PTA for 2010 – 2011. Chris will talk about at general meeting – (2) programs at GHES, Kelso’s choice for younger grades and Steps to Respect for older grades, same message for both programs. Chris read the definitions to the group. Each family will receive the Graham Hill Way poster that talks about bullying message. It was asked if the PTA can help in any way. The PTA (Cambria ) will help coordinate volunteers to paint playground diagram (upper and lower playground, if possible)?
3. 3. Mariners Back to School Night are Oct 2nd (Sat) or Oct 3rd (Sun). There was a good turnout last year - $11 for a $20 seat. Does PTA want to get involved? The board decided to not get involved.
4. 4. Curriculum Night is 9/23. This will be a combined curriculum night and open house split into two sessions; 1st session will be parents of lower grades can go to classrooms to meet teachers; parents of the upper grades will go to open house in classrooms for general conversations, 2nd session would swap. Chris would like to have ice cream after in the lunchroom. Can the PTA offer childcare (the evening is meant for parents only – no children)? Maybe use Reptile Man (may qualify for a free performance), or magic show. Beth offered to look for options. It was discussed who pays the bill for the entertainment + helpers to sit with the kids? There is no line item in the PTA budget for the PTA to fund the evening entertainment. Deena indicated that she would rather not get the PTA involved with childcare due to other commitments, but Beth will look into the costs/availability of a magician for the night, Chris will help coordinate. Update since our meeting: Chris secured a magician and will pay the $200 fee. Beth will ask for volunteers to help with the childcare via the yahoo group.
5. 5. Grant from Safe Kids of Washington and King County – Chris helped secure a grant that promotes the safety to kids walking to school. International Walk to School Day is 10/6 – but that is picture day so GHES will have Int’l Walk to School Day on Monday 10/4. The police will come give presentation on safety; FedEx will have a big truck on site to talk about safety around large vehicles. This will also kick off Mile Day. The grant also involves U of NC coming out to meet with focus group to learn about some of the issues and concerns in our area for pedestrian safety and do study with GHES. This is in conjunction with SDOT, who won’t allow certain things (traffic circle). Fall Fest will be part of the program kick off. As part of the grant, GHES won (2) video cameras for school which will allow students to participate in Video Voice where kids can video tope their walking route to school.

Treasurer’s Report – Ethan Broga

1. 1. Signature Cards. Ethan paid the deposit for the auctioneer and Georgetown Ball Room. He needs to change the check signer’s privileges. It was discussed how that will work – does everyone need to go to the bank or can everyone sign cards at a meeting. Ethan will work that out. Ethan got an e-mail from Shelly Sharp (4th/5th grade teacher) for outdoor education funding. She wanted to isolate funds for 5th graders due to a carryover from last year of 4th graders preparing for their 5th year. The PTA has a line item on the budget for donations. Event is in November, so any fundraising after Nov can be allocated to next year’s group. Ethan will track budget. Shelly can help divide the funds.
2. 2. Deena received a $1,000 check from Just Give. It is a donation from a web site. Ethan is to deposit.
3. 3. Deena asked if our PTA have insurance? WA St encourages PTA min insurance coverage. Do we fall under some other umbrella? Ethan to look into this ASAP.

Committees Report

• Community & Membership Team – Leo Gilberteaux – on Leo’s behalf, Deena noted that the membership drive will launch with the packet. We will do pizza party again this year. Leo to publicize and promote membership across GH Community
• Events Team – Joela Maggio – on Joela’s behalf, Dan noted that Debbie will chair Fall Fest and Eland will cook.
• Auction Team – Najat Cola – March 26th is the Auction; Najat has a meeting set Thurs w/Auctioneer, April Brown. Beth is the procurement chair. Najat has set some deadlines; March 4 is Class Proj deadline for projects to be to the (the PTA is not reimbursing for material), Feb 18 is the invitation & procurement deadline. The program and invitations are being done by the same person as last year.
• Fundraising Team – TBD – Ana Schoenecker may be chair.
• Hospitality Team – Christine King – This role will work on Coffee Hours, Mandarin teacher welcoming and new students welcoming etc.
• Communications Team – Megan Haile.
• Grounds / Facilities Team – Cambria Cox & Rachel Harrison.
• Legislative Team – Dan Eder. Deena rec’d a letter regarding the Levy that was passed around to the group. Dan will speak a couple of minutes at the General PTA about the Levy.
• Arts Team – Rachel Risley – Will participate in the Reflections program – nationwide PTA sponsored program. All arts, dancing, writing, visual, music, etc. Rachel will engage with teachers and students.
• Planning for next General PTA Meeting (9/28/10)
• Agenda Dan – Legislative; Ethan – Treasure’s report; Chris – Principals Report, Int’l Walk to School Program, Reduced School Lunch, Bullying; Beth – Volunteering, * * Shopping to Benefit Schools (Safeway); Debby – Fall Fest; Najat – Auction and Funds Raised/Benefits, Spirit Fridays (flyer in packet); TBD – catalog sales.

Upcoming Calendar of Events
PTA Board attending GH Staff Meeting – Sept 15 3:45 p
Curriculum Night - Sept 23 – Beth clarified no PTA presentation or participation.
General PTA Meeting – Sept 28
Staff Prof Development, 2 hour early dismissal - Sept 29
Graham Hill Walk to School Day – Oct 4
Picture Day – Oct 6
Professional Development Day – Oct 8, no school
PTA Board Meeting – October 26
Staff Prof Development, 2 hour early dismissal – Oct 27
Fall Fest – Oct 29